Cruise the Mekong River from Thailand to Luang Prabang and Enjoy a Private Tour of the City
Start in Northern Thailand and travel overland to the border town of Chiang Khong, where you’ll cross into Laos.
From there, begin a scenic two-day journey along the Mekong River, with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Continue downriver the next day, visiting the Pak Ou Caves before reaching Luang Prabang.
The tour concludes with a private exploration of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its temples, colonial architecture, and laid-back atmosphere.
This route can be part of a longer itinerary in Thailand or begin directly in Chiang Rai.
All our tours are private, customizable, and can begin on any date.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Chiang Khong – Pakbeng
Cross the border from Thailand to Laos at Chiang Khong/Houei Xay. After completing immigration formalities, meet your Lao guide and board a traditional slow boat for the cruise to Pakbeng. Along the way, stop to visit a village on the riverbank.
Arrive in Pakbeng in the late afternoon and check in at your lodge.
You can take a short walk to explore the area or simply relax at the lodge.
Overnight in Pakbeng.
Day 2: Pakbeng – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang
Continue the cruise downstream toward Luang Prabang. Observe daily life along the Mekong River and pass villages, limestone formations, and forested hills along the way. Before reaching Luang Prabang, stop to visit the Pak Ou Caves, known for their hundreds of Buddha images placed inside the limestone grottoes.
Arrive in Luang Prabang in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3: Luang Prabang
Early in the morning, visit Vat Nong to observe the Tak Bat ceremony, during which local residents make merit by offering food to monks in a silent procession through the streets. Afterwards, visit a local morning market before returning to the hotel for breakfast.
Later, begin your guided tour of Luang Prabang.
Visit the Royal Palace Museum and the city’s main temples, including Vat Visoun, Vat Xieng Thong, and Vat Mai. Climb Phousi Hill for panoramic views over the city and stop at the Hmong market before returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 4: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfalls – Luang Prabang
Drive to Ban Nong Heo, a Khmu village located about an hour from Luang Prabang.
Walk through the village to observe daily rural life, then continue on foot through the surrounding countryside, passing forested areas and rice fields.
The walk ends at Ban Thapene, near the entrance to the Kuang Si Waterfalls.
After time at the falls, return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 5: Departure
Private transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (No guide service).
Prefer to fly into Luang Prabang?
See our Luang Prabang Highlights Tour, ideal for travelers arriving by air.
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