Mekong Transfer
- About
- Popular Routes
- Stations
- Reviews
- Schedule and Timetable
About Mekong Transfer
The two principal things which make travelling by van so attractive are a wide choice of destinations and affordable prices. Not all vans offer top comfort, enough legroom, or luggage space, but these two points compensate. Besides, it is always vans that launch new routes to emerging destinations paving the road to big bus operators if necessary or remaining the only means of transport to bring you there. Very often, vans offer faster service than big buses, more flexible timetable, and more readily adapt to travellers’ needs in the sense of schedule – if there is a temporary growth in demand due to long weekends or national holidays, vans add more vehicles to their daily fleet easier than other operators. Note though that sometimes vans operate from their own van stations or terminals or have a dedicated section in bigger bus terminals. Always check your van's departure and arrival point as it is not necessarily located at the main bus station.
Mekong Transfer is one of the operators to check if you are going to travel by van. They provide reliable van service and offer tickets with easy and secure online booking.
Mekong Transfer Popular Stations
Here is the list of the main terminals from where Mekong Transfer’s vans operate:
- Chiang Khong Border Control
- Tha Phae Gate
- Huay Xai Transfer
- Chiang Rai Town Transfer
- Maya Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
- CoolMuang Coffee
- Chiang Mai Town Transfer
- Huay Xai border checkpoint
- Chiang Khong Transfer
- Terminal Green Pai
- Mochit
- Tha Pae Gate
- Huay Xai
- Chiang Khong Transfer
- Chiang Rai Speed Boat Pick Up Point
- Chiang Mai Town
- Chiang Mai Town Transfer
- Northern Bus Station
- Chiang Saen Border Control
- Chiang Rai Transfer
- Paapu House ThaPae gate
- Chiang Khong Border
- Chiang Saen Border
Mekong Transfer Top Destinations
Some of the most popular routes on Mekong Transfer’s route map include but are not limited to:
- Chiang Rai - Luang Prabang
- Chiang Mai - Huay Xai
- Chiang Rai - Huay Xai
- Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai
- Chiang Khong - Luang Prabang
- Chiang Rai - Vang Vieng
- Chiang Khong - Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai - Luang Namtha
- Huay Xai - Luang Prabang
- Chiang Mai - Chiang Khong
- Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang
- Huay Xai - Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai - Pakbeng
- Chiang Rai - Vientiane
- Huay Xai - Chiang Rai
- Chiang Khong - Luang Namtha
- Chiang Khong - Chiang Rai
- Chiang Khong - Vang Vieng
- Chiang Mai - Vang Vieng
- Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong
- Huay Xai - Bangkok
- Chiang Mai - Vientiane
- Chiang Rai - Nateuy
Mekong Transfer Ticket Prices & Van Classes
Opposite to trains or bigger buses, vans rarely offer you a choice of ticket class. All the seats are the same – call it standard, VIP, or whatever. What can differ, though, is the type of the van itself. Some vans seat only 9-10 passengers. For travellers this means wider seats, more space, and a more comfortable trip. Vans which accommodate up to 15 passengers are also ok but be ready to sacrifice on space for your legs and elbows and very often – for your luggage, too. Sometimes it can be a good idea to buy two seats instead of one to ensure a more comfortable ride – yet it pays to check with the operator if they allow this on your route. Before you book your van ticket, read reviews on Mekong Transfer van service to see what to expect.
Travel by Van: Pros & Cons
Pros of VanTravel
- Vans can be the only way to reach some of the most remote destinations, smaller towns or villages which are connected neither by big buses nor trains.
- Vans can also take you to some islands connected with the mainland by large car ferries which do not take big buses but take vans on board, too.
- Due to a smaller size compared to big buses, vans are more maneuverable on the road. It sometimes results in shorter travel time, especially if your destination is not far away.
- While vans do have an official stop enroute, they can also get you off at a more convenient point – no need to go to the terminal, just ask your driver. Note that it is not always possible, but in many cases, they will cooperate. It can save you both time and money you would have otherwise spent getting off the terminal on foot or by taxi.
Cons of Van Travel
- Vans accommodating more passengers may feel quite cramped. Expect limited space for your legs and elbows. Some vans limit the luggage for one ticket to one piece. If you have more bags, suitcases, or backpacks, you may be asked to buy a separate ticket for your luggage, which makes the trip twice as expensive.
- Not all vans run on schedule. On certain routes, vans leave only when full. Do check it with your operator before buying your ticket, otherwise, you may end up waiting much longer than expected until the van fills up.
