Slowboat to Luang Prabang
This is a spectacular, adventurous boat trip over two days, suitable for those who arrive from Thailand at Huay Xai.
Day One: Huay Xai to Pak Beng
Huay Xai viewed from the Mekong River (Photo: Tango7174, GNU Free Documentation License)
After crossing the border at the border town Huay Xai via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge you will come to the Laos entrance building and can purchase your visa. At the Lao side, I will wait for you, if you want help from the start.
We will use a private boat company, as the public services are very crowded. Soon, a gentle breeze tells us we are moving and on our way downstream the Mekong River. The landscape flows peacefully by, with buffalos playing on the shore and the locals living their lives along the river.
Slow boat dock on the Mekong in Pak Beng (Photo: Jakub Hałun, GCC-BY-SA-4.0)
After about seven hours of sailing, we arrive at our overnight stop – Pak Beng. The small town is teeming with guesthouses, and you will probably not have problems finding a room and a restaurant for an evening dinner.
Evening in Pak Beng with guest houses and restaurants (Photo: Clay Gilliland, GCC-BY-SA-2.0)
If you have time to spare, there is a pathway to a viewpoint over Mekong and the surrounding hills. Another viewpoint lies close to the Sanctuary Hotel, which also has an elephant park.
Maybe you want to stay over in Pak Beng an extra day to explore or sit on the pier and watch the Mekong flow by? Of course, it can be arranged. The slowboats depart for Luang Prabang every day.
Day Two: Pak Beng to Luang Prabang
The slowboats to Luang Prabang depart at 9:30 AM. We sail peacefully on, the landscape changes. Limestone mountains juts up over the hills. We are approaching our destination – the UN World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang.
After climbing a stair from the riverside, we arrive at the Tuk-Tuk stand for a cheap ride to our accomodation in Luang Prabang. Our Laos adventure has started!
View of Mount Phou Si and Mekong bank at sunset seen from Wat Chomphet in Luang Prabang (Photo: Basile Morin, GCC-BY-SA-4.0)