Choose Your Activity
Choose Where You Sleep
- Kamu Lodge
- Luang Say Lodge
- Gypsy
- RV Luang Say
- RV Nagi of Mekong
- Shompoo
Laos Anthropology & Tribes
Choose where you sleep
- Kamu Lodge
- Luang Say Lodge
- Gypsy
- RV Luang Say
- RV Nagi of Mekong
- Shompoo
Cruise the Upper Mekong River between the historic ancient capital of Luang Prabang, a World Heritage site, and Houei Xay, located on the border at the northernmost point of Thailand, near to the infamous Golden Triangle.
The Mekong River is rich in legend linking seven Asian nations from Tibet to the South China Sea. Perhaps the most mythical of Mekong experiences is a slow-boat river journey through Northern Laos, a timeless land still rich in exotic mysteries waiting to be discovered.
The journey takes you through remote mountainous stretches of the Mekong River, passing rustic villages of the lowland Lao peoples and of ethnic hilltribes. Long scenic stretches of breezy, sun soaked river cruising are punctuated by visits to river-side hilltribe villages and the magical Tham Thing Caves of a Thousand Buddhas.
Midway, stop for the night at the riverside village of Pak Beng where there is a choice of local accommodation or, if you choose the Luang Say option, the Luang Say Lodge offers a charming and serene riverside stay, a romantic interlude in an unspoiled wilderness setting.
If taking the three day option, you can also spend a night at the Kamu Lodge, a rural ecolodge devoted to bringing sensitive tourism dollars to the Kamu people of the area.
Established in the 14th Century, Luang Prabang sits majestically on the banks of the Mekong River. This charming and much sought-after city was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1995 and is considered one of Asia's best preserved ancient capitals. To wander its quiet, timeless lanes is to enter a living museum of life, architecture and serenity.
Notes
Luang Say 2 day cruise
A one way journey over two days with one night accommodation at the lovely LuangSay Lodge in Pakbeng. You can choose to travel down river from Chiang Khong / Houei Xay (the Thai/Lao border) to Luang Prabang OR upriver from Luang Prabang to the Thai/Lao border at Huay Xai.
PROGRAM DOWN:
01 October - 31 March: departs every Monday, Thursday, and Friday.
01 April to 30 September: departs every Monday & Friday
*NO OPERATION IN JUNE FOR MAINTENANCE.
Day 1: HOUEI SAY - PAKBENG (L, D)
LuangSay boat leaves HoueiSay pier at 09h00 hrs for a cruise down the Mekong to Pakbeng. En route one stop is made to observe rural life along the Mekong and discover minorities, a buffet lunch on board. Arrive in Pakbeng before sunset and check-in at LuangSay Lodge. Dinner on the terrace, overlooking the Mekong River.
Day 2: PAKBENG - PAK OU - LUANG PRABANG (B, L)
Full breakfast at lodge. (Optional: walk to Pakbeng market, where people from the surrounding village of minorities exchange their goods). At 08h30 board the boat for the second leg of the cruise. A short stop is made to visit a hilltribe village where you can watch the traditional process of Lao whiskey production before having a buffet lunch on board. Continue to Pak Ou village at the mouth of the Nam Ou River, where you visit Tam Ting “Caves of a Thousand Buddha’s”. Arrive at Luang Prabang before sunset.
PROGRAM UP:
01 October - 31 March: departs every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
01 April - 30 September: departs every Wednesday, and Saturday.
*NO OPERATION IN JUNE FOR MAINTENANCE.
Day 1: LUANG PRABANG - PAK OU - PAKBANG (-, L, D)
LuangSay boat leaves Luang Prabang pier at 07h30 hrs for a cruise up the Mekong to Pakbeng. A continental breakfast is served while the boat is cruising to Pak Ou Village, at the mouth of the Nam Ou River, where you will visit the Tam Ting “Caves of a Thousand Buddha’s”. Have a buffet lunch on board then stop at a hilltribe village where you can watch the traditional process of Lao whiskey production. Arrive at Pak Beng around sunset and check in at LuangSay Lodge. Dinner on the terrace, overlooking the Mekong River.
Day 2: PAKBENG - HOUEISAY (B, L)
Full breakfast at the Lodge. At 07h00hrs board the boat for the second leg of the cruise. En route one stop is made to observe rural life along the Mekong and discover minorities, having a buffet lunch on board and continue to HoueiSay where you will arrive before 17h00 hrs (you may proceed to Chiang Rai in the same day.)
