Laos · PRIVATE DRIVERS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 2 private car days worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang in two days by VIP van, border bus, and shared Mekong slow boat. You will spend the night in Pakbeng at your own expense, then continue downstream. Expect long boat hours, basic facilities, crowds in high season, and beautiful river scenery.
Travel from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai by slow boat over two days, stopping overnight in Pakbeng. You get hotel pickup, both boat tickets, river views, and local life along the Mekong. Expect long hours on board, changing boat sizes, basic comfort, and extra costs for Pakbeng lodging, border transport, immigration, and oversized bags.
“De eerste dag was een kleinere boot die vol zat. Erg benauwd en erg warm. De tweede dag was heel fijn. Grote boot en weinig mensen aan boord.”
Pick a river, a cave or a kitchen.
