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How to: Travel by Cargo Ship

Article updated on Sunday, September 10th, 2017.

I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED a collection of brown leather trunks with brightly colored stickers from all the world’s corners. They remind me of travelers in the early 1900s who spent days on the ocean in order to reach their destinations. Back then, arriving at the destination was as much a part of the trip as the destination itself.

• Taking a cargo ship to Southeast Asia? Here’s all the gear for backpacking Southeast Asia.
• Taking a cargo ship to Latin America? Here’s all the gear for trekking in Latin America.

So when I needed to get from Guadeloupe in the Caribbean to France I asked myself, “is it still possible to travel by boat?” There are, after all, still cargo ships that carry everything from automobiles to antiques over the ocean, so why couldn’t I just hop on one myself and enjoy an ocean voyage? A few months later I was on a CMA-CGM cargo ship headed from Pointe-à-Pitre to Dunkerque.

Note that if you are having your car shipped overseas and wonder if it were possible to travel with your vehicle and save a little money while having a fun experience, it is well worth asking the cargo line whether they offer passenger rooms on their ships.

Traveling on a cargo ship is very much possible, and while it isn’t considered a luxury cruise, it is still a great way to travel — even at a cost of roughly $100 USD daily, it is worth the time to find a spot on a ship.

My nine days on the Atlantic included gourmet French food, duty-free Porto, and hours spent mesmerized by the blinking lights of the GPS. Yes, you can still travel to many locations in the world by boat. It was by far one of the best trips I’ve ever taken.

Here are some pointers for researching and planning your own adventure on the high seas:

1. What exactly is traveling by cargo ship?

Most of the major global shipping lines including CMA-CGM offer paying passengers an opportunity to hop on one of their lines. As a paying passenger, you are accommodated in guest cabins and have access to most areas of the ship.

Cargo ships have a limited number of rooms for passengers, so be prepared to start planning your ventures, and book the trip at least 6 months in advance to ensure you have a spot on the ship. Your fare will usually include port fees as well as meals and your room.

Captains and crew spend a lot of time on the water, and they are usually happy to have a fresh face walking around their workplace, meaning that they may even invite you to eat with them, give you tours of the ship and maybe even have you over for an Officer’s happy hour.

2. Where can I go?

You can travel almost anywhere by cargo ship.

The global shipping industry is huge, and many ports like New York, Shanghai, Los Angeles, and Sydney welcome several ships daily.

Shipping companies have certain lines covering specific routes, and many of them will allow you to buy a ticket for one of these lines and disembark and board as you please if there is a ship leaving on your chosen day. Just remember to book your passage in advance because you can’t just show up at a port to jump on a ship on a whim.

A word of advice to the cargo ship traveler, be flexible. Schedules can, and very often do change and when that happens, you will need to hop on and off more than one ship during the trip.

This is often how round the world routes work: book your freighter ticket and then plan in a few weeks in every major port. With freighters, the possibilities for your adventure are almost endless. Just think: anywhere global commodities are shipped are places that you can disembark and spend time soaking up the local culture before re-boarding.

3. What will it cost?

A common misconception is that if you are willing to spend an extended amount of time on open water you can score an inexpensive mode of transportation to your next travel destination.

Traveling as a passenger on a cargo ship is, in fact, more expensive than your average airfare. But before you scoff at the price — plan on an average price of $80-140/day — consider this: your ticket pays for room, meals, and experiences that cannot be had anywhere else.

The days where a person could work for their passage are long gone. The cargo lines will not allow you to work your way across the Atlantic just so you can have a free trip overseas. You will, however, get to meet crew members and will most likely find yourself spending a great deal of time getting to know many of them when they take a break or have some time off to relax a little.

4. Life on a ship

As a passenger, you are surrounded by the everyday life of the vessel and her crew. Schedules revolve around meal times, which can be extravagant events depending on the chef.

If you are a gourmet traveler, consider traveling with one of the French companies which are known for their high-quality cuisine and table wine.

Besides meals, the rest of the day is spent as you please. Make your way up to the bridge and chat with the captain about sea navigation or schedule a tour with the head mechanic to see the vessel’s impressive technical insides. Officers on cargo ships are often willing to show you how things work to keep the ship afloat and to keep things safe.

You will quickly find that the freighter environment is a rough but enjoyable one; think lots of steel and salt water. Before the evening meal, meet for a pre-dinner drink with your co-passengers in the guest lounge area and discuss the events of the day.

You may think that a week on open water can give you a case of cabin fever, but a slower pace of life can be much welcomed and enjoyable.

There is something to note about health and fitness levels when traveling on a cargo ship. Because these ships usually do not have a doctor on board, you should be healthy and fit enough to take on such a voyage. This is a safety precaution as the ship wouldn’t want anyone being injured or in need of medical attention and be at sea without a doctor to help.

5. Planning

So you’ve decided that freighter travel is for you, what now? Do your internet research, there are several websites maintained by individuals seduced by traveling on the high seas with great tips and long lists of different routes around the world.

Go to the websites of the freighter companies and send them an email asking about passenger fares. Another option is travel agencies that specialize in freighter travel like A la Carte Freighter Travel based in Montreal.

Some helpful websites to get you started:

• https://www.freightercruises.com/
• http://www.hamburgsued-frachtschiffreisen.de/en/freightertravel/index.jsp

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• Thailand Cruises
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With hundreds of lush tropical islands, each more beautiful than the last – Thailand just might be heaven on earth.

Stretching south of Bangkok past the Myanmar border, Southern Thailand is a narrow strip of jungle-clad hills surrounded by some of the most gorgeous islands you’ve ever seen. Boulder-studded beaches give way to tropical forests housing national parks, hidden waterfalls and exotic animals. Limestone cliffs jut out from brilliant aquamarine waters brimming with underwater treasures. The Andaman Sea is warm, clear and filled with coral reef, making it a fantastic place for snorkelling and scuba diving. With so many tropical islands to choose from, there’s no better way to experience Southern Thailand than by boat; you can drop anchor wherever you like and cruise from one incredible island or snorkel spot to the next.

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Highlights of Thailand

Drop anchor off the coast of the Similan Islands

Divers all over the world know about this beautiful boulder-clad archipelago. Hiking trails let you explore the lush rainforest interior, while crystal clear waters with turtles, manta rays and colourful coral make the Similan Islands one of the best snorkelling areas of the south.

Unwind on Ko Yao Yai’s tranquil beaches

A quiet refuge from more travelled islands, Ko Yao Yai is all about the simple pleasures: slowing down, interacting with the locals, kayaking through mangrove forests and feasting on freshly caught seafood. The island is also known for its incredibly varied birdlife.

Snorkel at the Surin Islands

While coral can be seen throughout the Andaman Sea, the Surin Islands are considered to have some of the best diving spots in the world, Richelieu Rock among them. Spend the day snorkelling with colourful tropical fish and manta rays, or striking up conversations with the Moken locals.

Excursions and experiences

• Discover why UNESCO declared the Similan Islands a World Heritage site with some hiking its lush rainforests.
• Make the most of incredible snorkelling opportunities and explore coral reefs teeming with tropical fish and turtles, making the most of onboard snorkel gear.
• Tour a traditional village in the Surin Islands and meet the Moken people, the original seafaring inhabitants of the archipelago who continue to live a semi-nomadic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
• Enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner while anchored on the Andaman Sea for a slice of tropical paradise.
• Get to know the locals during a community visit to Baan Talay Nok, a village that was destroyed by the 2004 tsunami. Learn how to make local dishes and hear their amazing stories of resilience before sitting down to lunch.

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Cruise in style aboard this state-of-the-art Motor Sailer. Cabins are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay including air conditioning, en suite bathroom, mini-fridge and safe box. Enjoy meals in the cosy restaurant area on the lower desk or al fresco on the upper deck. A swimming platform lets you swim right off the boat.

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From Ancient Temples to Modern Towers

Thailand cruises.

Whether you're seeking paradise islands or contemplative temples, Thailand has it all.

Thailand is unique in Southeast Asia — it's the only country that never capitulated to a foreign power, so its culture and character remain distinctive and intact. You'll see it as you eat your way through varieties of spicy noodles at Bangkok's street food markets, take an hour for quiet contemplation in the temples of Chiang Mai or bask in the vibrant colors of Krabi and Phuket. Cruise to Thailand to explore stunning beaches like Kata Noi and Ya Nui near Phuket, glide down the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok in a traditional Thai boat, or adventure through the country's historic spots and see the Buddhas at the Grand Palace and the Wat Pho Temple.

En-gulf Yourself In Adventure

Serene temples, pristine beaches and spicy noodles await you on a cruise

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LEAVE THE LAND BEHIND

No matter where your Thailand cruise calls, a beautiful beach isn't far away. Sun yourself on the beaches of Krabi, or head out on a boating expedition in Bangkok or Phuket. Either way, you'll fall in love with the turquoise waters of Thailand.

THAI TAXI TRIPS

Long-tail boats are more than just pretty things to photograph, though you'll surely be called to snap a few photos of them. As far as southern Thailand's seafarers are concerned, they're the original taxi. If you're up for a getaway, hop on one of these water taxis for a day trip from Krabi or Phuket to quiet islands like Koh Poda or party spots like Koh Phi Phi.

BEACh-YA YOU WON'T WANT TO LEAVE

All of Thailand's beaches are amazing, but you're sure to notice some important differences. While the islands of the Andaman Sea (to the west and south of Phuket) feature dramatic cliffs and fluorescent waters, white sand and more muted shades of turquoise define the experience of swimming in the Gulf of Thailand south of Bangkok . No matter where you take a dip, though, you'll be in paradise.

SEAS THE DAY

Thailand's Koh Tao island is one of the world's most affordable and enjoyable places to SCUBA dive or get certified. Don't have time for a course? You can get amazing underwater views when you snorkel, so be sure to bring your underwater camera.

INLAND ADVENTURES

Thais are rightfully proud of their heritage, from the long-ruling Chakri dynasty to hundreds of years of Theravada Buddhism. From ancient culture to the pulse of modern Bangkok, you'll find a unique mix of the historic and the contemporary in Thailand with your cruise vacation.

SAVOR THE FLAVOR

Thailand's street food scene boasts quick, delicious meals to fuel you as you adventure through the cities. Don't be afraid to dive into local delicacies during your vacation, or pair familiar favorites like Pad Thai noodles and green curry chicken with tangy  Som Tam  papaya salad or crispy  Khaaw Muu Grop  pork belly with rice.

MONKEY AROUND IN THAILAND

Thailand offers a ton of opportunities to responsibly get wild. Ethical establishments like the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center in Phuket allow visitors to honor nature as they observe it, and at Khao Yai National Park, a less-than-two-hour drive from Bangkok, you can see elephants roam the land before you raft below thundering waterfalls.

CITY AND COUNTRY

While Thailand's temples give you a peek into ancient history, its cities offer more modern adventures. Explore award-winning shopping malls like Bangkok's Siam Paragon, or enjoy a panorama from the viewing deck of Baiyoke Sky Tower. To glimpse local culture, visit rice fields outside Chiang Mai or the villages of Phuket.

Start Your Southeast Asian Adventure in Thailand

While Krabi and Phuket have world-class beaches, you can find beautiful views all over Southeast Asia. Continue sailing southward toward Malaysia, where islands like Langkawi and Penang fuse amazing Andaman scenery with a mix of eclectic cultures. Southeast Asia is a wonderland for urban travelers, too. See the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur and Hanoi, explore ancient cities like Hong Kong or take advantage of world-class shopping, from Singapore's upmarket Orchard Road to the rough-and-tumble markets of Ho Chi Minh City.

THE PHUKET PERARL

While Phuket is where many travelers arrive in Thailand, it is also the perfect start to a Southeast Asian journey. Take long-tail boat trips to Koh Phi Phi or Koh Khao Phing Kan (aka "James Bond Island"), or explore the inland part of the island, where you can walk the streets of old-town Phuket or enjoy a panorama from atop the aptly named "Big Buddha."

STEP INTO SOUTHEAST ASIA

Thailand is both a cross-section of Southeast Asia and a gateway to the region. Cruise through the Andaman Sea to Malaysia, or sail into the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea to explore destinations like Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines . By adventuring through Southeast Asia, you're sure to see the region come alive.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO The Thai-Land of Paradise

Thailand is as much of a revelation for new Southeast Asia travelers as it is for those who are experienced in the region, and you can tailor your experience to your preferences — whether you're into nature trekking, beachside relaxation or urban exploring. Not impressed by the sprawling markets of Bangkok or the towering limestone cliffs of Krabi? Phuket's Old Town and Chiang Mai's Golden stupas should do the trick.

With their incredible hospitality, the Thai people embody the nation's nickname, the "Land of Smiles." Whether they greet you at your hotel with a friendly wai and bow or deliver you delicious local cuisine, Southeast Asia's most independent people are also its most welcoming.

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Basic English is broadly spoken in areas of Thailand where tourists often visit, but learning some basic Thai will earn you many smiles.

Service of alcohol in Thailand is prohibited before 11 a.m. and between 2-5 p.m., so be sure to head to the bar at the right times.

To show respect for local customs, remove your shoes whenever entering a temple or a local person's home.

CUISINE HOW TO SAY "DELICIOUS" IN THAI

Thai can be a difficult language for non-natives, but you should definitely learn the word  aroi , which means "delicious." It'll be the perfect way to describe the indulgent cuisine of the area, full of bright spices, pungent fish sauce and tangy vinegar.

WOK ThIS WAY

Whether you eat it with shrimp, pork or chicken, few Thai dishes are more satisfying than stir-fried noodles, also known as pad thai. Stop by one of the food stalls on Charoen Krung Road or another of Bangkok's popular street food spots, where pad thai is traditionally cooked up with tangy-sweet paste of tamarind, a tropical fruit.

Spicy, creamy green curry is even more delicious in Thailand than it is at home. The creamy coconut milk base of this comforting Thai classic is made with fragrant green chilies, lemongrass, ginger and garlic. Make sure to order rice, since the dish is served a la carte here.

PAPAYA PRIDE

There's no better way to get a taste of Thailand's northeast Isaan cuisine than som tam, a salad made with shredded green papaya, fresh tomatoes, dried shrimp, a squeeze of lime juice and as much or as little chili as you like.

Related Ports

Explore the bustling streets of Bangkok, tasting your way through street-food vendors and side-stepping tuk tuk rickshaws. Swim in crystal clear blue waters surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rocks in Phuket. Or make your way to neighboring Malaysia to experience Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

Phuket, Thailand

Bangkok (Laemchabang), Thailand

Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia

Langkawi, Malaysia

Penang, Malaysia

Malacca, Malaysia

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Going to Thai islands by boat

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Departure from Khao San

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Ferries to Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan (that accept your car or scooter) leave from Donsak 70 km from Surat Thani, regulars boats to the same islands can depart from Chumphon. To go to Koh Chang, Koh Wai, Koh Mak, Koh Kood, departures are from the South of Trat (Laem Ngob). To go to Railay, which is not an island but an isthmus only accessible by sea, the departures are from Ao Nong or Chaofa Pier in Krabi. To go to Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, boats depart from Krabi, Railay and Phuket and from Banphe near Rayong to go to Koh Samet island... Note that if you have booked a hotel, sometimes they also provide boat transfer to the island.

The easiest way to purchase boat tickets is to go directly to travel agencies or boat companies desks at the pier or to book them online on this website . Find out about the ticket prices by visiting companies websites (see below) to get an idea of the rates before you get there. And sometimes you can also book online. Be careful during ferry transfers if you travel with bus + ferry formula, do not leave anything valuable in the bus even in your luggage, sometimes there are thefts from suitcases during the trip.

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Getting Around Bangkok by Boats and River Ferries

TripSavvy / Paula Galindo Valle

Boats and ferries are a convenient and interesting way to get around Bangkok, and although boat travel can be intimidating at first, once you figure out the routes and the rules they're very easy to use.

