K Buddy
- Om operatören
- PopulÀra Rutter
- Stationer
- Recensioner
- Schema och Tidtabell
Om K Buddy
Vissa resenÀrer Àr skeptiska till skÄpbilar, men ett stort utbud av destinationer och konkurrenskraftiga priser gör skÄpbilar till ett av de mest populÀra transportmedlen för andra. SkÄpbilar Àr alltid mer flexibla Àn stora bussar. Om det plötsligt kommer en begÀran om resor till nÄgra nya destinationer Àr skÄpbilsoperatörer alltid de första att erbjuda sina tjÀnster. Det Àr faktiskt lÀttare att starta en ny rutt om man kör ett fordon med en kapacitet pÄ 10-15 personer, eller hur?
K Buddy driver skÄpbilstrafik och erbjuder biljetter med enkel onlinebokning. Kolla in dem om du letar efter alternativ för att resa med skÄpbil.
Vilka Àr de viktigaste stationerna för K Buddy?
K Buddys skÄpbilar kör till och frÄn följande terminaler:
- Chiang Rai Transfer
- Chiang Rai stadstransfer
- Vientiane Northern Busstation
- Huay Xai Transfer
- Accha Indian Dhaba
- Pai Indian Restaurant
- Accha Indian Dhaba
- Chiang Rai Town
- Huay Xai Transfer
- Sokprasert Bus Terminal
- Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
- Chiang Mai Arcade 2
- K Buddy Bike
- K Buddy Bike
- CoolMuang Coffee
Vilka Àr de mest populÀra rutterna för K Buddy?
De mest populÀra resmÄlen i K Buddys tidtabell Àr:
- Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai - Huay Xai
- Chiang Rai - Louang Prabang
- Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai
- Chiang Mai - Louang Prabang
- Chiang Mai - Louang Namtha
- Chiang Rai - Vientiane
- Chiang Mai - Pai
- Huay Xai - Louang Prabang
- Chiang Rai - Louang Namtha
- Pai - Chiang Mai
- Huay Xai - Chiang Rai
- Huay Xai - Louang Namtha
- Chiang Rai - Hanoi
- Chiang Rai - Pai
- Pai - Chiang Rai
- Chiang Rai - Thakhek
- Chiang Rai - Pakxé
- Chiang Rai - Don Det
- Chiang Rai - Savannakhet
- Pai - Chiang Khong
- Chiang Rai - Huáșż
- Chiang Rai - Da Nang
Vilka klasser & priser finns det pÄ Vans? K Buddy?
I regel Àr det inte möjligt att vÀlja biljettklass nÀr man reser med skÄpbil. Du kan dock kontrollera med operatören och/eller vÀlja den typ av skÄpbil som trafikerar din rutt. Vissa skÄpbilar har plats för endast 9-10 passagerare, andra har plats för upp till 15 resenÀrer. Det förstnÀmnda fallet innebÀr att du kan fÄ mer benutrymme, bredare sÀten och en bekvÀmare resa, det sistnÀmnda - var beredd pÄ ett begrÀnsat utrymme för dina ben, armbÄgar och ditt bagage. LÀs recensioner om K Buddy van service för att vara sÀker pÄ att de uppfyller dina förvÀntningar.
Fördelar och Nackdelar att Resa med SkÄpbil
Fördelar att Resa med skÄpbilsresor
- Vanbilar nÄr ofta de destinationer dÀr varken bussar eller tÄg Äker. Dessa inkluderar sekundÀra stÀder och mindre byar.
- I de flesta fall Àr skÄpbilar det snabbaste sÀttet att ta sig till din destination om du reser relativt korta strÀckor över land, helt enkelt eftersom de Àr mindre Àn bussar och mer manövrerbara.
- Vagnar kan lÄta dig kliva av pÄ en mer lÀmplig plats pÄ vÀgen - inte nödvÀndigtvis vid terminalen, vilket faktiskt kan spara mycket tid och pengar i vissa fall.
Nackdelar att Resa med SkÄpbil
- Vissa skÄpbilar kan vara ganska trÄnga med begrÀnsat utrymme för bagage. Tja, faktiskt erbjuder nÀstan alla skÄpbilar begrÀnsat bagageutrymme och om du har mer Àn en vÀska eller ryggsÀck kan det vara en bra idé att köpa en separat plats för ditt bagage - ja, du kommer att betala dubbelt för din resa, tyvÀrr.