PRICES INCLUDE:
• Transfer from Laos immigration to pier in HoueiSay or v.v.
• 2 days cruise with stops and visits as mentioned in the program with English-speaking escort.
• 1 night accommodation at LuangSay Lodge
• Meal plan as mentioned in the tour program.
• Coffee, tea & drinking water on board and during meals.
• Admission fee at visiting points as mentioned in the program.
• Services of qualified crews during the cruise.
• Group insurance
PRICES EXCLUDE:
• Visa approval and fees for Laos
• Ferry and immigration fees in HoueiSay
• Shuttle boats to Chiang Khong / Houeisay or Houeisay / Chiang Khong
• Transfer from/to hotel to pier in Luang Prabang
• Services in Luang Prabang
• Other drinks and meals not mentioned in package.
• Other personal expenses
• Personal insurance
REMARKS:
• Operated with minimum 2 persons traveling together for join tour.
• For safety reasons and according to weather conditions, the program may be amended without prior notice.
• Child age 2-12 years old: discount 50% when sharing room with parents. Infant (less than 2 years old) = free of charge.
Luang Say 3 day cruise
PROGRAM DOWN:
Day 1: HOUEI SAY – PAKBENG
The LuangSay boat departs from Houeisay pier at 09h00 for a cruise down the Mekong River to Pak Beng. One stop is made to visit and admire the authentic rural life of hill tribe settlements. A delicious Buffet lunch is served on board. The boat will arrive at LuangSay Lodge before sunset for overnight stop. Dinner is served at terrace overlooking the Mekong River.
Day 2: PAKBENG – KAMU LODGE
Breakfast served at terrace around 07h30. In the morning visit the morning market (Optional) of Pak Beng where the nearby villagers and hill tribes buy and exchange their goods. Luangsay Boat departs at 08h30for her second part of trip; boat makes another stop at Ban Baw to observe the processing traditional rice alcohol. Lunch is again served on board; then the boat cruise to Kamu Village. The boat will arrive at around 14h00 in Kamu Lodge for check in. In the afternoon you may choose to participate in some of the various activities. You will be rewarded with a very original Lao experience.
· Rice planting and harvesting in surrounding rice fields.
· Gold panning (January to June) in the Mekong. Anything you find is yours!
· Jungle walks to search for medicinal plants.
· Trekking through the forest to waterfalls (two hour hike and boat ride).
· Traditional fishing techniques. You can sample your catch for dinner!
· Local village visit.
· Archery contest.
Dinner and overnight at the Lodge
Day 3: KAMU LODGE – LUANG PRABANG
Breakfast at lodge, after some time to relax and a visit to the village of Kamu, cruise down to Luang Prabang (UNESCO world heritage city) by Kamu boat to Pak Ou village at the mouth of Nam Ou River, boat stops for a trip to visit Tam Ting ‘Caves of thousand Buddha’s’ then arrive Luang Prabang before Lunch.
Lunch in Luang Prabang
PROGRAM UP:
Day 1: LUANG PRABANG – KAMU LODGE
The Kamu boat departs from Auberge Calao pier, Luang Prabang pier at 09h00 for a cruise up the Mekong River to Kamu Village. On the way to Pak Ou Village, at the mouth of the Nam Ou River a visit is organized to Tam Ting “Caves of a thousand Buddha’s”. Then boat to Kamu Village, arrival at Kamu lodge and check-in. Lunch at the Lodge’s Sala. In the afternoon you may choose to participate in the different activities. You will be rewarded with a very original Lao experience.
· Rice planting and harvesting in surrounding rice fields.
· Gold panning (January to June) in the Mekong. Anything you find is yours!
· Jungle walks to search for medicinal plants.
· Trekking through the forest to waterfalls (two hour hike and boat ride).
· Traditional fishing techniques. You can sample your catch for dinner!
· Local village visit.
· Archery contest.
Dinner and overnight at Kamu lodge
Day 2: KAMU LODGE- PAKBENG
Breakfast at lodge, after some time to relax and a visit to the village of Kamu, the Luangsay cruise pick-up you at 11h00. A delicious Buffet lunch is served on board and a brief stop is made at Ban Baw to observe the processing traditional rice alcohol. The boat will arrived at LuangSay Lodge before sunset for overnight stop. Dinner is served at terrace overlooking the Mekong River.
