Enjoying the 2-day slow boat from Laos to Thailand is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience. The slow boat from Laos to Thailand is a popular option for most travellers travelling in Southeast Asia.
On this slow boat journey, you will witness some unique landscapes and villages along the Mekong River, the twelfth-longest river in the world.
If I were to summarize my experience in three words, they are: (1) experiential; (2) peaceful; (3) unhurried.
Slow boat jetty at Pak Beng in the morning
Here, I will share the answers to my questions before taking the slow boat from Laos to Thailand. This will help you in your planning journey!
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What was unique and impressed me about the slow boat journey from Laos to Thailand?
As the slow boat glides along the Mekong River, the scenic, peaceful views impressed me. I saw herds of elephants and buffalos in the untouched nature along the river bank. Most importantly, I witnessed the sunset on the river!
Buffalos along the Mekong River bank!
What impressed me even more was how the locals lived a simple, joyful life along the Mekong River. Young children were playing catch and hide and seek at the river bank and small Mekong beaches, unafraid of falling into the water!
This slow boat service on the Mekong River is also used by locals. I was impressed that the boat captain knew where to drop off and pick up local passengers, despite there being no signages or jetty along the river!
Small beaches along Mekong River
Which is better – the slow boat from Laos to Thailand or Thailand to Laos?
This was a question that I struggled with as I was planning my schedule. Having experienced the slow boat from Laos to Thailand and hearing stories from friends who travelled from Thailand to Laos, I am confident I can give you some perspectives.
Taking the slow boat from Thailand to Laos is more common than the opposite direction. I would say this is simply because most travellers start their travel journey from Bangkok and then travel northwards before having to leave Thailand due to the travel visa expiring.
A traveller enjoying the view during the slow boat ride
With that said, this means that the slow boat is significantly more crowded. Friends who travelled on the slow boat shared that they had to squeeze at the back of the boat, near the engine as there were no seats left on the boat. Walking past the slow boat engine on the boat, the engine gives out a very loud noise and will leave you with a headache and ears ringing.
On the other hand, the slow boat from Laos to Thailand is less crowded. On the day of my travel, I was surprised that the slow boat was only at 50% capacity. My friend and I were able to take a row of seats, each! We also could move seats to enjoy the view on both sides of the Mekong River.
Had the full bench myself and I got to stretch my legs!
While some may comment that the slow boat from Laos to Thailand may take a little longer as the boat captain was steering the boat upstream, this may or may not be the case as this depends on the Mekong River conditions for the day.
The calm Mekong River along the slow boat from Laos to Thailand
How long is the slow boat from Laos to Thailand?
The journey takes 2 days.
Hang on. This does not mean that you will be on the slow boat for 2 days straight!
The slow boat starts at Luang Prabang and ends the service on the first day at a small town called Pak Beng. After spending a night at a homestay in Pak Beng, the slow boat journey then continues from Pak Beng to Huay Xai.
On each day, the slow boat journey is 8 to 9 hours. This will depend largely on the day’s water current and local pick-up and drop-off along the Mekong River.
Absolutely no reason to miss the sunset on the slow boat from Laos to Thailand!
At Pak Beng, although it is a small town, do not worry! It has a nice laid-back atmosphere. There are a few shops and restaurants to enjoy a local Laotian meal and get snacks and sandwiches for the onward journey.
My friends and I enjoyed a local Laotian meal served at Sabaidee restaurant. This town is known to serve the best Laotian curry, and sure, it did not disappoint!
Delicious pork curry with steamed rice at Sabaidee Restaurant
Who is suitable for the slow boat journey from Laos to Thailand?
Everyone! As I travelled on the slow boat for 2 days, I met many travellers from all over the world.
However, if you are someone who is impatient and prefers travelling to more popular sites, then I suggest you give this experience a miss.
The best thought-provoking conversations on the front deck of the slow boat
How to get a slow boat ticket from Laos to Thailand?
The slow boat starts from Luang Prabang, a UNESCO town in Northern Laos.
Before getting overwhelmed with the multiple places in this guide, I will share the towns where you will be picked up or dropped off. This is listed in the order that you will reach first, as you travel from Laos to Thailand.
