luang prabang to huay xai by boat

Hi, we are planning boat trip from LP to Huay Xai. Everyone seems to travel this the other way around, and lonely planet guide only covers HX to LP. I have assumed everything would be the same, just in reverse, but this does not take into account tidal effect of Mekong. Does the slow boat go from LP to HX every day, and does the trip take 2 days? Any other ideas for doing this leg of our travel?

Ta, B

luang prabang to huay xai by boat

Hi Billy

We%26#39;re doing the trip this way round in November - through asian oasis (on their Luang Say boat). It%26#39;s much pricier than a local boat, but it seems you get a more comfortable boat, full bar and a good overnight stay included. From reports and photos, the standard tourist boats do look a bit uncomfortable for a full day but you%26#39;re looking at the same view I guess so I%26#39;m sure it would be fine too!

I think the dates depend on time of year but they seem to run the trip at least 3 times a week. You can do it over 2 or 3 days, and I think it does take a little longer upstream.

Not been on it yet but will do a report when we%26#39;re back!

luang prabang to huay xai by boat

There are numerous postings on this uncomfortable trip, but the direction you are taking is usually less crowded. I understand you may be choosing the Mekong because that is the general direction you want to head, but have a look at my recent Trip Report on this Forum for a much more interesting Nam Ou River experience!

I completed the trip you mentioned last week arriving in HX Sunday the 20th.The booking was through Asian Oasis although they used the Kamu Lodge boat for the 1st leg of the trip as we had chosen the three day/two night option.The Kamu boat is smaller and not as comfortable as Asian Oasis/Luangsay Lodge boat but there was only one other couple on the boat.

Left LP 8.30 Friday a.m.(originally went to the wrong pier as didn%26#39;t realise 1st leg was not on the Luangsay boat and the crew told me to come back the next day-fortunately another boatman heard the conversation and redirected us!)

Kamu Lodge is a resort of 20 South African Safari tent roofed over with palm and have a basic stone built bathroom attached.The resort didn%26#39;t seem fully open-they were working on the main restaurant and our guide had taken all provisions on the boat-(but only half a dozen beers!-still there%26#39;s a little shop in the nearby village.)

We were picked up by the Luangsay boat at about 11.00 the next morning(it having left LP at about 8.00 that morning)-30-40 guests but very well looked after by the boat crew drinks etc as often as you wanted.

Reached Luangsay Lodge early evening after a very relaxing day cruising up the river-early start the next day-7.00 am departure-and reached HX about 4.00.Staff then helped with customs etc and transfer into Thailand.Most people on the boat agreed they would have liked more time at Luangsay Lodge as the setting and surrounding area were stunning.

Hope this is of help to you,and if you have any other questions let me know.