Huay Xai: One-Day Mekong Cruise to Luang Prabang & Caves
ID: GYG1025745-1584259
Category:
Country: Laos
Duration:
1 days
Description
Enjoy a scenic full-day slow boat cruise from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang. Visit Pak Ou Caves, enjoy a local lunch box, and learn about life on the Mekong with your English-speaking Lao guide.
Begin your journey with a convenient hotel pickup and transfer to the boat pier, where our friendly team will assist with check-in and provide your packed lunch.
Step aboard a spacious, traditional slow boat accommodating up to 50 passengers and enjoy a peaceful 7-hour cruise along the legendary Mekong River. Take in the lush riverside scenery as your English-speaking Lao guide shares stories about the region’s history, village life, and unique geography.
Stop to visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha images placed by pilgrims over centuries. Spend around 40 minutes exploring this spiritual site (entrance fee included).
Continue cruising to Luang Prabang, arriving in the late afternoon. A complimentary hotel transfer (within 3 km of the pier) marks the end of your scenic and cultural journey.
Itinerary
- 06:40 – 07:10 AM: Hotel pickup in Huay Xai
- 08:00 AM: Depart by slow boat from Huay Xai pier
- Morning to Afternoon: Cruise the Mekong River with guide commentary
- Midday: Visit Pak Ou Caves (~40 minutes)
- Afternoon: Continue cruising to Luang Prabang
- 5:00 – 6:00 PM: Arrival and hotel transfer in Luang Prabang
Highlights
- Enjoy a scenic one-day journey along the Mekong on a 50-seat slow boat
- Explore Pak Ou Caves—home to thousands of sacred Buddha statues
- Discover Lao village life and Mekong history from your local guide
- Start with hotel pickup in Huay Xai and end in Luang Prabang with drop-off
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Arrival time depends on river and weather conditions.
A copy of your passport is required for insurance
Boat departs on time at 08:00 AM — please be punctual
Total journey time: ~8 hours
Wear sun protection and bring motion-sickness pills if needed
Recommended to stay overnight in Huay Xai the night before
Infants (0–2 years old): No fare is charged for infants. However, a mandatory 1,200 THB administrative fee applies, collected by the Lao Boat Association for documentation and insurance purposes.This fee will be paid directly to the local guide on the day of boat departure.
INCLUDED
- Hotel pickup in Huay Xai
- Slow boat ticket to Luang Prabang
- Lunch box (vegetarian option available)
- Entrance fee to Pak Ou Caves
- Onboard English-speaking Lao guide
- Hotel drop-off in Luang Prabang (within 3 km of pier)
- Basic accident insurance during the trip
NOT INCLUDED
- Drinks (water, soda, alcohol)
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guide and crew
- Other services not listed above
- Infant fee (1,200 THB) for Lao Boat Association (docs & insurance), paid on site.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
