Charter a slow boat for your group to cruise the Mekong River between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang. The 2-day voyage includes an overnight stay in the small riverside village of Pak Beng. The scenery along the Mekonr River is a terrific mix of villages, limestone cliffs and intermittent forest. You will visit small villages along the river on your journey, support the local community, as well as the Buddha Caves in Pak Ou. Includes two lunches on board, accompanied by a licensed tour guide. This tour can be taken downstream from the Huay Xai border or upstream from Luang Prabang.

Downstream Cruise (Huay Xai – Pak Beng – Luang Prabang)

Day 1 Huay Xai – Pak Beng

We will meet you at the immigration office in Hay Xai Thai boarder  Our minivan will bring you to the boat pier for your cruise.

Huay Xai is an important landmark of Laos. Take the position as the border crossing town, it is also the capital of the Bokeo Province up north of the country. You will embark on the cruise this morning at 9:30 AM at the port.

After the brief welcome reception and an hour of sailing, we stop at one of a typical but charming little village by the river. Take the chance to interact with the curios folks and learn about their simple yet hard-working life.

Return back on board and some times later, we enjoy lunch on board.

The afternoon is spent leisurely on board as we approach Pak Beng in the afternoon. Arrival before sunset, check-in to your hotel.

Day 2 Pak Beng – Luang Prabang

Enjoy the early breakfast at the hotel as you take in the fresh air and the new sunlight. Return back on board at 8:00 AM for a long day of sailing to reach Luang Prabang in the afternoon.
After a few hour of the journey, we leave the ship to make a hiking trip to a hill tribe of Baw. Here you can have a taste of the traditional Lao whiskey.

After an hour of visiting, return back on board to continue sailing and enjoy lunch on board.

Spend the early afternoon resting and observing the life on the bank before we reach Pak Ou at around 3:30 PM. Pak Ok Caves is the home to over two thousand Buddha images in all shapes and sizes and the ideal pilgrimage for Laos people from all over the country.

After the visit, we return back on board to finish the journey. Arrive at Luang Prabang at 5:00 PM. Your tour ends with a van transfer from the Luang Prabang pier to your hotel.

Upstream Cruise (Luang Prabang – Pak Beng – Huay Xai)

Day 1 Luang Prabang – Huay Xai

At around 6:30 AM, your guide will be picked up from your hotels in Luang Prabang.

You will embark on the cruise this morning at 7:00 AM at the port.

First stop of the day is to the Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting)  at around 8:30 PM. Pak Ok Caves is the home to over two thousand Buddha images in all shapes and sizes and the ideal pilgrimage for Laos people from all over the country.

Laos Traditional lunch set is served.

In the afternoon, you have a quick visit to Ban Baw village where is home to three ethnicities Lao Loun, Shan and Tai Lue. The village is also famous for Laos Whiskey making.

We will reach Pak Beng at around 4:30 PM this afternoon. We will leave the boat and are transfered to your hotel.

Day 2 Pak Beng -Huay Xai

Enjoy the early breakfast at the hotel as you take in the fresh air and the new sunlight. Return back on board at 7:30 AM for a long day of sailing to reach Huay Xai in the afternoon.

We arrive at a hill tribe village at around 11:00 AM. Make a trek to this village as the guide explain to you about the living condition, the culture of these indigenous people in rural area.

Just before lunch, the boat will stop to visit a traditional Kamu village (Ban Houa Phalam), a tiny cozy place which host about 90 families.

Return back on board for lunch as we spend the afternoon leisure on board with some snacks to help you pass the time.

Then we reach Huay Xai at 4:30 PM, disembark from the cruise. You will then be transfer to your hotel in Huay Xai or the Lao Border Gate (possibility to continue the journey to Thailand on the same day).

Suggestion

By docking your boat and spending two nights in Pak Beng, you will have the opportunity to spend a day exploring this small village along the Mekong River. You can explore the area around the village and viewpoints with your guide or visit an Elephant Camp on the other side of the river.

Price

2-day cruise tour prices without Hotel. This price was estimated in September 2023. Subject to change.

For smaller groups, there are companies (Shompoo cruise, Mekong Smile Cruise) that offer joint tours at lower prices.

Accommodation

Breakfast included. Single is one room per person. Double and twin are priced for two people sharing a room.