BootsnAll Travel Community

Hi:

I'm considering taking the two-day slow boat ride from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang. From what I'm reading, I can't tell if the trip is worthwhile. It sounds like you are pretty much jam packed onto a boat for two days with an overnight in Pak Bang, where most of the guest houses are pretty beat. However, there's no better advice than experience. If you've taken this trip, please let me know your experience and whether you recommend the trip to other travelers.

Thanks!

Pelke

You gotta do it once.

Whatever you do, bring a dedicated pillow to sit on. Really. Your buns will thank you.

Also, some ear plugs and an iPod would be nice. Plenty of cigarettes if you smoke. A telephoto lens.

I was there in january. I was also going to do the 2 day slow boat, until I found another way. I don't remember the name of the town that I crossed at but it was further south than Huay Xai. I was told that it was just opened for tourists to cross at. The border crossing consisted of being picked up in Chiang Mai, taking some crazy roads and crossing at a very small border town. Then driving on some more crazy roads, spending the night in a small Lao town, and then driving on some more crazy roads. Then finally meeting up with the slow boat for the last 6 hours before arriving in Luang Prabang. The drive was long, the roads were very rough at points, but the whole experience was great. I booked the trip at my guesthouse in Chiang Mai. I cant remember the name of it but it was on "Moon Muang soi 9", Very near "SK house". The only thing about this crossing was you need to get your visa in advance. They will not issue it at the border.

Now you still get ride the boat, which I found a lot of fun (especially cause all the beer they had for sale). But after 6 hours, I was extremely glad that I was able to get off it and be done. I couldnt imagine being stuck on it for 2 days!

Anyways, hope that gives you something else to think about.

quote:

Originally posted by static:
You gotta do it once.

Whatever you do, bring a dedicated pillow to sit on. Really. Your buns will thank you.

Also, some ear plugs and an iPod would be nice. Plenty of cigarettes if you smoke. A telephoto lens.

Happily agree with all of that. Especially the pillow. The donut shaped ones that folks with haemorrhoids use works a treat. Get an inflatable one and it wont take up much room.

I found having a book to be a bonus as well.

quote:

Originally posted by static:
You gotta do it once.

Whatever you do, bring a dedicated pillow to sit on. Really. Your buns will thank you.

Also, some ear plugs and an iPod would be nice. Plenty of cigarettes if you smoke. A telephoto lens.

Yup. Bring booze too.

Get to the boat early, the best seats go fast. And if you're limber, try to sneak up onto the roof.