Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang 2 Day Scenic Slow Boat Pak Ou Caves

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2 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Take the scenic route from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang on this 2-day slow boat journey. Start with hotel pickup and border support, stay overnight in Huay Xai, and enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Mekong River. Stop at the Pak Ou Caves, learn from your English-speaking guide, and travel with peace of mind—perfect for culture lovers seeking a comfortable cross-border experience. The boat operates with a minimum of 25 seats and can accommodate up to 50 passengers.

What's Included

Shared hotel pickup in Chiang Mai (within 3 km of the Old City)
Lunch
English-speaking guide
Breakfast
Shuttle bus across the border
Pickup and transfer to boat pier
Basic accident coverage
1-night hotel stay in Huay Xai (with breakfast)
Lunch box on board
Laos visa documentation assistance
Entrance to Pak Ou Caves
Infant document fee is included in the price. No cash payment is needed on the travel day.
Slow boat ticket to Luang Prabang
Shared hotel drop-off in Luang Prabang (within 3 km from pier)
Transfer to Chiang Khong border
White Temple entrance fee (approx. THB 100–150)
Laos visa fee (approx. THB 1,800 / USD 40)
Travelers with e-Visa or visa-free entry pay THB 70–100 tourist tax in cash at the border.
Drinks on the boat (water, soda, alcohol)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We provide pickup service from accommodations within Chiang Mai city center (within a 3-kilometer radius). Please provide your hotel name, full address, and room number at least 3 days before departure. We will then verify whether your location is within our pickup zone and confirm your exact pickup time. Estimated pickup time: Between 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Please check your email for your final confirmation and pickup instructions.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Day 1: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong – Huay Xai

    9 stops
  • 1
    Chiang Mai

    9:00–9:30 AM (Approx. 30 mins): Travelers will be picked up from their hotel in Chiang Mai city center (within a 3 km radius) by shared air-conditioned van.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Chiang Rai

    9:30 AM Drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai through scenic mountain roads and rural countryside. (3 Hours)

    3 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Wat Rong Khun

    12:30 PM. Stop at Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) for photos and sightseeing. Entry fee not included.

    40 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 4
    Chiang Khong

    1.00 PM Continue driving to our Chiang Khong office near the Thai–Laos border.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Chiang Khong

    2:00–2:30 PM. Arrive at our Chiang Khong office. Our staff will assist you in preparing the necessary documents before proceeding to the border.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Chiang Khong

    4:00PM Border crossing and Laos visa assistance. Our staff will assist you with Thai immigration and the Laos visa-on-arrival process at the Chiang Khong–Huay Xai border.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7

    4:45 PM. Cross the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge IV by shuttle bus (shared service). You’ll cross the Mekong River and officially enter Laos, where our local Lao team will meet you on the other side

    20 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 8
    Huay Xai

    5:00–5:30 PM. Meet our Lao team at the other side of the bridge and transfer to your hotel in Huay Xai.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Huay Xai

    5:30–6:00 PM. Hotel check-in and free time in the evening. Your accommodation includes breakfast. You’re free to explore Huay Xai town, enjoy dinner, or relax before tomorrow’s boat journey.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
    • Day 2

    Day 2: Huay Xai – Slow Boat Cruise – Pak Ou Caves – Luang Prabang

    6 stops
  • 10
    Huay Xai

    6:40–7:10 AM Pickup from your hotel in Huay Xai and transfer to the slow boat pier. The drive takes around 10–20 minutes depending on your location.

    50 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 11
    ด่านและท่าเรือห้วยทราย

    7.30 AM – Arrival at the pier and preparation for boarding. Our team will assist you with all necessary documentation and make sure you’re fully prepared before boarding the slow boat. This includes checking travel documents, confirming luggage, and providing a short briefing about the journey ahead.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 12
    Mekong

    8:00 AM: The boat journey from Huay Xai to Pak Ou Caves takes approximately 5–6 hours, depending on river conditions and water levels. Along the way, enjoy peaceful Mekong scenery, observe local riverside life, and learn about the region from your onboard guide.

    6 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 13
    Pak Ou Caves

    1.30 - 2.00 PM: Stop to explore the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues placed by pilgrims over the centuries. Entry is included.

    40 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 14
    Mekong

    1.5 - 2 Hours, Continue the slow boat cruise downstream toward Luang Prabang. Sit back and relax onboard, enjoy a complimentary lunch box, and take in the peaceful Mekong scenery.

    Admission ticket free
  • 15
    Luang Prabang

    5:00–6:00 PM: Arrive at the boat pier near Luang Prabang. A driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Luang Prabang city center.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Visa on arrival requires cash payment. Please note that new USD bills are required.
  • Travelers who obtain a visa on arrival do not need to pay the Laos tourist tax separately, as it is already included in the visa fee of THB 1,800 (approx. USD 40).
  • Travellers with an e-Visa or visa-free entry must pay the tourist tax (THB 70–100) in cash at the border control on the day of travel.
Supplied by Trips Chiang Mai

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Overnight Tours
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Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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