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Upstream · Luang Prabang → Houayxay

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

Start your adventure in Luang Prabang with a 2-day cruise on the Mekong River, including an overnight stay in a traditional teak bungalow at the Luang Say Lodge in Pakbeng, before arriving in Houayxay.

  • 2 days + lodge
  • Departs 7:00 AM
  • Arrives 5:00 PM
  • Night at Luang Say Lodge
  • Lunch on board
  • English-speaking guide

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Direction

Downstream Upstream

Duration

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

From 205$ 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.
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.
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

Day 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 with a gathering at Calao pier, as the Mekong River sparkles in the morning light. At 7:00 AM, the boat departs Luang Prabang and travels upstream toward Pakbeng. A Western-style breakfast, along with coffee or tea, is served on board as the peaceful riverbanks drift by.

In the mid-morning, you will explore the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to more than 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 your guide about the richness of Lao culture and history.

By late afternoon, the boat reaches Pakbeng, a quiet riverside town nestled in the hills. You arrive around 5:00 PM, ready to relax at the 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
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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 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

The second day begins with an early departure from Pakbeng at 7:00 AM.

In the morning, there is a stop at a mountain tribal village, offering a glimpse into the daily life of people in remote rural areas. Back on board, a traditional Lao lunch is served, showcasing the authentic flavors of the region.

As the afternoon unfolds, enjoy a treat prepared by the crew while taking in the serene river views.

The boat arrives in Houayxay around 5:00 PM. If you are continuing to Thailand, your guide will accompany you for your transfer to the Lao border by shared minibus, ensuring a smooth end to your Mekong 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 Luang Prabang pier
  • Luggage handling in Houayxay and Luang Prabang
  • Crew service during the cruise
  • Entrance fees to all visited sites, accompanied by our English-speaking guide
  • Lunches on board, plus drinking water, coffee, and tea
  • Accommodation and dinner in Pakbeng

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

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.

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

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