- Luang Prabang, Laos
- Pak Beng, Laos
- Huay Xai, Laos
- Chiang Kiong, Thailand
Tickets can be easily bought through travel agencies at Luang Prabang. Typically, this includes a tuk-tuk pick-up from your hotel and slow boat tickets from Luang Prabang to Pak Beng and Pak Beng to Huay Xai. Tuk-tuk ticket from Huay Xai to Thailand via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge is excluded.
Depending on the travel agent, ticket price ranges from 500,000 kips (USD 21) to 600,000 kips (USD 28).
One important piece of advice for you. Ensure that you keep both these tickets for you throughout your two-day journey as the boat crew member may check your ticket during the journey. Without your ticket, you may be required to purchase another ticket!
Alternatively, if you are on a shoestring budget, consider purchasing the tickets directly at the Luang Prabang jetty. The Luang Prabang jetty is 20 minutes out of town by tuk-tuk. Here is the exact location of the jetty, which also helps with your planning.
My friend and I got to Luang Prabang jetty just before the crowd starts to build up. We were lucky!
My friend and I went for the shoestring budget option. Here are the steps and breakdown of the ticket prices. If you follow these exact four steps, I can assure you that it is an easy arrangement.
- Tuk tuk from Luang Prabang town to the jetty: 50,000 kip (USD 2.30) to 150,000 (USD 7) kip/ person
The price depends on the group size and your negotiation skills with the tuk-tuk drier.
One tip: if you are just one person looking for the best bargain, find a small tuk-tuk near the Luang Prabang post office on the morning of your travel.
Here’s how a “small” tuk tuk look like! Find for one like this!
- Slow boat from Luang Prabang to Pak Beng: 190,000 kip (USD 8.70)
Tickets are sold at the Luang Prabang jetty. The slow boat leaves the jetty at 8:30 AM, so I recommend reaching there at least 30 minutes before.
No negotiation is needed for this ticket purchase. The ticket prices are written on the board at the jetty.
- Slow boat from Pak Beng to Huay Xai: 200,000 kip (USD 9.20)
Do not panic as you are unable to locate the Pak Beng jetty. Tickets are sold by the crew member on the slow boat.
Just ensure that you check with the crew member that the slow boat is heading towards Huay Xai as there are multiple slow boats at the pier.
The many slow boats at Pak Beng jetty
- Tuk tuk from Huay Xai to Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge: 50,000 kip (USD 2.30) to 100,000 kips (USD 4.60)
Again, the price depends on your group size. However, there will be many travellers who will be heading to the Thai-Laos border too. Team up and negotiate with the tuk-tuk driver. You could easily just pay 50,000 kips (USD 2.30)!
- Minivan from Laos immigration to Thai immigration at Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge: 30,000 kips (USD 1.40) + 20,000 kips (USD 0.90) after-hours fee
The distance between these countries’ immigration is within walking distance. However, based on country regulations, no walking is permitted.
One thing to note is there is an additional charge if you decide to cross the Thai-Laos Friendship bridge on the second day of your slow boat journey. This additional charge is a fee incurred as immigration offices are working after hours.
Shuttle bus from Lao immigration to Thai immigration at Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge
- [Optional] Private minivan from Chiang Khong to Chiang Rai: 3000 THB / minivan
While some may opt to rest for the evening after a long day of travel, some travellers opt to travel directly to Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai is located 100km (62.1 miles) from Thai immigration and is approximately a 1.5-hour drive.
My friend and I opted to travel directly to Chiang Rai as we had already booked our accommodation for the night. We grouped with other travellers to form a group of 10 pax to share a private minivan to Chiang Rai.
Each ticket seat costs 300THB.
Onto the private minivan transfer to get to Thailand
What to expect on the slow boat from Laos to Thailand
- Where does the slow boat from Laos to Thailand start and end?
The slow boat journey starts in Luang Prabang and ends in Huay Xai, with an overnight stay at Pak Beng. All three towns are located in Laos.
- What is the slow boat from Laos to Thailand really like?
