Lao Via Mekong

[Niloc]

We were planning to drive to Nong Khai to enter Laos and catch a bus up to Luang Prabang.

Would it be possible to instead drive to somewhere near Chiang Rai and get a river boat down the Mekong from there? We are coming from Chiang Mai and it looks a long way to Nong Khai.

Thanks,

Colin

[samuibeachcomber]

Yes you can.From Chiang Kong you can take a river boat across the Mekong to Huai Sai in Laos.From there you can take a boat down river to Prakbang,it takes a leisurely 9 hours,make sure you take some food and drink forthe trip.At Prakbang (YOU ARR. ABOUT 6PM) you can stay at a guest house for 600 baht or less per night.The following day another boat will take you to Luang Prabang(another 9 hour trip but well worth it)

I did this trip in 2007 an dreally enjoyed it.Loved Luang Prabang.Hope this helps.

[svenivan]

When I did the trip in 2004 the boat stopped for the night halfway. In that village there were many guesthouses and restaurants. Next day the boat took us to Luang Prabang.

Going back to Chiang Kong we took a speedboat! That one was going in full speed, very, very noicy and in my opinion quite dangerous even if it was include a lifewest and a plastic helmet! That took about 7-8 hours but with a stop halfway for lunch!

But I found Luang Prabang to be a very nice place, beautiful and totally different to any city I have been to in SEA.

Don´t miss to go to the waterfalls just 10-15 km outside the city, fantastic ones!

H ave a nice trip!

[abdulrahman]

We were planning to drive to Nong Khai to enter Laos and catch a bus up to Luang Prabang.

Would it be possible to instead drive to somewhere near Chiang Rai and get a river boat down the Mekong from there? We are coming from Chiang Mai and it looks a long way to Nong Khai.

Thanks,

Colin

Yes it's possible,but the slow boats to LuangPrabang are fewer every year and the service is unreliable,especially in the dry season.

Better ask some Travel Agency before starting.The speedboats are VERY dangerous,uncomfortable too!

LuangPrabang is a beautiful place,indeed.

It's a long,hard way from ChiangRai to NongKhai, but the roads in Lao are worse,the mountain,higher.Not much to choose from!