Bangkok has two boat systems: the Chao Phraya river ferry system and the canal ferry system. The river ferry is operated by the Chao Phraya Express Boat Company , which publishes the schedule and map on their website, but there is no canal ferry map or schedule available online.

There is also a tourist boat that runs from the Saphan Thaksin Sky Train stop to Phra Athit near Khao San Road . The tourist boat stops only at piers with major tourist attractions nearby and there is an announcer who narrates the journey. Tourist boats are more expensive but are also less crowded than commuter boats.

Important Information About Commuter Boats

The riverboats in Bankok run express or local and travel either inside the city center or beyond it, and different colored flags let riders know which boat they are boarding.

On the Chao Phraya river, the last boat on each route will fly a black flag indicating that the schedule boat service has ended for the day. Most boats run from 5 a.m. to about 7 p.m. and run as fast as every 10 minutes during peak times and as slow as every hour during off-peak times, but there are no night boats in Bankok.

Canal boats also called Khlong boats, run on Bangkok's major canals. The most popular route is the San Saeb canal ferry, which runs parallel to Petchaburi Road all the way to the Golden Mount. Canal boats and river boats make stops very quickly so there's not a lot of time to get on and off. Move quickly and follow the lead of the people around you!

Most trips on either the river or the canal boats cost less than 30 baht (the commuter express boat is a little more). A fare collector will come around to you to sell you a ticket. River and canal boat stops are well-marked. Canal boat stops can be difficult to find because the canals are not always obvious from the street.

Taking Tourists Boats in Bangkok

If you'd rather learn a bit more about the history of Bankok and get to know the city on your travels but don't mind spending a little more on your boat fare, the tourist boats of Bangkok are a great way to get around while being educated about the city.

The  Chao Phraya Tourist Boat , operated by the Chao Phraya Express Boat Company, is one of the most popular of these services in the city, offering guided tour rides along the Choa Phraya river between Saphan Thaksin Sky Train and Phra Athit.

These boats fly blue flags and stop at many of the major piers along the river, getting you quickly between major tourist attractions like Wat Arun, Ratchawongse, and Tha Maharaj. You only have to buy one ticket and you can hop on and off any blue-flag ferry by presenting your One-day River Pass. The cost is 40 baht per trip or 100 baht for the all-day pass.

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Exploring Thailand by Boat: A Guide to the Best Routes

For those looking to explore Thailand, the idea of taking a boat to get there is an exciting and romantic one. There are routes available that take you through some of the most beautiful parts of the country, where you can experience the culture, cuisine, and sights of Thailand while avoiding the hustle and bustle of air travel. Whether you’re looking to go by ferry or cruise ship, there are plenty of ways to get to Thailand by boat.

One of the most popular routes for exploring Thailand by boat is the trip from Singapore to Phuket. The journey takes about a day and a half, and travelers can enjoy a range of activities along the way. From snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea to tasting the delicious Thai cuisine, there is plenty to do on this route. There are also several stops along the way, such as Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, and Krabi, where visitors can explore the culture and sights of the country.

For those looking for a more leisurely trip, a cruise along the Gulf of Thailand is a great way to get to Thailand by boat. On this route, travelers can enjoy days of relaxation, sunbathing and swimming, as well as stops to visit the many islands and attractions of the area. From the bustling city of Pattaya to the tranquil islands of Koh Tao and Koh Samui, there is something for everyone on this route.

For those wanting to take an even longer journey, the trip from the Indian Ocean to Thailand is the perfect route. This route takes travelers through the stunning islands of the Andaman Sea, and stops at some of the most beautiful destinations in the area. From the pristine beaches of Koh Chang to the exciting nightlife of Koh Phangan, this route has something to offer everyone.

No matter which route you choose, getting to Thailand by boat is an experience that you’ll never forget. From the culture, cuisine, and sights of the country to the relaxation and beauty of the ocean, there is something for everyone on these routes. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely cruise or an adventure-filled journey, there are plenty of ways to get to Thailand by boat.

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Island hopping in Thailand by speedboat and ferry

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Why visit Thailand?

Thailand is one of the world's most beautiful countries, with over 300 gorgeous islands to enjoy! With secret snorkelling spots, restaurants on the beach, beautiful sunrises and sunsets and relaxing vibes, you will have an amazing time no matter where you end up spending your time.

Thai food is delicious and hugely varied — you will never have to eat the same dish twice because the cuisine changes as their location does. Thai people are very friendly, and if you are lucky enough to receive an invitation to taste their traditional cuisine in their home you should definitely accept the offer!

The country has three distinct seasons that allow tourists to visit all year round. The dry season is from November to February where temperatures range from 19-30 degrees celsius. The rainy season is from June to October, the temperature is about 26-32 degrees celsius (it should be noted that it only rains in short bursts and there are plenty of sunny days). From March to May is the hot season with 29-38 degrees celsius. Knowing what sort of weather to be prepared for means you can relax and enjoy the country at any time of year!

Water travel is ubiquitous in Thailand, and it's easy to see why, as the country has 3,219 kilometers of coastline and hundreds of islands in both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Some of the large islands have airports, but most do not, so if you want to visit these magnificent places you will have to travel by ferry!

Getting around the coast and islands by boat is affordable, safe and comfortable. A lot of companies provide reliable and high-speed connections between all Thai destinations, and there are also international crossings available to the Malaysian island, Langkawi. Whether you are basing yourself at one location, or you're planning to go island hopping, there are a wide variety of options, including ferries, night ferries, catamarans, speedboats, and longtail boats. Wherever you're going, we can help you find a reliable and comfortable travel provider, and our excellent business partnerships make Duckferries the best place to book your ticket.

Snorkeling trip, Thailand

From Phuket to Krabi, from Koh Samui to Koh Pangan...

Island hopping is strongly recommended, and based on the length of your stay, you will probably have to decide whether you want to visit the islands in the Gulf of Thailand or in the Andaman Sea. Several of the islands are only accessible during high season, so double-check the time table before planning your island hopping route.

The Gulf of Thailand is massive and there are no ferry options that will take you directly from one side to the other, so we suggest dividing the island routes into two — one in the Surat Thani province and the other in the Trat province. If you are travelling via Cambodia, for example, the Trat route is ideal because it is on the border, whilst the Surat Thani province is home to popular Koh Samui island.

The Andaman Sea is ideal for island-hopping. The main islands are Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, and Phuket, but there are some smaller hidden gems as well: The peaceful Koh Yao Yai island situated only 40 minutes from Krabi by speedboat, or Koh Mook island, known for the Morakot Cave (Emerald Cave), snorkelling spots, beachside restaurant and beautiful sunsets.

Khao Lak, Thailand

We have sorted out a list of most popular islands and departure points to assist you with your better orientation. It's worth noting that finding the right place to catch your ferry can be a little confusing, as there are so many islands, with so many routes and different departure ports, but we have tried to collect all the information here to help you plan your trip easily.

Some of the smaller islands often have only one daily connection (depending on the season) so it is worth booking early to ensure you make the most of your time while on vacation. On the more popular routes, the ferry goes several times a day, but it's also worth booking in advance. All ferries leave according to a fixed timetable.

Naka Island, Phuket

Gulf of Thailand

How to get to koh kood, koh mak, and koh chang.

These Thai islands sit on the eastern side of the Gulf of Thailand, with ferry piers close to the city of Trat for all three islands. It takes just 30 minutes from pier to the Koh Chang island, whilst Kod Kood is around 5 hours away. Koh Mak is between the two.

There are various destination points, so we recommend arranging accommodation first, and then selecting the ferry company that arrives closest to your chosen resort. Another option for this region is island-hopping by speedboat and catamaran!

How you choose to get to Trat depends on your budget: If you prefer comfort, you can go by car, for the fastest option fly to Trat airport (one hour from Bangkok), but the cheapest option is to catch the public bus.

How to get to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Samui

The three largest islands in the Gulf of Thailand are situated off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus and are very popular tourist destinations, accessed from either Surat Thani or Chumphon on the mainland, by buying a bus & ferry combination ticket. Samui itself has an International Airport, so flying from Bangkok is the easiest option, although the bus or overnight train offer cheaper alternatives if travelling from elsewhere in Thailand.

Another money saving option is to take a night boat from Chumphon or Surat Thani to save on a night's accommodation elsewhere.

If you have your own transport, you can head directly to the port in Donsak.

Infinity pool, Thailand

Andaman Sea

How to get between phuket, krabi, koh lanta and koh phi phi.

These popular locations lie on the edge of the Andaman Sea, off the west coast of Thailand. The main departure/arrival port in Phuket is Rassada Pier in Phuket Town and is a one hour drive from Phuket Airport. In Krabi, you will find the main ferry pier (Klong Jirad Pier) in the south of Krabi Town, 30 minutes drive from Krabi Airport. Boats leave from Krabi about every 2 hours.

For Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi you can catch a ferry from Phuket, Krabi or Railay beach (Railay is not an island itself, but you do need to take a ferry from Ao Nang or Chaofa Pier to get there). Koh Lanta is accessible by car ferry from November to April, and another option is a private transfer from Krabi Airport, either to the pier in Krabi Town or in Ao Nang. Ferries primarily serve the main areas of Rassada Pier in Phuket and Koh Lanta, but there are usually several stops on the way so the trip from Phuket can be 4 hours long.

Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands situated halfway between Phuket and Krabi. Journey time for ferries is about two hours from Phuket and 90 minutes from Krabi. Speedboats between Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta take 70 minutes.

How to get from Phuket to Krabi

You can get from Phuket to Krabi by ferry, bus, taxi, or rent a car. Travel time by either ferry or bus is 2.5 hours, but the bus will drop you off 12 km outside the city centre, so you will have to book a taxi for the last leg.

Krabi Town Beach resort

How to get to Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a Thai island paradise situated in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of northwestern Malaysia. There are several routes and services between four principal harbours in Thailand and one Malaysian island.

Coming from the north part of the Andaman Sea, you can take the ferry from Phuket (5.5 hours), Krabi (4.5 hours) and Koh Lanta island (3 hours). Another route is from Trang (2 hours 15 minutes).

If coming from the south of Thailand, you can catch a ferry from Pak Bara pier, in Satun province (1.5 hours).

How to get to Langkawi

Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah, is an island located in the South Andaman Sea, close to the Malaysian/Thai border and famous for its laid back atmosphere compared to other parts of Malaysia. There are two options to get there. The first is by plane from Kuala Lumpur, China, Singapore, Thailand, or Qatar to Langkawi International Airport. The other is by speedboat from Thailand, Koh Lipe, or the Malaysian ferry docks — either at the bus stand at Kuala Perlis (75 minutes), the Alor Setar ferry terminal in Kuala Kedah (1.5 hours), or in Penang (2 hours 45 min).

The ferry from Langkawi (Kuah Jetty) to Koh Lipe (Bundhaya Beach) sails 3 times a day, and takes 30 minutes. If you travel between Langkawi and anywhere in Thailand, be aware that the boat may make a stop off at Koh Lipe for immigration procedures.

Koh Phi Phi

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How to Travel by Slow Boat from Laos to Thailand

While you could easily book an hour flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai for less than $200, there’s something romantic about traveling the same distance over land and water. Although a slow boat in combination with a bus will take you close to three days to get from Laos to Thailand, you will save a third of the cost AND witness the true beauty of Laos by boat on the Mekong River.

In August 2019, I made the journey from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai via slow boat and bus ride. The boat ride will get you to the Thai border, and a bus will take you the rest of the way to Chang Rai, Chiang Mai, Pai, or beyond. Below, find a complete step-by-step guide on how to travel from Laos to Thailand by slow boat including a complete itinerary, prices, and recommendations.

Right off the bat, you can expect to pay around $60 USD total to travel from Luang Prabang, Laos to Chiang Rai, Thailand. This price estimate includes the cost of slow boat tickets, tuk tuks, border crossing fees, lodging, and bus tickets for a solo traveller. This does not include food.

Note: While the route below is for travel from Laos to Thailand, this itinerary in reverse will also work from Thailand to Laos.

1. Slow Boat from Luang Prabang to Pak Beng

The slow boat terminal  is inconveniently located 20 minutes outside of central Luang Prabang, just north of the airport along the Mekong River. While your mileage may vary depending on the size of your travel group, I paid 50,000 kip for a private tuk tuk from Luang Prabang to the slow boat terminal.

You’ll find the boat ticket office prominently located next the the riverbank. In my experience, all staff working in the boat office spoke good English. Before buying my slow boat ticket to Pak Beng, I asked if it was possible to also buy the slow boat ticket from Pak Beng to the Thailand border. I was told this is not possible, so I just bought the ticket to Pak Beng for 100,000 kip.

As of 2019, the slow boat departs daily at 8:30 AM. The slow boat I took in August left 15 minutes after scheduled departure at 8:45 AM and arrived around 5:45 PM. In total, the slow boat from Luang Prabang to Pak Beng took 9 hours.

The slow boat from Luang Prabang to Pak Beng had two rows of wooden tables surrounded by very comfortable seats on either side. The seats appear to be taken right out of a car or bus.

There is a no shoes policy on board the slow boat. Bags are provided for you to put your shoes in. Because of this, I recommend you wear shoes and socks.

At the rear of the slow boat are two private bathrooms with sit-down toilets and paper. In front of that is a sink with soap.

While I recommend you bring a sandwich, fresh fruit, and water on board with you, you do have the option of purchasing food and drinks on board. You’ll be on the boat for around 9 hours, so you’re sure to get hungry. Options for food are limited to noodle soup or potato chips. Drinks include Beerlao, soda, water, tea, and coffee.

Spend the Night in Pak Beng

Once you get off the boat in Pak Beng, locals will try to get you to stay at their hotel. I found that prices for guesthouses tend to decrease the further you walk into town. In either case, you’ll have plenty of lodging options to choose from in Pak Beng.

Prices for a standard room with no air-conditioning cost as low as 40,000 kip. I got my ice-cold A/C room for 90,000 kip at the Thip Phavan Guesthouse which included decent Wi-Fi and free drinking water.

2. Slow Boat from Pak Beng to Huay Xai

Continue your slow boat journey from Laos to Thailand the next morning.

According to my host, the slow boat from Pak Beng to Huay Xai departs daily at 8 AM. There’s no need to buy your slow boat ticket the night before.

Simply show up to the riverbank by 7:45 AM and buy your ticket on board. There will probably be other tourists doing the same as you. Just tell the locals that you want to got to Hauy Xai or the Thailand border, and they’ll point you in the right direction.

The price of a slow boat ticket is 110,000 kip from Pak Beng to Huay Xai.

While the second slow boat was bigger than the first, I preferred the first slow boat. The second slow boat had higher walls which meant you couldn’t sit in your seat and enjoy the views. In order to do this, you had to stand up and look around. Additionally, there were no tables on this slow boat, just similar comfortable chairs.

The same food was available for purchase. Again, what I did was pack a sandwich from the Ounhouan Restaurant and bought some fresh cut pineapple, mangosteen, and rambutan from a fruit lady on my way to the boat.

This leg of the journey took nearly 10 hours as we didn’t arrive in Hauy Xai until 6:45 PM. Although the boat was scheduled to depart at 8 AM, it didn’t leave until around 8:45.

3. Immigration at the Thai–Laos Border

Once you’re off the boat in Hauy Xai, a border town near Thailand, hire a tuk tuk to take you to the Laos Border Control and Immigration Office . This 12 km journey will take around 20 minutes. In a group, it should cost you no more than 20,000 kip per person.

Proceed to the immigration office where you’ll get your passport stamped to exit Laos. Since it’s probably around 7 PM by now, you have to pay a 10,000 kip overtime fee.

Next, you must pay for a 10,000 kip bus ticket to take you across the Chiang Khong-Huay Xai Friendship Bridge. There is no option to cross the bridge by foot. We had to wait a good half hour for the bus to arrive.

Please note that there are a couple of ATMs here that dispense Laos kip. In addition, you can exchange your leftover kip for a fair exchange rate when you buy your bus ticket.