- Det Àr vÀrt att kontrollera om din skÄpbil gÄr enligt tidtabell eller om den avgÄr nÀr den Àr full - i det senare fallet kan det sluta med att du fÄr vÀnta för lÀnge eftersom det pÄ flera rutter kan ta ganska lÄng tid för en skÄpbil att fyllas upp.
- Du bör veta att skĂ„pbilsförare Ă€r ökĂ€nda för sin snabba körning. Ăven de mest vĂ€lrenommerade företagen misslyckas ibland med att övertala förarna att respektera hastighetsbegrĂ€nsningarna. Ăven om din förare inte insisterar pĂ„ det, ska du alltid spĂ€nna fast sĂ€kerhetsbĂ€ltet nĂ€r du reser med skĂ„pbil.
- Om du lÀtt blir sjösjuk och resan innehÄller slingrande strÀckor, Àr risken för Äksjuka större nÀr du Äker skÄpbil Àn nÀr du Äker buss. Ta din medicin en halvtimme före resan för att vara pÄ den sÀkra sidan.
K Buddy Stationer
Chiang Rai TransferChiang Rai stadstransferVientiane Northern BusstationK Buddy BikeHuay Xai TransferK Buddy BikeAccha Indian DhabaCoolMuang CoffeePai Indian RestaurantAccha Indian DhabaChiang Rai TownHuay Xai TransferSokprasert Bus TerminalChiang Rai Hotel TransferChiang Mai Arcade 2
K Buddy Företagsomdömen
H G
Helena GFick oss till vÄr destination tidigt och stödde hela gruppen vÀl genom hela grÀnsprocessen.
Denna recension har översatts automatiskt
Buss Van + Bus + Van, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 9 juni 2024
C Z
Celia ZJag hade bokat van plus nattbuss till Laos.
Avresan var planerad till kl. 12.00 frÄn mitt hotell. En man kom förbi strax efter 11 för att berÀtta för mig att avresan hade skjutits upp till 2pm. Klockan 13.30 hÀmtade en annan man i en enklare bil upp honom och slÀppte av mig vid skÄpbilen.
Resten gick ganska bra. SkÄpbilen var bekvÀm och luftkonditionerad, och han tog oss till en liten butik vid sidan av vÀgen för att göra pappersarbetet före grÀnsen (ganska bisarrt). Vi fyllde i tullformulÀret och tog foton om vi inte hade nÄgra. Du kan ocksÄ byta bad till kip till en mycket intressant kurs.
Att gÄ igenom tullen var ganska enkelt, med ingenting att rapportera pÄ den thailÀndska sidan. PÄ den laotiska sidan var det dock en serviceavgift pÄ $ 1 eller 50 baths (bara för att de skulle kontrollera formulÀret). Betala 40 dollar eller 1 800 baths för visumet (var försiktig, det Àr mycket dyrare i baths). Efter att ha gÄtt igenom tullen var vi tvungna att vÀnta pÄ att fÄnga nattbussen, som tog oss till en liten busstation med allt vi behövde. Nattbussen lÀmnade mer Àn 30 minuter för sent, personalen var sÄ ovÀnlig som möjligt, de förklarade ingenting för oss och de talade inte engelska. Du hamnar i en ganska smal kaj med en frÀmling (de försöker sÀtta turister tillsammans). Och vÀgen som skakar dig fram och tillbaka mellan hÄl och krökar Àr tillrÀckligt för att fÄ dig att vilja krÀkas. Det var middagspaus kl. 20.00 och efter det hade vi ingen aning om det var pauser eller bara stopp för resenÀrer, eftersom ingenting sades pÄ engelska.
Resan gÄr vidare, man sover inte eller man sover inte sÀrskilt mycket, men man kommer Ätminstone fram sÀkert.
