Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai

slow boat Luam Phrabang goes to Houyxai 2 days you stop overnight at pakbeng just run up the hill and bargain for the best you can get, alternatively take the speedboat see search icon speedboat Vrooom vrooom takes 1 day to reach Houyxai and gets you in time to cross border to Chang Kon [closes at 6pm] there are regular buses direct from the market place [over the bridge and on right ] to Chang Rai about 2 1/2 hrs Houyxai is pleasant place to spend night if you miss the border crossing

1. There is no slowboat between LP and Chiang Rai. You have to go upriver to Huay Xai (as #1 says). It takes 2 days/1 night to go from LP to HX, then you spend one night in HX or Chiang Khong. Then take a bus to Chiang Rai (about 3 hours or so). Fare is about 1000 Baht (about $30 USD) for the boat - depending on the company and what is included. They leave every day. There are many many travel agencies in LP that you can book it at.
   
   2. Guesthouses. What is your budget? There are loads of budget places in LP. Just walk around the old quarter and you'll have many options between about $5-$10 USD per night
   
   Instead of the slowboat -- if you have time, you can take the bus up to Luang NamTha. SPend a few days there trekking, then take a bus to the border (3.5 hour bus ride)