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Upstream · Luang Prabang → Houayxay

2-Day Upstream Mekong Cruise

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

  • 2 days
  • Departs 7:00 AM
  • Arrives 5:00 PM
  • Night in Pakbeng, your choice
  • Lunch on board
  • English-speaking guide

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Direction

Duration

From 180$ 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

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 board, 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.

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 Upstream 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 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, atraditional 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 slow boat pier in Luang Prabang
  • 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

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.

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.

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