Full Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Houeixai – Pakbeng
Day 2: Pakbeng – Pak Ou

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Houay Xay – Pakbeng (Monday, Thursday & Friday)

This morning you board your traditional slow baot for the cruise downriver to the river town of Pakbeng.

The scenery along this part of the Mekong is argueably at its most beautiful.  As your journey downriver you will stop at some Hmong, Yao and Khmu ethnic minority villages and have the opportunity to observe their traditional lifestyle. Lunch is seved on deck as we enjoy the slow paced cruise.

Morning Market in Pakbeng

Ban Houay Ka – Pakbeng

Arriving at pakbeng late afternoon you will check in to your bungalow and enjoy a few drinks watching the sunset over the mountains and the Mekong.

Overnight in Pakbeng (B, L)

Day 2: Pakbeng – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang

This morning we continue downstream pass areas of un-spoilt forest with little villages along the riverbanks and perhaps the odd elephant or two with his mahout. You will visit a Hmong village and have the opportunity to explore the village. Lunch is seved on deck as we enjoy the slow paced cruise.

Pak-Ou Caves

Wat Xiengthong – Luang Prabang

We will pull over for a visit to Pak-Ou Caves, an ancient pilgrimage site and containing thousands of gold lacquered Buddha images left there over hundreds of years.

Arriving in Luang Prabang around sunset we will transfer to your hotel. Your evening is free to explore the town or relax at your hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang (B, L)

Cruise Up River

Day 1: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Pakbeng (Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday)

This morning we board our own traditional slow boat for a peaceful, scenic cruise up on the Mekong River to Pakbeng. Along the way we stop at the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. These caves are an ancient pilgrimage site and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha images left there over hundreds of years. 

Cruising on through spectacular mountain scenery you will see traditional life playing out along the river that hasn’t changed for generations. Net fishing, gold panning, slash and burn agriculture and daily village life all provide great photographic opportunities as we make our way upstream. Lunch is seved on deck as we enjoy the slow paced cruise.

Arriving at Pakbeng wharf late afternoon we will check in to our hotel and enjoy the sunset over the mountains in this remote river town.

Overnight in Pakbeng (B, L)

Day 2: Pakbeng – Houeixai

After breakfast and a visit the local market, where many hill tribe people converge from the surrounding countryside and jungles to sell their goods and buy provisions, we will board our slow boat and continue our journey upriver.

As we go further north the river and mountains widen out to reveal rich farming land as the river becomes the border between Laos and Thailand. Lunch is seved on deck as we enjoy the slow paced cruise.

Arriving in Houay Xay late afternoon you may choose cross the border and proceed to Chiang Rai the same day. (B, L)

Included in above prices:

• Private, Airconditioned Transport
• Boat trips as stated in the itinerary
• English speaking guide
• Admission fees to sites stated in the itinerary
• Meals: daily breakfast at hotel
• Gov’t taxs and service charges
• Luggage handling
• Drinking water

Exclusive of above prices:

• Accommodation on a twin shared basis (quote separately)
• Visas and Immigration fees on arrival
• Domestic airticket
• Int’l air tickets to/from Laos
• Travel and/or Medical Insurance
• Lunch or dinner unless stated in the itinerary
• Single room accommodation (quoted separately)
• Child or adult in triple share accommodation
• Foreign language guides other than English
• Peak Season or Special Events Surcharges
• Tip, drinks and other personal expenses

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