LUANG PRABANG, the former Royal Capital, is considered a highlight of any South East Asia tour. A truly shangri-la.. The Laos boarder town of Huay Xai is ride from Chiang Mai and now with Laos visas available on arrival this makes a convenient border crossing to enter Laos.If you are not in a hurry this is the best way to get yourself from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. On this trip you will spend two days on the Mekong river meandering its way down to Luang Prabang.