If you’re travelling around Southeast Asia, there’s a good chance Laos is on your radar. And if it is, you’ve probably heard of the infamous slow boat.
This two-day boat takes you from the chilled-out town of Luang Prabang in Laos, to the border town of Huay Xai, where you can easily cross into Thailand.
But this isn’t just any boat ride; it’s an adventure.
So, buckle up (or maybe just find a comfy seat on the deck), and let’s dive into why the slow boat should be on your travel itinerary.
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Reasons to Take the Slow Boat Between Laos and Thailand
It Makes for A Memorable Journey
Flying might get you there faster, but where’s the fun in that?
The slow boat gives you two days of soaking up the stunning Mekong River scenery. It’s a chance to disconnect from the hustle, meet fellow travellers, and see a side of Laos that you’d miss from 30,000 feet up.
We were lucky to meet a group of seven other backpackers in the taxi taking us to the slow boat in Laos. This helped pass the time as we played a lot of games and got to know each other on the water.
It’s A More Budget-Friendly Option (Perfect for A Backpacker!)
Let’s face it—backpacking is all about stretching those dollars (or baht). The slow boat is cheaper than flying, and the experience you get for the price is unbeatable.
You’ll pay around $30-$40 for the whole trip, which includes two days of river cruising and an overnight stay in a riverside village.
No baggage fees, no need to spend time in an airport and if you’re not in a rush or on a tight schedule, I would highly recommend to take the time and spend two days on the river.
It’s A Cultural Experience
This isn’t just a tourist thing—locals use the slow boat too.
You’ll be cruising alongside Lao families, monks, and traders. It’s a real slice of life that you won’t get on a plane or bus.
One woman and child even brought a live chicken in a potato sack onto the boat and sat in front of us.
It was incredible to also see the villages and families along the river too. The boat would stop to offload food and drinks, and the families and children would paddle out to meet the boat.
The Logistics & How the Slow Boat Works
Step 1: Get to Luang Prabang, Laos
First things first, you’ll need to be in Luang Prabang.
This UNESCO World Heritage city is a gem in itself, with its mix of French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and vibrant night markets.
I’d recommend spending a few days exploring Luang Prabang before you hit the water. This was my favourite area of Laos and there was a lot to see and do.
Step 2: Buy Your Slow Boat Ticket
You can grab your slow boat ticket from most guesthouses or travel agencies in Luang Prabang. Prices are fairly consistent, but it doesn’t hurt to shop around.
We purchased ours from our hotel a few days in advance (Xuan Keo Place House 2) and it was cheaper than some of the hostels that the other backpackers were staying at.
Make sure your ticket includes the boat fare and the minivan transfer from your accommodation to the pier—it’s usually part of the deal.
Step 3: Day 1 – Luang Prabang to Pakbeng
Your adventure begins! The boat departs around 8:30-9:00 AM.
You’ll want to be there early to snag a good seat. Think wooden benches with thin cushions, so consider bringing something to make your seat more comfortable (a backpack, a towel, anything will do).
When you arrive at the pier, get straight onto the boat. Some people hang around at the shop/ticket office but this could result in you not securing a seat, sitting in direct sunlight or near the loud motor of the boat.
The first day is about 7-9 hours of cruising. You’ll stop for the night in the small town of Pakbeng.
Don’t expect much—it’s a sleepy riverside village that exists mainly to service slow boat travellers.
Accommodation here ranges from basic guesthouses to more comfortable spots, and you’ll find a few places to grab some grub.
We stayed at Thipphaphone Guest House for the night and dined at Sabaidee Restaurant which had delicious buffalo curry and spring rolls. This was actually my boyfriend’s favourite meal of our whole time in Laos.
Step 4: Day 2 – Pakbeng to Huay Xai
The second leg of the journey is another 6-7 hours. By now, you’ll have found your groove—reading, chatting with other travellers, or just gazing at the incredible landscapes drifting by.
You’ll arrive in Huay Xai in the late afternoon. From here, it’s a short tuk-tuk ride to the Thai border.
Step 5: Crossing the Border into Thailand
Once in Huay Xai, crossing into Thailand is a breeze. Take a tuk-tuk to the immigration checkpoint, stamp out of Laos, and take a quick shuttle across the river to Chiang Khong in Thailand.
From Chiang Khong, you can either stay overnight here, or catch a bus to Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai, depending on where you’re headed next.
We opted to stay the night in Chiang Khong so we could have dinner and then rest for the night. We stayed at Baan Fai Guest House which was perfect for what we needed. And then dined next door at Padthai Baan Yim for dinner.
Most of the group we met on the boat opted to head straight to Chiang Rai and pooled together for a taxi as the buses were no longer running at this time.
Tips for the Slow Boat Journey
- Pack Snacks and Drinks: There are a few snack vendors on the boat, but prices are inflated, and options are limited. Stock up on essentials in Luang Prabang.
- Entertainment: The scenery is incredible, but it’s still a long ride. Bring a book, card games, download some podcasts, or load up on movies to pass the time.
- Currency: Have both Lao kip and Thai baht handy. You’ll need Lao kip for Pakbeng and the boat, and Thai baht once you cross the border.
- Dress Comfortably: The boat can get chilly, especially in the mornings. But also bring sunscreen! I (naturally) got a little sunburnt when I fell asleep for an hour or so.
- Be Social: One of the best parts of the slow boat is the people you’ll meet. Don’t be shy—swap stories, play cards, and make some travel friends.
Why the Slow Boat is Not to be Missed
The slow boat is more than just a mode of transport—it’s an experience. It’s two days of slowing down, disconnecting from the chaos of travel, and really soaking in the beauty of Laos.
You’ll come away with not just incredible photos but also a handful of new friends and a deeper appreciation for the journey.
So, if you’re in Southeast Asia and looking for a memorable way to get from Laos to Thailand, skip the flight, and take the slow boat.
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