🚢 Scenic Mekong River Journey

Slow Boat Tickets

Experience the legendary Mekong River journey between Thailand and Laos. Cruise through stunning mountain landscapes, traditional villages, and discover the heart of Southeast Asia.

2 Days
Full Journey
300 km
River Distance
Daily
Departures
Popular Routes

Choose Your Mekong Journey

Two-day slow boat journeys connecting Thailand to the heart of Laos via the scenic Mekong River.

Huay Xai

Thai Border

Day 1: 6-7 hours

Pak Beng

Overnight Stop

Day 2: 8-9 hours

Luang Prabang

UNESCO City

⭐ MOST POPULAR ROUTE

Huay Xai → Luang Prabang

Downstream Journey

downstream
2 Days / 1 Night~300 km

Start from the Thai border at Huay Xai and cruise downstream through stunning mountain scenery to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang.

Journey Schedule

1Huay Xai → Pak Beng (6-7 hours)
2Pak Beng → Luang Prabang (8-9 hours)

Highlights

Scenic mountain gorgesTraditional riverside villagesMekong River wildlifeStunning sunset views

Luang Prabang → Huay Xai

Upstream Journey

upstream
2 Days / 1 Night~300 km

Travel upstream from beautiful Luang Prabang through the heart of Laos to the Thai border crossing at Huay Xai.

Journey Schedule

1Luang Prabang → Pak Beng (9-10 hours)
2Pak Beng → Huay Xai (7-8 hours)

Highlights

Pak Ou Caves viewpointLimestone cliff sceneryLocal fishermenSunrise over Mekong

Day 1 Only: Huay Xai → Pak Beng

Single Day Segment

downstream
1 Day (6-7 hours)~160 km

Take just the first segment of the journey. Perfect if you want to explore Pak Beng or continue by road.

Journey Schedule

1Huay Xai → Pak Beng

Highlights

Half the journeyExplore Pak Beng townFlexible continuationBudget-friendly option

Day 2 Only: Pak Beng → Luang Prabang

Single Day Segment

downstream
1 Day (8-9 hours)~140 km

Join the boat at Pak Beng and complete the journey to Luang Prabang. Great if you arrived in Pak Beng by road.

Journey Schedule

1Pak Beng → Luang Prabang

Highlights

Most scenic sectionMorning departureArrive in UNESCO cityWildlife spotting
Your Experience

What's Included

Everything you need for a comfortable Mekong River journey.

Boat Ticket

Reserved seat on traditional Mekong slow boat

Snacks & Drinks

Water, soft drinks, and light snacks available onboard

Scenic Journey

Unobstructed views of the Mekong River and mountains

Local Experience

Travel with locals and fellow adventurers

Easy Booking

How to Book Your Ticket

Simple 4-step process to secure your slow boat journey.

1

Choose Your Route

Select your departure point and destination

2

Pick Your Date

Boats depart daily at 8:00-9:00 AM

3

Contact Us

WhatsApp or call to confirm availability

4

Get Your Ticket

We'll arrange everything for your journey

Prepare for Your Journey

Travel Tips

Make the most of your slow boat experience with these helpful tips from experienced travelers.

  • Boats have basic toilet facilities onboard
  • Seats are wooden benches - bring a cushion!
  • Power outlets are limited - charge devices beforehand
  • Bring warm layers - mornings and evenings can be cool
  • Pack light snacks and plenty of water
  • Don't forget sunscreen and a hat
  • Enjoy the slow pace - it's part of the experience!

Slow boat journey photo coming soon

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the slow boat journey.

What time do boats depart?
Boats typically depart between 8:00-9:00 AM. We recommend arriving at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure.
What should I bring?
Bring snacks, water, a cushion for comfort, warm layer for morning/evening, sunscreen, and entertainment (books, music). There's limited electricity for charging.
Are meals included?
Basic snacks and drinks are available for purchase on the boat. We recommend bringing your own food or buying supplies before boarding.
Where do I stay in Pak Beng?
Pak Beng has several guesthouses and hotels. We can help arrange accommodation or you can book independently upon arrival.
Is the speedboat faster?
Yes, speedboats take 6-7 hours but are uncomfortable, noisy, and miss the authentic experience. The slow boat is the recommended way to travel.
Can I book last minute?
During peak season (Nov-Feb), we recommend booking 2-3 days ahead. Low season usually has availability for next-day departure.

Important Information

Slow boats operate year-round but schedules may vary during low water season (dry season). Speedboats are available but not recommended due to safety concerns and missing the authentic experience. During peak season (November to February), book 2-3 days in advance to secure your spot.

Ready for Your Mekong Adventure?

Book your slow boat ticket today and experience one of Southeast Asia's most iconic journeys. We'll handle all the details for you!