boats in Laos

Hi,

I'm planning to visit Laos in few weeks. My plan is to cross the Mekong river in Chiang Khong and take a boat to Luang Prabang. I'm not sure whether to take fast or slow boat. I don't have much time but I've heard that the fast boats are really uncomfortable and dangerous. Could anyone advise me on this please? I'm more worried about security than comfort

Boriso, I have recently been researching this route. Comes down to personal choice, time and cost. I have read people's blogs who have taken the slow boat: recommended if you have time on your side plus it's a lot cheaper than the fast boat. A 2 day adventure ride down the Mekong. Tip - buy a cushion to sit on. Others who have taken the fast boat: uncomfortable if there is more than 5 on the boat, you do arrive in LP same day, a good massage required when you get to LP. There obviously is an element of danger otherwise they would'nt get you to wear what look like motorbike helmets (although I haven't read about any crashes). Some bloggers stated it scared the crap out of them but if your a thrillseeker then it's probably money well spent. Safe travels. Cheers

Check out this long but excellent thread:

http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/3210_the-laos-slow-boat-thread

Hi Boriso,
I've been there in february and took slow boat. It's a nice 2 days trip with sleeping in Pak Beng. really beautiful scenery on the river. The only thing I didn't like is that those boats are turistic boats with no local people. In Africa when you travel like this the boat are full of local people and only a few turist.
But is a nice ride and you will enjoy it.
Tanja

Quoting tanjaradet

Hi Boriso,
I've been there in february and took slow boat. It's a nice 2 days trip with sleeping in Pak Beng. really beautiful scenery on the river. The only thing I didn't like is that those boats are turistic boats with no local people. In Africa when you travel like this the boat are full of local people and only a few turist.
But is a nice ride and you will enjoy it.
Tanja

When we did the slow boat a couple of years ago around half the boat was locals. We saw the fast boats going past us and honestly they did look dangerous and uncomfortable...people were squashed in with their luggage and the boats looked really unstable.

The slow boat is a nice journey, lots to see and a real experience - we made lots of friends which we are still in touch with now. We would definitely recommend the slow boat journey if you have the time, it was a great experience.

Thank you for your help guys.