Mekong Slow Boat Cruise | 2 Days | from HUAY XAI to LUANG PRABANG, LAOS

Overview

This legendary two-day voyage on the mighty Mekong River is one of the most memorable journeys that you can take in Southeast Asia. Take the journey in style on the Nagi of Mekong Cruise Boat, perfect for those who are looking for a little extra comfort and safety.

Launching from the border of Thailand and Laos in the small village of Huay Xai, you will slowly make your way to the beautiful temple-laden city of Luang Prabang in Laos. Along the way, you will witness epic scenery, glimpse local Laotian village life on the river bank and interact with like-minded travellers on this comfortable and spacious cruise boat. You could even spot an elephant! Enjoy delicious home-cooked meals, spend the night in a sumptuous hotel in Pak Beng (the halfway point) and simply sit back, relax and truly savour this boat journey of a lifetime! 

Safety Note 🦺: Unlike many of the other boats that cruise the Mekong River, the Nagi of Mekong boats are regularly serviced and equipped with full safety equipment including life vests for all passengers.

Itinerary – 2 Days, 1 Night

Day 1: 

• The morning begins with free pick-up from your hotel in Chiang Khong (or Huay Xai). Pick up is between 7.45-7.55am.
• You will transfer to the pier (including luggage handling) and be assisted to ensure a smooth border crossing on both the Thai and Laos sides. (You will be helped with with your visa on arrival into Laos which is very simple. All you need to prepare is one passport photo and the relevant amount of US dollars for your nationalities’ visa fee.)
• You will then continue onto the pier and board the beautiful ‘Nagi of Mekong’ boat for your first day of the cruise!
• Tea and coffee are served once you are settled down and you can then start to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Mekong River.
• Along the way you will witness the daily lives of the people living along the river bank, working, fishing, washing their laundry and even gold panning if the water level permits. A stop is made at a rural village before returning to the boat where a delicious hot lunch is served.
• In the afternoon, you will arrive in Pak Beng and transfer to your chosen hotel.
• You can enjoy the evening at your leisure and your host on the boat will be happy to assist you with any evening activities you fancy, such as where to dine and other things to do around Pak Beng.
• Overnight in Pak Beng.

Day 2: 

• • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Pak Beng and then board the Nagi of Mekong.
  • Following breakfast, board the Nagi of Mekong for the last leg of the cruise and make another stop at a local ethnic village along the river.
  • Elephants bathing and gold panning may be seen along the river bank.
  • Hot lunch provided.
  • After lunch, you will stop at the famous Pak Ou Cave Temple which houses thousands of Buddha images. You will have a fantastic view of the river from the viewpoint here.
  • Upon arrival at the pier in Luang Prabang, you will be whisked to your accommodation in the city by Tuk Tuk or a minivan.

About the Boat

The Nagi of Mekong boats are equipped with all of the necessary safety gear including life vests for all passengers. The boat also has modern-style toilets and comfortable seating with tables for you to dine, drink and play board games as you cruise down the Mekong. There is plenty of space on the boat for you to move around, stretch your legs and mingle with other passengers.

Accommodation

Cruise prices vary depending on your choice of accommodation in Pak Bang. There are four options:

• Cruise only (No pre-organised accommodation in Pak Beng): You can choose your own accommodation in Pak Beng.
• Standard Accommodation (BKC Villa, Monsavanh Guesthouse or Villa Mekong Guesthouse depending on availability): Basic air-conditioned room at a standard hotel (with breakfast included) at at Monsavanh Guesthouse or Villa Mekong Guesthouse. Price: $160USD in twin or double sharing. Single supplement is $20USD per person.
• Premium Accommodation (Sanctuary Pak Beng Lodge): Air-conditioned room in a premium hotel (with breakfast included) at Sanctuary Pak Beng Lodge (with swimming pool). Price: $185USD per person in twin or double sharing room. Single supplement is $35USD per person.
• Luxury Accommodation (Le Grande Pak Beng): Air-conditioned room in a premium hotel (with breakfast included) at Le Grande Pak Beng Hotel (with swimming pool). Price: $195USD per person in a twin or double sharing room. Single supplement is  $45USD per person.

Food

• Freshly cooked lunch daily on the boat. Refreshments are available on board to quench your thirst.
• Vegans, vegetarians, halal and other specific dietary requirements can be catered for. Please make a note in the ‘additional information’ box when booking.

What’s Included:

• Pick-up from your hotel in Chiang Khong on the Thai side or Huay Xai on the Lao side on the cruise morning to the boat.
• Luggage handling.
• Visa assistance.
• Travel insurance.
• Two-day escorted cruise with English-speaking host on board.
• Daily freshly cooked lunch and refreshments.
• Sightseeing stops en route and a visit to the famous Pak Ou Cave.
• Accommodation in Pak Beng at at hotel of your choice.
• Transfer from the pier in Luang Prabang to your hotel in the city.

Note on visas: Before the cruise day, you will be provided with the Lao visa application forms and other useful information that will help you have a smooth border crossing. Your host will assist you as much as they can on both the Thai and Laos sides.