Trip Type: Semi Private Starts: Luang Prabang Ends: Luang Prabang Departs: Any day of the year Difficulty: Mid

Itinerary

Day 1 Luang Prabang – Nong Khiaw (Joint tour with a limited number of participants)

Pick up from your hotel in Luang Prabang between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM. Travel by minivan to the Nam Ou 2 Dam, then board a scenic boat toward Nong Khiaw.

As you cruise upstream, marvel at the secluded landscapes and dramatic limestone karst mountains surrounding the Nam Ou River valley. Enjoy a Lao-style “bento” box lunch served on board.

In the afternoon, disembark to visit a local ethnic village, followed by a trek toward the famous 100 Waterfalls. You will arrive in Nong Khiaw just before dusk, where you can take in a stunning sunset over the river. The tour ends at the riverbank nearest to your accommodation in Nong Khiaw.

(Lunch)

Day 2 Nong Khiaw – Nam Ou River Cruise to Muang Ngoy  (100% Private Tour)

Meet at the Manifa Travel Nong Khiaw office (located just off the bridge) at 8:30 AM, transfer by traditional long-tail boat upstream along the Nam Ou River to Muang Ngoy. Upon arrival, begin a trek to Tham Kang Cave, where local legend says a sacred Naga resides.

Continue through scenic rice paddies to Ban Na, an authentic Lao Loum village accessible only on foot, allowing it to retain its pristine traditional character. Enjoy lunch in the village before returning to Muang Ngoy to take the boat back to Nong Khiaw.

Upon returning to Nong Khiaw, start a hike straight from the pier up to Som Nang Viewpoint. The approximately 40-minute trail leads to the summit, rewarding you with breathtaking panoramic views of Nong Khiaw and the winding Nam Ou River.

(Lunch)

Day 3 Nong Khiaw – Manifa Elephant Camp – Pak Ou Caves – Luang Prabang (Semi-Joint Tour)

Meet at the Manifa Travel Nong Khiaw office (located just off the bridge) at 8:45 AM. Board a boat for a misty 2-hour morning cruise along the Nam Ou River to the dam. A minivan will meet you at the pier and transfer you to Manifa Elephant Camp for lunch.

After lunch, choose your preferred option for the next stretch of the journey:

• Option A (Standard): Continue on a relaxing cruise down the Mekong River by boat.

• Option B (Kayaking): Switch to a kayak and paddle down the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves (Minimum 2 participants, no additional charge).

Both groups will gather at the iconic Pak Ou Caves—situated at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers—to explore the famous sacred Buddha caves. Kayakers will rejoin the main boat after the tour.

Next, cruise downriver toward Luang Prabang together. Stop at a traditional whiskey village (Ban Xang Hai) to learn how local sticky rice spirits are produced. As the sun begins to set, enjoy a beautiful sunset cruise on the Mekong River. Free drinks are provided on board. Arrive in Luang Prabang around 6:00 PM, followed by a transfer to your hotel.

(Lunch)

Tour Style & Group Size

• Day 1: Small-Group Tour (Joint tour with a limited number of participants)

• Day 2: 100% Private Tour (Personal guide & vehicle for a tailored experience)

• Day 3: Semi-Joint Tour

  • Morning: Small-Group Tour (Nam Ou River cruise & minivan transportation)

  • Afternoon: Standard Mekong Cruise (Joins a larger, shared cruise boat for Pak Ou Caves & Luang Prabang)

Upgrade Your Day 3 Experience

Private Mekong Sunset Cruise Upgrade (+€100 per group)
Prefer an exclusive experience on Day 3? You can upgrade the afternoon Mekong River cruise to a 100% Private Boat for you and your travel companions.

Benefit: Enjoy a peaceful, private atmosphere for the Pak Ou Caves, whisky village, and sunset cruise back to Luang Prabang.

How to book: Simply select the “Private Mekong Boat Upgrade” in the optional add-ons section on the booking form.

Reference Price