From Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai by Luxury Boat to Luang Prabang
For those with a bit more time and a sense of adventure there are other ways to journey to Luang Prabang besides an airplane. Instead, you can travel by boat from Houei
Say, near Chiang Rai, Thailand. Not long ago this was a trip only for backpackers. Boats were rickety and unreliable and also served as an overnight hotel. Nowadays you can make the same trip in comfort on a first class boat with an overnight stay in a magnificent four-star lodge overlooking the Mekong River. This program is available only to guests who are also using our Leisurely Luang Prabang or Beyond Luang Prabang programs.
Way Beyond Luang
Prabang is an overnight journey by boat from Thailand to Luang Prabang that
gives you a close look at village life along the Mekong River as well as some
spectacular scenery.
You must spend at least one night in Chiang Rai before the trip because you need to
travel early on the morning of departure to nearby Chang Khong, pass through
Thai immigration formalities, cross the Mekong River to Houei Say, formally
enter Laos, and find your way to the boat. This program includes private
transportation from Chiang Rai with a guide who will help you deal quickly with
the red tape, organize your transportation across the river, and assist with
luggage.
The overnight stop is in
Pak Beng, where you stay in a luxury eco-resort
overlooking the river. The boat makes several stops along the way to visit
picturesque villages, where you will have time to visit rural markets and meet
the local people. You will also make a quick stop at the Tham Thing Caves to see
the thousands of Buddha statues that have been left there over the last century.
We offer three
different options at the beginning of the trip. You can travel from Chiang Mai by road
with our private car, driver and guide, spend one or two nights there, and enjoy
local sightseeing and nightlife. The trip from Chiang Mai is identical to the
Chiang Rai & the North trip.
If you have already
visited Chiang Rai or do not wish to spend much time there, you can fly from
Bangkok to Chiang Rai (there are no flights from Chiang Mai) any time on the day
before the river trip and we will provide airport transportation and
accommodation at one of the hotels below.
Way Beyond Luang
Prabang is offered only for guests taking our
Leisurely Luang Prabang program or Beyond Luang Prabang,
which includes an overnight at Kamu Lodge, half way between Pak Beng and Luang
Prabang. If you choose Beyong Luang Prabang, you disembark at Kamu Lodge
and begin the program there.
You may also reverse
this itinerary and commence your journey in Luang Prabang.
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The Schedule
Downstream operation:
Depart from Houey Say at 09:00. Lunch served aboard. From May through September
departures are every Monday and Friday. From October through April departures
are on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Arrive Luang Prabang before sundown.
Upstream operation: Depart Luang Prabang at 07:30. Light breakfast and lunch
served aboard. May through September departures are every Wednesday and Saturday. October
through April departures are Tuesday, Wednesday Saturday.
Boats do not operate in June.
The River Boat
The Luang Say river boat combines the traditional design of wooden Lao river craft with modern engineering. The boat has a steel hull and carries all the necessary safety equipment. A trained mechanic travels with every sailing. There is snack and beverage service aboard.
The Hotels
Choose between the three-star Wiang Inn or the four star Dusit Island Resort in Chiang Rai. In the village of Pak Beng, the mid-point in the cruise, you stay in the Luang Say Lodge, overlooking the Mekong River. It is as luxurious as a hotel can be so far from any major town or highway. Dinner and breakfast at the Lodge are included.
Way Beyond Luang
Prabang is offered only in conjuncton with our all inclusive
Luang Prabang package |
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