8 Days • 7 Nights
Mekong River Cruise & Luang Prabang
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll board a traditional river boat at Huay Xai, cruising two gentle days down the Mekong with an overnight at Pakbeng, stopping at hill-tribe villages and the Pak Ou caves before reaching Luang Prabang. From there, the town's temples, the Kuang Si Falls and Vientiane complete the trip.
With comfortable boats and hotels, private guides and all arranged, it is Laos at its most timeless and serene.
Trip Highlights
- A two-day Mekong slow-boat cruise from Huay Xai
- Riverside villages and jungle-clad hills
- The Buddha-filled Pak Ou caves by river
- Enchanting Luang Prabang and its temples
- The dawn alms-giving procession
- The turquoise Kuang Si Falls
- Vientiane's stupas and Buddha Park
- Private boats, flights and guides
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Cross into Laos at Huay Xai on the Thai border (or fly in) and settle in for the night, ready to begin your Mekong journey. A welcome dinner by the river.
Board a traditional slow boat and cruise gently down the Mekong past jungle hills and riverside villages, with a hill-tribe stop, overnighting in the little river town of Pakbeng.
A second day drifting down the Mekong, stopping at the Buddha-filled Pak Ou caves and a whisky village, arriving in enchanting Luang Prabang by evening.
The dawn alms-giving, Wat Xieng Thong and the royal temples, the market and sunset from Mount Phousi.
A day at the turquoise Kuang Si Falls, swimming and visiting the bear rescue centre, with a village and lunch en route.
Fly to the sleepy capital of Vientiane, exploring the golden That Luang stupa and Wat Sisaket.
The surreal Buddha Park, the Patuxai monument and the riverside, with a sunset over the Mekong.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Vientiane airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private transfers and private guides throughout
- 1N Huay Xai, 1N Pakbeng, 3N Luang Prabang, 2N Vientiane
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and lunches aboard the Mekong cruise
- A two-day Mekong slow-boat cruise with village and Pak Ou cave stops
- A Luang Prabang city tour and the Kuang Si Falls
- A Vientiane city tour with That Luang and the Buddha Park
- A domestic flight Luang Prabang-Vientiane
- All entrance fees per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Laos
- Laos visa fees (visa on arrival or eVisa)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or an eVisa for Laos; check your passport's eligibility. Your passport should be valid at least six months with a blank page
- Currency: The currency is the Lao Kip. Cash is king outside the main towns, and while US dollars and Thai baht are sometimes accepted, carry kip for markets, temples and rural areas — ATMs are limited
- Best season: The cool, dry season from November to February is ideal; March to May is hot and can be hazy from farming fires, and June to October brings the green monsoon
- The pace of Laos: Laos is famously laid-back and unhurried — embrace 'bor pen nyang' (no worries) and the gentle rhythm, which is part of its charm
- The alms-giving: In Luang Prabang, monks collect alms at dawn in a moving ritual. Observe quietly and respectfully from a distance, or participate sensitively with your guide's advice — never intrude
- Temple etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes at temples. Women should never touch a monk, and always lower yourself below monks and Buddha images
- Getting around: Mountain roads are winding and slow, so some legs use short domestic flights or scenic river boats, all arranged for you
- UXO awareness: Parts of Laos still hold unexploded ordnance from past conflict, so always stay on marked paths and trails, especially around the Plain of Jars
- Health: Drink bottled or filtered water, use mosquito repellent, and enjoy freshly cooked food. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM is cheap but signal can be patchy in remote areas — a welcome excuse to slow down. Power is 230V with type A/B/C plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a Mekong cruise lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Laos's fragrant, French-influenced cuisine.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own licensed guide and private driver (or boat on the Mekong), so everything is arranged for you.
Do I need a visa for Laos?
Most visitors can get a visa on arrival or an eVisa. We guide you to the requirements for your nationality before you travel.
When is the best time to visit?
November to February is the cool, dry and most comfortable season. March to May is hot and sometimes hazy, and June to October is the lush, quieter green season.
What is the alms-giving ceremony?
At dawn in Luang Prabang, hundreds of monks walk the streets to collect alms of rice from kneeling locals. It is a moving, sacred ritual best observed quietly and respectfully, or joined sensitively with your guide's advice.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, towns, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a Mekong cruise, the 4000 Islands, Vang Vieng or trekking. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel around Laos?
By a mix of short domestic flights, private cars and scenic river boats, all included and arranged, with a private guide in each region.
What is the Mekong slow boat like?
A traditional long wooden river boat with comfortable seating, gliding gently downriver over two relaxed days with an overnight in Pakbeng — a wonderfully scenic and romantic way to reach Luang Prabang.
Can we upgrade to a luxury cruise?
Yes — we can arrange a premium or luxury Mekong cruise vessel with cabins and fine dining instead of the classic slow boat, for a more indulgent river journey.
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