M
Mikayla This was one of my favorite travel experiences in Southeast Asia so far. First off, the operator was early. He was already at the pickup spot when my sister and I got to the location (10 minutes early!). The van was fairly comfortable, and the driver was efficient. Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang is quite a journey, but everyone we came in contact with was helpful and informative. We received all the necessary tickets.
The journey in total, comprised of a van, a border check, a bus, a border check, a slightly scary at first but totally fine truck ride to an office (at which, a very kind gentleman converted currency for us and gave us complimentary sandwiches!), a van on a very bumpy, but fun, underdeveloped road through Laos, and a beautiful train ride.
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Van Van + Train, LaoLuang Travel (ບໍລິສັດທ່ອງທ່ຽວລາວຫຼວງ), Aug 18, 2026
MR
Malanto RGreat overall experience.
Not sure if it was on PDF or in the comments, but you have to be carefull if you want to pay the visa with USD, the dollar notes must be in perfect conditions (easier to in baths even if the conversion change is higher).
The thing I'm not happy about the experience is the excessive price of the SIM card. I paid 300 000 kips to the operator for a 100 000 kip forfait. OK for a small charge, it's a service but it's too much and not transparent. I had knew, I will not have take it.
For the conversion of bahts to kips, I don't know if the change rate was OK or not.
The transport was good, either the minivan and slowboat.
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Van Van + Ferry, So Good Airline Service and Travel, Aug 18, 2026
D
Domenico Highly recommend! No better way to get inside Laos from Thailand than this!
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Van Minivan + Slow Boat, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Aug 11, 2026
LR
Lois RDriver was on time and helpful, and staff at the border were so helpful in getting our VISA application ready. We even got to skip the queue at the Laos border. The slow boat itself was lovely - a great way to travel
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Van Minivan + Slow Boat, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Aug 4, 2026
OW
Olaf WA long ride on a very bumpy way. De driver stopped at a terrible toiletblock.
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Van Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Jul 27, 2026
SO
Sarah OEverything ran smoothly and to time, staff helped at boarder with visa/arrival card and were very friendly.
We had to change our tickets to the day after and staff ensured this happened with no extra charge.
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Van Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Jul 12, 2026
NL
Niamh LThe Thai side of the transfer was perfect no complaints at all. However, the Laos transfer was awful. The driver was rude and drove about 100 miles an hour down these dirt roads and was overtaking on blind corners. I’ve been travelling SEA for 3 months and it was the worst driving I have experienced. No toilet breaks either. Dreadful.
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Van Van + Shuttle Bus + Express Train 2nd Class Seat, Yortdoy Travel (ยอดดอย ทราเวล), Jul 10, 2026
L
Laura From the beginning communication was great. JJ helped me with what I needed. The slow boat was more than I expected, the views where indescribable. Pure beauty. The boat had a couple of spare seats so the journey ess was comfortable and smooth. I would come back just to do the boat again.
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Van Van + Ferry, So Good Airline Service and Travel, Jun 26, 2026
ET
Eva TCommunication was great!
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Van Van + Ferry, So Good Airline Service and Travel, Jun 23, 2026
ZK
Zuzanna KGreat company! The journey was really well organised and the staff helped with everything, including the visa process.
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Van Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Jun 20, 2026