Slow Boat Cruise the Mekong River: Two Days of River Life, Sticky Rice Whiskey, and New Friends
Some trips are about the destination, but this one? It was all about the journey. Taking a slow boat cruise on the Mekong River from Thailand to Luang Prabang, Laos, was two days of drifting past lush jungle, remote villages, and a whole lot of time to sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty of Southeast Asia.
Crossing into Laos and Hopping Aboard
We started in Chiang Khong, Thailand, crossing the border into Laos at Huay Xai, where we applied for our visas right there at the border. Easy enough! From there, we boarded our long, wooden, slow boat—the floating home that would carry us down the Mekong for the next two days.
First impressions? Way more comfortable than expected. There was plenty of room to spread out, the interior was beautiful wood, and the family that was Captain and Crew made us great lunches, and there was even space for a bar serving up cold Beer Lao—cheers to that!
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It’s everything we’d tell our friends—so let’s be friends!
One of the best parts? The people. Within hours, we bonded with a fun group of fellow travelers from around the globe —swapping stories, sharing snacks, and laughing over the universal language of travel: beer.
Village Stops and a Taste of Local Life
Along the way, we pulled up to small villages, where life moves at a slower, simpler pace. Traditional wooden stilt houses, kids running barefoot, and women weaving textiles to sell to passing travelers. It was a glimpse into a way of life that felt both remote and beautifully uncomplicated.
Then came the sticky rice whiskey. The men in the village distill this local moonshine, and let’s just say—our taste test was interesting. It burned like rubbing alcohol and probably could have powered the boat. Safe to say we’ll stick to Beer Lao.
Another stop was the Pak Ou Caves, an ancient Buddhist site packed with over 4,000 Buddha statues. It was cool to see but not a must-do on its own. Mostly, it was a nice excuse to stretch our legs and escape the boat for a bit. What was less fun? Dodging the kids selling tiny birds in cages. The tradition is that releasing them brings good luck… but we’re pretty sure those birds just get caught again and resold to the next wave of tourists.
A Rustic Night in the Middle of Nowhere
After a full day on the river, we stopped at Pak Beng, a small riverside village, for the night. Our $11 guesthouse was basic—think wooden walls, thin mattresses, and zero frills—but it was an adventure.
It felt like staying in someone’s home, and the peaceful sounds of the jungle made up for the lack of luxury… until the late-night party at the hostel next door. A boatload of backpackers had different plans for their evening, and we were just lucky enough to be within earshot.
Rolling into Luang Prabang
Late on the second day, we pulled into Luang Prabang, and it was everything we’d hoped for. This town is where French colonial charm meets laid-back Lao culture—think cobblestone streets, golden Buddhist temples, and cozy cafés serving up the best traditional fresh-baked croissants in Southeast Asia.
We found a lovely B&B, wandered through the Night Market, and climbed up Mount Phousi for sunset. (Pro tip: You can get a perfect solo shot at the top—it just takes some creative angles to crop out the sea of selfie-stick-wielding tourists.)
Golf, Beer Towers, and One Last Night Out
Steve found himself on yet another golf course, this time playing in Luang Prabang with Trevor, one of our slow boat friends. And yes, it was another course where a caddy was mandatory, which Steve now considers a must-have for all future rounds.
The best part of Luang Prabang? A final reunion with our slow boat friends, meeting for dinner at the night market. A perfect way to wrap up the trip, reliving the highs (the people, the views, the adventure) and the lows (sticky rice whiskey).
Would We Do It Again? In a heartbeat.
Would we drink sticky rice whiskey again? Hard pass.
