4 Days / 3 Nights
Bako National Park
Overview
Discover the stunning nature and timeless ways of life that define Laos. Spend two days cruising down the Mekong River from Thailand to the charming cultural capital of Luang Prabang. Relax as the country’s rugged landscapes pass by and discover timeless traditions with visits to riverside villages.
Trip Highlights
Cruise the Mekong
Spend two-days exploring the Mekong River by boat.
Visit Hill tribe Villages
Go ashore for a village walk to learn about the lives and traditions of a Laos’ hill tribe.
Discover Rural Laos
Spend a night in a small town along the Mekong River, experiencing the quiet pace of rural Laos.
Itinerary
1
Houay Xay - Pakbeng
Begin the day with an 08:00 arrival to the Thai Immigration Office. After crossing the Lao border of Houay Xay, one of our representatives will be waiting to provide transport to the shared cruise boat. The cruise takes two days to reach Luang Prabang, with an overnight stop made in Pakbeng.
En route a stop is made to visit a local hill tribe settlement. Soak in the authentic, rural way of life here before dipping into a delicious buffet lunch (onboard).
The town of Pakbeng will be reached in the late afternoon. Halfway between Houay Xay and Luang Prabang, this small, but dynamic town town is lined with wooden houses along a steep street on the hillside. Depending on the river's current, the boat may reach Pakbeng in time to catch a sunset over the river.
Overnight in Pakbeng
2
Pakbeng - Pak Ou - Luang Prabang
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before continuing the river cruise downstream.
OPTIONAL: For early risers, there is an opportunity to visit the morning market where the nearby villagers and hill tribes come to buy and exchange their goods.
The boat departs at 08:30 for the second half of the journey. On the way to Luang Prabang, two stops will be made. Lunch is served on board.
The first stop is at the village of Ban Baw, where it will be possible to see the processing of traditional rice alcohol. Continue downstream to the Pak Ou Caves. Locally referred to as Tam Ting, these two caves are carved out of towering limestone cliffs and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of all different sizes.
Luang Prabang is a further 2 hours downstream from Pak Ou. Arrive in Luang Prabang early evening, before sunset.
Important Information
Inclusions
Notes
Our Services Include:
- 2 days cruise with stops and visits en route
- Meals as mentioned (B,L,D)
- Entrance fees
- Transfer from Lao immigration to pier in Houay Xay
- Assistance of English/French speaking cruise escort during the cruise
- Coffee, tea, water
Our Services do not Include:
- Transfers before and after the cruise
- Alcoholic drinks & drinks at mealtime + Optional visits + Personal expenses (Telephone, laundry…)
- Visa stamping fee for Laos (visa on arrival, valid 30 days: 30 to 42US$ upon client’s nationality + 1 photo and a passport valid more than 6 month after return date). Subject to change without prior notice
- Extension visa 2 USD/day/Pax. Subject to change without prior notice
- ATTENTION: Visa on arrival pay more 1 USD/Pax every Saturday and Sunday
- Personal travel insurance (should include helicopter evacuation for Laos & repatriation)
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guide, driver, boat crew & hotels’ porters
- Meals other than those mentioned above
- All air tickets with airport and departure taxes
- Other services not clearly indicated in the Package Inclusion above
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