2-Day Mekong River Cruise from Luang Prabang with Pak Ou Caves

2 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Explore the Mekong River in style on this unique two-day cruise through a rural region known as Asia's rice bowl. Depart from charming Luang Prabang in a wooden...

Duration: 2 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Not included · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Not applicable · Cities: Huayxay, Luang Prabang · Languages: English, Thai

Know before you go: From 1 Nov to 30 Apr and 1-31 Oct, departs every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday.; From 1 May to 30 Sep, departs every Wednesday and Saturday (except from 01-30 Jun, when there is no operation).; Please note that this proposed itinerary is subject to availability.; We will only proceed with all reservations upon receiving your written confirmation.

About Luang Prabang

Laos

Luang Prabang

UNESCO World Heritage oozes from every temple top and pagoda that dots this beautiful town on the Mekong, while local guides reveal Parisian cafes, night markets and the majestic karst hills outside.

Explore Luang Prabang Laos All destinations

What's Included

2-day cruise with stops and visits en route
Meals as mentioned (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Entrance fees
Transfer from the pier in Houay Xay to Lao immigration and the Thai border
Assistance of an English/French-speaking cruise escort during the cruise
Coffee, tea, and water

Not Included

Transfer from/to the pier in Luang Prabang
Alcoholic drinks and drinks at mealtime, optional visits, and personal expenses (telephone, laundry)
Visa stamping fee for Laos (visa on arrival, valid for 30 days: US$30 to US$42 depending on the client's nationality, plus 1 photo and a passport valid for more than 6 months after the return date). Subject to change without prior notice.
Visa extension: US$2/day/pax. Subject to change without prior notice.
Attention: Visa on arrival costs more than US$1/pax every Saturday and Sunday.
Personal travel insurance (should include helicopter evacuation for Laos and repatriation)
Personal expenses
Tips for the guide, driver, boat crew, and hotel porters
Meals other than those mentioned above
All air tickets with airport and departure taxes
Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Luang Prabang to Pakbeng via Pak Ou Caves

Begin the two-day cruise by boarding the Luang Say Cruise boat from Luang Prabang at 07:00 (please reach the pier no later than 06:45). Two stops will be made en route to Pakbeng. The first stop is 2 hours upstream from Luang Prabang at the Pak Ou Caves. Locally referred to as Tam Ting, these two caves are carved out of towering limestone cliffs and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. The Buddhas range in size from a few centimetres to the size of a human. The caves are also a destination for local pilgrimages. Begin the two-day cruise by boarding the Luang Say Cruise boat from Luang Prabang at 07:00 (please reach the pier no later than 06:45). Two stops will be made en route to Pakbeng. The first stop is 2 hours upstream from Luang Prabang at the Pak Ou Caves. Locally referred to as Tam Ting, these two caves are carved out of towering limestone cliffs and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. The Buddhas range in size from a few centimetres to the size of a human. The caves are also a destination for local pilgrimages. Make the second stop en route to Pakbeng to watch the processing of traditional rice alcohol. Make the second stop en route to Pakbeng to watch the processing of traditional rice alcohol. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on board as the cruise continues further along the scenic Mekong River. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on board as the cruise continues further along the scenic Mekong River. Reach the town of Pakbeng late in the afternoon. Located halfway between Houay Xay and Luang Prabang, this small but dynamic town is lined with wooden houses along a steep street on the hillside. Depending on the river's current, the boat may reach Pakbeng in time to catch a sunset over the river. Reach the town of Pakbeng late in the afternoon. Located halfway between Houay Xay and Luang Prabang, this small but dynamic town is lined with wooden houses along a steep street on the hillside. Depending on the river's current, the boat may reach Pakbeng in time to catch a sunset over the river. Dinner and overnight stay at Luang Say Lodge.
2

Day 02

Pakbeng to Houay Xay by River Cruise

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before continuing the river cruise upstream. Optional: For early risers, there is an opportunity to visit the morning market, where nearby villagers and hill tribes come to buy and exchange their goods. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before continuing the river cruise upstream. Optional: For early risers, there is an opportunity to visit the morning market, where nearby villagers and hill tribes come to buy and exchange their goods. Board the boat, which departs at 07:30 for the second half of the cruise. One stop is made at a small village to visit and admire the authentic rural life of hill tribe settlements (lunch is served on board). Board the boat, which departs at 07:30 for the second half of the cruise. One stop is made at a small village to visit and admire the authentic rural life of hill tribe settlements (lunch is served on board). For those interested in reaching Houay Xay before 17:00, it is possible to proceed to Chiang Rai on the same day; the border transfer is included in the Luang Say Cruise package. Crossing the border from the Lao side to Chiang Khong is as per the client's arrangement.