Getting from Pai to Laos
Written by Nolo Hub Pai
Updated by the Nolo team, November 2026
tl;dr
From Pai, Laos is a minivan ride to the border at Chiang Khong and across into Huay Xai. From there you either take the slow boat down the Mekong to Luang Prabang, or the train south to Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng or Vientiane. We sell Terminal Green’s packages at reception, and every one starts with a pickup at the hostel.
Quick answers
- Slow boat
- 3 days and 2 nights to Luang Prabang, sleeping in Huay Xai and then Pakbeng
- Train
- 2 days and 1 night to Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng or Vientiane, on the standard or the high-speed train
- Luang Namtha
- 2 days and 1 night, by local bus from Huay Xai
- Just the border
- A van to Chiang Khong, or to Huay Xai with a night’s room
- Booking
- At our reception, about 48 hours ahead; no refunds or changes
- Price
- Ask at reception
Day one, whichever you choose
Terminal Green’s van picks you up from the hostel at 7am, 9.30am or 11.30am. The 7am van stops at the White Temple in Chiang Rai for half an hour, and entry isn’t included. The later vans don’t stop there.
On the 7am and 9.30am vans you cross the border the same day. Terminal Green’s staff take you through immigration and on to a hotel in Huay Xai, on the Laos side. The 11.30am van stops for the night in Chiang Khong, on the Thai side, and you cross in the morning. Either way the room is in the price, a twin share with air-con.
The slow boat to Luang Prabang
On the second morning you’re picked up from the hotel with a sandwich box and taken to the pier. Bring snacks for the boat as well. It goes as far as Pakbeng, where everyone spends the night. The room there isn’t included, but beds are easy to find when you arrive. On day three you make your own way back to the pier for the boat on to Luang Prabang.
The package covers the van, the shuttle across the border, your first night’s room, the boat ticket and accident insurance.
The train
Day two starts with a sandwich box and a van from the hotel to Na Teuy, the station for northern Laos. From there the train runs south to Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane, and you ride as far as you’ve paid for.
There are two trains: the standard air-con train, or the high-speed one, which costs more and leaves Na Teuy later in the afternoon, so you’ll wait longer at the station.
Both packages cover the van to the border, the van from Huay Xai to the station, the shuttle across the border, your room, the train ticket and accident insurance. Terminal Green needs a photo of your passport to book the train, so have it ready when you come to reception.
Luang Namtha
Heading north instead? The Luang Namtha package swaps the train for a local bus from Huay Xai, sandwich box included.
Just the border
If you’d rather sort out Laos yourself, there’s a van that goes as far as Chiang Khong, and one that takes you across to Huay Xai with a night’s room included. Only going as far as Chiang Rai? Our guide to getting from Pai to Chiang Rai has the direct van.
Booking
Book at our reception, about 48 hours ahead, and ask there for prices. Terminal Green’s tickets can’t be refunded or changed, so be sure of your day before you buy.
Questions
Is there a direct bus from Pai to Laos?
Not all the way. A minivan takes you to the border at Chiang Khong and across into Huay Xai, and from there it’s the slow boat to Luang Prabang or the train to Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng or Vientiane. Terminal Green sells the whole journey as one package, picking you up from the hostel.
Do I need to book a bed in Pakbeng?
No. The slow boat package doesn’t include the night in Pakbeng, but beds are easy to find when you arrive.
What do I need to book the train package?
A photo of your passport, which Terminal Green needs for the train ticket.