- If there are more reckless drivers on any other means of transport than on vans, we are unaware of it. Some companies install speed control units on their vehicles, but it is not a rare case to hear this unit beeping the whole trip through with the driver not paying attention to it. Always remember to buckle your seatbelt while travelling by van. Though sometimes you will need to make an investigation to find out where your seatbelt is.
- For those prone to motion sickness there is a good piece of advice: take your medicine half an hour before your van trip, especially if your route includes winding stretches. You are more likely to feel motion sick travelling by van than by bus.
Mekong Transfer Stations
Chiang Khong Border ControlTha Phae GateHuay Xai TransferTerminal Green PaiMochitChiang Rai Town TransferTha Pae GateMaya Chiang MaiChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1Huay XaiChiang Khong TransferChiang Rai Speed Boat Pick Up PointCoolMuang CoffeeChiang Mai TownChiang Mai Town TransferChiang Mai Town TransferNorthern Bus StationChiang Saen Border ControlHuay Xai border checkpointChiang Rai TransferPaapu House ThaPae gateChiang Khong BorderChiang Saen BorderChiang Khong Transfer
Mekong Transfer Company Reviews
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Kamil BThe journey from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai was disappointing. We arrived about one hour late, and instead of being dropped off at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, we were left somewhere in the city centre.
Our hotel was close to Terminal 1, so we had to take an additional taxi. The ride itself was fine, but the delay and wrong drop-off point made the experience much less convenient. 2/5.
Van Van, Mekong Transfer, Sep 30, 2026
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Olaf WA long ride on a very bumpy way. De driver stopped at a terrible toiletblock.
Van Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Jul 27, 2026
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Sarah OEverything ran smoothly and to time, staff helped at boarder with visa/arrival card and were very friendly.
We had to change our tickets to the day after and staff ensured this happened with no extra charge.
Van Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Jul 12, 2026
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Richard KVehicle was incredibly uncomfortable - driver was erratic ! Got there on time though.. some info missing that had me have to chase it so knew some details which would have been handy before! Disappointing overall unsafe driving and awful roads and van was shocking
Van Van, Mekong Transfer, Jul 6, 2026
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Zuzanna KGreat company! The journey was really well organised and the staff helped with everything, including the visa process.
Van Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Jun 20, 2026
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Helder APoor information regarding trip details.
4.5h trip on a minivan with broken suspension from border to the north of Laos to catch a train. Me and a random local shared 1 and half seat for the whole time as we were in the backseat with a huge amount of luggage that was taking half of his sewt .
The service from Laos border to the guesthouse and from guesthouse to bus station was perfect.
The guesthouse was really poor, had huge spider nets and bugs everywhere, toilet was really damaged and dirty, no toilet paper, only the bed was actually clean and comfortable.
The 12go support was helpful and very quick to reply.
After all, I arrived around scheduled time, but it was a very painful trip to go through. Not recommended.
Van Van + Van + Train + Accommodation, Mekong Transfer, May 18, 2026
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Ruth HClear instructions and prompt pick up
Ferry Truck + Ferry, Mekong Transfer, Apr 4, 2026
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ธิติมา โToo many stops and it was not mentioned on the ticket. The driver was very kind tho.
Van Van, Mekong Transfer, Apr 1, 2026
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RAZ LCrazy driver. No English. Very poor van. Wark Ac. Full of ppl and luggage. Luggage on the ppl cus they maximize the profit.
Van Van, Mekong Transfer, Mar 16, 2026
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Lucas EThe transfer between the different bus is well organised. They are used to do it. Just one problem about the train. They didn't book our train ticket in advance, then it was fully book and we had to take the next train and we arrive 3 hours later. It's happening, but they didn't warn us earlier, they informed us at the border in Laos, so to late to find any other option. Exept this problem, everything was ok, and we recommend.
Van Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Feb 27, 2026
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Emma HScary drive to the border, a very fast one handed drive whilst the driver was on his phone.
Stopped to complete visa's for those that needed, and fill in some paperwork. Also given the chance to change some money (appalling exchange rate but we would need money for the over night stop).
No-one to meet us or explain next step over the border. All other tour groups left. Eventually herded into 2 of the slowest, oldest buses to the pier to meet the slow boat.
Ferry Truck + Ferry, Mekong Transfer, Feb 22, 2026
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Kane RA well organised transfer - I would highly recommend.
Van Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Feb 11, 2026
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Janette NThis boat is a local means of transportation, not a tourist activity. During the trip, many backpackers treated it like a party, occupying all the seats without considering local passengers. I saw women with small children forced to stay in the engine area due to lack of seats. I gave up my seat more than once and eventually had to travel there myself. An experience that raises important questions about respect and responsibility when traveling.
