From Chiang Mai: Luang Prabang 3-Day 2-Night Slow Boat Tour

Embarking on a 3-day, 2-night slow boat journey from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang promises an enchanting adventure along the Mekong River. Priced at $108.50 per person with a 10% discount, the tour immerses travelers in cultural experiences, including visits to a stunning white temple. Overnight accommodations in Pak Beng and included lunches add to the convenience, though meals and drinks on the boat are not provided. With valid passports and cash in hand, adventurers can expect a smooth trip through picturesque landscapes – but the real question is, what cultural discoveries await along the way?

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Luang Prabang.

Key Points

• The tour offers a 3-day, 2-night slow boat experience from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang, priced at $108.50 per person with a 10% discount.
• The itinerary includes a visit to a white temple, transportation to Laos, and overnight accommodation in Pak Beng, with lunch provided on all three days.
• The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, individuals over 70 years old, or those with pre-existing conditions, and requires a valid passport and Laotian visa.
• Travelers can expect scenic views along the Mekong River, but the quality of accommodation and meals on the boat has received mixed reviews.
• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the tour package includes the processing of the Laotian visa.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This 3-day, 2-night slow boat tour from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang costs $108.50 per person, a 10% discount from the original price of $120.56.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve now and pay later for this scenic journey along the Mekong River.

The tour includes a visit to a white temple, transportation to Laos, and accommodation in Pak Beng. Lunches on all three days are also provided.

However, the cost of accommodation in Pak Beng and any meals or drinks on the boat itself are excluded, and travelers will need to cover these expenses separately.

Certain participants, such as pregnant women and those over 70 years old, aren’t recommended for this tour.

Itinerary and Experience

The 3-day, 2-night slow boat tour from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang typically begins with a hotel pickup in Chiang Mai, followed by a visit to a white temple and a bus transfer across the border into Laos, where travelers spend the night in Huay Xai. The next day, after breakfast, the group embarks on a scenic cruise along the Mekong River, stopping in Pak Beng for an overnight stay. On the final day, the boat journey continues to the ancient city of Luang Prabang, where participants can explore the beautiful architecture, colonial buildings, temples, and vibrant night markets.

Day	Destination	Activities
1	Huay Xai	Hotel pickup, white temple visit, bus transfer to Laos
2	Pak Beng	Breakfast, slow boat cruise on Mekong River
3	Luang Prabang	Continue boat trip, explore the city

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes entry fees to the white temple, accommodation in Pak Beng, and lunch on days 1, 2, and 3, as well as the Laos visa fee.

However, travelers must book their accommodation in Pak Beng separately and are responsible for meals and drinks on the boat, which they’ll need to bring themselves.

Tips are also not included in the tour price.

While the tour provides most of the necessities, it’s important for participants to be prepared with a packed lunch, cash, and any other personal items they may need during the 3-day journey.

Knowing what’s included and what’s not will help travelers budget accordingly and ensure they’ve a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Important Information

Participants for this tour must meet certain criteria, as it is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, individuals with pre-existing conditions, babies under 1 year, or people over 70 years. Travelers must bring their passport and cash, as well as a packed lunch for the journey. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. Guests who prefer a king-size bed should communicate their request to the provider in advance. The boats used for the slow boat cruise can accommodate between 100 to 200 customers, and they may vary in size and style.

Necessary Item	Prohibited Item
Passport	Pets
Cash	–
Packed Lunch	–

Accommodation Request	Boat Capacity
King-size Bed	100 – 200 customers
–	Varied size and style

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Customer Reviews

Based on the information provided, customer reviews for the Luang Prabang Slow Boat Tour present a mixed picture.

While some travelers praised the tour’s organization and the scenic views along the Mekong River, others highlighted issues with the timing at the white temple, the quality of accommodation in Laos, and the condition of the boat on the second day of the journey.

Several reviewers also noted the hectic atmosphere created by the Laotian tour guide and the lack of breakfast in Laos.

Scenic Views of the Mekong

Undoubtedly, the slow boat cruise along the Mekong River offers travelers a captivating visual journey, with the scenic landscapes unfolding before their eyes throughout the trip.

Gliding peacefully down the iconic river, passengers are treated to a mesmerizing panorama of verdant hills, quaint riverside villages, and the occasional glimpse of local wildlife. The ever-changing vistas, from serene stretches of water to dramatic limestone cliffs, create a sense of tranquility and wonder.

Passengers can relax on the deck, camera in hand, as they soak in the beauty of the Mekong and its surrounding environment. This unique perspective allows travelers to fully enjoy the natural splendor of the region, making the slow boat cruise a highlight of the Luang Prabang experience.

Accommodation and Meals

The accommodation and meals provided throughout the Luang Prabang slow boat tour are essential components that shape the overall experience for travelers.

Passengers overnight in Huay Xai on the first day and then stay in Pak Beng on the second night, with the latter accommodation needing to be booked separately from the tour package.

Lunch is included on all three days, but meals and drinks on the boat itself are not. Travelers are advised to bring their own packed lunches for the boat rides.

The quality of the accommodation in Laos has received mixed reviews, with some noting issues with the cleanliness and comfort of the facilities.

Visa and Passport Requirements

Travelers booking the Luang Prabang slow boat tour must have a valid passport and obtain a visa for Laos prior to the trip, as this is a requirement for entry into the country. The tour package includes processing the Laotian visa, which saves the hassle of applying separately.

Ensuring proper documentation is crucial, as travelers without a valid passport or visa won’t be able to participate in the tour.

To prepare for the journey, participants should:

• Check that their passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining

• Apply for a Laotian visa well in advance, as processing can take several weeks

• Bring their passport and visa documents with them on the trip

• Be ready to present their identification and travel paperwork at border crossings

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Based on the tour information provided, pets are not allowed on the 3-day, 2-night slow boat tour from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. The tour specifically states that "Pets not allowed" under the "Important Information" section.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Participants?

The tour has a boat capacity of 100 to 200 customers. The boats may vary in size and style, so the exact number of participants can vary. However, the tour is not suitable for certain individuals, such as pregnant women or those over 70 years old.

How Can I Request a King-Size Bed?

To request a king-size bed, participants should communicate this directly with the tour provider. This request should be made prior to the trip, as the provider can’t guarantee availability on-site. The provider will make every effort to accommodate the request if possible.

What Is the Typical Size and Style of the Boats?

The boats used for this tour can vary in size, typically accommodating 100 to 200 customers. They may also differ in style, with some boats being more traditional in design. The size and style of the boats can impact the overall passenger experience.

Can I Smoke on the Boat During the Cruise?

No, smoking is typically not allowed on the boats during the river cruise. The boats have a limited capacity and enclosed spaces, so smoking would likely be prohibited for the safety and comfort of all passengers.

Recap

The Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang 3-Day, 2-Night Slow Boat Tour offers a relaxing and culturally immersive journey along the Mekong River.

Though meals and drinks on the boat aren’t included, the tour provides a chance to visit stunning cultural sites, enjoy overnight accommodations, and savor included lunches.

With valid passports and cash in hand, travelers can look forward to a smooth experience amidst beautiful landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: