Thailand forum

I will be going from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. I know getting a boat on the Meking river is an option of crossing into Laos - whereabouts I do this I'm no sure. I just wanted to know if there are different options of boats?

Ben

Everything you needed to know about the boat trip is here:

http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/3210_the-laos-slow-boat-thread

AND HERE:

http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/2743_luang-prabang-to-chiang-rai-with-nagi-of-mekong

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It appears to be a trade off between $$$'s and comfort.

Also, in the wet season, the trip up river is slower, and you may have to figure on a night at Huay Xai upon landing (as it may be past the 6pm close for immigration).

Cheers[/red]

Ben

As I'm sure you already know, I'm also for the overland route from LP to Huay Xai (especially if you tie in a trip to the Gibbon Experience).

But, you may have your heart set on the boat journey.

Cheers

Is essence, the slow boats go from Huay Xai in Laos to Luang Prabang. So you'll need first to get yourself from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong (which is the Thai town on the opposite side of the river). Bus is the most common means. You overnight in Chiang Khong, cross first thing in the morning to Huay Xai, then get the boat. You overnight at Pak Beng half way to LP.

Reviews of the boats are mixed. The trip is stunning -- very very scenic, but the boats tend to be quite crowded now -- and that bothers some, but there's pros and cons to the crowds I guess -- especially for the solo traveller. If you want more space, then an option like Luang Say cruises (suggested above) is another option, but you'll pay considerably for the priviledge.