Mekong Slow Boat trip is a must do for sure once you are in Laos.
Two Days on a boat cruising down the Mekong river sounds boring? Or maybe not at all…
An unforgettable experience awaits you during these two days. You can feel the Mekong river vibe and get a huge dose of Laos beautiful landscape and nature.
Slow is the keyword in this trip. For me it was perfect time to calm my mind, just enjoying landscape, not planning, not another bus trip, just boring, long cruising with spectacular nature all around.
Chiang Khong to Pak Beng – Day 1
After jungle trekking around Chiang Mai in Thailand I got a bus and stayed overnight in one of many guesthouses by the border. Early in the morning got the ferry to Huay Xai border crossing, got visa on arrival. Short breakfast, money change to KIP and I was ready for the cruise.
A few tips before you go:
– Arrive early in chance to get a good seat
– Bring something to sit on a cushion or at least fleece in case you’ll get a wooden seat…
– Take some snacks and fluids, or use boat’s overpriced catering offer
– Some clothes in your hand luggage can be useful if it gets chilly or too sunny
– Take something to keep you entertained – 6 hours is a long time so maybe you may have a break from observing landscapes and read your book or keep up with a travel log…
Traveling is always about attitude, timing and people you meet on the way.
If you take a Mekong Slow Boat trip in slow season then you can cruise with 40 people in a 100person boat and have plenty for room. I read that lots of people hated this trip, because it was overcrowded and very uncomfortable. In my experience it was all fine. In end of October not too much people, good seats and I met some interesting people. NATURE and LANDSCAPE if you appreciate it, you will not regret this trip.
All day passed by enjoying spectacular views of Laos beautiful forests, Mekong shores, few villages, birds and water buffalos.
Just before sunset we arrived to Pak Beng a small village half way to Luang Prabang.
Tip1: If you didn’t buy whole package including accomodation, ask aroud for prices and conditions, there are plenty of guesthouses to choose from. Best ones may not be those pointed by guys from the boat.
Tip2: Better don’t try to buy OPIUM from locals – first you might buy shity stuff and you might end up in jail…
It’s always good to socialize, so if you met someone interesting, go for dinner or a beer together in Pak Beng.
Pak Beng to Luang Prabang – Day 2
It’s nearly sure that you will change boats, so leave early in chance to get a good seat again.
Second day may seem similar, but landscape change so you will get different views on a second day.
The idea of Mekong Slow Boat trip is to watch Laos from a different perspective than usually, not from the land, but from the water.
To sum up if you have time in are in NATURE go for it for sure, it’s totally worth it.
Two days is more than enough to touch Laos from the Mekong river perspective, so the rest of my trip after Luang Prabang I took by land.
Link for Mekong river boat trip gallery
