Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang 2 Day Scenic Slow Boat Pak Ou Caves
Overview
Available languages
48 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
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.
Solo travelers will be provided a private room. Guests booking in pairs will share a room with their companion.
Child safety seats are not provided but can be brought by guests if required.
People prone to seasickness
People with motion sickness
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Day 1: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong – Huay Xai
Accommodations
Simple, clean, and comfy rooms with basic amenities — includes breakfast before your river cruise.
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.
Chiang Rai
9:30 AM Drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai through scenic mountain roads and rural countryside. (3 Hours)
Wat Rong Khun
12:30 PM. Stop at Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) for photos and sightseeing. Entry fee not included.
Chiang Khong
1.00 PM Continue driving to our Chiang Khong office near the Thai–Laos border.
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.
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.
The 4th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge
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
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.
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.
Day 2: Huay Xai – Slow Boat Cruise – Pak Ou Caves – Luang Prabang
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Breakfast is provided by the hotel in Huay Xai and is included in the tour package.
LUNCH
Lunch
Lunch box provided before boarding for your comfort during the cruise. Packed fresh and easy to enjoy while onboard.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Options
Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang 2 Day Scenic Slow Boat Pak Ou Caves
Pickup included
Related Experiences
Operated by Trips Chiang Mai