China-Thailand Mekong River Speed Boat Cruise between Chiang Saen and Jinghong
There is a fast and confortable boat going from jinghong to chiangsaen in Thailand; the trip on the Mekong river is worth the price around 380 USD and takes about 9 hours to get to destination, The China exit formalities are done at the Jinghong harbour immigration point, there is no need for a Burma or Laos visa, There are no stops in Burma or Laos, the Thai visa is issued at Chiangsaen immigration office upon arrival for a period of 15 days.
The official schedule mentioned below the boat picture is not accurate especially off season.. best is to contact us to know when is next departure, Mekong Cafe can book the ticket for you, booking must be at least 1 day in advance, and you need to provide us with a copy of your passport
From THAILAND (Chiangsaen) to CHINA (Jinghong xishuangbanna) where to buy your boat ticket Passengers must hold a Chinese visa. The nearest Chinese consulate is in Chiang Mai, 200 kilometres south of Chiang Rai.
Booking a Cargo trip to Thailand : Cargos are leaving almost daily for Thailand as soon as they are loaded ;meaning that there is no exact timing but you may wait on board for departure; the Chinese Authorities allow max 2 foreign passengers per ship ; cost is 550 RMB per person including meals and cabin , the boats are equiped with a solar heating system that provide hot water for shower; you will navigate in between Laos and Myanmar all along this journey (no Lao or bumese visa required) before you reach the harbour of Chiangsaen in Thailand where you will be delivered a 15 days visa upon arrival.
Sailing Schedule:
From Jinghong to Chiang Saen: 10th and 25th of each month, start at 8:00 am.
From Chiang Saen to Jinghong: 11th and 26th of each month, start at 6:00 am.
Sailing Schedule of Sightseeing Boat in the First Half of 2019(Guanlei Port-Chiang Saen Port)
| Month | Frequency | Monthly Total | Notes |
| January | 5th, 10th, 15th | 3 shifts | / |
| February | 20th, 25th, 27th | 3 shifts | / |
| March | No.7 Boat: 3rd, 8th, 13th, 18th, 23rd, 28th No.8 Boat: 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th |
12 shifts | According to the actual capacity of the shipping company, the original plan of 16 shifts was adjusted to 12 shifts. |
| April | No.7 Boat: 3rd, 8th, 13th, 18th, 23rd, 28th No.8 Boat: 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th |
12 shifts | According to the actual capacity of the shipping company, the original plan of 15 shifts was adjusted to 12 shifts. |
| May | 1st, 5th, 9th, 13th, 17th, 21st, 25th, 29th | 8 shifts | / |
| June | 1st, 5th, 9th, 13th, 17th, 21st, 25th, 29th | 8 shifts | / |
Others:
1. Actual tourists capacity of the sightseeing boat: No.7 Boat: 99 seats+26 beds, total of 125 people; No.8 Boat: 56 beds+26 compartments, total of 82 people.
2. Launching tourists capacity(下水可载人数): 23 shifts of No.7 boat*120+23 shifts of No.8 boat*80=4600 people. The actual number of tourists is calculated at 70%, and the planned number is 3220 people.
3. It plans to carry 5,000 tourists in the first half of 2019.