The speed
The slow boat is called a “slow boat” because the slow pace allows passengers and travellers to fully immerse in the scenery along the Mekong River.
The slow boat is neither too slow nor too fast. It is powered by an engine at the back of the slow boat. For perspective, the slow boat is not as fast as the speedboat you took when visiting the islands in Thailand and not as slow as one paddling the boat.
The speed of the slow boat is just right for you to relax after consistent travelling over the past days or weeks.
Local Laotian children enjoying themselves along Mekong River, unafraid of falling
The comfort
The comfort level for the journey on the slow boat journey depends greatly on the slow boat design and layout. Most slow boats at the dock consist of two covered sections – the front and back sections. Both sections have a roof to protect travellers from the sun and heavy rain.
Curtains are provided throughout the boat. It is very useful, especially during the day as the sun’s rays are shining directly into the boat. The slow boats are also well-equipped with life jackets.
Local Lao families taking the slow boat to reach their homes along Mekong River
The front section near the boat captain had hard, non-reclinable seats and a baggage storage area. Rest assured, the engine sound is inaudible from here. During some part of the journey, I sat in the front section. I could hear the birds chirping, especially closer to sunset.
The back section has cushion-padded, reclinable chairs. However, it is to be noted that some of the chairs are not fully secured to the floor. Hence, throughout the slow boat journey, some passengers will make adjustments to the seat position to form cosy corners for a little privacy and take a nap.
Reclinable but movable seats on the slow boat
One tip I have for you: try to arrive at the slow boat jetty slightly early to get the seats at the front section or the front area of the back section. The engine sounds get very loud towards the back of the slow boat. This will make the journey rather uncomfortable.
Some slow boats have tables. So, imagine having a private booth for a table of 4 pax at a restaurant. My friend and I were lucky as our slow boat from Pak Beng to Huay Xai had multiple tables. This was a great opportunity to write in our journals and play card games.
Little booths on the slow boat that I had the best conversations with other travellers
At the front of the boat, there is an additional storage area where goods and supplies for delivery are stored. Some locals have also brought their scooters on the slow boat! There are also some seats, which are the best in the late afternoon as you enjoy the evening breeze and can enjoy the sunset!
Another tip I have for you: when placing your luggage in the storage area, try to place it in a strategic position whereby you are able to have easy access to get your backpack or luggage when leaving the boat. Otherwise, it will take some time before you can disembark the ferry.
More goods and supplies to be delivered to the locals
The facilities
There are toilets at the back of the boat. They are clean and well-stocked with toilet paper! A pair of slippers is also provided for use. Waste bins are also located at the back of the boat, so you need not carry the rubbish in your backpack.
The back section of the slow boat, with a small stall on the far right of the picture
- Are there any meals served on the slow boat from Laos to Thailand?
There is a small shop towards the back of the slow boat. It sells dry snacks, instant noodles and hot drinks. There is no hot food served on the slow boat from Laos to Thailand throughout the journey.
I recommend bringing takeaway sandwiches as they are the easiest to take away and enjoy on the go without making a huge mess!
For the first part of my slow boat journey, I bought sandwiches and a bunch of bananas from Luang Prabang’s market the day before. I had brought some rice cracker snacks from the local grocery stores for snacking.
Shops at Pak Beng open early in the morning, so no worries on not being able to purchase any food for the slow boat journey!
Just before I boarded the slow boat for the second part of my journey from Pak Beng to Huay Xai, I bought pastries and cakes at the shops on the main street in Pak Beng as they looked amazing! However, if you prefer savoury food, there are shops selling sandwiches for takeaway. Fresh fruit smoothies are also available.
Oh those delicious pastries! The chocolate banana cake at the top shelf were the best!
- Will the slow boat from Laos to Thailand stop anywhere along the Mekong River?
Most likely, yes.
The slow boat is highly likely the only means of travelling for the locals living in the small villages along the Mekong River and goods and supplies delivery. Hence, whether the slow boat from Laos to Thailand will stop along the Mekong River will be dependent on these two key factors.
Typically, when the slow boat stops for pick-ups or drop-offs or goods and supplies delivery, not much waiting time is involved. Hence, if a handful of stops are made, it will not have a significant impact on your travel time.
