Skip to content

Downstream · Houayxay → Luang Prabang

2-Day Downstream Mekong Cruise with a Night at Luang Say Lodge

Our 2-day Mekong cruise with an overnight stay at the Luang Say Lodge is the signature experience of Mekong Cruises. Embark on a full journey down (or up) the Mekong River between Houayxay and Luang Prabang, with a night in our wooden bungalows overlooking the river in Pakbeng.

  • 2 days + lodge
  • Departs 10:30 AM
  • Arrives 5:00 PM
  • Night at Luang Say Lodge
  • Lunch on board
  • English-speaking guide
  • Welcome at the border

Choose your cruise

Direction

Duration

From 205$ Per person

  • Free cancellation more than 10 days before departure
  • Instant confirmation
  • Best price guarantee

Secure online payment

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • BCEL OnePay

Along the way

Highlights of the journey

A Khamu village of wooden houses in the hills above the Mekong
A mountain village A stop with a Khamu or Hmong community, for a glimpse of their daily life.
Teak bungalow on stilts surrounded by tropical garden at Luang Say Lodge, Pakbeng
A night at Luang Say Lodge 20 teak and rosewood bungalows above the river, joined by wooden walkways to the riverside restaurant. Dinner is included.
Lao-lao rice whisky being distilled in Ban Baw village
Ban Baw village A village known for its lao-lao whisky and fine handicrafts.
Buddha statues in the Pak Ou Caves, looking out over the Mekong
The Pak Ou Caves Sacred limestone caves holding thousands of Buddha statues, lit by candles. A refreshing drink awaits you afterwards.

Day by day

Itinerary

Day 1: Houayxay to Pakbeng

Houayxay → Pakbeng · 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

  1. Morning

    Welcome at the border

    Your English-speaking guide meets you at the Lao immigration office and helps with the visa, then a shared minibus takes you to the slow boat pier.

  2. 10:30 AM

    The boat casts off

    Downstream into the heart of Laos, past green hills and riverside villages, while your guide introduces Lao culture and traditions.

  3. Noon

    Lao lunch on board

    A traditional lunch of regional flavours, served as the river goes by.

  4. Afternoon

    A mountain village

    A stop with a Khamu or Hmong community, for a glimpse of their daily life.

  5. 5:00 PM

    Arrival in Pakbeng

    A quiet riverside town in the hills, halfway along the river.

Read the full account

Your adventure begins in Houayxay, a small border town on the Mekong River. After meeting your English-speaking guide at the Lao immigration office, you will complete the visa procedures with ease. A shared minibus will take you to the slow boat pier, where your boat will be waiting to take you downstream along the Mekong, into the heart of Laos.

At 10:30 AM, the boat departs and your guide introduces you to the rich culture and traditions of Laos. As the boat travels past green hills and riverside villages, you can take in the peaceful scenery. Around noon, a traditional Lao lunch is served, showcasing regional flavors.

In the afternoon, the boat stops at a remote mountain village, where Khamu or Hmong communities offer a glimpse into their daily life. You then return to the boat and continue toward Pakbeng, a quiet riverside town. You will then check into at Luang Say Lodge.

Luang Say Lodge

Overnight in Pakbeng

A night at Luang Say Lodge

20 teak and rosewood bungalows above the river, joined by wooden walkways to the riverside restaurant. Dinner is included.

Teak bungalow on stilts surrounded by tropical garden at Luang Say Lodge, Pakbeng
Terrace of Luang Say Lodge overlooking the Mekong River at sunset, Pakbeng, Laos
Double bed with mosquito net in a Luang Say Lodge bungalow, Pakbeng, Laos
A boat on the Mekong seen from Luang Say Lodge
Read the full account

The Luang Say Lodge, included in your journey, offers a peaceful overnight stay on the left bank of the Mekong River, surrounded by jungle-covered mountains.

Its 20 spacious bungalows, built from teak and rosewood, combine comfort and charm with large open-air windows, high ceilings with mosquito nets, ceiling fans, and private bathrooms with hot showers and Western-style toilets.

Elevated wooden walkways connect the bungalows to a central riverside restaurant, where you can enjoy Lao cuisine. Dinner is included in the package price. This tranquil retreat blends traditional Lao architecture with stunning river views, ensuring a restful and memorable night.

Day 2: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang

Pakbeng → Luang Prabang · 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  1. 8:00 AM

    Departure from Pakbeng

    The journey resumes as the landscape changes around each bend.

  2. Mid-morning

    Ban Baw village

    A village known for its lao-lao whisky and fine handicrafts.

  3. Noon

    Lao lunch on board

    A traditional lunch of regional flavours, served as the river goes by.

  4. Afternoon

    The Pak Ou Caves

    Sacred limestone caves holding thousands of Buddha statues, lit by candles. A refreshing drink awaits you afterwards.

  5. 5:00 PM

    Arrival in Luang Prabang

    The UNESCO World Heritage city. Shared minibus transfers to your hotel are available.