While it was short, I found the bus trip fascinating. Since Laos drives on the right side and Thailand on the left side of the road, there is an interchange on the other side of the bridge where the road switches sides. Keep your eyes peeled—very cool!

The bus will drive a short distance and drop you off at the Chiang Khong Immigration Office . Here, you’ll get your Thailand visa on arrival. I was pleasantly surprised that many countries including the US don’t pay a Thailand visa fee. It’s free for up to 30 days. All you have to do is fill out a tourist immigration form and get your passport stamped.

At this point, you’re officially in Thailand!

Spend the Night in Chiang Khong

Finally, hire yet another tuk tuk to take you into Chiang Khong. An official tuk tuk hire station is positioned as you exit border control. Because it is after hours, a tuk tuk into Chiang Khong costs a flat rate of 100 baht per person. Normally, the rate is 60 baht.

Again, there are ATMs available that dispense Thai baht.

I stayed at Nam Khong Guest House and Resort which has blazing fast internet, a nice pool, and clean facilities. While the standard rate for a room for two without air-conditioning is 200 baht, apparently the rate is only 180 baht on Booking.com. Split the cost of your room with someone from the boat and you’re looking at a 90 baht bungalow.

4. Bus to Chiang Rai

The final step in this journey is to take a bus from Chiang Khong to Chiang Rai. The lady running the Nam Khong Resort told me that busses to Chiang Rai depart pretty much every half hour from the local bus station .

Only a 10 minute walk from the Nam Khong Resort, the bus station is located 20 meters off the main road behind some shops. The cost of a bus ticket to Chiang Rai is 65 baht. While the trip should take 2 hours, it ends up taking close to 3 hours because of stops along the way to drop off and pick up.

In Chiang Rai, the bus will drop you off at either Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 or 2. My bus dropped me off at terminal 1 which was within walking distance of Mercy Hostel , a modern hostel with fast internet, a gym, and shallow pool. A bed in an 8 person dorm costs 200 baht per night.

What About the Fast Boat?

You also have the option of taking a fast boat either to Pak Beng for 175,000 kip or all to way to Huay Xai for 290,000 kip. While you’ll arrive in a fraction of the time, this method of travel is known to be risky. Apparently the captain of the fast boat wears a helmet in case of crashes. For that reason, I recommend taking the slow boat.

I have plenty more Laos travel blog posts here , so check them out. On the other hand, if you’re leaving Laos, read about Thailand here .

Let me know below if you have any questions about the slow boat, Laos, or Thailand travel in general.

After years of backpacking the world solo, Tony is an expert when it comes to budget travel. Discover why Tony quit his job to travel on the cheap, and follow him on YouTube for all the latest.

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Imagine for a moment that you are on the deck of a ship, sipping a glass of wine. You turn your head towards the water just in time to spot a pod of dolphins swimming by or flying fish, providing company in the ocean. After lingering in the sunshine for a while, it's time to head inside for a 3-course evening meal and a splash in the pool before retiring to bed.

Now, what kind of vessel are you on?

No, you are not on a standard commercial cruise ship. You are not on a packed luxury liner hopping between Caribbean islands. You are aboard a modern freighter. Hundreds of cargo ships, carrying everything from fire engines to apples, are crossing the world's oceans, and many are happy to take you along for the ride. Adventurous travelers, including the Transitions Abroad family, have been doing so for years, as have many long before us.

What Does Travel on a Cargo Ship Feel Like?

A far more intimate and relaxed experience than you might imagine! The experience on board contrasts sharply with the rough and industrial outward appearance a container ship tends to project. You will be one of a handful of passengers among a crew likely to number up to a dozen or a few more. There will be no evening cabaret shows as on a standard cruise, though you may have access to TV, video, and board games in a common area on the ship where passengers may meet the crew. You may even play cards with the crew under the night skies. You might be invited to karaoke with the sailors, and you will almost always dine alongside the captain, who is far more likely to turn up in shorts and a t-shirt than in full uniform. Some cargo ships also offer equipped exercise rooms or pools.

Here was our first taste of the wonders of sea travel. Our introduction to freighter travel was a relatively short 5-day sailing between Australia and New Zealand. We joined the French ship CMA CGM Utrillo in the busy port of Melbourne, where our luggage — including two bicycles and bags — was quickly hauled on board and into a spacious cabin by a host of cheery Filipino deckhands.

What are the Costs of Cargo Ship Travel?

Depending upon your destination (Transatlantic, Transpacific, South Seas, Worldwide, and other special combinations), your daily freighter travel costs will be about $100-$130 per day per person per day with a luggage allowance of approximately 30kg-100kg (66-220lbs) depending on the line you are taking. Generally, US dollars are the primary currency used onboard to buy soft drinks, snacks, beer, and toiletries. You can then use your credit cards at each location you disembark.

What kind of Hospitality Can You Expect on Board?

Our next surprise was how quickly we felt part of the family. Just moments after arriving, our fellow passenger (a French woman "going around the world in 80 days”) hinted that the captain was sure to throw us a welcome barbecue. “He does that for every one new,” she said with a wink. Sure enough, the next evening was spent on the back deck of the ship, feasting on grilled fish and chatting with the seamen as the sun went down.

One of our concerns before sailing was that we'd find the days long. It was just the opposite. There were three square meals a day (hearty plates of meat and vegetables for workers) and our time between eating was filled with strolls around the deck and trips up to the bridge to check our position and ask questions.

Had there ever been stowaways? Yes, once a harmless passenger was allowed to board. What about pirates? Not here, but there were off the coast of Africa. And just how much fuel did a cargo ship need? In the current era of relatively low oil prices, $60,000 U.S. a day will generally cover the trip.

Why is it a Relaxing Way to Travel?

With our curiosity temporarily curbed, we would return to our cabin for reading our books or Kindle, journal writing, and a bit of table tennis if we felt especially energetic. Far away from the hustle and bustle of life on firm land, we were truly relaxed. The experience was in complete contrast to our usual hurried airplane trips.

For Hamish Jamieson, the owner of Freighter Travel NZ and one of only a handful of travel agents in the world licensed to book tickets on cargo ships, the simplicity of being at sea is the main attraction.

“When you're sitting up the front of the bow of the ship, on your own, and all you see is the sea going past and you hear the wind and waves, you're in heaven. For me, an afternoon...sitting right on the bow, watching the world go by with my binoculars, that's my heaven,” he said.

What Kind of Flexibility is Needed for Freighter Travel?

Of course, nothing in life is all smooth sailing. While we didn't encounter any problems during our trip, we did struggle with the uncertain nature of freighter travel before we boarded. Our initial departure date jumped forward first by three days and then seemed to bounce around by 12-24 hours every time we called to check the latest news. Ours was not an uncommon experience and you must prepare yourself for flexibility.

Even ports of call are not guaranteed because on a cargo ship, freight comes first, not the passengers. If the demand is not there for a certain stop, the ship will go where the business is.

“Our trip from the USA to Europe changed three times after initial booking,” said Rebecca Hogue and Scott Drennan, then on a journey around the world without using airplanes . Their initial trip from South Carolina to Belgium was from Florida to Italy. “Had we not been flexible with our departure times and locations, things would not have worked out.”

As Mr. Jamieson is fond of telling his passengers, when you go to sea, there are two things you must pack: a sense of humor and a sense of patience.

What are the Practical Issues?

Your trip may also involve some red tape, particularly concerning U.S. stops. American citizens are not permitted, for example, to travel within their country by cargo ship, although they can make international journeys. Meanwhile, travelers to the United States must have a visa, even if they would not need one to arrive by air. Only Canadians are exempt from this rule.

Be sure to budget time and money to get vaccinations like Yellow Fever if you are going through the Suez and Panama canals. A medical certificate declaring you in generally good health is another typical requirement.

Where in the World Do You Want to Go?

The hardest part of booking your cargo ship voyage is deciding where to go. Will it be to South America and around Cape Horn? How about a 55-day round trip from California to Australia and New Zealand via Tahiti and Mexico? Mr. Jamieson offers a few more ideas and favorite voyages based on years of experience.

“For me the ultimate voyage is from Auckland, in New Zealand, to Singapore. It takes 40-45 days to sail what you can fly in just under 12 hours but it visits nearly every island in the Pacific on the way and it stops for 2-3 days. The second choice for me would be from Singapore through to Houston in Texas. It goes up through Thailand, Vietnam, half a dozen ports in China, into Japan, then straight across the Pacific and through the Panama Canal.”

With enough time and money at your disposal--round-the-world trips can take 80 to 100 days or more--there are few places a cargo ship can't reach. Voyage destinations on cargo ships can change, so the many options available will often surprise you. You need to be adventurous enough to do your research, find a specialized cargo ship travel agent (see resources below), and then get on board.

The Golden Rules of Cargo Ship Travel

• Be prepared to make your own fun. There are seldom programmed activities aside from the odd safety drill.
• Go before you're too old. An upper age limit of 77-80 years is not uncommon, as no doctor on board and there are often plenty of stairs.
• Check that your travel insurance covers freighter travel.
• Be flexible. Schedules can and do change frequently. You may need 2-3 ships to reach your destination.
• Book in advance. Cabins are limited and the most popular routes can be sold out by ships months ahead.
• Forget about working in exchange for your passage. Current union rules mean this is no longer permitted.
• Take a good supply of seasickness pills. While not very common, rough weather can occur, sending tables, chairs, and your stomach flying across the room.
• Wifi and other modern electronics are now often available on cargo ships for travelers . If connectivity is important to you, ask whether those options are accessible and free in advance.

Friedel Rother gave up her job as a journalist for Reuters to ride a bicycle around the world with her husband. They have published two books in addition to cycling.

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Best ways to get to Thailand

Planning a trip to Thailand? Depending on where you’re travelling from, there are a few options when it comes to how to get there. We’ve compiled some of the best ways to get to Thailand for you, including travel by air, sea, or land.

How to get to Thailand

Flying to thailand, getting to thailand by boat, getting to thailand by land, where should you fly to.

With many major airlines flying into Thailand, you have plenty of options no matter where you’re travelling from and flying is definitely one of the best ways to get to Thailand.

Flying to Thailand is convenient and affordable, as you may be able to find some flight deals depending on the time of year you decide to travel.

The largest airports in Thailand are in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Chiang Rai, Na Thon (Ko Samui Island), Hat Yai, Surat Thani, and Udon Thani, though the majority of travellers fly into Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Most international and domestic airlines operate there, including Thai Airways, British Airways, and EVA Air. It’s a convenient location to begin your trip in Thailand, as the airport is linked to the city by buses and taxis, as well as Airport Rail Link – a high-speed train service into downtown Bangkok.

The cheapest way of getting to most regional Thai airports is usually to buy a flight to Bangkok, and then a separate domestic ticket to your desired location. Alternatively, there are also many international routes into Phuket, including direct flights with several airlines from Australia.

To get to Koh Samui, there are flights from Singapore and Hong Kong with Bangkok Airways, or from Kuala Lumpur with Berjaya Airlines and Firefly. For Krabi, you can fly from Kuala Lumpur with AirAsia, or from Singapore with Tiger Airways.

You can also fly to Chiang Mai from Singapore with Silk Air, or with AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur and Macau. Flying to Chiang Mai with Korean Airlines from Seoul is a popular route for North American travellers.

READ MORE: The best cities to visit in Thailand

When looking at the best ways to get to Thailand, considering the budget is also important. Airfares to Thailand can differ drastically depending on the season, and this is something you should consider when planning a trip to Thailand.

You’ll find the highest prices between mid-November to mid-February, when the weather is best, with additional premium rates charged for flights between mid-December and New Year.

Prices in July and August are also high, as these months coincide with the school holidays. If you’re looking to travel during these peak times, you’ll need to book several months in advance for a chance at reasonably priced tickets.

READ MORE: The best time to visit Thailand

If you’re looking to travel in luxury, perhaps a cruise to Thailand is the best way to get to Thailand for you. There are four main ports in Thailand where cruises are likely to stop.

During high season, ships moor off Patong Beach and tender passengers to shore. In the monsoon season, they dock at Phuket Deep Sea Port. It’s a convenient 20-minute drive to Phuket Town from here, and taxis or bemos (three-wheel minibuses) will be available at the pier.

If you’re a food-lover, photographer or big shopper, this is the destination I’d recommend for you. Most ships dock at Laem Chabang, a two-hour drive from Bangkok, but some smaller ships may head up the river to Khlong Toei Port near central Bangkok.

Best for water-lovers seeking action, cruise ships arriving here anchor off Nathon and tender passengers to shore. Conveniently, the city centre is within a 15-minute walk of the pier, but taxis are also available.

Krabi is a great destination for couples and those who like to stay active. Once you arrive, you can hire a tuk-tuk to get around on land or try out a traditional longtail boat from the beach for independent island hopping.

READ MORE: The best islands in Thailand to visit during your trip

Where to book your cruises to Thailand?

Most cruises to Phuket, Bangkok, Ko Samui and Krabi are available with:

• Crystal Cruises (Phuket, Bangkok, Ko Samui)
• Princess Cruises (Phuket, Bangkok, Ko Samui)
• Royal Caribbean (Phuket, Bangkok, Ko Samui)
• Avalon Waterways (Bangkok)
• Azamara Cruises (Bangkok, Ko Samui)
• Celebrity Cruises (Bangkok, Ko Samui)
• Holland America Line (Bangkok, Ko Samui)
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises (Bangkok, Ko Samui)
• Seabourn (Bangkok)
• Silversea (Bangkok, Ko Samui, Krabi)
• Viking River Cruises (Bangkok)
• Oceania Cruises (Ko Samui)
• P&O Cruises (Ko Samui, Krabi)

It’s possible to drive into Thailand, and this can be a convenient way of travelling from several countries. Thailand shares land borders with Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia, so it can work well as part of many overland itineraries.

You do need to be aware of the restrictions on overland routes in and out of Thailand, as they’ll be determined by where the permitted land crossings lie and might be dependent on visas. The correct paperwork is also crucial if you’re planning to drive your own car or motorbike into Thailand, so be sure to do your research before you travel.

If you love road trips, this is the best way to get to Thailand for you.

Getting to Thailand from Cambodia

There are several overland crossings on the Thai–Cambodia border that are open to non-Thais. Most travellers use the crossing at Poipet, which lies just across the border from the Thai town of Aranyaprathet. From here, transport is available to Bangkok.

A popular alternative is to follow the route from Sihanoukville in Cambodia via Koh Kong and Hat Lek to Trat, which is near Ko Chang on Thailand’s east coast.

The crossings in northeast Thailand include the Chong Chom–O’Smach border pass and the Sa Ngam–Choam border in Sisaket Province. There are also two crossings in Chanthaburi Province, with transport to and from Pailin in Cambodia.

Getting to Thailand from Laos

There are five main points along the Lao border where travellers can cross into Thailand: Houayxai (for Chiang Khong); Vientiane (for Nong Khai); Khammouan (for Nakhon Phanom); Savannakhet (for Mukdahan); and Pakse (for Chong Mek).

Getting to Thailand from Malaysia and Singapore

There are a few routes available to get to Thailand from Malaysia and Singapore, so this may be a convenient option for travellers spending time in these countries. One option is to travel overland from Kangar to Ban Khuan, by car or by bus.

Most Western tourists can spend 30 days in Malaysia and 14 days in Singapore without having bought a visa beforehand, so you may want to consider beginning your trip here as it can be one of the easiest and best ways to get to Thailand.

Don’t miss out on our Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide for tips on everything you need to know when planning your trip to Thailand so you can make the most of your time in the Land of Smiles!

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The Local Way Between Laos and Thailand

March 13, 2024 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment

As I wrote about in a recent post , I don’t think I was prepared for how…local the slow boat from Laos to Thailand would be. Picture it: A rickety wooden vessel filled with upholstered seats salvaged from junkyard cars, and packed to the gills with tourists, locals and way too many Chinese laborers for comfort’s sake.

Now, the journey wasn’t all bad; once I got adjusted to life onboard, the journey was actually pretty relaxing and pleasant. This is to say nothing of how much better the second day—yes, it takes two days—ended up being than the first.

