Laos · MEKONG RIVER CRUISES
The river is the oldest road in the country and still the best one. These 12 range from a half-day upstream to the cave shrines to the two-day run down from the Thai border, each priced and clear about how much of it is sitting and watching.
Cruise from Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves with an English-speaking guide such as Thin, Pong, or Pingpong. Explore thousands of Buddha statues, taste rice whiskey at Ban Xang Hai, enjoy a riverside buffet, and choose a morning or sunset return.
“The guide was very entertaining and informative! He did an amazing job!”
Spend about 8.5 hours kayaking from Ban Pak Ou or Ban Hat Kho, exploring Pak Ou Caves, stopping at Whisky Village, eating at Manifa Elephant Camp, and swimming at Kuang Si Falls. Small groups, bottled water, equipment, and a Lao buffet are included.
“Overall the experience was great. I will say that this tour does make for a long day so be prepared. The distance of the kayak was just long enough to enjoy the experience. Lunch at the Elephant Camp was very nice, lots of food options and Read more”
Follow an English-speaking foodie guide such as Mr Nan, Mr Toun, or Tun through Luang Prabang for 15+ Lao tastings at seven or eight stops. Expect market food, grilled fish by the Mekong, noodles, Beer Lao, a monk visit, and a short tuk-tuk ride.
“Fantastic food tour. Highly recommended for anyone interested in cool places & great local food options.”
Start at 4 pm with a food-focused guide such as Lay, Som, or Latda, then sample 15+ Lao specialties across 6 to 7 stops. Expect riverweed crackers, mushroom dip, grilled Mekong fish, khao piak sen, local drinks, a monk conversation, and a family-run dessert shop.
“Lahda was a great guide - she explained more than just the food but also a bit about Lao culture and way of life. There was so much food and everything was delicious or seplai! We tried things that we wouldn’t have ordered on our own. Great tour!”
Travel from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang by river, van, and boat instead of spending the day on the road. Guide Nouan leads the morning Nam Ou cruise, followed by lunch at Manifa Elephant Camp, Pak Ou Caves, Ban Xang Hai, and a sunset Mekong ride. Kayaking to the caves is available at no extra cost for at least two participants.
“la première partie du trajet comme à l allée on est trop nombreux pas assez de place et pas de gilets. sinon le reste très bien”
Spend two hours on Luang Prabang’s Mekong aboard Laos’ first solar-powered boat. You’ll ride by tuk tuk from the Old City, sip a Lao mojito, sample seven Lao dishes, join a wish-and-fish river ritual, and watch the sunset from an open-air deck.
“Fun ride up and down the river with a great breeze and beautiful views. Fun activities like releasing fish and written wishes into the river, and sinking our written burdens with a rock!”
From Luang Prabang, guide Nou or Tid takes you by tuk tuk and boat to meet a local fisherman. Learn traditional net fishing, try it yourself, grill the catch on a Mekong beach, and return through villages near Ban Sing. Expect a small group, English guidance, and some splashing.
“This was an amazing experience! Both the guide and the fisherman were so kind and lovely people. Favourite day in Luang Prabang! Don’t miss this!”
Ride a tuk-tuk to Luang Prabang’s Mekong jetty, cruise for about two hours at sunset, then share SinDat hot pot at a local restaurant. Your private guide helps with ordering, explains river life, and takes photos. Snacks, bottled water, local beer, transport, and dinner are included.
“It was very pleasant and Thian my guide made it very comfortable too: she also thought me how to do hot pot.Another remarkable experience”
Spend 8 to 9 hours traveling from Luang Prabang by Mekong boat and air-conditioned vehicle. Visit Ban Xang Hai, explore Pak Ou Caves, enjoy lunch, see Kuang Si Falls, and walk through a Hmong village with an English-speaking guide.
“We had a wonderful day on this tour! There were so many fun activities that kept us engaged throughout. The tour guide was friendly and took great care of everyone, which made the trip even more enjoyable. We would definitely recommend this tour to our friends. Thanks for a memorable day!”
Choose a morning cruise to Pak Ou Caves and lunch, or an evening Mekong sunset cruise with dinner and a Lao dance show. Hotel pickup is included, the group is limited to 30 people, and the evening trip runs from 4:30 to 8pm.
“Nice show, on the small side. Really enjoyed the local music they played throughout the meal. Remember your kip for drinks.”
Set out from Victoria Xiengthong Palace at 4:30 pm for a peaceful 1.5 to 2 hour Mekong sunset cruise. You’ll pass stilt houses, fishermen, and green riverbanks while enjoying comfortable seating, open views, snacks, and a drink. The boat carries no more than 20 people.
“We booked this last minute so hadn’t done any research which is unusual. However it turned out to be a truly amazing experience and one we will never forget. We felt like royalty it was that good. The food amazing, the sunset spectacular and overall service way over 5 stars. Absolutely recommend this to anyone.”
Join chef Sing for a five-hour Lao cooking class that begins at Luang Prabang’s morning market. Choose meat or vegetarian dishes, prepare lunch aboard a Mekong boat, and learn practical recipes in a group limited to six people.
“loved the whole day....sing was an amazing guide very informative and a good cooking teacher, would recommend doing this!”
Pick a river, a cave or a kitchen.
