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Upstream · Luang Prabang → Houayxay

1-Day Upstream Mekong Cruise

Depart from your port for a captivating one-day cruise on the Mekong River.

  • 1 day
  • Two routes to choose from
  • Lunch on board
  • English-speaking guide

Choose your cruise

Direction

Downstream Upstream

Duration

1 day 120$ 2 days 180$ 2 days + lodge 205$

From 120$ Per person

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Along the way

Highlights of the journey

A Mekong Cruises boat on the river at Luang Prabang, below a forested hill
Gathering at Calao pier Meet the crew on the river bank in Luang Prabang, as the Mekong catches the morning light.
Buddha statues in the Pak Ou Caves, looking out over the Mekong
The Pak Ou Caves More than 2,000 Buddha statues in a revered Lao pilgrimage site.
A Khamu village of wooden houses in the hills above the Mekong
A mountain village A stop in a hill tribe village, for a glimpse of daily life in a remote rural area.

Day by day

Itinerary

Option 1: Luang Prabang to Pakbeng

Luang Prabang → Pakbeng · 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  1. Dawn

    Gathering at Calao pier

    Meet the crew on the river bank in Luang Prabang, as the Mekong catches the morning light.

  2. 7:00 AM

    Departure and breakfast

    The boat heads upstream. A Western-style breakfast with coffee or tea is served on board.

  3. Mid-morning

    The Pak Ou Caves

    More than 2,000 Buddha statues in a revered Lao pilgrimage site.

  4. Noon

    Lao lunch on board

    A traditional lunch, followed by your guide’s stories about Lao culture and history.

  5. 5:00 PM

    Arrival in Pakbeng

    A quiet riverside town nestled in the hills.

Read the full account

Your journey begins at dawn, gathering at Calao Pier as the Mekong shimmers in the early light. By 7:00 AM, the boat departs Luang Prabang, gliding upstream toward Pakbeng. A Western breakfast is served onboard, accompanied by coffee or tea, as the tranquil riverbanks pass by.

Mid-morning, you’ll explore the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to over 2,000 Buddha statues and a revered pilgrimage site for the Lao people. Back on the boat, a traditional Lao lunch awaits, followed by stories from the guide about Laos’ rich culture and history.

By late afternoon, the boat reaches Pakbeng, a peaceful riverside town nestled in the hills. You’ll arrive around 5:00 PM.

Option 2: Pakbeng to Houayxay

Pakbeng → Houayxay · 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  1. 7:00 AM

    Departure from Pakbeng

    An early start, upstream towards the Thai border.

  2. Morning

    A mountain village

    A stop in a hill tribe village, for a glimpse of daily life in a remote rural area.

  3. Noon

    Lao lunch on board

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

  4. Afternoon

    A treat from the crew

    Something sweet prepared on board, with the river views going by.

  5. 5:00 PM

    Arrival in Houayxay

    Continuing to Thailand? Your guide accompanies you to the border by shared minibus.

Read the full account

Your journey begins with an early departure from Pakbeng at 7:00 AM.

In the morning, there’s a stop at a hill tribe village, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of people living in remote rural areas. Back on the boat, atraditional Lao lunch is served, showcasing the region’s authentic flavors.

As the afternoon drifts by, enjoy a sweet treat prepared by the crew while soaking in the serene river views.

By 5:00 PM, the boat arrives in Houayxay. If you’re continuing to Thailand, the guide will assist with your transfer to the Lao border via a shared minivan, ensuring a smooth end to your Mekong River 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

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
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

Prices & conditions

included in the price

  • Welcome at the slow boat pier in Luang Prabang
  • Baggage handling in Houayxay and Luang Prabang
  • Crew service during the cruise
  • Admission fees to all sites visited, led by our English-speaking guide
  • Lunches on board, plus drinking water, coffee, and tea

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

Where is the departure point?

For downstream cruises: the Lao immigration office in Houayxay.
For upstream cruises: Calao pier in Luang Prabang.

Will there be enough time to reach Chiang Rai on the day of arrival in Houayxay?

Yes, the schedule allows time to cross the border into Thailand and continue on to Chiang Rai the same day.

Do you offer a return transfer from Pakbeng to Luang Prabang after the one-day cruise?

Yes, we arrange a private minivan from Pakbeng to Luang Prabang for USD 277 per trip.

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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