But then, I’m getting ahead of myself. After all, I’m writing about the slow boat from Luang Prabang to Thailand—there’s no need to rush the narration, now is there?

How to Book the Slow Boat from Laos to Thailand

If you take the “local” version of the slow boat from Thailand to Luang Prabang (or do the reverse course, as I did), there’s not really a way to book it online in advance. Rather, hotels in Luang Prabang (and, somewhat less commonly, Chiang Rai) can book your tickets for you. The cost of the boat is negligible, which may surprise you when you book but…well, you’ll see why once you board.

If you want to enjoy a slightly less rustic experience, there are some “luxury” slowboat options. The one with the best reviews—I haven’t done any of these yet, full disclosure—is Shompoo , whose upstream cruise from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai is its most famous offering. This boat offers much more space and comfort than the local one, and also allows you to enjoy actual food and drink onboard (instead of just instant noodles and bottled beer).

How Your Slow Boat Journey Will Go

Early morning pick-up.

When I booked my slow boat from my hotel in Luang Prabang, I was skeptical that the “6 AM” pick-up time the receptionist quoted me would prove to be accurate. In fact, they arrived around 7 AM; it was another 30 minutes to the departure pier (which was surprisingly far outside of town). This seemed to be a common occurrence for others onboard as well, so don’t stress too much about being on-time!

TIP: Depending on what time your pick-up is scheduled, you may be able to watch part or all of the morning Alms giving ceremony in Luang Prabang before you leave!

Culture shock

Upon boarding the slow boat from Laos to Thailand, I was shocked primarily because of just how spartan the arrangements on-board were. Seats (which had clearly been harvested from old cars) were packed in tightly, and the environment was claustrophobic, to say the least. Worse, I happened to be seated next to half a dozen Chinese laborers who didn’t shut up for at least the first two hours.

A late arrival into Pak Beng

When they say “slow” boat, they mean it. After setting off from Luang Prabang at around 8:30 AM, it took us until around 5:30 PM—a full working day!—to get to Pak Beng. Thankfully, there’s not a lot to do here. I only ended up having enough time to eat dinner, but as it turns out that was literally the only thing I could do. Well, accept attempt to sleep (the room wasn’t what you would call comfortable).

Day two is easier

A big part of your experience onboard the slow boat from Luang Prabang to Thailand is which boat you end up getting. The one I boarded on day two was much more spacious than day one had been; the aforementioned Chinese laborers were nowhere to be found. I also enjoyed the scenery more than day, and overall found it all to be way more pleasant.

(But lasts longer than you expect)

In spite of feeling less stressed on day two, it was more or less the same travel time. We arrived into Huay Xai, across the river from Chiang Kong, Thailand, at around 5:30 PM, literally right as the sun was setting. By the time I completed border formalities and got into a share van with some others from the boat, it was nearly dark; it was almost my bed time by the time I finally arrived in Chiang Rai .

Is the Slow Boat to Thailand Worth It?

Upon arriving in Huay Xai after two days on the slow boat, I disembarked the vessel feeling very grateful for having taken the journey. However, as I alluded to in the intro to this post, I had felt precisely the opposite way when I boarded. So yes, in retrospect, the journey was worth it, although I would advise you to have some humility (and humor) throughout the process.

Still aren’t sold on the slow boat from Thailand to Laos? There are a couple of other options. Obviously, the first one is the “luxury” cruise offered by Shompoo (and other companies), which I mentioned a few paragraphs up. Another choice? Return to Thailand via the southbound route. Spend a couple of nights each in the ecotourism hub of Vang Vieng and the Laotian capital of Vientiane, then travel by train all the way back to Bangkok .

Other FAQ About Travel from Laos to Thailand

Can you slow boat from laos to thailand.

As of early 2024, it is still possible to ride the slow boat from Laos to Thailand, or vice-versa. However, there’s a possibility that the dams under construction along the Mekong River may make this journey impossible, probably sooner rather than later.

Is the slow boat to Laos worth it?

In the end, I did feel thankful that I had made the decision to ride the slow boat to Thailand, though not every part of the journey was enjoyable. If you do decide to follow in my footsteps, I encourage you to be patient and not rush to judgment, as I sometimes found myself doing during my own trip.

How long is the slow boat to Luang Prabang?

The slow boat to Luang Prabang from Thailand (or, in reverse, from Luang Prabang back to Thailand) takes two days, with one stop overnight in the town of Pak Beng. The downstream journey is slightly faster (meaning less time on the boat each day), but the overall transit period is still around 36 hours.

The Bottom Line

If you’re considering the slow boat from Luang Prabang to Thailand (or going in reverse), I’d say that you should do it, in most cases. While I originally doubted my decision as the boat pulled away from the shore in Laos, I came to enjoy the journey over the course of its two days, and was actually sad when it ended. Still aren’t sold? Well, if the “local” version of the slow boat is too rustic for you, you may choose one of many luxury options. Another way to make sure you enjoy your trip? Consider hiring me to plan a custom Thailand itinerary , and let me sweat all the details.

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How to Travel Between Thai Islands – A Complete Guide

If you’re wondering how to travel between Thai islands, wonder no more! This guide is a 101 on hopping from rock to rock in this wonderful corner of the planet. It’s essential reading for anyone planning that once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the sun-splashed waters of the Andaman Sea or the Thai Gulf, helping cut down the stresses of A to B trips to let you focus on your hammock swinging and Chang drinking.

Before we get to it, we’d just say this: The Thai islands are some of the most accessible islands in the world. There’s a pretty fantastic ferry network linking most of them together, while some even boast their own airports. Smaller isles that aren’t as well known might require a bit more pre-planning and legwork but the big players – Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi , Koh Samui – should be a cinch to get to.

This guide has all you need to know about catching boats, hopping between islands by plane, using those classic Thai longboats (everyone has to do that at least once!), and more. It’ll also lay a little groundwork for first-time travelers, to help you make the most of your island-hopping adventure to the home of peanut-topped noodles and mango sticky rice . Let’s begin…

Table of Contents

Thailand’s two main island regions

You can make your trips between islands in Thailand a whole load easier at the planning stage. It’s hardly rocket science that picking islands that are nice and close together is a good way to minimize the traveling you’ll have to do once you’re on the ground in the Land of Smiles.

With that in mind, there are really two main groups to know about:

• The Andaman Islands – These are the western islands of Thailand, on the Indian Ocean and the Andaman Sea. They are famed for their rugged karst cliffs (which you’ve surely seen in the travel brochures, eh?) and marine parks. The Andaman group includes famous names like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta but also plenty of small islands with more local vibes.
• The Thai Gulf – This is the sea in the middle of Thailand, on the eastern side of the mainland and south of Bangkok. The islands here are a little more spread out from each other, apart from the main clutch of Koh Samui , Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. This region is known for its glorious beaches, nightlife, and world-class diving.

Now, it certainly is possible to travel between the two island groups in Thailand. We’ll talk about that in more detail later on but suffice to say that doing so will add at least one long journey into the mix. If you’re short on time – limited to a week or a week and a half, say – then we usually recommend picking just one region and making the most of that.

How to travel between Thai islands by boat

Boat is the most popular way to move from island to island in Thailand . Some connections are quick, taking just 20 minutes or even less. Others can take upwards of five hours and involve multiple changeovers. The good news is that the vast majority of the most popular Thai islands are now linked to major mainland ports and/or other isles by commercial ferry. On top of that, there’s a decent network of pricier and faster speedboats linking out to smaller islands in both the Andaman and Gulf regions.

It’s worth getting to know the various types of boats that you can expect to find in Thailand:

• Normal ferries – The backbone of Thailand’s ferry network are large boats that can carry hundreds of passengers at any one time. These operate on the popular routes – Samui to Koh Phangan, Phuket to Phi Phi – and leave multiple times each day.
• High-speed ferries and catamarans – There are now quite a few fast ferries on offer on key routes. They are usually a little bit pricier than the standard ferry options but get from A to B a whole load quicker, leaving you more time to laze on the beach and explore those enthralling island temples. These are smaller boats, so tickets can be limited.
• Speedboats – Speedboats are the fastest sort of boat in Thailand. They whiz at 50-100km/hour through both seas, and operate on both popular and lesser-known routes. They are usually the most expensive way of traveling. There’s only space for 20-30 people on these boats.
• Longtail boats – The iconic Thai longtail boat is a staple when it comes to covering shorter distances and getting to more off-the-beaten-path islands. These are pretty, wood-built vessels with a motor attached to the back. They tend to operate routes that the commercial ferries don’t run on, or fill in as water taxis going between beaches. The rate for a private longtail boat for the day is around 3000 THB ($87) as of 2023.

Don’t be surprised if you need to add in a changeover when you go between islands in Thailand by boat. That could involve switching to a different sort of vessel or just hanging around for the connection to where you want to go. There are even times when it might be necessary to move between ports. Thankfully, taxis and songthaews (cheap local buses) know that and are usually ready and waiting to whisk you to the right boarding point.

How to travel between Thai islands by plane

There are just two islands in Thailand that have the added benefit of their own airport. The first is the hub of the eastern islands: Koh Samui. The second is the largest island in the country: Phuket . The best way to look at these two is as a gateway to their respective regions or as a good bridge between the two regions themselves, the Andaman in the west and the Thai Gulf in the east.

Over on Koh Samui, Bangkok Airways run and operate the airport. It’s a downright fantastic airport at that, with open-air departure halls, free coffee and tea, and boutique stores lining the concourses. It’s served by almost-hourly links to and from Bangkok, along with regular connections to Chiang Mai and Phuket besides. You’ll land just south of ferry ports that host boats linking to Koh Phangan but about 35 minutes’ drive across the island from the bigger ferry ports in Nathon and Lipa Noi.

Phuket International Airport, meanwhile, reigns as the third-busiest airport in Thailand. It’s not privately owned like its compadre over on Koh Samui, which means you can pick from a whole range of different carriers, including long-haulers. Yep, arrivals here include connections with Singapore Airlines, TUI from London, and Qatar Airways via Doha. Most importantly for those wondering how to travel between Thai islands, however, there are short-haul domestic links on Bangkok Airways from Koh Samui.

There’s one more airport that you should know about when you come to string together island-hopping trips in Thailand. That’s Krabi Airport. It’s not technically on an island but is the gateway to the eastern Andaman region. Land there – and there are daily links from Samui and Bangkok – and you could be lazing on the gold-tinged beaches of Koh Lanta after a mere two hours’ transfer.

How to travel between Thai islands by car or bus

Nope, there aren’t highways crisscrossing the shimmering seas of Thailand. But there are a couple of islands that can be accessed by car or bus because they enjoy good road links to the mainland.

The most obvious one is Phuket. You can literally drive right across on the big Sarasin Bridge, which links Phuket to Phang-Nga Province. That makes it possible to drive over from the port in Krabi after coming off boats from other islands like Phi Phi, Lanta, or Koh Jum. But it also means you can drive all the way down from Bangkok to get your island hopping started, though that is at least an overnight trip on hectic roads.

Then there’s Koh Lanta. The long, thin isle is one of the stand-out draws of the Andaman region. It’s got beach towns to suit just about everyone, from party hubs to romantic honeymoon spots. It doesn’t have a permanent bridge link just yet (we’ve heard it’s in the works and will be done by 2025 at the latest) but you can drive over thanks to a regular car ferry that leaves every 30 minutes or so. That’s super helpful when you’re looking to connect from other islands like Phuket or have made the long trip over from the Thai Gulf by road.

Getting from the Thai Gulf to the Andaman

One of the biggest questions we get asked about how to travel between Thai islands is how to move between the two main island regions. The answer? There are two ways: Overland with boat connections or by flying. They both have their upsides…

• Flying – Flights operate between Samui Airport and Krabi and Phuket over in the Andaman every day. They can be pricy – like $100+ per person – but are reliable, aren’t affected by weather, and take less than an hour in the sky.
• Overland with boats – Because there’s such a big price difference in this, most people still go for the overland and boat combo, which costs $20-30 per person. Expect a long day, no matter if you’re traveling east to west or west to east. Things will begin with a ferry off of the island you’re currently staying on. Then you’ll board a minivan to drive the whole breadth of central Thailand. Then you’ll need to hop on another boat to get to where you want to go on the far side. It’s not unusual for these trips to take over seven hours a pop!

How to travel between Thai islands – our conclusion

Thailand has some of the most alluring islands on the planet. Visions of talcum-white beaches and hills topped by tufts of rainforest abound here, as do deluxe hotels with infinity pools just meters from the Indian Ocean. Thankfully, said islands are also typically rather easy to access…

A comprehensive ferry and boat network means you can get between the most famous isles in just a few hours in most cases, provided they are close enough together. On top of that, some islands even benefit from their own airport and flight arrivals. Getting to smaller, lesser-known islands will be trickier but can be done, mainly due to longtail boat taxis and speedboat links.

For more than 11 years, Joe has worked as a freelance travel writer. His writing and explorations have brought him to various locations, including the colonial towns of Mexico, the bustling chowks of Mumbai, and the majestic Southern Alps of New Zealand. When he's not crafting his next epic blog post on the top Greek islands or French ski resorts, he can often be found engaging in his top two hobbies of surfing and hiking.

Related posts

Koh Phangan Itinerary: The Ultimate Two-Day Island Trip

Koh Phangan or Phuket? Which Thai Island is Better?

Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting? 9 Reasons Why You Must Visit

The Ultimate Guide to Travel by Boat: Explore the World by Sea in 2023

As I set sail on the vast blue expanse of the ocean, I can’t help but feel a sense of liberation and adventure. Traveling by boat is unlike any other form of transportation; it offers a freedom that cannot be found on land or in the air.

In this ultimate guide to travel by boat, I will take you through the enchanting world of sea travel.

From luxurious cruise ships to humble cargo vessels, we will explore the different options available for boat travel. Discover the joy of cruising as we unveil the wonders of life onboard these floating cities. Venture off the beaten path and explore unique ports on thrilling boat tours .

But it’s not just about the destinations; it’s about the experiences along the way. Learn what to expect during your boat travel adventure and how to plan and book your trip effectively. Safety and regulations are also crucial for a smooth and secure journey.

So join me as we navigate this ultimate guide, uncovering must-see destinations, tips, and everything you need to know for an unforgettable voyage at sea. Get ready to set sail toward freedom!

Page Contents

Key Takeaways

• Boat travel offers a sense of liberation, adventure, and freedom on the open sea.
• There are different options for boat travel, including luxurious cruise ships and humble cargo vessels.
• Boat tours allow travelers to explore unique ports off the beaten path and immerse themselves in local culture.
• Planning and booking a boat trip effectively is important for a smooth and secure journey.

Why Choose Boat Travel? Discover the Allure of Traveling by Sea

Experience the exhilarating freedom of sailing across vast oceans, feeling the gentle sway of the boat beneath you as you embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Boat travel offers a unique and enchanting way to explore the world.

Whether you choose a cruise ship, ferry, or sailboat, there’s something magical about being out on the open sea.

Unlike other forms of transportation, traveling by boat allows you to escape the confines of land and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the ocean.

As a passenger on a boat, you can witness breathtaking sunsets, spot dolphins playing in the waves, and feel an unparalleled sense of freedom as you journey toward your destination.

With boats catering to travelers and cargo alike, endless sea exploration possibilities exist. So why not embrace this extraordinary mode of travel and set sail for your next adventure?

Cruise Ships vs. Cargo Ships: Exploring Different Boat Travel Options

Comparing cruise ships and cargo ships brings to light the differences in amenities and experiences available on each type of vessel.

Cruise ships are known for their luxurious accommodations, entertainment, and dining choices. Passengers can enjoy spa treatments and live shows or relax by the pool while experiencing breathtaking ocean views.

On the other hand, cargo ships offer a more authentic and intimate travel experience. These working vessels allow passengers to witness the daily operations of shipping companies firsthand.

