Please arrive before 0800 at the Thai immigration office. After crossing the Lao border of Houay Xay, a representative from the Luang Say Cruises will be there to greet you and escort you to your 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 and admire the authentic rural life of hill tribe settlements.

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch onboard the boat as you continue your cruise along the scenic Mekong River.

Late in the afternoon, you will reach the town of Pakbeng.  Halfway between Houay Xay and Luang Prabang, this small town is lined with wooden houses along a steep street on the hillside and is quite dynamic.  Depending on the rivers current, you may reach Pakbeng in time to watch the sun set over the river from the balcony of your room. 

Overnight in Pakbeng

In the morning enjoy breakfast at the hotel before continuing the river cruise downstream.

OPTIONAL: For early risers, there is an opportunity to visit the morning market of where the nearby villagers and hill tribes come to buy and exchange their goods.

The boat departs at 0830 am 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. Here you will be able 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. The Buddhas range in size from a few centimeters to the size of a human. The caves are as well a destination for local pilgrimages.

Luang Prabang is a further 2 hours downstream from Pak Ou.  Arrive in Luang Prabang early evening, before sunset.