Day 3: PAKBENG - HOUEI SAY
Breakfast served at terrace around 06h30. In the morning visit the morning market (Optional) of Pak Beng where the nearby villagers and hill tribes buy and exchange their goods. Boat departs at 07:30 a.m. for her second part of trip. One stop is made to visit and admire the authentic rural life of hill tribe settlements. Lunch is again served on board. Reaching Houeisay before 17h00 (you may proceed to Chiang Rai in the same day.)
PRICES INCLUDE:
Transfer from Laos immigration to pier in HoueiSay or v.v.
3 days cruise with stops and visits as mentioned in the program with English-speaking escort (by LuangSay and Kamu boats).
2 nights accommodation at LuangSay Lodge & Kamu Lodge
Meal plan as mentioned in the tour program. ( 3 lunches – 2 dinners – 2 breakfasts )
Coffee, tea & drinking water on board and during meals.
Admission fee at visiting points as mentioned in the program.
Services of qualified crews during the cruise.
Group insurance
PRICES EXCLUDE:
Transfer from/to hotel to pier in Luang Prabang
Shuttle boats to Chiang Khong / Houeisay or Houeisay / Chiang Khong
Immigration fees in Houeisay
Soft and Alcohol Drinks during the trip.
Visa approval and fees for Laos
Services in Luang Prabang
Personal insurance
Nagi of Mekong 2 day cruise
2 day DOWNSTREAM cruise on the Mekong from Houei Xay - Pak Beng - Luang Prabang.
First day: Sunday, Wednesday or Friday:
The Nagi of Mekong departs from Houei Xay main pier at 09.00, tea & coffee and fruit served on board. After two hours of the relaxing cruise, a stop is made at an ethnic Lao village on the banks of the Mekong River where you may observe the traditional way of life of the people. A hot lunch is then served on board as you continue cruising lazily downriver. Mid to late afternoon arrive at Pak Beng and check in at Petsokxai hotel or similar. Total distance traveled to day is approximately 150 kilometres, about 80 nautical miles, in seven hours including a stop for sightseeing at village along the river.
Second day: Monday , Thursday or Saturday:
A walk to the nearby local market is a "must". Return to the hotel for breakfast and check out. The Nagi of Mekong will leave the dock at 08.00 with another stop at a village by the river. Lunch on board. Before arriving at Luang Prabang, a stop will be made at the famous Pak Ou cave, famous for the its hundreds of Buddha images. Arrival at Luang Prabang main pier will be at around 4pm. Total distance traveled to day is approximately 180 kilometres, or about 97 nautical miles, in eight hours, including stops for sightseeing at villages along the river and the Pak Ou cave.
2 day UPSTREAM cruise on the Mekong from Luang Prabang - Pak Beng - Houei Xay
First day: Monday or Thursday:
Boat leaves from Luang Prabang main pier at 08.00, stops are made for sightseeing at the famous Pak Ou cave and a village along the river. Hot lunch is provided on board. Arrive Pak Beng late afternoon, check in at Petsokxai hotel or similar, overnight in Pak Beng.
Second day: Tuesday or Friday:
A walk to the nearby local market is a "must" return to hotel for breakfast and check out, boat leaves the dock at 08.00, another stop is made at a village by the river prior to hot lunch on board. Arrive Houei Xay main pier around 4 PM.
Included in the cruise prices are:
- Special chartered boat with soft cushion seats, modern toilet and safety equipment on board.
- Transfer from hotel in Chiang Khong (including ferry ticket) or Houei Xay to the boat, visa / immigration assistance and luggage handling (downstream only).
- Room and breakfast at Petsokxai hotel or similar in Pak Beng.
- English speaking staff & admission fee at Pak Ou cave.
- Hot lunch on both days of journey, tea & coffee, fruits in season.
Kamu Lodge
Only 3 hours from Luang Prabang and overlooking the mighty Mekong River, The Kamu Lodge features 20 canvas tents, each covered by a thatched roof in harmony with the surrounding nature and adapted to the local style. Each tent is decorated with bamboo and wooden furniture items and has attached private bathroom with shower & toilet, and solar-powered warm water and electricity.
With only wilderness surrounding the lodge except for a neighbouring village, Kamu Lodge offers a rare chance ?travel back? to the beginning of the 20th century when the first foreigners came to Indochina to explore and discover!