While they may lack some extravagant features of cruise ships, cargo ships provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in commercial shipping.

From transatlantic crossings to freighter travel adventures, boat travel options exist for those seeking a different journey on the open sea.

Embark on a Memorable Cruise: Unveiling the Joys of Cruise Ship Travel

Immerse yourself in a world of luxury and excitement as you embark on a memorable cruise, where endless possibilities for relaxation and adventure await.

Cruise ship travel offers a unique experience like no other. With numerous cruise lines, you can find the perfect luxury cruise that suits your preferences.

Once onboard, indulge in exquisite dining options, luxurious accommodations, and top-notch entertainment. The joys of cruise ship travel extend beyond the amenities and into the captivating itineraries that take you on unforgettable voyages to breathtaking destinations.

As you sail through crystal-clear waters, imagine yourself exploring vibrant Caribbean islands or discovering hidden gems in exotic locations. With each stop along your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to disembark and explore fascinating ports of call.

Onboard activities cater to every taste – whether lounging by the pool with a refreshing cocktail or participating in thrilling excursions like snorkeling or zip-lining.

So why wait? Embark on an extraordinary adventure and let the joys of cruise ship travel create memories that will last a lifetime.

Off the Beaten Path: Exploring Unique Ports on Boat Tours

Venture off the traditional route and uncover hidden treasures as you explore one-of-a-kind ports on captivating boat tours. Off the beaten path, these unique ports offer a glimpse into lesser-known destinations filled with charm and authenticity.

Imagine docking at remote islands, picturesque coastal towns, or even historic fishing villages that retained their old-world charm.

On these boat tours, you can immerse yourself in the local culture, sample delicious regional cuisine, and discover hidden gems that can’t be found in travel guidebooks. Whether wandering through vibrant markets or exploring ancient ruins, there’s something for every adventurous traveler.

Booking a boat tour allows you to escape the crowds and experience true freedom as you travel by sea. From luxurious cruise ships to cargo ship travel options, there’re various ways to embark on these unforgettable journeys.

So pack your bags and prepare for an extraordinary adventure as you sail to explore these unique ports on boat tours.

Onboard Experiences: What to Expect During Your Boat Travel Adventure

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey as you step aboard and discover a world of exciting experiences awaiting you during your boat travel adventure.

Whether you travel the world on luxury cruise ships or opt for more unique options like cargo ship voyages or freighter travel offers, onboard experiences will captivate your senses.

As you set sail on the high seas, prepare yourself for the thrill of sea travel and the freedom it brings.

Feel the wind in your hair as you lounge on deck chairs, soaking up the sun and taking in breathtaking ocean views.

Explore different ports of call, immersing yourself in local cultures and traditions. Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with safety procedures and always wear life jackets when necessary, respecting local laws.

Get ready for an adventure like no other!

Freighter Travel: Unconventional Journeys on Cargo Ships

Embarking on a freighter travel adventure allows me to experience unconventional journeys on cargo ships, offering a unique and off-the-beaten-path way to explore the world.

Unlike traditional boat trips, freighter travel offers an intimate and authentic experience as I sail through the vast oceans aboard a working cargo ship.

As I arrive at the bustling port, I’m immediately immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of international trade. The sight of massive containers being loaded and unloaded fills me with awe.

Onboard, I find comfort in my cozy cabin, equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable journey. The slow pace of life on a cargo ship gives me ample time to relax and enjoy breathtaking coastal views.

From sailing through crystal-clear waters in the Bahamas to witnessing stunning sunsets from the deck, every moment kindles my sense of freedom and adventure.

To embark on this extraordinary voyage, various freighter companies offer unforgettable experiences on these floating engineering marvels.

The USA to Europe: Epic Transatlantic Voyages

As I traverse the vast Atlantic Ocean, a sense of awe washes over me as I witness the magnificent spectacle of cargo ships connecting the USA to Europe.

The journey from the USA to Europe is an epic transatlantic voyage that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Here are four reasons why traveling by boat on this route is the ultimate way to explore:

• Freedom: Sailing across the ocean provides a sense of liberation and escape from everyday life.
• Unparalleled Views: From the deck of a ship, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of endless horizons and stunning sunsets.
• Slow Travel: Embrace a slower pace of travel, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the journey and appreciate each passing wave.
• Cultural Connections: Onboard, you’ll have opportunities to interact with fellow travelers from different backgrounds, fostering cultural exchanges that enrich your experience.

Embarking on a transatlantic voyage from the USA to Europe is an adventure that combines exploration, relaxation, and cultural discovery into one unforgettable boat trip.

Planning and Booking: Essential Steps for a Successful Boat Trip

Navigating the planning and booking process is essential to ensure a successful and fulfilling voyage across the Atlantic. Regarding traveling by boat, taking a boat from the USA to Europe is an incredible way to explore the world without flying. Several steps need to be taken for a smooth journey.

First, decide on your desired route and destination. Next, research different boat options and compare prices, amenities, and reviews.

Once you’ve decided, book your ticket in advance to secure your spot. Finally, pack wisely and prepare for any potential challenges or delays.

To make things easier, here’s a helpful table outlining some important considerations when planning and booking your trip:

Following these steps and being organized in your planning process will prepare you for an unforgettable adventure across the Atlantic.

It’s truly a unique way to travel – hopping oneway between two continents while experiencing the freedom of life at sea. So don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity; start planning today!

Safety and Regulations: Ensuring a Smooth and Secure Journey

Ensure a smooth and secure journey across the Atlantic by familiarizing yourself with safety regulations and taking necessary precautions. When embarking on a boat travel adventure, it’s crucial to prioritize safety.

Start by researching reputable boat companies like Crewseekers that prioritize the well-being of their passengers. Ensure your chosen boat has the right safety equipment, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and emergency flares.

Familiarize yourself with maritime regulations to ensure compliance throughout your journey. Communicating with the crew about safety procedures and emergency protocols is also essential.

Remember, a secure journey starts with proper planning and preparation. By adhering to safety regulations and equipping yourself with knowledge, you can experience the ultimate guide to travel by boat while enjoying a smooth and secure journey across the open seas.

Creating Your Boat Travel Itinerary: Must-See Destinations and Tips

Embarking on a boat adventure allows me to sail on a captivating voyage, exploring breathtaking destinations and uncovering hidden gems.

One must-see destination is the Caribbean, with its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. As I plan my itinerary, I am considering taking an airplane to Panama, where I can board a freighter for an extraordinary experience. This unique journey offers stunning coastline views and allows me to witness dolphins playing in their natural habitat.

Another exciting stop is Thailand, where I can immerse myself in the rich culture and explore pristine beaches. Before setting sail, it’s essential to check visa requirements for each destination and budget accordingly, considering that some freighters charge around $100 per person daily.

With Singapore as my final stop, my boat travel adventure promises ultimate freedom and endless discoveries.

After diving deep into the world of boat travel, it’s clear that setting sail is truly the ultimate way to explore the wonders of our vast oceans.

From luxurious cruises to off-the-beaten-path adventures, there’s something for everyone on these remarkable journeys.

And who wouldn’t want to experience the thrill of a transatlantic voyage?

So grab your life jacket and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

Remember, while safety regulations are in place, sometimes irony can bring unexpected twists to our travels.

Happy sailing!

FAQs | Travel by Boat

What is boat travel.

Boat travel refers to traveling by boat or ship, whether it’s for leisure, transportation, or exploration purposes.

What are the benefits of traveling by boat?

Traveling by boat allows you to experience the serenity of the sea, enjoy breathtaking views, explore unique destinations, and avoid the hustle and bustle of airports and crowded cities.

How can I book a boat trip?

You can book a boat trip by contacting a travel agency, searching online booking platforms, or contacting boat tour operators. Check availability, prices, and reviews before making your reservation.

Are there different types of boat tours available?

Yes, there are various types of boat tours available. Some options include cruise ship tours, ferry trips, yacht charters, cargo ship experiences, and sailing adventures.

Can I travel by boat from the USA to Europe?

Yes, traveling by boat from the USA to Europe is possible. Several cruise lines offer transatlantic cruises that provide a unique way to cross the ocean and explore different countries.

Are boat trips safe?

Boat trips can be safe if proper safety measures are followed. It’s essential to choose reputable boat tour operators, wear life jackets when required, and listen to the instructions provided by the crew.

Can I travel by freighter and cargo ships?

Yes, it is possible to travel on freighter and cargo ships. This type of travel offers a unique experience, allowing you to see the world differently. However, it’s important to note that freighter travel may have limited passenger amenities compared to cruise ships.

What are some popular destinations for boat travel?

There are numerous popular destinations for boat travel, including the Caribbean islands, the Mediterranean coast, Greek islands, Alaskan fjords, Norwegian fjords, and the French Riviera, among others.

Is it possible to travel by boat with a bicycle?

Some boat tour operators allow passengers to bring bicycles on board. Still, it’s essential to check with the specific company beforehand and inquire about any restrictions or additional fees that may apply.

What should I pack for a boat trip?

When packing for a boat trip, it’s crucial to include essentials such as appropriate clothing for different weather conditions, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, a swimsuit, toiletries, any necessary medications, and a valid passport if traveling internationally.

• https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Boat_travel
• https://www.jasminealley.com/travel-by-boat/
• https://drifttravel.com/planning-to-travel-by-boat-here-are-some-useful-tips/

A passionate solo traveler, embarking on thrilling adventures to explore the world's historical ruins. Fascinated by the intricate tales woven into ancient stones, she delves deep into the history of each site, unearthing the emotional stories that resonate through time. With every journey, Hayden strives to connect with the human experience of the past and share its profound significance with fellow explorers. Join her on a captivating expedition to unlock the secrets of bygone eras.

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Introducing Thailand

• About Thailand
• Images of Thailand
• History, language & culture
• Weather & geography
• Doing business & staying in touch

Plan your trip

Travel to thailand.

• Where to stay

While you’re there

• Things to see & do
• Shopping & nightlife
• Food & drink
• Getting around

Before you go

• Passport & visa
• Public Holidays
• Money & duty free

Book your flights

Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport

Bangkok suvarnabhumi airport.

• Chiang Mai International Airport
• Chiang Rai International Airport (Mae Fah Luang)
• Hat Yai International Airport
• Khon Kaen Airport
• Krabi International Airport

Phuket International Airport

• Samui Airport
• Surat Thani International Airport
• Ubon Ratchathani Airport
• Udon Thani International Airport
• Hua Hin beaches
• Ko Phi Phi beaches
• Koh Samui beaches
• Krabi beaches
• Pattaya beaches
• Phuket beaches

Flying to Thailand

Flights to Thailand are available from several national and international carriers. The national airline is Thai ( www.thaiairways.com ), which flies from dozens of international locations. Bangkok Airways ( www.bangkokair.com ) offer international flights to and from destinations within Asia.

Flights are cheapest from May to October as parts of the country are hit by the rainy season. November to March are the most expensive times to fly, so it’s best to book your tickets a few months in advance.

Major airports are: Bankok Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Chiang Rai International Airport (Mae Fah Luang), Chiang Mai International Airport, Hat Yai International Airport, Ubon Ratchathani Airport, Surat Thani International Airport, Udon Thani International Airport, Phuket International Airport, Khon Kaen Airport and Krabi International Airport.

Airport Guides

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is located 28km (18 miles) east of Bangkok.

+66 2 132 1888

Find out more >

Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport is situated 24km (15 miles) north of Bangkok.

+66 2 535 1111

Phuket International Airport is located around 33km (20.5 miles) to the north of downtown Phuket.

+66 76 351 122

Flight times

From London to Bangkok: 11 hours 35 minutes From New York to Bangkok: 20 hours (including stopover) From Los Angeles to Bangkok: 19 hours 15 minutes (including stopover) From Sydney to Bangkok: 9 hours 30 minutes

Departure tax

Included in the air fare.

Travelling to Thailand by Rail

The opulent Eastern and Oriental Express ( www.belmond.com ) runs directly between Bangkok and Singapore, but it's expensive.

Driving to Thailand

Road passage into Thailand is possible through Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos. You can find coach operators at major bus stations, but minivan services (such as between Chiang Mai in Thailand and Vientiane in Laos) are often faster. Thailand has multiple border checkpoints to its neighbouring countries. The border crossings are split into international crossings (for foreign nationals in possession of a valid passport and visa) and local crossings (only open to locals). There are over 20 international border crossings.

Getting to Thailand by boat

The main port is Bangkok ( www.bkp.port.co.th ). Note - there are very limited passenger services available.

Cruise ships

The ports of Laem Chabang (Bangkok) and Phuket are served by international shipping companies and several cruise lines. Cruises from Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and Europe make regular stops at these ports.

River Routes

There are passenger crossings between Thailand and Laos at several points along the Mekong River. There is a slow boat along the Mekong River, from the Thai town of Chian Saen to Jinghong in China's Yunnan Province.

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Mekong River Cruises from Thailand to Laos – Here’s How to Do Them

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Mekong River cruises from Thailand to Laos are considered a must-do experience if you’re travelling South East Asia. The question is how should you do it – by slow boat or fast boat? And if you choose the slow boat, do you do a budget or luxury cruise? Here’s the lowdown.

Slow boats cruise and speedboats bounce along the Mekong River for the 300 kilometre-long journey from the Thailand-Laos border at Chiang Khong-Houei Say (Huay Xai) to Luang Prabang in Laos. But which one should you do? For the first of what we decided would be many Mekong River cruises, we opted for the slow boat and some comfort on the Luang Say cruise.

If you’re on a tight budget then your two options are the fast boat or the budget-priced slow boat. The 6-7 hour fast boat ride, pictured above, is butt bruising, noisy, and dangerous. If you are eager to get down the river in a hurry, only board a fast boat that provides life vests and helmets.

If you’re a slow traveller, you won’t need to think twice about the pace of travel, but which boat you choose will depend upon how much you want to spend, your style of travel, and how concerned you are about safety. Some of the budget-priced slow boats have been known to accept more than twice the number of authorised passengers and people have had to sit for two days on the floor.

If you like a certain level of comfort, then a  Mekong River cruise on the luxury slow boat that does this route, the Luang Say, is probably the best option for you, with comfort and space, guided village visits, meals served on board, wine and beer available, and good service, leaving you to worry about little more than where you’re going to sprawl out, what book to read, and when to take a nap.

Here are the nuts and bolts of doing one of the Mekong River cruises from Thailand to Laos, all of which depart from the Thai-Laos border, a short drive from  Chiang Rai in Thailand to Luang Prabang in Laos .

Mekong River Cruises from Thailand to Laos – The Options

The budget slow boat.

Slow boats depart daily when full between 8-11am in order to reach the halfway point of Pakbeng by sunset. They were costing as little as US$25 per person in 2011 for the two-day trip with seating on either reasonably comfortable old airline seats or wooden benches. There’s a meal stop along the way, and once at Pakbeng you’ll need to find your own accommodation, though travellers don’t usually find this too hard.

The Luxury Slow Boat

The luang say cruise.

You need to book the Luang Say Cruise in advance – you can’t just rock up and expect to get on a boat. The all-inclusive package we booked covered the 3-day cruise, two nights accommodation at Luang Say Lodge and Kamu Lodge, three generous and mostly very delicious meals a day, coffee/tea and water, service, guides, and group insurance.

A 2-day cruise is also available. Extras included the transfer from Chiang Rai (organised through Mekong Cruises), visas, our cold beers/wine, and tips. We also took cash to spend at the villages – I bought beautiful textiles from local women along the way (see below). Per person prices varied from US$432 for 2 days in low season to $650 for 3 days in high season — but prices change, so check on the link at the end of this post.

The Luang Say Cruise Boat

While the trip is marketed as a ‘luxury’ cruise, this is not luxury at the level of a five-star hotel. Rather, the boat is very comfortable, service is attentive, and the food is very good. There were only a dozen people in our group and we had plenty of space once we each figured out where we were going to sit for the duration of the journey.

But it wouldn’t have been very comfortable if the boat was full. The boat can carry as many as 40 people, so check numbers when you make your booking. Service was very attentive, with nice touches such as snacks and cold bottles of water continually replenished.

