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Home/Destinations/Chiang Rai/Chiang Rai & the Mekong slow boat
To Laos · Chiang Rai itinerary

Chiang Rai to Laos: The Mekong Slow Boat Itinerary

Chiang Rai is the gateway to the famous Mekong slow boat to Laos. Here are the best-rated ways to combine the temples with the scenic two-day river journey to Luang Prabang.

At a glance

  1. 1Chiang Rai temples
  2. 2Cross at Chiang Khong
  3. 3Mekong slow boat
  4. 4Arrive Luang Prabang

Explore Chiang Rai

The White Temple and Golden Triangle.

Cross the border

At Chiang Khong into Huay Xai, Laos.

The Mekong slow boat

Two scenic days down the river.

Book the experiences in this itinerary

Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in Chiang Rai — prices per person.

Golden Triangle Thai Myanmar Laos border Khong River Old City
−19%
Chiang Rai
Golden Triangle Thai Myanmar Laos border Khong River Old City
4.9(36)·10–11 hours
from$41$50/ person
via Viator
Half Day Cycling Tour to the White temple
Chiang Rai
Half Day Cycling Tour to the White temple
5.0(65)·4–5 hours
from$48/ person
via Viator
Nagi of Mekong cruise
Northern Thailand
Nagi of Mekong cruise
4.8(101)·2 days
from$192/ person
via Viator
Full Day Cycling Amazing Chiangrai countryside and the White temple
Chiang Rai
Full Day Cycling Amazing Chiangrai countryside and the White temple
5.0(57)·8–9 hours
from$61/ person
via Viator
1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang
Chiang Mai
1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang
5.0(56)·9–10 hours
from$144/ person
via Viator
Chiang Mai Temple & Meditation Walking Tour with a Former Monk 2
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Temple & Meditation Walking Tour with a Former Monk 2
5.0(14)·3h 30min
from$43/ person
via Viator
Chiang Mai Temples & City
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Temples & City
5.0(10)·10 hours
from$122/ person
via Viator
Explore Chiang Rai: City and Temples Experience
Chiang Rai
Explore Chiang Rai: City and Temples Experience
5.0(10)·4 hours
from$89/ person
via Viator

Chiang Rai & the Mekong slow boat — FAQ

How do you get from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang?
From Chiang Rai you cross the border at Chiang Khong into Huay Xai, Laos, where the famous two-day Mekong slow boat to Luang Prabang departs.
How long is the Mekong slow boat to Luang Prabang?
The classic slow boat takes two days down the Mekong, with an overnight stop in Pakbeng, offering beautiful river scenery.
Is the slow boat worth it from Chiang Rai?
Yes — the two-day Mekong journey is a scenic, memorable way to travel from northern Thailand into Laos.

Explore more in Chiang Rai

White, Blue & Black TemplesGolden TriangleTours from Chiang Mai