The Lodge can be reached after a leisurely cruise upriver from Luang Prabang with a stop at the sacred caves of Tam Thing (Pak Ou). Once there you can experience living the tradition life of the Lao by participating in rice planting and harvesting, gold panning in the Mekong, taking forest walks in search of medicinal plants and trekking to waterfalls, using traditional fishing techniques in the river and visiting local villages
There are daily departures from Luang Prabang at 0930H, and from Kamu Lodge at 1200H. Packages include the return boat transfer, entrance fees at Pak Ou Caves, activities at the lodge, full board accommodation (excluding drinks)
General Information
- Name : Kamu Lodge
- Destination : Laos
Location : Three hours upstream on the left bank of the Mekong River- Seasons : year round
- Capacity (max no. guests) : 40
Accommodation
- Room Types : 20 private canvas tents
- Showers & toilets : attached
- A/C : no
- Hot Water : solar heated
Further Information
- Electricity : solar powered
Fire warning system : N/A- Fire extinguishers :
- Fire escapes : N/A
- Entertainment :
Luang Say Lodge
On the left bank of the river in the village of Pak Beng, the Luang Say Lodge is backed by mountainous jungle. The large pavilions of solid teak and rosewood all have beautiful vistas looking out over the Mekong river and the mountains beyond. The traditional Laotian architecture provides accommodation of comfort and character, each bedroom equipped with high ceiling mosquito nets, electric fans and a large private bathroom with hot shower and western style toilet.
The Luang Say Lodge sits majestically above the Mekong River, blending artfully into the natural environment through careful landscaping, raised platforms and indigenous styling. It features 17 large pavilions, each elegantly furnished in dark toned wood and white fabrics, and offering stunning views on three sides of the Mekong.
A central riverbank restaurant is reached by wooden walkways from the pavilions. Here you will enjoy fine, mainly organic, food and can order a choice of drinks from the well stocked bar.
On days with passengers exceeding 20 people, an ethnic minority dance performance will be held in the restaurant area. The performers are a mixture of our Luang Say Lodge staff, local villagers and school children.
HOW THE LUANG SAY LODGE BENEFITS THE LOCAL PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
1. LuangSay Lodge has hired a dance teacher to teach Khamu and Hmong people tribal dancing, and dances are now performed regularly for Luang Say guests. The Lodge also supports the financing of local musical instruments. Dancers and musicians are now able to earn their living without sacrificing their culture and traditions, as LuangSay was able to revive these old traditions for them which had been lost from the Pakbeng area.
2. Our LuangSay Cruises stop in local Mekong riverside villages on each day or the cruise, supporting the local communities by buying their handicrafts. Luaang Say also helps the village schools and temples with donations, and aids the villagers to clear litter and other debris from their paths.
3. Pakbeng has no proper water supply system or sewerage system in place, everything from the guesthouses tends to get put straight into the Mekong River. The LuangSay Lodgel however, has installed its own sewerage system to prevent this happening, and has built its own water supply from mountain streams, adding additional pipes so that local villages in the area can use the same water system.
4. All bottles, cans and plastics that are used at the Lodge are recycled.
5. Many of the vegetables at the LuangSay Lodge are organically grown in the lodge's own garden, using fertiliser from its own compost bin.
6. The opening of the Lodge gave employment to 37 villagers and tribal people and wages earned at the Lodge are three to four hundred percent higher than the local standard. Villagers around the Lodge are encouraged to grow fruits and vegetables and raise livestock, and their produce is purchased by the Lodge.
7. In Ban Houay Xeng Kham village, a very poor Khamu village close to the Lodge, Luang Say has helped to build a small school and supply the school with books to help the children with their education.
8. The riverbank across from the LuangSay Lodge has been denuded by logging. Luang Say is presently applying for permission from the Sayabouli Province officials to replant teak trees on this land.
The Gypsy
Travel the Mekong in the most intimate way possible aboard the Gypsy - this luxurious 41-metre, beautifully appointed two-cabin river vessel, accommodating only four passengers at a time. Ultimate comfort and exquisite amenities await in your cabin, while an on-board chef serves up the most delicious local and international fare.
CABINS
With only two suites situated on opposite ends of the vessel, Gypsy allows you to lose yourself utterly to the tranquil charms of the river. Throw open the floor-to-ceiling doors of your suite to let the crisp mountain air in, or enjoy gourmet cuisine by candlelight underneath the stars.
