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Shompoo Cruise

Houay Xai - Pak Beng - Luang Prabang

With Shompoo Cruise, you’ll get an unforgettable journey along the Mekong River between Houay Xay and Luang Prabang, from its majestic source in the Tibetan highlands to the lush delta in Vietnam. This Deluxe Mekong Cruise offers you the chance to explore the enchanting beauty and rich cultural heritage shaped by this legendary river for centuries.

As you glide along the tranquil waters, immerse yourself in the captivating history and vibrant stories of the Mekong. Marvel at the stunning views of forested banks and verdant mountains, all while enjoying the comfort and hospitality of the Shompoo Cruise. Experience the magic of the Mekong like never before!

Cruise Itinerary

2 days
Shompoo Cruise Downstream Houay Xay - Luang Prabang (2 Days/ 1 Night) Houay Xay - Pak Beng - Luang Prabang

Day 1: Houay Xay - Pak Beng

*Departure days:

  • From October to April: Departure every Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.
  • From May to September: Departure every Monday and Friday.

At 08:00 am, the guests will meet our English-speaking team with a welcome sign at the Chiang Khong immigration office. He will help the guests to exit Thailand and get the shuttle bus to Lao border (included). Our guide will assist customers in applying for the visa. After getting the VISA, guests will take a sharing transfer (minivan) to the slow boat pier to embark on the boat.

During the morning, a quick lecture about Do’s and Don’ts in Laos and fun facts will be presented by our guide. Lao traditional Lunch set is served on board.

Before reaching Pakbeng, we will stop to visit a traditional Kamu village (Ban Keng Lae), a tiny, cozy place that hosts about 70 families. Travelers will learn about the rural lifestyle in a very remote area.

The boat will arrive at Pakbeng before nightfall. Overnight in your hotel in Pakbeng.

Note: We recommend you be at Chiang Khong Thai immigration border before 07:45 am to make sure to meet our guide on the Lao side on time. If you are already in Houay Xay, we will arrange to pick you up at their hotel between 09:00 am and 09:30 am. The boat will leave Houay Xay latest at 10:00 am.

Day 2: Pak Beng - Luang Prabang

The boat will leave Pakbeng at 08 am. Enjoy the beautiful nature and jungle during your journey.

In the morning, our guide and the chef will give a short demonstration on how to make some Lao desserts and local drinks that you will eat later in the afternoon.

A Lao traditional Lunch set is served on board.

The first stop will be at Ban Muang village, a small village famous for its lao lao whiskey making. Right after the visit, the boat will stop for the second visit at the Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting) and its over two thousand Buddha statues. It is one of the most important Pilgrimage places for Lao people.

After the visit, enjoy the homemade desserts and drinks made by our team and the travelers. The boat will arrive in Luang Prabang before 4:30 pm.

2 days
Shompoo Cruise Upstream Luang Prabang - Houay Xay (2 Days/ 1 Night) Luang Prabang - Pak Beng - Houay Xay

Day 1: Luang Prabang - Pak Beng

*Departure days:

  • From October to April: Departure every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
  • From May to September: Departure every Wednesday and Saturday.
    The boat leaves Luang Prabang at 7:00 am to go upstream the Mekong to Pakbeng.

The boat leaves Luang Prabang at 7:00 am for upstream the Mekong to Pakbeng. Continental Breakfast is served on board.

In the morning, we will stop to visit Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting) and its over two thousand Buddha statues. It is one of the most important Pilgrimage places for Lao people. Lao traditional Lunch set is served on board.

In the afternoon, our English-speaking guide will organize a small lecture and will explain the different ethnicities here in Laos.

The boat arrives in Pakbeng before nightfall. Overnight in Pakbeng.

Day 2: Pak Beng - Houay Xay

Embark at 7:00 am on the boat. Normally, your hotel in Pakbeng must have prepared a take-away breakfast box for the shompoo cruise travelers that they can eat on board.

In the morning, our guide and cook will make a short demonstration on how to make some Lao desserts and local drinks that travelers will eat later in the afternoon.

Just before lunch, the boat will stop to visit a traditional Kamu village (Ban Kaeng Lae), a tiny, cozy place that hosts about 70 families. Travelers will learn about the rural lifestyle in a very remote area. Lao traditional Lunch set is served on board.

Before reaching Houay Xay Pier, enjoy the homemade desserts and drinks made by our team and the travelers.

The boat will arrive at its destination before 4:30 pm (possibility to continue the journey to Thailand on the same day).

End of services.

Notes

  • For downstream, our boats leave Houay Xay pier at the latest 09:30 am. So please be in front of Thai immigration office in Chiang Khong before 07:45 am. One staff of our team will wait with a sign of guest names.
  • If the guests stay already in Houay Xay, pick up will be arranged directly at their hotel between 09 am and 09:30 am.
  • For upstream, our boats leave Luang Prabang at 7:00 am. So please be at our boat pier at 6:45 am.
  • From November to February, it can get cold during the cruise; do not forget to bring a jacket.
  • It is possible to leave luggage and a suitcase on the boat and take only a small daypack for your overnight in Pakbeng.
  • For safety reasons and according to the weather conditions, the program may change without prior notice.

Price

The prices below are in US Dollar

Itinerary 1st Oct 2025 – 30th Sep 2026
Downstream Houay Xay – Luang Prabang
(2 Days/ 1 Night)		 Rate per person Single Supplement
Without Hotel $247 N/A
Basic Hotel
Mekong Riverside		 $282 $29
Comfort Hotel
Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge		 $305 $50
Premium Hotel
Luang Say Lodge		 $322 $63
Luxury Hotel
Le grand Pakbeng		 $339 $75

 

Itinerary 1st Oct 2025 – 30th Sep 2026
Upstream Luang Prabang – Houay Xay
(2 Days/ 1 Night)		 Rate per person Single Supplement
Without Hotel $207 N/A
Basic Hotel
Mekong Riverside		 $242 $29
Comfort Hotel
Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge		 $265 $50
Premium Hotel
Luang Say Lodge		 $282 $63
Luxury Hotel
Le Grand Pakbeng		 $299 $75

*Child Policy:

  • Free of charge for children under 6 years old.
  • Between 6 and 12 years old, we charge 50% of the normal rate.
  • Over 13 years old, the full rate is applied.

Inclusive

  • Welcome at Thai immigration in Chiang Khong + shuttle bus ticket for crossing the border from Thailand to Laos (for downstream cruise).
  • Transfer on a shared minivan from Lao immigration office to the slow boat Pier in Houay Xay for downstream and vice-versa for the upstream program.
  • Crew service during the cruise.
  • Baggage handling during the cruise.
  • Admission fees for visiting sites serviced by our English-speaking guide.
  • Lunch on board as mentioned in the program (except for charter boat), drinking bottled water, coffee & tea.
  • Transfer to Luang Prabang from your hotel to the boat pier and vice-versa.

Exclusive

  • Shuttle bus from Houay Xay to Chiang Khong (upstream cruise).
  • Visa/immigration and/or overstay fees in Laos or in Thailand.
  • Accommodation and meals in PakBeng.
  • Personal insurance.
  • Beverages, personal expenses, and tips.
  • Other expenses not mentioned above.
Book Now
Price from:
$207
Price per person, based on 2 people

    • Adults

    • Children (Age 1 - 12)

    • Infants

    You will not be billed at this stage

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