Denna recension har översatts automatiskt
Buss Van + Bus + Song Taew + Sleeping Bus, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 5 mars 2024
S K
Sarah KAtt börja vid Lao bussterminalen var lite tufft, du mÄste byta kupong och hitta bussen - inte mÄnga talar engelska, i vÄrt fall fanns det lyckligtvis bara ett möjligt alternativ. Hela rutten tog lÀngre tid Àn föreslagit, men vi tÀnkte pÄ det frÄn alla andra reserbjudanden. Den lokala sovbussen tar cirka 15 timmar att komma till en station 15 minuter frÄn grÀnsen. Efter bussresan hade vi en K-kompis affiliate som vÀntade pÄ att visa oss det fordon vi skulle ta för att ravel till Lao Border Town Huay Xai (ca. 15 min bort) DÀr vÀntade de oss och förklarade nÀsta steg, köpte bussbiljetten och gav dem till oss eftersom du mÄste ta en obligatorisk busslinje över vÀnskapsbron till den thailÀndska grÀnsen. PÄ andra sidan, efter invandring vid den thailÀndska grÀnsen, fanns en thailÀndsk förare frÄn K-kompis som vÀntade pÄ att ta oss till Chang Rai.
Hela resan var mycket sömlös och enkel. Den största smÀrtpunkten var Lao Sleeping Bus eftersom den var ganska rudimentÀr, Àven vissa mÀnniskor som kom in vid senare busshÄllplatser var tvungna att sova pÄ golvet mellan sÀngstationerna eftersom alla sÀngar var fulla. Vi förvÀntade oss det dock sÄ allt var bra och K Buddy guidade oss verkligen igenom - deras service var fantastisk :)
Denna recension har översatts automatiskt
Buss Sleeping Bus + Van + Bus + Van, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 21 nov. 2023
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Daniel BZero communication
Our hotel was a bit out the city, we received confirmation from 12Go but no further information. We looked up the provider on Google to find their Whatsapp and messaged over 24 hours before. We received no response despite multiple messages. 2 hours before pick up I decided to call to check the pick up was okay, we were told we had to meet at the meeting point (this information was not provided). After the call they finally opened the numerous messages I'd sent and rang back saying they'd send someone which they did.
In the end it worked out and driver at both ends was very nice and the vehicle was fine. I've unfortunately left 2 stars because of the stress caused by the complete lack of information and on 12Go it says 1h 30m transfer - this was more like 3 hours total.
Vehicle could also do with a clean inside.
Buss Van + Bus + Song Taew, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 11 sep. 2026
P S
Philip STransportation was great. Drivers were very helpful and helped for smooth border processing. The trip from Huay Xai to Chiang Rai took just 2 hours.
Buss CLASS--9, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 7 sep. 2026
B R
Benjamin RHigh points:
* We arrived safely at our destination.
* The border crossing itself was straightforward.
* After entering Laos, the staff eventually directed us to the correct bus and we reached Luang Namtha without any major issues.
Low points:
* Pickup was late, and communication about the delay was limited.
* The taxi was overcrowded and uncomfortable for five passengers with luggage.
* One of the most uncomfortable moments was when the taxi driver repeatedly asked how much we had paid for the transfer, started making phone calls about it, and later asked us for a tip. It created an awkward situation that shouldnât happen during a prepaid transfer.
* The company is not transparent about the type of transportation youâll actually be using. When you book, you donât know whether youâll travel by private van, taxi, tuk-tuk, or an old local bus. The ticket guarantees youâll reach your destination, but not the comfort or the means of transport.
* Assistance at the border was minimal, so you should be prepared to handle the visa and immigration process on your own.
* The bus to Luang Namtha was in poor condition, and the long meal stop made an already long journey even longer.
Overall: If your only priority is getting from Chiang Rai to Luang Namtha at a reasonable price, this service does the job. However, the lack of transparency, inconsistent transportation, and poor communication make it difficult to rate higher than 3 stars.
Minibuss Minibuss + buss med sovplats, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 4 aug. 2026
A R
Amy RIncredible! Van was clean and comfortable, got there earlier than expected and driver even dropped me off at my hostel! Would absolutely recommend!
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 26 juni 2026
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Laura A massive thank you to our driver who drove back to the terminal after dropping us off when we realised we had left a bag. Very much appreciated. Ride was was on time, efficient and as described.
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 20 juni 2026
P B
Pieter BOk sleeper bus, aircon too cold, but thin blanket provided, drivers non-communicative, only English word they seemed to know is "no".