When to Do Mekong River Cruises from Thailand to Laos

The Luang Say cruise operates four days a week from November to April, and just a couple of days a week from May to September; in June, it stops for maintenance. From November to February the weather is cooler, but the days are shorter and some mornings are foggy, meaning late starts and the occasional cancellation of village visits.

March to May is warmer, April is sweltering, and water levels are lower (meaning that trips can occasionally get cancelled), but on the plus side it’s lighter for longer. June to November is the rainy season, when the weather is unpredictable – on some days it can rain for a few hours, although most of the rain falls at night apparently.

Vaccinations for Mekong River Cruises

You’re not in Bangkok anymore! You’re going to be on the Mekong River in Thailand and Laos, and many people continue travelling throughout Laos and onto Cambodia or Vietnam. You will need to top up your vaccinations if you haven’t in a while (these are the recommended vaccinations ) and you may also need antimalarial medication . It’s best to visit a traveller’s medical clinic (not an ordinary GP) and take your itinerary so the doctor can check the latest requirements for those locations. 

Getting to the Thai-Laos Border for the Mekong River Cruises

As we’d been based out of Bangkok, it made sense for us to fly to Chiang Rai, stay overnight, and get an early morning transfer to be at the Mekong Cruises office by 8.30am. The boat departs at 9am. We were told the transfer would take two hours, however, it only took 90 minutes, leaving us with more than enough time. There are also public buses from Chiang Rai to the border at Houei Say (Huay Xai) that take 2-3 hours.

Crossing the Border from Thailand to Laos

We had heard that there can be a crush at the Immigration office and long lines, however, there were very few people and things went smoothly when we went through just after the office opened around 8am. After you get an exit stamp in your passport at the Thai immigration office, you hop on a longtail shuttle boat (20 baht when we travelled) to get to the other side. It’s all very easy.

Obtaining Visas at the Thai-Laos border

At the time we travelled, it was possible for most nationalities to obtain a 30-day visa to Laos at the Houei Say/Huay Xai Immigration office. As Australians we paid US$30, however, fees vary remarkably — from US$10-45 — depending on which country you’re from. For instance, in 2010, the fees were: US$30 New Zealanders, US$35 British, US$35 Americans, and US$42 Canadians.

As things change, always check the situation well in advance of your travel date at your nearest Laos embassy or consulate office. When we travelled, US$ was the preferred currency for payment, two passport photos were required, along with a full black page in your passport, which had to be valid for at least six months.

Currency Used on the Mekong River

The Laos currency is the kip, although Thai baht, US dollars and Euros are also accepted. You can change money at Laos Immigration.

Village Visits from the Mekong River Cruises from Thailand to Laos

Some Mekong River cruises stop at villages along the river. While these visits were fascinating on our Luang Say cruise and our boat guide was very good, we would have liked to have had a local guide take over from him at each stop for the walk around the villages.

Unfortunately our village visits were in the middle of the day – the hottest and brightest part of the day, which was uncomfortable and wasn’t great for photos. While we still got out of the boat – these were highlights of the trip as far as we were concerned – some of the passengers didn’t, which was a shame.

Shopping the Mekong River

There were textiles and a few handicrafts for sale at the villages we visited, many made on site, so take some currency to buy souvenirs from the source. At one village, children also tried to sell us colourful embroidered wristbands, for as little as 30 cents a piece.

They weren’t aggressive, although they were persistent – at one point I felt like the Pied Piper, with a dozen children following me. The wristbands make pretty gifts for children. The textiles I bought directly from the weaver cost less than they did in Luang Prabang.

Buying locally seemed an obvious thing to do to me and yet curiously not a single person in our group bought anything. Had they shopped enough elsewhere? Had they spent so much on the cruise, they didn’t have money left for souvenirs? Or had they forgotten to bring change?

Don’t make the same mistake. The textiles I saw were lovely and your money is going directly to the weaver producing them. What better souvenir could you take home from cruising the Mekong River?

Book The LuangSay Lodge & Cruise Mekong Cruise with our booking partner.

Have you done any Mekong River cruises from Thailand to Laos or any other cruises in the region? We’d love to hear about your experience.

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14 thoughts on “Mekong River Cruises from Thailand to Laos – Here’s How to Do Them”

Ohh, I am looking at this option for some travels this time next year, so this is helpful info. Thanks!

Thanks, Tash. Glad it was helpful. Do get back to us if you have any questions. Thanks for dropping by!

nice blog. Is there many companies operating this boat trip? I went to Mekong cruises website..

http://www.luangsay.com/price_lists.php

..and found out the prices are much higher than what you wrote. Instead of 25USD it sayd 86USD. Is this the same company?

The $25 fee is for the local ‘Budget Slow Boats’ (see the first para above). Not the speed boats – these are different again and we don’t recommend them. As far as the budget slow boats go, there are no proper boat tour companies as such that run these services that you can book online through in advance. These are just simple, locally-operated boats. You just rock up there between 8-11am, pay, and as each fills they leave. That fee may have gone up very slightly since then. This is transportation only, not a cruise package.

The ‘Luang Say Cruise’ boat (see the second para) which I describe above, also goes slowly, however, it offers a completely different type of experience – it is a tour-like cruise package, it is a much nicer boat, and with a very different level of service (or rather, service full stop), and it actually costs a lot more than $86 – that is the single supplement only, i.e. an additional fee for someone traveling on their own. As I say in the paragraph above and as listed on the prices page on the Luang Say site, the current prices are actually $405/430/506 per person twin share for the two day cruise. What I describe in our blog posts about this experience is the three day cruise, and that price is even higher. But as I say above, this is for a package that includes a transfer, the cruise, accommodation, all meals, a guide, tours and activities en route and admission fees, and coffee/tea/water on the boat.

Thank you for the reply. Maybe I was not carefull enough reading your post. I also sent mail to the ‘Luang Say Cruise´ company and got those high prices you just mentioned. It’s pity I can not buy the cheap one(25usd) online as if arriving to Thailand with the 30 day stamp(without visa), I can not have and present such cruise ticket as an on going ticked.

Any ideas for such? Maybe a refundable bus ticket would suffice?

Hello again – so sorry I missed this follow up email, but we have been doing a lot of travelling. You can only buy the cheap ticket when you arrive at the pier unfortunately.

May I ask what country you’re from that you need to show an outgoing ticket? We’ve been travelling to Thailand for many years and have lived there for many months at a time and have never been asked to show anything. If you’re from a country for which it’s required, buying the cheapest bus ticket sounds like a good solution – you can buy some for as little as $10 – then perhaps you can get a refund, sell it on, or exchange it when you arrive. Perhaps contact a travel agent in Thailand.

Hi there, do I need a laos visa if I just want to travel by boat on the mekong without going to laos? Thank you!

Depends which country you’re in… if you’re travelling on the Mekong in Thailand, you need a Thai visa. If you’re going to Laos from Thailand by the Mekong, then you’ll need a Laos visa. They’re easy to get at the border.

We are traveling in June. Are there any luxury alternatives to LUANG SAY?

Hi Jess, I don’t know of any other new luxury cruises, however, I have heard that Luang Say has had an upgrade and is now more luxurious than it was when we tested it out. They sometimes stop for a short period in June for maintenance, however, so not sure if it will be running when you’re there. If you end up trying it, would love to get your feedback.

I am looking at a Mekong cruise commencing North Thailand and ending in Laos. 7 days maximum. 3 adults and 2 children both aged 11 years. Commencing 6/7/8 January 2018 can you help?

This page has all the details you need:

http://www.luangsay.com/best-prices-cruises-mekong/

That’s pretty good. Thanks for sharing!

Hi Cassie, thank you for taking the time to drop by and leave a comment :)

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Bangkok to Ayutthaya by Boat

Take the express boat from bangkok to ayutthaya and visit bang pa-in palace on the way. lunch by the river and discover the ancient ruins of the former siamese capitol, including wat mahatat, wat prasri sanphet & viharn mongkul..

07.00      Depart from Sathorn Bangkok Pier by Chao Phraya Express Boat

10.00      Arrive Bang Pa-in, visit Wat Niwet and Bang Pa-in Summer Palace

12.00      Lunch at Tha Luang restaurant (set menu)

13.00    Visit the main highlights of the Historical Park: Wat Mahatat, Wat Prasri Sunphet and Viharn Mongkul   

15.30      Return to Bangkok

17.00      Arrive Morchit BTS station, Chatuchak Market 

Special price at 2,450 Thai Baht per person

***available on Sunday only***

Minimum 4 persons , maximum 15 Persons

Services and Additional Notes

Services included:

•             Private air-conditioned transport and transfers

•             Local English-speaking guide

•             Meals as mentioned in the programme

•             Local community and cultural activities

•             All entrance fees for visits mentioned in the programme

Services not included:

•             Additional soft drinks/alcohol

•             Personal expenses

•             Tips for guide and driver

•             Domestic and international flights

For our bookings   or additional information about any of our services,

Please contact us at:  info@n utty-adventures.com, back to:  thailand expat tours.

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Taking The Slow Boat To Luang Prabang: BEST Tips 2024

Thinking of taking the slow boat in Laos? Find out absolutely everything you need to know such as costs, where to take it from, what to bring, what to expect, and more important information on your slow boat to Luang Prabang!

Taking the slow boat Laos seems to be a right of passage for many travelers backpacking around Southeast Asia. The 2-day journey takes you from the Laos border town of Huay Xai down to Luang Prabang .

Some people refer it to as the journey from hell. Though trust me it isn’t that bad taking the slow boat Luang Prabang!

I have read numerous horror stories about taking the slow boat Thailand to Laos. Though, obviously not phased enough by the infamous rumors I decided I would take the journey and form my own opinion on the two-day adventure.

The slow boat is no doubt the most popular way for all types of people to travel between Northern Thailand and Luang Prabang, Laos. Though, it is certainly not for everyone.

I have actually taken the slow boat Laos twice. Once on the public slow boat and the second time on a private operator. If you have done any long bus journeys or plane rides it isn’t worse than those. Though there are certainly a few tips and tricks that will make your journey a lot more bearable!

In this guide, I will let you know anything and everything so your slow boat in Laos journey is as stress-free and easy as possible! From departure points, costs, what to expect, and more.

Taking The Slow Boat In Laos: EVERYTHING You Need To Know

🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Thailand & Laos: 12Go Asia

Why Take The Slow Boat To Luang Prabang

If you have ever traveled into the countryside of any Southeast Asian country you will appreciate the slower lifestyle. No one is in a rush and you can just simply relax and watch the world go by. Well, this is exactly how I would describe the slow boat to Luang Prabang.

It provides the perfect opportunity to slow down and breathe.

With a constant stream of fresh air, you can take In your surroundings. Watch the water buffalos play on the shore, see the locals who live along the river that connects them with the rest of the world, and look at the landscapes changing along the way.

Sometimes, especially when traveling, you forget to appreciate the smaller things in life and this provides the perfect opportunity for this.

The journey is in no way luxurious, even on the private slow boats. Though you will be able to bask in the sunshine, meet other travelers, and reminisce on all the memories you have been able to make on your travels so far.

Crossing The Thai-Laos Border

The first step in taking the slow boat to Laos is crossing the border from Thailand. We took a tuk-tuk to the border from Chiang Khong which cost us $4.50. Racing through the town the cool morning breeze is a refreshing change from what we are used to.

The roads are busy with vendors selling food at the morning markets. Dust looms in the air from the dry landscape. Soon enough the hustle and bustle disappear behind us and the landscape opens up to a large building in the distance.

Being early morning the border is extremely quiet. We are quickly processed through the Thai side and officially exit the country. To get between the Laos and Thai immigration offices you will need to pay $0.75 for the bus.

The ride lasts about 10 minutes and goes over the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. However, we had to wait about twenty minutes in line with about thirty other people for the first bus to depart. Of course, the bus driver was late, a typical occurrence on this side of the world.

When you jump off the bus on the Lao side it is a mad rush to get your forms filled out to avoid delays. Just make sure you write it out correctly and have a pen with you! The visa fee was $30.00, though this amount changes depending on where you are from.

In case you don’t have USD there is an ATM a few steps away so no need to worry about getting cash beforehand. All up the process probably took about thirty minutes to receive our Lao visas and the majority of this time was spent waiting in line.

Types Of Slow Boat Laos Journeys

There are actually a couple of different slow boat options you can choose from. One is a lot cheaper than the other. Though with that comes the crowds. I have done the journey on both the public slow boat and on a private slow boat as part of a tour. The experiences varied greatly.

Though I will get into the positives and negatives of each below.

Public Slow Boat: The Public Slow Boat was what the majority of people taking the slow boat to Luang Prabang do and it was what I did during my first trip to Laos. The boat was full of locals and travelers of all backgrounds.

It is a much cheaper option when it comes to getting to Luang Prabang via the Mekong River. Though as a result these boats are usually filled to the brim.

It is a mad rush to find your seats and I would relate this more to being stuck in a bus or plane where really you just sit down, look out the window, and get up to use the bathroom every so often.

Slow Boat Tour Package: Alternatively you have the tour package. This is a lot more pricey coming to around $150.00 per person. Though it is much more of an experience than just a simple journey. The group sizes are also a lot smaller so you won’t be stuck squished into a seat the whole way.

You will find meals are typically included, as well as a stop at Pak Ou Caves which the public boat doesn’t do. This journey is a lot more relaxing where you can walk around, change spots, and it also has cleaner toilets. You can check out more about this journey in the below video.

Where To Catch The Slow Boat In Huay Xai

Once you have crossed the Thai Laos border you can head to the slow boat pier. This is around a 30-minute walk from the main town. Though with all your luggage I recommend getting a tuk-tuk instead.

You must simply advise the tuk-tuk driver to take you to the slow boat pier. They will know what you mean as that is where 90% of travelers in the area go. This should just cost you a couple of dollars.

Slow Boat To Luang Prabang Price

Once to the pier, you will need to buy your tickets for the slow boat Huay Xai to Luang Prabang. The ticket booth is on the top of the hill above the road. The price is $20.70 / 430,000 LAK for the 2-day journey to Luang Prabang.

You will need to bring your passport and cash along with you when you book it. They will give you a ticket and a seat number in exchange.

You can book the slow boat in the town of Huay Xai itself rather than having to go down to the pier. However you will pay a few dollars more for the luxury of a third party organizing it all for you, but it will include a tuk-tuk transfer. The price of this is $21.20 / 440,000 LAK.

If you are on a strict itinerary it will be best to spend 1 night in Huay Xai so you can book tickets for the boat the day prior. Though you can risk it as I did and simply turn up on the day and hope for the best.

First Day On The Slow Boat Thailand To Laos

After taking a tuk-tuk from the border to the pier we are quickly directed to the ticketing booth to purchase the slow boat tickets which would take us to Luang Prabang . They took our passport information and we were given allocated seat numbers.

Heading down to the boat we dump our bags at the back and wait patiently at our seats. There are about ten other people on the boat. Though the list at the ticketing office was already quite full. Unfortunately, James and I are not seated together.

Though, we just switch around a couple of pieces of paper with ‘seat numbers’ written on them and chill out. Many other people did this as well. It ended up being the solo travelers sitting together and those coupled up in another group.

At this point, it is still mid-morning and the boat doesn’t depart until 11 a.m. We stock up on snacks from a couple of nearby stores. It is six hours until we would next be off the boat so food is necessary.

As the boat begins to fill up the weight pushes us deeper into the water and the crew starts preparing to depart. The majority of people on the Laos slow boat are tourists. The seats on the boats are surprisingly comfortable.

They are chairs ripped out of old vans. Though, they are not bolted to the ground so it’s a fight for legroom.

We head off not long after we are meant to and begin our journey down the river. The countryside goes by and it quickly becomes the same view for the next six hours. The speed we are traveling provides an extremely enjoyable breeze, a great relief from the hot temperature.