Ferry Truck + Ferry, Mekong Transfer, Feb 9, 2026
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Sandrine DWhen you sit in the front of the boat the experience is much more enjoyable. About 200people in the boat, with ramen you can buy and water
Ferry Truck + Ferry, Mekong Transfer, Feb 9, 2026
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Tobias BPick up time was between 4:30 and 5:00. We were picked up at 5:50 (without getting any notification).
The van from Huay Xai to Luang Namtha was too full, so there was not a seat for each person. We were sitting there squeezed and partly Not on a real chair but on a stool without a backrest. We were not allowed to take the two free seats in the front as these saved for two others who jumped on the van a bit later. I assume they paid less, but got the better seats (or least real seats).
Bus Bus + Van, Mekong Transfer, Jan 28, 2026
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Maud PI am not the one to complain but honestly we had a very poor experience. I booked the mini van from chiang mai to Chiang rai and not greenbus because it was much faster. But then, they informed me the arrival time would be an hour later than what we booked. Since it was because of work on the road it's ok, it's not their fault but it should have been indicated in the booking. Then our driver stopped 4 times! Once for gas, once for coffee, once she wanted to stop for lunch for 30 minutes but the whole group said no (thankfully). And then a final stop for toilets 25 minutes before arrival... in the end we arrived at 13.30 instead of 11.30. Terrible experience.
Van Van, Mekong Transfer, Jan 17, 2026
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Luke DHighly recommend. Great service and great communication
Van Van, Mekong Transfer, Jan 14, 2026
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Lukas MThe operator arrived on time, however the vehicle was too small for the number of passengers and luggage. We sat crammed in a small car (not a bus or van as advertised) for 1.5 hours, that was freezing cold. During the drive the driver seemed to microsleep at least once, creating an uncomfortable feeling and risky situations. Especially considering the relatively high price, the service we received seemed poor.
Van Van + Bus, Mekong Transfer, Jan 4, 2026
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Jenny MWas not what I paid for.
Mislead by advertising.
Van Van + Bus, Mekong Transfer, Dec 7, 2025
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Nicolas RHigh quality of the vans. The drivers are atencious and the trip was been organized.
Van Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Dec 6, 2025
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Samuli A9.00 start time, but no vehicle anywhere. At 10.00 I called hot line (2 different numbers), they did not reply. Only after 10 am did I receive a text message that clarified the situation. It was 10.25 when transportation finally arrived.
On the positive side: we had booked a trip to Chiang Rai, but we were able to negociate Chiang Khong destination (for an additional fee, of course).
Van Van, Mekong Transfer, Nov 23, 2025
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Corinne GThe pick up was chaotic and didnt work well. The simple fact that the driver peobide a list with full names and booking numbers could help to prevent that kind of confusion.
The seat belt didnt work
Van Van, Mekong Transfer, Nov 18, 2025
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Adrian EI has 1 simple question to ask and you told me to phone the tour operator direct to get an answer. You are taking a commission for doing nothing.
Ferry Truck + Ferry, Mekong Transfer, Nov 15, 2025
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Joanna The staff was rude, not speaking any english. And there was not enough space for luggage.
Also the driver was going really fast.
Van Van, Mekong Transfer, Nov 8, 2025
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Vincent OIn Thailand everything went smooth. We were helped with filling out the paperwork needed for crossing the border. We were one of the first to actually cross the border and it was very helpful we already filled in our paperwork. Across the border we were picked up and with a van and it was a very bumpy 4 hour drive to the train station with 1 stop. We arrived at the train station 1 hour early and everything went smooth.
Van Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Oct 26, 2025
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Jeremy GEverything was perfect and well organized. We arrived a bit early before the border opened so the drive stopped in a hotel nearby where we were able to fill the form and exchange our currency with him to have perfect USD (not folder or anything) so they could be accepted by the agent without any issue.
Another person took care of us while crossing the border and everything went smoothly. We crossed way faster than other people since everything was already prepared to get our Visa. And we got enough time to get Breakfast and buy lunch for the boat at the pier. The boat was also an amazing expérience. I definitely recommend this trip, especially since it makes it so easy and quick to cross the border.
Ferry Truck + Ferry, Mekong Transfer, Aug 28, 2025
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Nina TBus rides was very bumpy but the train rides was the worst. Seat were so uncomfortable. But I guest it us to where we needed to go. I thought I booked a speed train.
