Cruising the Mekong to Laos

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Chiang Mai - Chiang Khong - Pakbeng - Luang Prabang
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 574.- per person (excluding flights)
When to go:
November - February

Take the slow boat from Thailand to Laos on this cruise along the Mighty Mekong River from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. Soak your aching feet in natural hot springs and visit the famous Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. Enjoy a laid-back lunch on board the slow boat and discover the warm and welcoming Laotion people. Delve into the spiritual Pak Ou Caves before finishing your journey in the UNESCO town of Luang Prabang. This trip is a truly relaxing way to travel from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang.

Day 1 – Chiang Mai – Chiang Khong

This morning you’ll be picked up bright and early from your hotel in Chiang Mai to begin your journey on the slow boat to Laos. Your first stop along the way is at the Mae Kachan hot springs where you can soak your feet in the natural streams. You’ll continue your journey from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang with a visit to the ancient temples and ruins of Chiang Saen before travelling to the Golden Triangle where the borders of Laos, Burma and Thailand meet. Sit back and take in the view as you enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant. After lunch you’ll be taken to your hotel in Chiang Khong giving you the rest of the afternoon free.

Day 2 – Chiang Khong – Pakbeng

After breakfast you’ll be collected from your hotel and taken to the pier. From here you’ll go through immigration and take a local boat across the river. On the other side of the Mekong River, after completing immigration, you’ll be met by a local representative who’ll take you to the slow boat. Along the way the boat will make a brief stop at a small rural Kamu village where you can learn about their culture. Back on the boat you can enjoy a tasty lunch before arriving in Pakbeng in the late afternoon. Here you’ll make your own way to your hotel; a simple hotel on the banks of the Mekong.

Day 3 – Pakbeng – Luang Prabang

It’s the final day of your journey from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang and today you’ll make your own way back to the pier to board the boat for another day of cruising. On the way, you’ll make a stop at the famous Pak Ou Caves. These two caves are of great spiritual importance to the local population, containing thousands of Buddha images of varying ages and sizes. Become intoxicated by the holy atmosphere as the smell of incense permeates the air. Back on board the boat you’ll enjoy another tasty lunch before arriving at the city of Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.