How to Get in Pakbeng
By Boat
You can find the boat landing at the end of Rte 2 along the Mekong River. Slow boats are available in both directions and typically depart in the morning once they have enough passengers, usually around 9:00 am. To secure a comfortable seat away from the noise of the engine, it is recommended to arrive early. The inbound boat is expected to arrive at around 5:00 pm, but keep in mind that this is a tentative schedule as the drivers in Laos may not strictly adhere to it. It's best to relax, appreciate the serenity of the surroundings, and perhaps enjoy a beer while waiting.
Slow boat transport
The slow boats utilized for transportation are long and slim with a powerful, boisterous engine, typically operated by a family. Behind the seating area is a snack bar, while further down the vessel is a private section for the family and restrooms.
- Slow boats between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang take two days to cover the 300 kilometres, and either way it costs about 220,000 kip.
- The boat is also able to stop at Pak Ou caves (near Luang Prabang), usually by passenger consensus.
- In Pakbeng you can buy your ticket on the boat as they will come around just before departure to check for tickets. The boat schedule is variable as the boat will stop on the way to drop off or pickup villagers.
- Upstream slow boats for Huay Xai depart each morning at approximately 8:30 am, with a duration of about 9 hours, resulting in arrival in Huay Xai between 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm, which is too late for passengers to cross the border to Chiang Khong, Thailand on the same day.
- Downstream slow boat trips to Luang Prabang depart each morning at around 09:00 from Pakbeng. The trip takes about 8 hours with arrival at the boat landing 10km upstream of Luang Prabang around 16:00. A tuk-tuk to the center will cost around 20,000 kip. The downstream trip is about 2 hours faster but the upstream boats depart earlier so the arrival times at PakBeng are about the same.
- Buying tickets : It is unnecessary to book a 2-day ticket in advance to Luang Prabang in Huay Xay; it is preferable to purchase a ticket to Pakbeng and acquire the following ticket to Luang Prabang once you board the boat in Pakbeng.
Speedboat
Speedboats provide an alternative mode of transportation for the journey between Huay Xai, Pakbeng, and Luang Prabang, which is faster but more dangerous and noisy. These small and vibrant boats can cover both legs of the trip in approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours each. However, they generate a lot of noise, and it is advisable to use earplugs to prevent hearing impairment. To combat the noise and ensure safety, most passengers wear helmets, and lifejackets are provided to protect them from the sun and wind.
- Speedboats depart from separate piers in Luang Prabang and Huay Xai (transport to the pier is not included in the ticket price) but the same pier as the slow boats in Pakbeng. They leave when the boat is full -- six tourists or eight Laotians. If the boat is not full, you can pay extra to cover the full price of chartering the whole boat.
- The full journey between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang is 340,000 kip per person (2,040,000 kip to charter the boat) and one leg either way to or from Pakbeng is 170,000 kip per person (about 1,020,000 kip for the whole boat).
- A bus from Udomxai often arrives in Pakbeng by midday with other passengers wishing to use a speedboat so it's a good idea to wait around if you don't want to hire an entire boat.
By Bus
Pakbeng Bus Station (approx. 2 km north of the town center)
- Pick-ups make the trip to Udom Xai around 07:00 and leave at the northern end of town on Rte 2.
- A bus for Muang Xay leaves around 09:00 at the bus station.
- A bus leaves at 12:00 from Muang Ngeun (near the Thai-Lao border), costs 30,000 kip, and takes 1½ hours.
Private Car
If you prefer to travel in comfort and have a flexible schedule, you can arrange for a private car or van to take you to Pakbeng from either Luang Prabang or Huay Xai. This option is more expensive than taking public transportation but offers more comfort and flexibility.
How to Get Around Pakbeng
Walking
Pakbeng is a small town, and most places in the town can be reached on foot. This is the most common way to get around the town.
Tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks are also available in Pakbeng, and they can be hired for a small fee to take you to specific destinations in and around the town. Tuk-tuks are a good option if you have a lot of luggage or if you want to go to places that are farther away from the center of the town.
Motorbike
You can also rent a motorbike in Pakbeng if you want to explore the surrounding areas. However, it's important to note that the roads in this part of Laos can be quite challenging, and you should only attempt to ride a motorbike if you are an experienced rider.
Boat
If you're traveling to or from Pakbeng by boat, you may need to take a short ride on a small boat to reach the dock. This is usually provided by the guesthouse or hotel you are staying at.
Bicycle
Bicycles are also available for rent in Pakbeng, and they can be a great way to explore the town and its surrounding areas. Bicycles can usually be rented from guesthouses or shops in the town, and the rental fee is typically very affordable.