Horrendous road conditions, good driver though 400km average speed 30km/h
Buss Taxi + Sleeping Bus, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 20 juni 2026
T G
Tina GVery good
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 14 juni 2026
E V
Eloi VSuper kind and smooth trip. Highly recommend
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 31 maj 2026
C C
Christina CWhatâs good:
- Easy to book, confirmation email sent immediately
- My transport was an 11-seater, vehicle looks new-ish and clean
- I was picked up from the comfort of my hotel (instead of having to go to the bus station)
What can be improved:
- No communication from service provider apart from the auto confirmation email. I have to WhatsApp them to ask what time is pick up (I was informed pick up is between 1 - 1:30pm) & if driver is going to come and find me in lobby
- Driver was driving very fast - it felt unsafe. He was racing through pot holes and overtaking cars. I understand this may be common / how driving is in Thailand, but felt unsafe. I rather the travel time is 4 - 4.5 hours and he doesnât have to rush
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 17 maj 2026
S M
Susan MAvoid
we had to chase confirmation of pickup by whats app. We were informed pick up 1pm to 1.30 we had to get our hotel to call they didnât pick us up until 1.50 then drove like a maniac speeding and tailgating other cars to get to the pickup point for van did not feel safe at all. No apology for lateness
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 19 apr. 2026
M C
Max CPros:
The driver arrived early to pick us up from the hotel.
The van was big and comfortable enough.
Cons:
The driver was scrolling through TikTok the whole time, if not on TikTok he was on YouTube.
During the break in the trip he said we had 20 minutes, after 20 mins everyone was in the bus but we had to wait 15 more minutes for the driver while he was smoking.
No communication from the company, because they picked us up from our hotel I expected a message to confirm pickup location like I have had before.
Overall, the experience was fine.
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 22 mars 2026
A V
Ary VVan was average, and the driver is a danger in the wheels, for those bumpy roads
Buss Van + Bus + Song Taew, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 18 mars 2026
M B
Maayan BThe service was fine until we crossed the border to Laos , the sleeper bus was late to departure, and instead of 24 hours trip it became almost 30 hours because the kept going of track and picking on and of random people who didnât even have a seat in the bus and just set on the floor.
Minibuss Minibuss + buss med sovplats, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 26 feb. 2026
P E
Paul ELate, dirty vehicle poor communication on the operator. The delivery from the Laos border was the most inefficient and time wasting experience of my life. Much better to just get a tuk tuk.
Buss Van + Bus + Song Taew, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 25 feb. 2026
S U
Sumit UReached on time
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 20 feb. 2026
H G
Hervé GBon rapport prestation/ prix
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 18 feb. 2026
V T
Valerie TThe driver wasnât driving safely, I worried if I will arrive alive.
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 17 feb. 2026
R R
Robbert RVery safe and easy ride to Chiang Rai.
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 6 feb. 2026
M F
Marius FPickup perfectly on time from the hotel and we were on the way to the border relatively quick.
The whole process until drop off at Huay Xai took 2 hrs longer than advertised. (4hrs total door to door)
Buss Van + Bus + Song Taew, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 5 feb. 2026
R H
Rachel HFast efficient service. Just make sure you arrive early for pick up.
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 4 feb. 2026
A V
Arnaud VHad a good trip. Faster than bus, confortable, on time and esau to book.
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 3 feb. 2026
V S
Vanessa SOn the ticket it said we were supposed to be there AT LEAST 40 min before departure. We were there 30 min before and were told we are the last ones. But more people kept showing up also wanting to go to Chiang Rai. So there were not enough seats in the van. They had to organize another one which took them AN HOUR. So we sat there on the street for 1 1/2 hours and still had to leave people behind (I actually donât know what happened to them). The van was ok, the driver was super nice and they stopped half way. The driver was average but the organization was aweful.
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 26 jan. 2026
N E
Nalissa EMy pick up was on time as the first passagner, but quite disorganized for others. He didn't have all the correct pick up addresses and it took over an hour to get out of Chiang Rai. He was a good driver, much safer than previous experiences. I've learned that door to door isn't necessarily the best option.
