Chiang Mai to Laos: The Slow Boat to Luang Prabang (Thai Travel Guide Book 5)

Many visitors to Thailand move on to other South East Asian countries, and to do so they scour around for the best transportation options. Many of the travel guides sketch out ideas but don’t go into sufficient detail, this book does. It's not often that the actual journey to the next destination is a memorable event in itself, and that is certainly the case with this boat trip that takes you into Laos, and down to the world heritage town of Luang Prabang.

Chiang Mai is itself is a jewel with Thailand, and I have written extensively about it another guide book called “Why You should Visit Chiang Mai.” The city is a well-known tourist and backpacker must-see.

Leaving from Chiang Mai, I will talk you through how to book the trip, what to expect, what to look out for, and give you some general information. I've included fifty photographs, enough to give you a taste of what to expect. If you enjoy taking photos - this trip will be heavenly to you.

The journey takes in three days, from leaving your hotel in Chiang Mai, visiting the White Temple in Chiang Rai, an overnight stay in Chiang Khong, from where you will exit Thailand, and then on to the star of the show - sailing down the legendary Mekong river in Laos.

The boat journey itself is shared by a good mix of tourists, backpackers, and locals who use the boat as a river taxi. That adds to the overall experience as you see regular life playing out as you go along on the journey.

The sailing part of the trip takes two day-times, with an overnight stay in Pak Beng. In the book I explain everything you need to know about accommodation, food for the trip, visa issues etc. At the end of the third day you arrive in the simply stunning and glorious Luang Prabang. I'll give you some tips about how to find somewhere to stay, how to beat the tourist crowds at the wonderful Kuang Si, and another couple of day trip ideas.

Luang Prabang is a tourist and backpacker destination. You have a wide range of accommodation to choose from ranging from shared dormitories to top class hotels.

The best of it is, it's cheap. I'll give you an idea of costs as we go along, as well as tons of useful tips. Many people don't have a clue that this trip exists, read this, and you'll know all about it. Download the guide book now and get ready for one of the most memorable - and cheap! - journeys of your life.