Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang: Nam Ou River Cruise & Optional Mekong Adventure (NK-2)

• Cruise through the limestone scenery of the Nam Ou valley from Nong Khiaw.
• Enjoy lunch beside the Mekong River at Manifa Elephant Camp.
• Explore Pak Ou’s Buddha caves, with optional kayaking at no extra charge (Option 1)
• Visit a whiskey village and enjoy a sunset cruise toward Luang Prabang (Option 1)
• Choose a direct transfer after lunch to reach Luang Prabang around 2:30 PM (Option 2)

Itinerary

Morning: Cruise Through the Nam Ou Valley

Meet at the Manifa Travel Nong Khiaw office, just off the bridge, at 9:30 AM. Boat pickup is also available for guests staying at riverside hotels.

Board a boat for an approximately two-hour cruise downstream on the Nam Ou River. Watch limestone mountains, forested slopes, and riverside settlements pass by as you travel through the valley. This scenic journey offers time to enjoy the landscape from the water before continuing toward Luang Prabang.

Disembark at the Second Dam, where a minivan awaits to take you to Manifa Elephant Camp for lunch beside the Mekong River.

Option 1: Mekong Cruise, Pak Ou Caves & Sunset — Arrive Before 6:00 PM

After lunch, continue your journey on the Mekong. Relax aboard the boat or choose to kayak to Pak Ou Caves, where the Nam Ou meets the Mekong. Kayaking is available for a minimum of two participants at no additional charge.

Both options include a visit to Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha images overlooking the river. After exploring the caves, kayakers rejoin the main boat for the onward cruise.

Continue downstream and stop at a whiskey village, where traditional spirits are made from sticky rice. Then enjoy the changing light over the Mekong as you cruise toward Luang Prabang, with the chance to watch the sunset from the water.

Arrive in Luang Prabang just before 6:00 PM, followed by a transfer to your hotel. This option turns your travel day into a full day of river scenery, cultural visits, and a choice of relaxation or paddling.

Option 2: Direct Transfer After Lunch — Arrive Around 2:30 PM

After lunch at Manifa Elephant Camp, travel directly to Luang Prabang by minivan. The drive takes approximately 40 minutes, arriving at around 2:30 PM.

This option includes the morning Nam Ou cruise and riverside lunch, leaving you time to settle into your accommodation and enjoy the afternoon in Luang Prabang. It suits travelers who prefer a shorter day or have plans in town.

The direct-transfer option does not include kayaking, Pak Ou Caves, the whiskey village, or the afternoon Mekong cruise.

Please note: This is a one-way tour starting in Nong Khiaw and ending in Luang Prabang.

Meeting point

Right next to Nong Khiaw Bridge. Som Nang View Point, Nong Khiaw Manifa Travel office that also serves as the ticket office. Meeting time is 9:30AM. Most hotels are within walking distance. Hotels further away should be able to arrange a van or tuk-tuk to take you there. It’s a good idea to arrive at the meeting point early (1 hour in advance) and climb up to the viewpoint to watch the sunrise.

Alternatively, if you are staying at a riverside hotel, a boat pickup is available. Please enter your hotel name on the booking form.

Ending point

Boat pier on Luang Prabang Peninsula (within walking distance to the main street where Luang Prabang Night Market is located) or any hotel or location in Luang Prabang within our designated area We can transfer you to your hotel in Luang Prabang city center after arriving at the pier. We cannot transfer to hotels outside the city center (such as The Namkhan or Hillside – Nature Lifestyle Lodge), so you will need to make your own arrangements for transportation (tuk-tuk, etc.).

Luggage

You can bring your luggages with you on the tour. This applies to a standard amount of traveler’s luggage (the amount typically allowed by airlines for carry-on and checked baggage without extra fees).

Price

Prices include credit card charges and are not subject to additional charges.
Cancellations (full refund) and date changes (if possible) can be made free of charge up to the day before

Joint tour:

NK-2A Option 1: Mekong Cruise, Pak Ou Caves & Sunset — Arrive at 6:00 PM

Adult (over 12 years old) $46 per person
Child Over 110cm tall and under 11 years old $36 per person
Free Child under 110 cm tall

NK-2B Option 2: Direct Transfer After Lunch — Arrive at 2:30 PM

Adult & Child $30 per person
Free Child under 110 cm tall

INQUIRY:

If you have any questions regarding this tour, please feel free to contact us.
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