Local Laotian approaching the river to board the slow boat
- Where to stay in Pak Beng?
A guesthouse is the go-to option for a night’s stay at Pak Beng. The accommodation for the night will not be included in the tour package price.
There are a few accommodation options on Agoda and Booking.com. However, the prices are slightly steep, especially for travellers on a tight budget.
Pak Beng in the evening of my arrival
Thus, an alternative that you may consider is to make a reservation upon arrival at Pak Beng town. Guesthouse owners with room availability will be at Pak Beng jetty with signages.
Having experienced the slow boat from Laos to Thailand, I have seen more guesthouses than those listed online. They are affordable and are as low as 100,000 kips (USD 4.60). Personally, my friend and I went for this option and managed to secure a place for the night within 10 minutes of arrival.
Most guesthouses are located on the main street in Pak Beng town and within 5 to 10 minutes from the jetty. Pak Beng is a small town. You won’t get lost here! There are also not many activities to do here, so I will not recommend staying more than a night.
The view outside our accommodation
What must you bring for the slow boat from Laos to Thailand?
In addition to your travel backpack and travel documents (ie. passport), I will recommend preparing the following for the slow boat from Laos to Thailand.
- Cash
Lao kip and Thai baht are both accepted at the shops in Pak Beng and Thai-Laos border crossing. However, as most payments are in Laos, most prices are listed in Lao Kip.
I prefer to make payments in Lao Kip. I realised that prices quoted in Thai Baht are slightly more expensive compared to Lao kip. Though the prices are slightly more expensive in Thai Baht, it will be understandable if you are taking the slow boat from Thailand to Laos and have not found an ATM for cash redrawal.
Supermarkets at Pak Beng
- Food for lunch and snacks and water
There are some snacks and water sold on the slow boat. However, the prices are slightly higher compared to the typical prices paid in town.
Here’s one of the menu at the restaurants at Pak Beng, easy for takeaway! So, no worries if you have any food restrictions
- A journal
I will recommend bringing a journal on the slow boat ride. The slow boat journey is very calming that gives you the best atmosphere to journal about your travel and have some reflections.
I took the slow boat from Laos to Thailand on the first week of December 2024. Throughout the 2-day boat ride, I came to realise that I have been blessed with abundance for the year and am looking forward to the new year.
My friend and I on the slow boat. I was just done journalling and she was navigating her travel plans
How much cash do you need for the slow boat journey from Laos to Thailand?
Yes, cash.
Lao kip is a currency that is only available in Laos. You may have heard or read online that travellers are keen to spend all their Lao kip before leaving the country.
The next question you may have is, then, how much cash should I have for the slow boat from Laos to Thailand to prevent having too much Lao kip on hand?
I am unable to give you the exact amount of cash needed. However, I’ll share the prices of the necessary spending to help you estimate your budget for the slow boat from Laos to Thailand.
- Accommodation in Pak Beng: 100,00 kip (USD 4.60) and up
- Dinner in Pak Beng: 250,000 kip (USD 11.50) and up. This includes a main dish and a drink
- Sandwiches, pastries and cakes: 60,000 (USD 2.75)
- Transportation ticket: prices are as listed above
Does the slow boat leave every day?
Yes, based on the board at the Luang Prabang slow boat jetty.
Do I recommend the slow boat from Laos to Thailand?
Most definitely, yes!
If you are a person who enjoys slow travel, think no further! Go for it!
I was casually enjoying myself on the slow boat from Laos to Thailand before my friend called me to get this shot! This is one of my favourite photos from my slow boat journey
Is taking the slow boat from Laos to Thailand worth it?
The slow boat from Laos to Thailand is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is worth spending two days on the slow boat.
So, there you go! Here, I have shared my experience and the exact steps on how to get the slow boat from Laos to Thailand. I hope this helps you with planning the slow boat journey from Laos to Thailand.
However, if you decide to travel from Thailand to Laos, all the above information is still very applicable for your slow boat journey from Thailand to Laos.
Local Laotian fishing along Mekong River