Buss Van + Bus + Song Taew, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 25 jan. 2026
C V
Camilla VThe driver was slightly late but that didnât bother me at all, I had contacted the operator and they were on the phone to me straight away. I was on my own and so the driver offered me a seat in the front which was lovely as I got to appreciate the gorgeous views along the way.
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 12 jan. 2026
B B
Bohumil BEverything went easy
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 8 jan. 2026
A K
Amanda KIt was a good ride. We stopped at a rest area about an hour and a half into the drive.
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 7 jan. 2026
D R
Dimitri RThere were not much information from 12GO, luckily I traveled with 2 other person who booked through the bus station and received phone numbers and more details through WhatsApp.
The bus left 2h later than schedule and the trip took longer as well.
The van waiting for us at the border left as we were Kate and we had to wait an additional 1h30, the trip took about 24h in total, instead of 17h. The bus isn't confortable and the bed have to be shared.
There were not enough bed available because some luggage had to be stored on beds since the boot was full of eggs and chickens...
Worth ride I had in a bus.
Buss Sleeping Bus + Van + Bus + Van, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 27 dec. 2025
S L
Sofia LEverything was on time and worked seamlessly - HOWEVER, they overly packed the van so it was VERY cramped and people were sitting on the floor. The AC was blasting making it ice cold, and the driver was flying through the curves. We made it safe and sound and an hour early even, but it was a very taxing journey.
Minibuss Minibuss + buss med sovplats, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 25 dec. 2025
J C
Jacob CGood vehicle
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 19 dec. 2025
A V
Andrea VGood but they don't stick to schedules
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 17 dec. 2025
C R
Christopher RDouble the number of people booked for the one coach that turned up late. We then waited for another coach to take the others. Everyone eventually got there but doesnt give you confidence
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 10 dec. 2025
T C
Thomas CLeft Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai with 2 hours late, without telling us ..
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 9 dec. 2025
D L
Diana LVery comfortable and kind
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 7 dec. 2025
D G
Dominic GVery very dangerous driving between Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. 160kph around bends, overtakes around blind corners etc. Do not recommend at all.
Book the GreenBus instead, it may take slightly longer but you will live to see another day.
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 4 dec. 2025
J K
Julia KThe driver was excellllent.
Je Drive Not dlowly, but made the Circus very smooth, so you could stand it much better.
I gellt really Safe.
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 1 dec. 2025
L H
Long HI know the AC has to be on and cold, since I took some travels before. but this one was freezing and the windows was still foggy. the driver did not knew what he was doing. Other then that it was good.
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 30 nov. 2025
D D
Dante DAmazing driver? Best in town, cleanest vehicle I have ever seen and very polite and warm
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 21 nov. 2025
L C
Lauren CI really can't recommend this and would suggest using another tour provider.
Got the slow boat from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang.
Pick-up was on time and the van was air conditioned. Everything before the border was fine. Smooth leaving Thailand but entering Laos was a nightmare. No guidance given throughout this, other than by a man who couldn't confirm his identity and honestly we thought we were being scammed.
Had to pay visa fee and a tourist tax directly to him, not border officials which really did not seem right.
The transfer was overbooked and me and my partner were crammed into the seat of a pick up with our main backpacks and day packs on top of us. We were provided a sandwich but there was no vegetarian or vegan option.
Made it to the ferry point and we were the last group to get there out of all the other tour providers meaning we didn't and many others didn't get a seat on the actual boat as it was overbooked.
Would I do it again? Yes the slow boat was crowded but had stunning views - but definitely not with this tour provider.
Buss Van + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 20 nov. 2025
S B
Salvador BVery profesional driver.
Minibuss Minibuss, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 13 nov. 2025
P K
Pallabi KThe van picked up on time. Helped through the border crossing and getting to the slow boat pier. The slow boat was overbooked but the experience was amazing.
Buss Van + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 16 okt. 2025
S B
Sarah BUh, the transfers itself was easy and going through the border. If you donât book with a friend you will be put with a random person in a twin sized bed. Iâd recommend bringing a pillow case for the pillow they provide⊠bring layers it gets VERY cold. Even if you donât normally get cold you will. Also bring food or your own soup (they have hot water) because the stop they make not many options.
Also no bathroom on bus. And roads are as terrible as they say but bring some gravel and sleeping pill and youâre all good.