FACILITIES
Kitchen | Dining Room | Forward Facing Sundeck | Bar Lounge | Removable Roof
Gypsy is an ultra-exclusive river vessel that lets you discover the secrets of the Upper Mekong in luxury. This chartered cruiser sails from Luang Prabang up the Mekong, stopping at villages and attractions along the way, according to your whims and wishes.
The RV Luang Say
The Luang Say boats are purpose-built 34 metre luxury river barges, stylish replicas of the journey craft typical to these waters - but configured to a high standand for the comfort of Wesern guests.
With 34 metre steel hulls, they feature:
· Modern safety equipment and lifejackets
· A capacity of 40 comfortable seats each, with an open air vista and lounge furniture
· Ample luggage space and porters
· Games and reading materials
· Immaculately clean western style toilets
· A fully-stocked bar
HOW THE LUANG SAY CRUISE BENEFITS THE LOCAL PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
1. Luang Say Lodge has hired a dance teacher to teach Khamu and Hmong people tribal dancing, and dances are now performed regularly for Luang Say guests. The Lodge also supports the financing of local musical instruments. Dancers and musicians are now able to earn their living without sacrificing their culture and traditions, as Luang Say was able to revive these old traditions for them which had been lost from the Pakbeng area.
2. Our Luang Say Cruises stop in local Mekong riverside villages on each day or the cruise, supporting the local communities by buying their handicrafts. Luaang Say also helps the village schools and temples with donations, and aids the villagers to clear litter and other debris from their paths.
3. Pakbeng has no proper water supply system or sewerage system in place, everything from the guesthouses tends to get put straight into the Mekong River. The Luang Say Lodgel however, has installed its own sewerage system to prevent this happening, and has built its own water supply from mountain streams, adding additional pipes so that local villages in the area can use the same water system.
4. All bottles, cans and plastics that are used at the Lodge are recycled.
5. Many of the vegetables at the Luang Say Lodge are organically grown in the lodge's own garden, using fertiliser from its own compost bin.
6. The opening of the Lodge gave employment to 37 villagers and tribal people and wages earned at the Lodge are three to four hundred percent higher than the local standard. Villagers around the Lodge are encouraged to grow fruits and vegetables and raise livestock, and their produce is purchased by the Lodge.
7. In Ban Houay Xeng Kham village, a very poor Khamu village close to the Lodge, Luang Say has helped to build a small school and supply the school with books to help the children with their education.
8. The riverbank across from the LuangSay Lodge has been denuded by logging. Luang Say is presently applying for permission from the Sayabouli Province officials to replant teak trees on this land.
The RV Nagi of Mekong
The Nagi of Mekong is a 36 metre traditional Lao-style riverboat (capacity of up to 40pax, but will run with max. 30pax only), fitted out for a comfortable journey along the majestic Mekong River in northern Laos between Houei Xay and Luang Prabang.
Aboard the regal Nagi of Mekong , you can experience the history and drama of this eminent watercourse and thrill to the spectacular scenery of riverine forests and looming emerald mountains.
During the leisurely cruise on this elegant riverboat you will pass by remote rustic villages of the lowland Lao peoples and of ethnic hill tribes, and take a tour of the revered and mysterious Tam Ting caves.
The Shompoo
Boat, crew and services.
Shompoo's boats are specially made for cruising the Mekong river. 35-meter long, they are equipped with 200 horsepower engines. The hulls are made of steel and passenger decks onboard are made of precious local woods (rosewood and teak). With a sundeck lounge area in the front, a 10 table 40 seat dining area in the middle, and a bar and sitting area in the back, you will certainly enjoy a very comfortable and relaxing time during your journey. With a different lunch served onboard each day of your journey, you will experience and discover authentic Lao cuisine.
All during the cruise, you will enjoy and admire various natural landscapes, as well as intriguing glimpses of daily life for Lao locals living along the banks of the Mekong. Unlike public boats that are often overcrowded, our cruises are limited to 40 passengers in order to ensure everyone's comfort and safety. Electricity is also provided for the duration of the trip at 220V.
The crew, which includes an experienced captain, an engineer, a cook, a waiter and an English speaking tour guide, does theis best to make each Mekong cruise unique. The crew and all the management team of SHOMPOO CRUISE also develop small projects ( providing pencils, pens, books, soap, school uniforms, shoes and others useful materials they really need), you may visit on the course of your cruise.