A six-hour boat trip with no books to read and a limited amount of battery left from the previous hours I spent playing Candy Crush has left me with not much left to do. I decide to grab a cup of noodles from the vendor at the back of the boat.

The overpriced $1.20 cup keeps me entertained for the next thirty minutes as I stare at our location on Google Maps slowly getting closer to Pakbeng.

Staying In Pakbeng

Arriving in Pakbeng was a great relief, I could not wait to get out and start stretching my legs. We arrived an hour earlier than expected and this is in the dry season when the water levels are low.

There is a mad panic with everyone grabbing their bags quickly. Ours is at the bottom since we were one of the first to arrive that morning, so we chill out and wait for the crowds to disperse a bit.

Departing the boat numerous people are standing around the river’s edge holding signs up with available rooms. Pick-up trucks wait on the road to take people to their guesthouse. Pakbeng is quite a hilly area so the cars are much appreciated.

We booked at the Phomephithak Guesthouse for $14.00 total. We were one of those stupid people who booked via the guys who came onto the boat at the start.

Arriving at our guesthouse in all honesty it was not that organized. People were directed to rooms that were already full and not having enough available, even though it was all pre-booked. We ended up in a room with a double bed, private bathroom, and air-con.

At night we head down the road to find somewhere for dinner. My advice is to find somewhere with a good view of the river. We ended up at a restaurant just up from the Happy Bar. The food was reasonably good and by the time our meals came out the place was full.

I just ate a sandwich for $3.90.We also order our lunch for the next morning as well before heading off to bed at our Guesthouse.

The following day we get up to a slight chill in the air and the sound of roosters. Back down at the same restaurant as the previous night we grab breakfast and watch the elephants across the river have their morning bath.

The breakfast and packed lunch cost $5.40. Afterward, we grab our bags and head down to the slow boat pier.

Second Day On The Slow Boat To Luang Prabang

Heading down to the slow boat the crowds are already lining up on the river’s edge. We get worried it’s too late to get a decent seat. Luckily as we line up they start filling up a second boat and we manage to snag a couple of seats near the front.

Continuing down the river for our last day on the journey we are all a little over it. I quickly fall asleep to the rocking motion and hearing the river rush by. I wake up to a wee bit of a commotion as the boat makes its regular stops along the river to drop off locals to their village.

A tourist’s backpack and been taken off by someone thinking it is one of the locals. The Laotian people don’t understand why this foreigner is freaking out and we tourists don’t know how to say to the locals to stop driving away.

Luckily a young local woman can translate and they pull back into the river’s edge to collect the bag. The young backpacker’s life is restored and we all cheer in relief.

Continuing down the river, still equally as bored as the previous day it is time for noodles round two. I am vegetarian and I have no idea what type of noodles are which, especially as the lady behind the counter makes them.

I basically check which one appears less meaty, pick up any lumps of meat-looking substance. The overpriced noodles of $1.20 have kept me sane a little longer.

The last couple hours away from Luang Prabang the scenery on the river finally begins to change. It becomes a lot more mountainous with limestone karst jutting up out of the ground.

Personally, I think this is the most picturesque part of the journey and certainly gets you excited for the adventures to come in this amazing new country.

Arriving In Luang Prabang

One of the main things you will read online about the Laos slow boat journey is being dropped off in the middle of nowhere and having to pay ridiculous prices to get into the center of Luang Prabang . This is ALL old information.

Docking up at the port everyone forms a human chain to help get the bags off in a timely fashion. The late afternoon heat is intense and the sun is blaring down. Once we receive our bags it is a short but steep climb up the river bank. At the top is a formal tuk-tuk stand.

Here we gave our details, paid $2.40 per person, and then jumped on the next tuk-tuk leaving. In all honesty, it is extremely organized and no one was demanding ridiculous prices.

As we are leaving a few people walk along the dirt road to flag down a tuk-tuk. It is known that you will get a cheaper rate. Though, I could not imagine lugging my bag down there in this heat.

Additional Tips For The Slow Boat

• The toilets on these boats are not great . In all honesty, the toilet itself was not too bad, but lord did it flood. Try to go relatively early on in the trip and then hold on until you arrive in Pakbeng. I am going to assume it’s water from the bucket that is used to flush the toilet, and fingers crossed no other kind of liquid!
• Do not book your accommodation in Pakbeng in advance unless you are wanting to stay somewhere super-duper fancy! Even in saying this no place in Pakbeng is truly fancy and certainly not worth the prices you see online!
• Do not listen to the man who will come onto the slow boat at the beginning of the journey and start selling accommodation. These beds are overpriced and it is a scam.
• At Huay Xai buy some baguettes to bring onboard . Peanut butter and bananas were a favorite of mine. You can also preorder if you are staying in town to pick it up the next day. No one should live off cup noodles.
• It’s well known that the Laos slow boat seats in the back are the worst as the motors on the boat are literally deafening. This is no joke, they are crazy loud! Arrive early to get yourself a seat up the front half. You won’t regret it.
• Your Thailand SIM card will work for the majority of the journey! Yes, even though we are not in Thailand we are so close to the border that Thailand SIMs work and Laos ones do not. You can buy a Laos SIM card in Huay Xai. However, you will only be able to use it for a small portion of the journey on the first day.

What To Pack For The Slow Boat In Laos

While onboard the slow boat Huay Xai to Luang Prabang your main bag will be at the back of the boat and be basically unreachable until you get to Pakbeng, then the following day until Luang Prabang. As a result, you will want to bring a day pack with all of your necessities to ensure you have a smooth trip.

Jacket: The mornings on the Mekong River can be foggy and cold. Until the sun really starts shining you may find yourself a bit cold. Bring along a hoodie or jacket you can easily take off. This can also double as a pillow for ultimate comfort levels.

Sunblock: If the boat is facing a certain direction you may find yourself stuck under the sun. Definitely bring sunblock to prevent yourself from getting burned. You are basically stuck in those seats for the journey so there is no way to move.

Sunglasses : It’ll definitely be worth bringing sunglasses along with you. The sun shining off the Mekong can be super bright so protect your eyes by bringing along a pair of sunglasses.

Toilet Paper: The toilets on the boat are not the best and trust me just bring toilet paper or wet wipes. This is something you should always carry in your day pack from Southeast Asia anyway as you never know when you could get stuck.

Snacks: Feel free to live on overpriced cup noodles. Though instead I highly recommend bringing your own snacks on board. I mean you don’t go on a road trip without snacks, so don’t do the slow boat without them either! There are shops down at the slow boat pier which sell a variety of nibbles.

Entertainment: Now I don’t know what you do for fun, but I presume it’s not taking a 2-day slow boat in Laos. Anyway best to take some sort of entertainment. Whether that is a battery pack to charge your phone, or some paper to write your adventures down in.

Unfortunately, there are no tables so I wouldn’t bother with cards, etc.

Where To Stay In Luang Prabang?

There are plenty of choices when it comes to choosing accommodation in Luang Prabang . From the impressive 5* resort, historic hotels, simple hostels, and locally owned guesthouses, you will find something to fit your budget and needs.

During our recent visit, we stayed on a quaint little side street minutes from the center and Mekong River. I fell in love with this little spot. There are a few budget guesthouses and nicer hotel-style accommodations available down this street.

Check out Mylaohome Hotel & Spa for comfortable rooms, an awesome spa, and a delicious cafe onsite from $23.00 per night. There is also Villa Pumalin which has an indoor pool and beautiful wooden rooms starting at $30.00 per night.

FAQs About Taking The Laos Slow Boat

Where do you get the slow boat from to laos.

The slow boat starts in the border town of Huay Xai in North Laos. You can catch the boat to Luang Prabang from the slow boat pier.

How long is the slow boat from Thailand to Laos?

You will spend 2 days on the slow boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang with an overnight stop in Pakbeng. How long you spend on the boat depends on the water levels, though you can expect to spend 6 to 7 hours each day onboard.

How much does the slow boat to Laos cost?

The price is $20.70 / 430,000 LAK for the 2-day journey to Luang Prabang.

Does the slow boat to Laos run every day?

Yes, the slow boat to Laos runs every day. In the high season, you may find there are multiple morning departures.

What time is the slow boat to Laos?

The slow boat leaves for Luang Prabang at 10.30 am from Huay Xai. If you already have tickets then I recommend arriving 30 minutes prior. However, if you don’t already have tickets you will want to arrive as early as possible to try to book a spare seat.

The slow boat starts in the border town of Huay Xai in North Laos. You can easily catch the boat to Luang Prabang from the slow boat pier a short drive out of the town center.

Other Things To Do In Luang Prabang

There are plenty of awesome things to do, so much I recommend spending at least three days in Luang Prabang . It’s an awesome city with gorgeous landscapes, some of Laos best waterfalls , and delicious food.

Ready For The Slow Boat To Luang Prabang

Now you have read absolutely everything you need to know about taking the slow boat to Laos you should be able to do this 2 day journey with ease!

Don’t fall for the scams, snag yourself a comfortable seat and bring some snacks and your journey from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang will fly by.

LIKE IT? PIN IT!

Want more Laos Inspiration? Check out….

• 2 WEEKS IN LAOS ITINERARY
• BACKPACKING LAOS ON A BUDGET TRAVEL TIPS
• COST TO TRAVEL LAOS & MY TRAVEL BUDGET
• COMMON SCAMS IN LAOS
• BEST WATERFALLS IN LAOS
• CHIANG KHONG TO HUAY XAI: THAI LAOS BORDER CROSSING
• TAKING THE SLOW BOAT TO LAOS
• CHIANG MAI TO LUANG PRABANG TRANSPORT GUIDE
• 3 DAYS IN LUANG PRABANG ITINERARY
• BACKPACKING LUANG PRABANG TRAVEL TIPS
• VISITING THE LUANG PRABANG NIGHT MARKET
• WHERE TO EAT IN LUANG PRABANG
• BEST HOTELS IN LUANG PRABANG
• KUANG SI FALLS TIPS FOR VISITING
• THE BEST HOSTELS IN LUANG PRABANG FOR BACKPACKERS
• VISITING PAK OU CAVES: IS IT WORTH IT
• TRAVEL LUANG PRABANG TO VANG VIENG
• BEST HOSTELS IN VANG VIENG
• THAM CHANG CAVE & BLUE LAGOON TWO IN VANG VIENG
• BLUE LAGOON THREE IN VANG VIENG
• BEST RESTAURANTS AND WHERE TO EAT IN VANG VIENG
• TUBING IN VANG VIENG LAOS
• VANG VIENG TO VIENTIANE
• ONE DAY IN VIENTIANE ITINERARY
• VISITING KONG LOR CAVE
• TAD YUANG WATERFALL IN PAKSE

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.

Photo credit: “ Chiang Khong, Thailand 22 ” ( CC BY 2.0 ) by JamesAntrobus . “ The slow boat up the Mekong River in Laos ” ( CC BY 2.0 ) by DanSearle

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Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

49 thoughts on “ Taking The Slow Boat To Luang Prabang: BEST Tips 2024 ”

Thanks! What time of year did you go? Wondering if it’s cold all year round or specifically when you went.

Hi Tasha, thank you for your narrative for this journey. Wife and I will be doing the trip this coming February and was wondering who the company you used for the trip. Looks comfortable and sparse in the number of people on board. You mentioned $150 p/p. Assuming that was the cost when you traveled. Thank you again

Unfortunately the company is no longer operating post covid. If you are wanting to book something in advance Luxury Cruise Mekong or Luang Say Cruise booked through Mekong Cruise have options. For cheaper prices you may need to wait until you are in Chiang Rai / Chiang Khong / Huay Xai to shop around for a deal and be flexible with dates.

Just took this journey end of july 2023 after reading this guide many times.

Firstly, the price from the docks was ~430,000lak and from the hostel in huay xai including a tuktuk to the dock (which left ridiculously early and we ended up sitting on the boat for about 2 hours, welcome to lao time) cost 440,000lak. Found this out only because we hadnt found anything recent on the internet regarding prices and couldnt tell if we were getting ripped off.

We had beautiful weather and the journey involved meeting all sorts of foreigners, locals and kids who just jumped on at unmarked stops. Highly recommend buying a cooler and filling it with beerlao at one of the convenience stores in huay xai.

Pakbeng is a very charming town, with ~200 families who all know each other. Upon arrival we found a guesthouse with about 9 rooms available that were ~200,000 lak per night for 2 people. Cheaper than the 9-beds-to-a-room hostel on booking.com (it did not get great reviews from our boat buddies). There’s definitely more options in town than the apps suggest, so dont be too worried about booking in advance. The happy bar is open late and is THE bar in town. Worth a look and a few drinks over a game of pool.

The second day’s boat was more comfortable and less crowded, and knowing what to do, what to bring and how it all worked after the confusion of day one was nice. There scenery is good but just keep in mind the mekong is an incredibly polluted river. It is brown and full of plastic, and once you reach luang prabang you can see the difference between the small tributaries (with no plastic) and the mekong.

Speaking of luang prabang, yes, the boat drops you off ~45minutes from the city by tuktuk. The tuktuks do set pricing per person, so singles have to find a group (usually min. 4 people) or wait for the tuktuk to fill.

Luang prabang itself was beautiful, one of the most picturesque cities ive seen in asia.

Some people we met took the bus which was 18 hours straight of bumpy roads and they shared sleeper beds with strangers on the bus, so I’m not sure i would recommend this route. On the other hand, some people taking the boat a few days after us got drenched in non stop rain for two days and had a very different opinion of the boat journey, so your milage may vary.

Thanks for the comment! I have updated the prices in the article to reflect your recent experience for future travelers who may read this post. You have listed some good tips so thank you for taking the time to write this.

Enjoy your travels!

Do you know if this immigration point accepts e visas?

As Of April 11, 2023, Thai=Lao Friendship Bridge IV does NOT accept e-visas for US passport holders. However, it is fast and easy to get a visa on arrival. I recommend having you visa photos in hand to expedite the process.

Slow boat departs at 9.30h every morning (the ticket staff said its been like this for a year). We (and several other tourists) lost ours today thinking it was at 11.30h.

It is now impossible to get the first bus at Chiang Rai and arrive in time for the slow boat, so now this tiring journey will waste 3 of your beautiful days.

thank ypu for all the information. I have 2 questions. Firstly want to get the slow boat from luang prabang to huay xai in july but can only find out about the tour package ones and unfortunately they only run on a Wednesday and sunday. I can’t do either of those days. I cannot get information on the public boats what days they run? anyone know? Also I know it is rain season but how rain is that??

Took the journey today. Boats now seem to be running every day of the week. I saw multiple other boats packed with tourists. Mine was 95 percent full. Departed Huay Xei at 11 am. So its quite possible to stay in chiang rai the night before and get picked up between 6 and 7 am and still have plenty of time. Border crossing now quite straighforward. 40 dollars for the visa for most nationalites. The package i bought in CR was 1690 baht and included boat ticket and all transfers Good to book ahead for accommodation in Pak Beng i think. The hotels include transfers. I opted for mekhong guesthouse. Only 12 usd or so on agoda. Nice room with a view and decent food offerings for em dinner and breakfast. The first day voyage is from 11 am to 5 pm and the 2nd day 9am to 5 pm. For some reason the boat travels slower (10 knots) on the 2nd day for the latter half of the trip, instead of the average 15 knots otherwise. Lao sim cards work well most of the way. Thai sim cards have coverage if you’re roaming. Lao sim the better way to go. 5 days unlimited data for 200 baht. Noodles, snacks and beer on board, not much more expensive than on land. I wouldn’t mess with an ice box) . Large ice cold beers at the bar for 25000 kip certainly made a long slow journey more bearable. A pleasant journey all in all even for non backpacker types like myself in my sixties. Certainly a novel and cheap way of getting from Northern Thailand to Laos.

The very fast speedboat is way better. An absolute thrill and only takes 5 or so hours, with a stop in the middle for lunch at a restaurant on stilts in the middle of the river. You also change boats for the second part of the journey. I watched the slow boat people arrive while I was sipping a drink at a bar in Luang Prabang, it was the second night after we arrived having last seen them in Huay Xai. Probably best not to do this in the rainy season though as it’s more dangerous.

