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Downstream · Houayxay → Luang Prabang

2-Day Downstream Mekong Cruise

Start your adventure in Houayxay with a 2-day cruise on the Mekong River, overnight stay in Pakbeng, and continuing on the second day of the cruise to Luang Prabang.

  • 2 days
  • Departs 10:30 AM
  • Arrives 5:00 PM
  • Night in Pakbeng, your choice
  • Lunch on board
  • English-speaking guide
  • Welcome at the border

Choose your cruise

Direction

Duration

From 180$ Per person

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

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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.
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 along green hills and riverside villages, you can take in the peaceful scenery. Around noon, a traditional Lao lunch is served, highlighting regional flavors.

In the afternoon, the boat stops at a remotemountain village, where Khamu or Hmong communities share a glimpse of their daily life. You then return to the boat and continue toward Pakbeng, a quiet riverside town. You will then check into your hotel (not included) to relax.

Accommodation

Overnight in Pakbeng

A night in Pakbeng

You stay at the accommodation of your choice; it is not included in the price.

A slow boat moored on the Mekong below forested hills, with tall grass on the bank
Prefer the lodge? See the cruise with a night at Luang Say Lodge
Read the full account

Upon arrival in Pakbeng, settle into the accommodation of your choice.

For a more immersive experience, consider our “2-Day Downstream Mekong Cruise – 1 Night” package, which includes an overnight stay at Luang Say Lodge, a serene retreat nestled among jungle-covered mountains.

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
  • Minibus transfer from the Lao border to the pier
  • Luggage handling in Houayxay and Luang Prabang
  • Crew service during the cruise
  • 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
  • Accommodation in Pakbeng
  • Meals 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.

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

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From 180$ Per person

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