slow boat to Luang Prabang options

I visited Laos a few years ago and loved the trip down the Mekong from Huay Xia to Luang Prabang, partly because I was on a pre-organised Intrepid tour and we only had 3 passengers on the slow boat, so although it was really basic we had plenty of room. My parents are visiting Laos in July and want to do the same trip, but I%26#39;m not sure if they%26#39;ll like the standard backpacker slow boats which seem to be absolutely packed. The only alternative seems to be the LuangSay, which seems totally over priced at $350 per person for the 2 day 1 night trip.

Is anyone aware of any other options? My parents are used to roughing it, and have travelled extensively in Asia and are doing the trip independently. But I still think they would enjoy a mid range option better.

slow boat to Luang Prabang options

I%26#39;m going myself on the 4th April %26#39;08 (Thailand, Laos and Cambodia) and from all the research I%26#39;ve done you%26#39;ve only the two options you mention available. A posh comfy expensive ride (onboard food and drinks etc incl.) see link here http://www.asian-oasis.com/Luang.html or a sweaty packed-like-a-sardine type ride.

I would imagine over time as this part of Laos expands commercially other options will become available.

slow boat to Luang Prabang options

Hi, thanks for your response. I have found one other option, which seems mid range - the Nagi of Mekong cruise - don%26#39;t know much about it though. You should be able to get more info if you email

sunquest@travel-thailand.com

I hope you enjoy your trip, and if you find another option, I%26#39;d love to read a post about it.

nagiofmekong.com are a cheaper alternative rather than the more expensive LuangSay option. I have E-Mailed nagiofmekong and they come back with a quick reply that they have booked us two seats. Two weeks before you leave they just require your passports etc. I think their web site needs fine tuning, because it is a bit confusing in places. Still if anybody has done this trip with this company it would be good to hear from you.

How were you able to email Nagi of Mekong? I used their online booking form but got no response??

Any suggestions? Thanks!

Have any of you actually taken the trip with Nagi of Mekong? I too believe I have reservations for February and want to hear from folks who have taken the trip including all these extra promises: hotel in Thailand night before, transport to Laos border, overnight in ';real hotel'; at Pak Bang, stops at caves, and food along the way. Also decent seats are promised. Thanks for any real information from customers of Nagi of Mekong.

I%26#39;ve been emailing Nagi of Mekong on this email address:

adisak.star@googlemail.com

I am in Laos now and did this trip with Nagi a week ago. All claims were spot on. The boat was comfortable and the food was good. Accomodation in Pak Beng was basic but clean. There were only three of us on the boat and it was a fantastic experience. I stayed in Huay Xiao and was picked up on the moring of the trip. WSell worth the money especially when you see the boats with teenage backpackers on them.

Another boat cruise option which is far less busy than the houeyxai-LP route is from Muang Ngoi to LP down the Nam Ou. Ngoi is beautiful and is just starting to take off as a tourist destination - its in LP province about 3 hours drive from LP town.