Slow Boat Chiang Rai to Pak Beng (1 Day)
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Overview
- Tour Type:Slow Boat
- Language:English
Travel from Chiang Rai into Laos and down the Mekong to Pak Beng in a single day. This one-day slow boat from Chiang Rai to Pak Beng covers the whole first leg of the classic slow boat from Thailand to Laos: an early hotel pickup, help at the Chiang Khong–Huay Xai border, and a full day on the river, ending at the village where every slow boat stops for the night.
Choose it if you want to break the journey in Pak Beng on your own terms: pick your own guesthouse, stay an extra night, or continue to Luang Prabang or further into northern Laos when it suits you. If you would rather go straight through to Luang Prabang, book the two-day slow boat from Chiang Rai instead.
Your Day
Early morning pickup: we collect you from your hotel in Chiang Rai and drive to the border at Chiang Khong.
Border crossing: our team helps you through Thai exit formalities, the shuttle bus over the 4th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge and the Lao visa on arrival in Huay Xai.
On the river: after a short transfer to the pier, you board a traditional wooden slow boat for about 6 to 7 hours downstream, past hill villages, fishermen and water buffalo cooling off in the shallows. A lunch box and water are included.
Arrival in Pak Beng: the boat docks in the late afternoon. Accommodation is not included, so you can choose your own room in the village.
Important: visa and border fees
The Laos visa on arrival fee is not included and is paid in cash at the Huay Xai border. Bring US dollars in clean notes; paying in Thai baht means a poor exchange rate. The Lao border operator also charges a small processing fee, which does not go to us. Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
5:00 – 5:30 AM Picked up from hotel
7:30 AM Crossing to Laos Border
9:00 AM Transfer to the pier and depart from Huay Xai.
5:00 PM Arrive at Pakbeng.
Highlights
- A relaxed day on the Mekong from Chiang Rai to Pak Beng, with border assistance, transport and a full day on the river.
- Lunch box and water included, with Mekong views all the way to Pak Beng.
- Ideal if you want to break the slow boat journey and choose your own stay in Pak Beng.
Includes/Excludes
- Transportation
- Bus ticket cross to Laos
- Lunch Box and Water
- Slow Boat ticket to Pakbeng
- Laos visa fee
- Accommodation in Pak Beng
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Cancellation Policy
Non-refundable (0% refund).