Van Van + Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Aug 3, 2025
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Eynav YDriver was nice anf helful. He contact us day before. Answered all our questions. Came on time, was reachable. Helped us with the viza papers and the visa photos. He drove safely. Thank you
Ferry Truck + Ferry, Mekong Transfer, Jul 25, 2025
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Donatella TEverything was great, Thailand side good communication. The minivan in Laos has been horrible… the driver was running in dangerous street, with 3 people vomiting. Also they sold more tickets and we were so many people on it.
Train fast and comfortable.
Van Van + Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Jun 12, 2025
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Thijmen VAfter 20 minutes of wiaiting Inhad to message the driver to pick me up in the morning. After all I had a good experience. Communication could have been better.
Van Van + Bus, Mekong Transfer, May 31, 2025
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Steve MWhen I needed help getting on the train due to a minor misspelling of my name on the ticket, a phone call to 12GO brought about a quick and timely solution: the issuing of a new ticket. I am grateful that 12GO was as responsive and efficient as they were in rectifying the situation.
Van Van + Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, May 6, 2025
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Shannon OWhen I booked a 12 hour van ride, I thought it was just that. I knew there’d be stops on the way, what I didn’t realise was how many times you’d change vehicles!
Picked up in a minivan, taken to the Thai border. Shuttle bus from the Thai border to the Laos border. Be warned: even if you have an evisa, you have to fill out a form with the same info as when you applied for the visa, AND pay a 50 baht ‘service charge’ AND a 20 baht tourist fee - cash only.
Then you get on a minibus for 4.5-5 hours including breaks. Then for some reason you change minibuses 5 minutes from the train station and arrive at Natuey station. Then it’s a 1.5-2 hour wait for the train (why was no train mentioned before booking?!) - be warned, it’s airport hand luggage type security searches. They’ll take away pressurised cans like deodorant and insect repellent. There’s no air con, it’s cash only and no ATM. Horrific experience.
Then it’s 2.5 hours on the train. It then proved incredibly difficult to get a LOCA taxi from the Luang Prabang station but we eventually did in the end, 100,000 kip cheaper than the minibuses the train station offered.
Overall, would not do this again. Door to door it was nearly 14 hours. Too many changes, not communicated BEFORE booking. Fellow travellers felt the same.
Van Van + Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Apr 25, 2025
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Ben DOn time, straightforward, gets you there in 12 hours which goes really quick. Would definitely opt for this option if you don’t want to do the slow boat.
Van Van + Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Mar 15, 2025
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Michael HThe transfers from our hotel in Chiang Rai to the border were good and the people kept us informed. However, the immigration process at the border is a nightmare; takes forever and every step seems to cost more and more money. We have mixed reviews on the slow boat itself. You are crammed on with about 200 other people, with very little leg room. It’s a cool experience, and great views going down the river, but the novelty of the boat itself wears off by the end of the first day, and the second day is just a struggle.
Ferry Truck + Ferry, Mekong Transfer, Feb 26, 2025
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Sho KReally great service, everything was explained well both in email and in person. Things went smoothly. Also very helpful to be dropped off at the hotel since there’s limited Tuktuks in Huay Xai.
Note: it’s good to be in Huay Xai the night before your slowboat to be able to get a seat.
The cafe you get picked up in Chiang Mai is also really nice.
Van Van + Bus, Mekong Transfer, Jan 25, 2025
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Sofia REverything went ok , and the biggest delay was at the border ( not the fault of the operator) but other than that everything was uneventful and we were taken to our hotel as promised.
Van Van + Bus, Mekong Transfer, Dec 2, 2024
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Adnane Athe thailand part was great, but once we reached Laos, the bus has nothing of a VIP one. communication should have been clearer
Van Van + Bus, Mekong Transfer, Aug 15, 2024
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Victoria WThey had someone meet us at every point and explain the expectation which made it so easy for us. We have heard about border scams but we had some guide us at all points. Everyone was more than friendly and highly recommend
Van Van + Bus, Mekong Transfer, Apr 13, 2024
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Curtis JVan Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Sep 2, 2026
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Elisheva RBus Bus + Van, Mekong Transfer, Aug 6, 2026
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Thomas LVan Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Jul 5, 2026
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Filip SVan Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, May 1, 2026
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Matthew RVan Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Mar 14, 2026
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Felicia SVan Van, Mekong Transfer, Mar 13, 2026
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Nikolaos KVan Van + Bus, Mekong Transfer, Mar 10, 2026
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Anton GFerry Van + Slow Boat, Mekong Transfer, Mar 10, 2026
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Emily HFerry Van + Slow Boat, Mekong Transfer, Mar 5, 2026
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ellie WVan Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Feb 27, 2026
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Paula RVan Van, Mekong Transfer, Feb 26, 2026
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Gaelen CFerry Truck + Ferry, Mekong Transfer, Feb 12, 2026