[Semi-Private] Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang: Nam Ou River Cruise & Mekong Adventure (NK-2P)

Travel from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang by river, from the limestone cliffs of the Nam Ou valley to sunset on the Mekong.

This package is a partially private version of our popular transportation tour from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang. Begin with a shared boat journey down the Nam Ou River. Choose a private transfer from the dam to Manifa Elephant Camp, or share the transfer and begin the private part of your journey at the camp. Both options include a riverside buffet lunch, a visit to Pak Ou Caves by private boat or kayak, a private Mekong sunset cruise, and a private transfer to your hotel in central Luang Prabang.

Choose Your Semi-Private Tour Option

Option 1 — Private Tour from Nam Ou Dam

Share the morning boat from Nong Khiaw to Nam Ou Dam. At the dam, a private vehicle will meet your group and take you to Manifa Elephant Camp for lunch. From the dam onward, your transfers and afternoon river activities are arranged exclusively for your group.

Option 2 — Private Cruise from Manifa Elephant Camp

Share both the morning boat from Nong Khiaw and the minivan from Nam Ou Dam to Manifa Elephant Camp. After lunch at the camp, enjoy the afternoon river journey with a boat reserved for your group. As with Option 1, you can choose to kayak to Pak Ou Caves before joining your private boat for the sunset cruise.

Itinerary

9:30 AM — Meet in Nong Khiaw

Meet at the Manifa Travel Nong Khiaw office, beside Nong Khiaw Bridge at the entrance to Som Nang Viewpoint. If you are staying at a riverside hotel, boat pickup is also available. Please enter your hotel name on the booking form.

Morning — Shared Boat through the Nam Ou Valley

Board a shared boat for an approximately two-hour journey downstream on the Nam Ou River. Limestone mountains rise above the riverbanks, with forested slopes and small riverside settlements along the way. Disembark at Nam Ou Dam No. 2, where you will continue by road to the Mekong.

Transfer to Manifa Elephant Camp and Riverside Lunch

Travel from the dam to Manifa Elephant Camp by private vehicle with Option 1 or shared minivan with Option 2. At the camp, enjoy a buffet lunch at the restaurant overlooking the Mekong before setting out for Pak Ou Caves.

After Lunch — Visit Pak Ou Caves by Private Boat or Kayak

With either tour option, you can choose how you would like to reach the caves:

• By private boat: Cruise upstream from Manifa Elephant Camp and watch the limestone cliffs come into view near the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers.
• By kayak: Paddle to Pak Ou Caves and approach the cliffs from water level. Kayaking is available at no additional charge for a minimum of two participants. After visiting the caves, continue aboard your group’s private boat.

At Pak Ou, step ashore to explore the caves, where generations of worshippers have placed thousands of Buddha images. Visit the lower cave, Tham Ting, overlooking the Mekong, or climb the steps to the upper cave, Tham Theung.

Ban Xang Hai and a Private Mekong Sunset Cruise

From the caves, cruise downstream on your private boat to Ban Xang Hai, a riverside village known for making traditional Lao spirits from sticky rice. After the village visit, settle back on board for the journey to Luang Prabang as the evening light falls across the Mekong.

Around 6:00 PM — Arrive in Luang Prabang

Arrive at the pier on the Luang Prabang peninsula. Both options include a private vehicle transfer from the pier to your hotel within our designated city-centre area. If you are staying outside this area, please arrange onward transport from the pier.

Travel Information

• Route: This is a one-way tour from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang.
• Luggage: You can bring your usual travel luggage, including a standard suitcase and carry-on bag.
• Arrival time: Around 6:00 PM is the estimated arrival at the pier. Your hotel drop-off follows the cruise.

Price:

Option 1 — Private Tour from Nam Ou Dam (NK-2P1)

The boat to Nam Ou Dam will be shared with other groups. From that point on, the tour will be private.

Option 2 — Private Cruise from Manifa Elephant Camp (NK-2P2)

The boat to the Nam Ou Dam and the minivan transfer to Manifa Elephant Camp are shared with other groups. From that point on, the tour will be private.

Jonint tour:

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

INQUIRY:

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