Read the full account

The journey resumes at 8:00 AM the next day. As the landscape transforms, the boat stops mid-morning at Ban Baw, a village known for its lao-lao whisky and fine handicrafts. The locals proudly share their heritage and traditions.

Back on board, another Lao lunch is served before reaching the Pak Ou Caves, a highlight of the trip. These sacred limestone caves are home to thousands of Buddha statues, illuminated by flickering candles. After exploring, you will enjoy a refreshing roselle drink.

By the end of the day, the boat approaches Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city. At 5:00 PM, you arrive, ready to explore or continue your journey. Shared minibus transfers to your hotel are available to smoothly conclude your adventure.

Our Fleet & Amenities

The onboard experience

Step aboard our custom-built traditional teak boats. They blend authentic Lao craftsmanship with modern comfort, offering you a smooth and peaceful slow boat Mekong journey through jungle-lined waterways.

  • Panoramic Views

    Open-air covered decks offering stunning 360-degree views of the spectacular Mekong gorges.

  • Authentic Cuisine

    Savour freshly prepared traditional Lao dishes alongside international fare, served on board.

  • Comfort

    Spacious seating, relaxing daybeds, and well-maintained Western-style facilities.

  • Expert Guides

    Passionate local guides accompany you, ready to share the rich history and legends of the river.

  • Dining area with tables and cushioned benches aboard a Mekong Cruises boat, river view through open windows
  • Captain at the helm in the wheelhouse of a Mekong river cruise boat
  • Tropical fruit and coffee service on board, with the Mekong River in the background
  • Interior of a traditional Mekong river cruise boat in Laos, tables set for lunch

Real guests · Real reviews

What our guests say

An absolutely magical experience from start to finish. The boat crew were attentive and the scenery along the Mekong was breathtaking. The Luang Say Lodge exceeded all our expectations — we’ll be back!
James T. Downstream · 2 days
A perfect balance of adventure and comfort. Watching the morning mist rise over the Mekong was an unforgettable experience. The staff went above and beyond at every stage of the journey
François M. Downstream · 2 days
Wonderful cruise! We loved every minute of our two-day cruise in Laos! The journey from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai. The guide, Sommay, was excellent: funny, informative and very attentive to his guests.
Maddy Louitt Upstream · 2 days

Prices & conditions

included in the price

  • Welcome at the Lao immigration office in Houayxay
  • Accommodation and dinner in Pakbeng
  • Minibus transfer from the Lao border to the pier
  • Crew service during the cruise
  • Luggage handling in Houayxay and Luang Prabang
  • Lunches on board, drinking water, coffee, and tea
  • Entrance fees for all visits, guided by our English-speaking guide

the price excludes

  • Visa, immigration, or overstay fees
  • Drinks in Pakbeng
  • Personal insurance
  • Drinks, personal expenses, and tips
  • Any other expenses not specified above

Cancellations

  • More than 10 days before departure Free
  • From 10 to 5 days before departure 50%of the total price
  • Less than 5 days before, or no-show 100%of the total price

We may cancel your booking up to 15 days before departure if there are not enough passengers to operate the trip.

Children

AgePrice
Under 6 Free
7 to 12 50% of the price
13 and over Full price

Good to know

Practical questions

Can I get a Lao visa at the border?

Yes, a visa on arrival is available in Houayxay. You will need:

a completely blank page in your passport,
a passport valid for at least 6 months,
two passport-sized photos,
USD 50 in cash (USD preferred).

Our team assists you with the border procedure for downstream cruises.

How do I cross from Chiang Khong to Houayxay?

Go to the Chiang Khong immigration checkpoint, before the 4th Friendship Bridge.
Complete Thai exit formalities.
Cross the bridge by official shuttle or van (10 to 15 minutes).
Arrive at Houayxay immigration, where our team welcomes you.

We can arrange this Chiang Khong to Houayxay transfer for USD 38 per trip.

Can I leave Chiang Rai on the morning of the cruise?

Yes, if you leave early in the morning, it is entirely possible to board on the same day.

Chiang Rai is 134 km away, or about a 2-hour drive.

Where do we stay in Pakbeng?

For the 2-day, 1-night all-inclusive cruise, accommodation at Luang Say Lodge is included in the package.

Should I take my luggage with me for the night in Pakbeng?

Yes, your luggage goes with you for the night in Pakbeng. It does not remain on board.

What should I bring on board?

We recommend: light and comfortable clothing, an outfit covering shoulders and knees for temple and village visits, closed shoes or walking sandals, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, a light sweater for the air conditioning, and a camera.

Which drinks are included?

Coffee, tea and water are included free of charge. A small bar on board offers other drinks for purchase, including soft drinks, beers and wines.

Do you cater for special dietary requirements?

Yes, we offer vegetarian dishes. Please let us know at the time of booking so that we can adapt the meals served on board.

See all questions

Ready to come aboard?

From 205$ Per person

  • Instant confirmation
  • Exclusive packages
  • Best price guarantee

Since 1999 – 27 Years of Unforgettable Journeys

★ Save 10% on October departures ★

Book now

Laos Heritage Collection

The rest of the family

★ Save 10% on October departures ★