Minibuss Minibuss + buss med sovplats, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 26 sep. 2025
C C
Charis CThis trip was a very expensive (for what you get) and uncomfortable experience I wish 12Go would warn people about! The part from Chiang Mai (Thailand) to the border with Laos was fine and comfy, on a minibus. But it took 17 hours to cover just 505km (from Huay Xay to Luang Prabang) on a very noisy "sleeper" bus, shaking on Laos' insufficient road infrastructure, where you might share a wooden bunk bed with someone you don't know.
Minibuss Minibuss + buss med sovplats, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 7 sep. 2025
L G
Lavinia GThe first part of the trip to the border was great and seamless - the sleeper bus however was very primitive with two people to a very hard bunk and the roads are very poor so you get shaken around a lot. Would not recommend if youâre a solo traveller. We did get there in good ish time though however I doubt Iâll do it again.
Buss Van + Bus + Song Taew + Sleeping Bus, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 24 juli 2025
F R
Federico ROverall a good experience, but itâs not for everyone. For slow boat boarding, you need to be fit and have good balance â you'll walk across a wooden plank, and if itâs raining, it gets slippery. There were better and worse moments during the trip. From Chiang Rai to the border, everything was smooth and easy, though communication was lacking. After I contacted them, they told us pickup would be between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m., but the van arrived at 5:45.
Border crossing was easy but very slow. The staff always made sure you were guaranteed your next ticket and connection. Visa management felt a bit sketchy. In total, youâll need to pay a Laos entry fee of 20 Baht and a visa on arrival, which costs either $40 USD, 1,800 Baht, or 1.2 million Kip. My advice, based on current exchange rates, is that USD is much cheaper â try to exchange in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai the day before departing.
After the border, the next bus takes you to the pier for the slow boat. At the pier, they give you a sandwich and offer a Laos SIM card for a good deal. The boat is crowded and the chairs are horrible â but youâll survive. After 7 hours, you land in Pak Beng. Be smart and book a room in advance; itâs a very small but nice village.
The boat on the next day is a million times better â comfy chairs, even tables, kind of like a floating train. Over two days on the river, youâll see beautiful landscapes, though visibility can be poor when it rains. The river looks like chocolate and is full of floating plastic.
Once you arrive in Luang Prabang, youâll cross another plank to disembark. The pier is far from the city, close to the airport, and crowded with thirsty tuktuk drivers looking for prey â they charge 50,000 Kip per person. My advice is to set up a Loca app account (Laosâ version of Uber) in advance and skip the tuktuk. A Loca ride from the pier to the city costs around 140,000 Kip.
Honestly, I think itâs way more fun than taking the train and cheaper than flying â but itâs slow and will test your patience and resilience. If youâre lucky, youâll make friends during the trip, which is a great way to pass the time and socialize. Luang Prabang is truly beautiful.
Buss Van + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 30 juni 2025
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Robert RThe transfer was from Thailand to laos, the part in chiang rai was very good, everything was on time, except the fact that we couldn't contact the provider to ensure that everything was ok, the problems started on the laos side, they charge 40 use, if you have older notes than they don't accept them and after you can change them in a very low rate, if you pay in baht or lak kip than they charge more money, there's a two day ride in a slow boat, each for about 7-8 hours, it's owful , it's not comfortable and there's not much space, stay one night in a small village and the next day continue to luang prabang for another 8 hours, than you take a took took to the city
That journey is for the strong spirit and mind
Buss Van + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 25 juni 2025
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Anya MThe driver on route to the Thai border was lovely! Made a lot of stops and was very friendly. After crossing the border the experience was not as pleasant. Our sleeper bus was stuck in a ditch for around 2.5 hours at 2am. We also arrived 4 hours later than expected. We understand that the bus being stuck was no oneâs fault but there were no instructions or information given from the drivers who were also not very friendly.
Minibuss Minibuss + buss med sovplats, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 20 maj 2025
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Adam GFirst day on slowboat was great. The second day was a different boat with less seats which led to many people sitting on the floor. This made it hard to access the bathrooms and shop
Buss Van + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat, K Buddy (àčàž àžàž±àžàžàž”àč), 4 maj 2025