<p>Every day, travellers crossing from Chiang Khong in Thailand to Huay Xai in Laos face the same choice: the public slow boat or a Mekong river cruise. Both follow the same two-day stretch of the river, with a night in Pakbeng halfway. The way you experience it is very different.</p>
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<tr><th style=”text-align:left;padding:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #ddd;”></th><th style=”text-align:left;padding:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #ddd;”>Public slow boat</th><th style=”text-align:left;padding:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #ddd;”>Mekong Cruises</th></tr>
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<tr><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”><strong>The boat</strong></td><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”>Shared passenger ferry</td><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”>Traditional teak boat with cushioned seating, daybeds and an open deck</td></tr>
<tr><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”><strong>At the border</strong></td><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”>You find your own way to the pier</td><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”>Welcome at the Lao immigration office in Houayxay, help with visa procedures, minibus to the pier</td></tr>
<tr><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”><strong>Luggage</strong></td><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”>You carry your own</td><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”>Luggage handling in Houayxay and Luang Prabang</td></tr>
<tr><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”><strong>On board</strong></td><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”>Bring your own food</td><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”>Traditional Lao lunches, drinking water, coffee and tea</td></tr>
<tr><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”><strong>Along the way</strong></td><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”>No visits</td><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”>Hill tribe village, Ban Baw (lao-lao whisky and handicrafts), Pak Ou Caves, with an English-speaking guide and entrance fees included</td></tr>
<tr><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”><strong>Night in Pakbeng</strong></td><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”>Find a guesthouse on arrival</td><td style=”padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;”>Your choice of hotel, or a teak bungalow at Luang Say Lodge with dinner included</td></tr>
<tr><td style=”padding:10px;”><strong>Price</strong></td><td style=”padding:10px;”>The cheapest option</td><td style=”padding:10px;”>From $180 per person for 2 days, $205 with the night at Luang Say Lodge</td></tr>
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<p>If you want to see the Mekong rather than just cross it, a cruise turns two long days on the river into the highlight of your trip to Laos.</p>