Hi Colin, Were you able to book the speedboat in advance from Chaing Rai or can you just turn up and find one. i am going in November and want to have the certainty of booking as only have a few days there. thanks. Julie

I am also going in November, on the 3rd. Did you find out if you can book this speedboat in advance?

Thanks for this intersting article! Regarding the public slow boat, do you know where we can find more detail on the hours of departure. I will sleep in chang rai the day before and I want to know if i have to rush to laos in the morning or if there are afternoon departures . Also do you recomend to book in advance.

I was just thinking the same!! We’re planning to do this crossing too and are looking for more info!

Hey! Departures are usually between 9am to 10am in the morning, the amount of travelers affects how many boats there are, but they usually head off around the same time. I would recommend staying in Chiang Khong or Huay Xai the night before, but not Chiang Rai. As far as I am aware there are no afternoon departures. I have stayed in both Huay Xai on the Laos side and Chiang Khong on the Thai side. On the Thai side we left at around 8am to catch the first bus across the Friendship bridge at the border, and ended up with about an hour spare before the slow boat departed.

Oh one more thing. I booked ahead for Pakbeng and we were all met and taken to our accommodation for free. Same deal in the morning, back to boat, no charge.

I completed the journey yesterday. The slow boat only runs Monday and Thursday at the moment. No private boats at all. There is a tour company in Chiang Rai called Kochaporn Tour who were fantastic. For 1690 THB you are picked up at your accomodation (6 to 6.30am) driven to the border, go through Thai border, tour guide meets you and gives a ticket for short bus ride. You are handed the Visa form plus entry/exit card for Laos. You then go through the various booths to be processed (all up, perhaps 1/2 hour) get on the tour transport to the boat. Easy……suggest you weigh up the cost but I think this option is pretty good value for money.

Hi Kate, thank you for this really helpful info from a recent experience! I will be doing something similar in October. Did this price include the fare for the slow boat journey, or do you pay for the boat on arrival at the dock? And did you pre-book any accommodation in Pakbeng or arrange that on arrival? Sorry for all the questions, any advice is hugely appreciated! Thanks!

For those buying your own slow boat ticket it’s currently 300000 kip per person and 80000 kip for a bicycle. As of 22nd Sept the boat only leaves on Monday and Thursday at 11.30 am.

Ahhh I’m convinced! It sounds looooong but great. Just to clarify, the journey you describe and picture above, is this the public boat?

Hey! It is a long day, but if you have done long bus trips it is no different, actually, it is better because the views here are awesome. Yup that is the public boat in the pics, though the majority of people on it do need up being travelers, with only a handful of locals who disembark at their villages along the river.

This is such a thorough and helpful post! Thank you so much. Planning on taking this route in October!

Ahhhh awesome! It’s so cool to see people traveling again, you are going to have an amazing time!

Hallo. Hast du diese reise im 2022 gemacht? Wir suchen hoffnungsvoll nach anbietern von luang prabang nach huay xai

Thanks for the good article. Do you have any recommendation for a private tour operator? Apparently, all the ones we contacted are shut down since the pandemic.

Thanks in advance!

Wow, these pictures are so cool. Just awesome. I also plan to go on a trip and I want to take a slow boat. This article helps me. Thank you very much for sharing your experience.

What month did you do this journey in? I’m looking to do it in September and wasn’t sure whether the fact that it is rainy season would affect my ability to do son?

Hey Chloe! I did this journey in February. Though as far as I am aware the boats run regularly throughout the year. I have heard that the boat trip is actually faster (and more bearable) during the wet season and after the wet season as the water currents are stronger, so in my opinion September would be a perfect time to do it. Maybe just spend a night before in Huay Xai to ensure you get onto a boat as its likely they do less trips per day in the wet season.

This post is so so helpful! I’ve saved it for when we do the same trip in April. Thank you!

I will be taking the slow boat in a few days and feeling a bit nervous! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I loved how well you described exactly how it went which is easing my nervousness. I am looking forward to the experience!

Hey Christina! I am glad you found this helpful! The slow boat is often made out as a horrible journey, though it truly is not! The ride is not as long as they claim (we always arrived at least one hour earlier than what the crew advised) and make sure you dont get ripped off by prebooking accommodation, you can get the same room once you arrive in Pakbeng for half the price! Let me know how it goes :)

Ooh, I’m planning to do that trip in the next few weeks and am so looking forward to it. Great post!

Hope it went well

I always love reading your blog posts and this one is no different! You have AMAZING photos like usual! And I will be planning my entire trip to Asia based on your trip. So I will be following in your foot steps. Looking forward to it! Hahaha. Perfect info, thanks!

Thanks :) I appreciate the feedback! If you have any questions about planning your trip let me know :)

Wow I never thought about taking the slow boat, looks like a cool and cheap way to get around. Cant wait to visit this area!

Wow! This looks super adventurous! Going to be in Chiang Mai in December. Now you’ve got me interested!

What an amazing adventure. i love that you took a risk and tried something very different and it paid off! The boat trip sounds so worth it and like it would create amazing memories. I also really appreciate all the links you embedded into your post. Happy exploring!

Was interested to read this because I considered doing it but really didn’t have the time so I flew from Chiang Mai to LP instead. I would like to do this sometime (even though it sounds like a mission with crazy Asia BS…as I fondly call it after being there 3 months). It looks like a memorable experience and so very SE asian. I LOVED Luang Prabang and hope you did too!

Wow, this sounds like a great journey! Thanks for the reccommodation! Saving it for my South East Asia trip next year

Thanks for your guide Tasha, I’m in Luang Prabang now and was thinking of doing the slow boat trip but after reading your article I’ve decided not to. I’m a 61 year old man who’s been backpacking since I was 18 so I’ve done plenty of hard travelling and know when I’ve had enough of it. It’s refreshing when someone is honest when writing about the downsides of a particular journey. I’ve no need to go to Huay Xai so after going from here to Nong Khiaw and maybe further north I’ll head down to Vientiane and Nong Khai in Thailand which I visited in 1988 before you could go to Laos.

Very interesting. Doesn’t sound too bad to me except for the toilets – I am not sure if I would be able to handle that. I also can’t believe how cheap everything is in that area!

This looks so much more enjoyable than taking the bus from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai (20+ hours, what I did!!) I agree the scenery on the river close to LP is incredible – with a good book to read and plenty of food (and not too much to drink!) this journey looks incredible! And definitely better than the bus ;-).

I actually had no idea there was a boat option to thailand! Thanks for this!

I didn’t even know this was a way you could travel from Thailand to Laos. Very cool! Although, I do think I’d probably be pretty stir-crazy by the second day. Sitting isn’t really my thing. :) Still, great way to travel, see pretty scenery, and do it all on a budget!

Yeah there are not too many overland options to travel between Laos and Thailand, though this is definitely the best way! It honestly isnt too bad, its just like taking a bus two days in a row!

Oh my word! What an experience! I love Thailand, but I had never thought about catching the slow boat to Laos… until now! You’ve convinced me :) (And, being a broke millennial scraping by in Sydney, your price breakdown of food and accommodation day-to-day is making me drool.)

Thank you so much for sharing!

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Tuk-Tuks are for Tourists: Secrets for Getting Around Thailand

Exploring Thailand is relatively easy, but its easy to get overwhelmed by the numbers of options when it comes to getting around.

Depending on where you are in Thailand, you may choose a unique and traditional mode of transportation, like ride-shares, taxis or local buses, as well as songthaews.

In big cities like Bangkok , you will find the chaotic driving overwhelming, so you may decide the metro or BTS sky train to be a safer and less stressful option.

Needless to say, there are many options of public transport when getting around Thailand. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to each transportation option and when you would use them.

Meter Taxis & Ride-Share Apps

Metro or bts, long-distance bus, night train, internal flights, long tail boats, learn to love slow, unpredictable transit, more helpful posts on thailand, how to get around in thailand.

Whether you’re looking for an adventurous mode of transport or you want something simple, these are the best ways to get around Thailand…

When my partner, Brent, and I first arrived in Thailand , it seemed like we were having nothing but bad luck when it came to taking tuk-tuks.

The drivers were constantly trying to charge us outrageous prices, leading us off on unwanted detours, and attempting to short-change us at the end of the ride.

Brent was filling one of our Thai co-workers in on the latest of our disaster stories, and the explanation for our woes seemed quite simple to her: “Because tuk-tuks are for tourists.”

Once she pointed this out, it seemed obvious: I never see Thai people riding around in tuk-tuks.

Tuk-tuks can be fun, but as a means for travel, they are not the best option. Not only are they expensive but they can be a bit of a scam in terms of what you get for the price.

In my experience, most businesses in Thailand will unabashedly charge foreigners more than they charge locals.

Therefore, chances are, if you’re traveling like a foreign tourist, you’re probably getting charged like one too. If you want to get around Thailand on a budget , you need to learn how to travel like a Thai person, not a tourist.

Unless you want to ride in a tuk tuk for the ride itself, we don’t recommend it.

Almost everyone owns motorbikes or a scooter in Thailand. It’s therefore no surprise that, by far, the cheapest and easiest way to get around in any Thai city is to rent your own scooter or motorcycle.

For about $5 per day, a scooter rental gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. That said, not everyone is comfortable on a scooter, and traffic in some cities isn’t suited to newbies.

For those who don’t want to rent their own, scooter taxis are a good alternative which you can order on Grab or Bolt. Scooter taxis are easily recognizable because the drivers typically wear a brightly coloured vest.

They are as quick as tuk-tuks, but in my experience, the drivers are less likely to overcharge. In fact, in smaller towns the drivers often charge a low flat rate to travel anywhere within the city.

Fair warning, many scooter rentals ask for your passport as a deposit or a large fee in cash. Always choose the cash!

You technically need an international driver’s license to rent a scooter in Thailand, but as long as you have a driver’s license you should be fine. And there are police check points, so if you have no license don’t risk it.

These look like open pick-ups trucks with parallel benches in the back. They run within cities like a local bus, or on short routes between nearby cities.

There’s no official “stop” for songthaews, so you just stand by the side of the road and flag one down as it passes. They’re usually quite colourful, and full of people, making it easy to see them coming up the street. Hop inside the back, and then pay the driver when you get off.

Typically, you’ll be charged a set fare to ride to anywhere along the songthaew’s route.

If you’re carrying a lot of baggage, scooters and songthaews may not be practical options. In this case, I recommend meter taxis, or yellow taxis, over tuk-tuks.

If you ask the driver to run the meter for your trip, you almost always end up paying less than if you try to haggle over a fare with a tuk-tuk driver.

Nowadays, it’s easier and more cost effective to use ride-share apps such as Grab and Bolt, which are the Asian versions of Uber.

You can also order yellow taxis on these apps, but the good thing is the price is agreed beforehand and you can pay through the app, so no need to worry about counting your cash to make sure you have enough money.

When in Bangkok, it can be overwhelming navigating its bustling streets, though this becomes a breeze with the efficient and convenient Metro and BTS systems.

The Metro, known as the MRT, covers major areas like Sukhumvit, Silom, and Chatuchak Market, whisking you away to popular shopping destinations and cultural landmarks.

The BTS Skytrain stretches across both elevated and underground tracks, offering stunning views of the city skyline while effortlessly taking you to places like Siam Paragon, Terminal 21, and Chao Phraya River.

With air-conditioned carriages and frequent train arrivals, the Metro and BTS are a comfortable and reliable way to explore Bangkok .

Traveling long distances by bus in Thailand is not only affordable but also a convenient way to explore the country.

Thailand has an extensive bus network, which allows you to reach practically anywhere in Thailand by bus.

Despite its previous poor reputation, bus travel in Thailand has undergone significant improvements, offering more comfort and reliability.

VIP buses are especially popular for long-haul journeys, providing a comfortable and sometimes even luxurious experience with WiFi, free bottles of water and snacks.

You can get from Bangkok to popular destinations like Krabi or Phuket, buses offer budget-friendly options for travelers.

Taking a night train in Thailand is a memorable experience. The most popular route is between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and is yet another affordable way to travel.

These sleeper trains provide comfortable accommodations, allowing passengers to rest in cozy berths during the journey. If you want to travel super budget, you can opt for a third-class seat which is a seat rather than a bunk.

But even first-class tickets are cheap.

Whether you choose a lower or upper berth, the night train promises an adventure filled with comfort, convenience, and breathtaking scenery.

Taking domestic flights in Thailand is another convenient and efficient way to get from A to B. With several budget airlines offering domestic flights, including Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Smile, and Thai Air Asia, travelers have plenty of options to choose from.

These airlines operate from major airport hubs like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket , Krabi, and Koh Samui, ensuring easy connectivity to popular destinations.

Internal flights in Thailand are known for their affordability, making it a cost-effective option for travelers, but you do need to book in advance to get a good deal.

Taking longtail boats is a unique and authentic way to explore the country’s stunning waterways and coastal areas.

Longtail boats, also known as reua hang yao, are traditional wooden boats with long propeller shafts, making them distinctively Thai.

They are not only used for touristy rides but also serve as ferries, cargo boats, and transportation between islands.

Whether you’re island hopping, getting from Ao Nang to Railay Beach, exploring the Bangkok klongs (canals), or simply enjoying a leisurely cruise along the Andaman Sea, longtail boats provide a charming and immersive experience.

You can also do border crossings between Thailand and Laos on a long tail boat, which is a unique experience.

Ferries are one of the best ways to get to the islands in Thailand. With numerous ferry routes connecting places like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi Islands, Phuket, and Krabi, travelers have plenty of options to choose from.

Ferry travel in Thailand is generally considered safe, though it can be slow.

Various ferry companies, such as Lomprayah, Raja Ferry Port, and Seatran Ferry, operate reliable services.

Tickets can be easily booked through platforms like 12Go.asia or from the ticket counters at the port.

Tips for Navigating Public Transport in Thailand

To make sure you are able to get around Thailand with ease, here are some words of advice…

It doesn’t take a lot of effort to learn how to say “hello”, “thank you”, and “how are you?” in Thai, but it makes a world of difference in how you’re treated. (“Sawadee,” “Kop Kuhn,” “Sabadee mai?”- respectively)

If you show your driver that you speak a little Thai, you will seem less like a wide-eyed tourist who just got off the plane, ready to fall for anything. Trying to make some taxi conversation helps the driver see you as a person, rather than just another dumb foreigner.

The use of a few polite phrases in Thai almost always leads to a better price and a shorter route. For example, once during a meter taxi ride, our driver suggested that he take us to the nearest metro stop, because the rush hour traffic was going to make the ride to our destination unusually expensive.

He could easily have kept driving and not warned us, leaving us to pay the inflated fare. I can’t be sure, but I think he gave us a break because he was charmed by our broken attempts at Thai. A little Thai also goes a long way towards getting a warmer reception and more assistance at bus and train stations.

I’ve had to get used to the fact that it’s very difficult to make plans around transport between cities and provinces in Thailand. It’s not always possible to find bus and train timetables online, let alone book a seat in advance. Trains and buses are frequently very late, slow, and crowded.

Buying a ticket doesn’t mean that you won’t end up squatting in the aisle because all of the seats are taken. Getting around in Thailand became a lot easier for me once I stopped worrying about when I was going to get to my destination.

The craziness of the transport system becomes more manageable when you view it as an adventure, rather than a hassle. There’s something strangely magical about a long, slow ride on the rickety Thai railway, with the windows open to combat the sweaty heat, listening to the vendors calling out for passengers to buy food as they walk up and down the aisles.

When you stop taking transport seriously, you can start to enjoy the journey and have some fun figuring out the best ways to get around Thailand.

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BIO : Jessica has been working/volunteering her way through Europe and Southeast Asia with her partner, Brent, since September 2011. The projects are varied: from gardening at a retreat center in Germany to teaching ESL in Thailand. Check out Ways of Wanderers  for her latest stories and travel advice.

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