Laos · PRIVATE DRIVERS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 4 private car days worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Start with an early Chiang Rai pickup, cross into Laos by bus, then spend two days on a shared slow boat along the Mekong. You will overnight in Pakbeng at your own expense, carry your luggage off the boat, and arrive in Luang Prabang around 5 PM on day two.
Spend two days on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai. You will see jungle, farms, water buffalo, and riverbank life, sleep one night in Pakbeng, and finish near the Thai border. Hotel pickup, both boat tickets, and optional Chiang Rai transport make this a practical cross-border journey.
“essayer de fo donner un horaire d arrivée afin de coordonner un transfert vers wchizng Rai”
Arrange a private, air-conditioned transfer between Wattay Airport, your Vientiane hotel, and the railway station. A professional driver meets you at the agreed point, waits up to 45 minutes for airport arrivals, and helps you get across town without bargaining for a taxi.
“Driver waited for us when train was delayed. His car was new and clean. This was a good value because the LCR station is pretty far from town.”
Leave Chiang Rai at 3am for Phu Chi Fa, near the Laos border. Your private group of up to three rides to the trailhead, hikes 10 to 15 minutes, and watches sunrise above the fog. Guide Aryu has provided strong local explanations, but driver English and vehicle comfort may vary.
“Beautiful tour. very exceptional. The only problem was that the driver hardly speaks English, and it was an issue to communicate, and get some simple explanation about the tour. Yet, this didn't hide our enjoying the trip.”
Pick a river, a cave or a kitchen.
