Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat with Pak Ou Caves

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Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat with Pak Ou Caves

By Trips Chiang Mai

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
2d
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup

Overview

Take the scenic route to Luang Prabang on this relaxed 2-day journey from Chiang Rai. This slow boat adventure includes hotel pickup in Chiang Rai, visa assistance at the Thai–Lao border, an overnight stay in Huay Xai, and a full-day cruise along the Mekong River. Enjoy local stories from an onboard guide, visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves, and take in the lush landscapes of northern Laos. It’s the most peaceful and immersive way to travel between countries.

Activity location

Chiang Rai
- Chiang Rai, Thailand

Meeting/Redemption Point

Chiang Rai
- Chiang Rai, Thailand

Check availability

Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat with Pak Ou Caves

2d
English

Pickup included

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time: 2:00 pm

Price details

AU$389.49 x 1 AdultAU$389.49

Total

Until Sat, 1 Nov

What's included, what's not

Basic accident coverage
1-night hotel in Huay Xai (breakfast included)
Transfer to Chiang Khong border and assistance with Lao immigration procedures
Shuttle bus across Friendship Bridge number 4.
Lunch
Hotel drop-off in Luang Prabang (within 3 km from pier)
English-speaking guide
Breakfast
Infant document fee is included in the price. No cash payment is needed on the travel day.
Slow boat ticket to Luang Prabang
Hotel pickup in Chiang Rai (within 3 km from city centre)
Entry to Pak Ou Caves
Transfer to Huay Xai boat pier
Laos visa fee (approx. $40 or 1,800 THB)
Travellers with e-Visa or visa-free entry pay THB 70–100 tourist tax in... THB 100.00 per person
Drinks on the boat

Know before you book

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transport options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Visa on arrival requires cash payment. Please note that new USD bills are required.
Travellers 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 travellers 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.
Important Travel Notice (Effective from 23 October 2025): Please be informed that travellers holding an Israeli passport are not permitted to cross the border at Chiang Khong – Huay Xai checkpoint due to current border regulations. Unfortunately, travellers with Israeli passports cannot join this tour from Thailand to Laos. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your kind understanding.
People prone to seasickness
People with motion sickness

Activity itinerary

Day 1: Chiang Rai to Chiang Kong - Huay Xai

5 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Simple, clean, and comfy rooms with basic amenities — includes breakfast before your river cruise.

Chiang Rai

2:00 – 2:30 PM: Our team will pick you up from your hotel in Chiang Rai city centre. Please be ready at the lobby during this time.

Chiang Khong

1h 30m

2:30 PM – Travel by shared, air-conditioned van from Chiang Rai to the Chiang Khong border, passing through scenic countryside.

Chiang Khong

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

The 4th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge

15m
Admission ticket included

4:45 PM – Cross the 4th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge by shared shuttle bus. You'll travel over the Mekong River and officially enter Laos, where our local Lao team will be waiting to welcome you.

Huay Xai

5:00–5:30 PM – Meet our Lao team in Huay Xai and enjoy a short transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Day 2: Huay Xai - Mekong River - Pak Ou Caves - Luang Prabang,Lao

6 stops
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Not included

Huay Xai

06.40 - 07.10 AM. Travellers will be picked up from their accommodation and transferred to the slow boat pier. It's about a 10–20 minute transfer from your hotel to the pier.

ด่านและท่าเรือห้วยทราย

30m
Admission ticket included

07:30 AM – Arrival at the pier and preparation for boarding. Our team will assist you with necessary documentation and ensure you have everything you need before boarding the slow boat. This includes checking travel documents, confirming luggage, and giving a short briefing about the journey ahead.

Khong

8:00 AM: Begin your slow boat journey from Huay Xai to Pak Ou Caves. The scenic cruise takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on river conditions and water levels. Along the way, relax and enjoy the peaceful landscape, observe daily life along the Mekong’s banks, and gain cultural insights from your onboard guide.

Pak Ou Caves

40m
Admission ticket included

1:30 – 2:00 PM, Midday – Explore Pak Ou Caves (Approx. 40 minutes) Visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha images placed over centuries by devoted pilgrims. Take in the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy a short walk through the limestone grotto overlooking the Mekong River.

Khong

1.5 – 2 Hours, Afternoon – Scenic Cruise to Luang Prabang Relax and enjoy the final stretch of your Mekong River journey. Cruise past tranquil riverside scenery for another 1.5 to 2 hours before arriving at the Luang Prabang pier, where your unforgettable adventure concludes.

Luang Prabang

5:00 – 6:00 PM: Arrive at the Luang Prabang pier. A complimentary transfer to your hotel (within 3 km) is included.

Location

Activity location

Chiang Rai
- Chiang Rai, Thailand

Meeting/Redemption Point

Chiang Rai
- Chiang Rai, Thailand

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