Downstream Mekong Cruise to Luang Prabang

02 Days, Downstream Mekong Cruise to Luang Prabang. The Shompoo cruise is a unique and rewarding cruise, perfect for exploring the exotic and beautiful scenery of the north in comfort. Cruising down the Mekong can be very relaxing. You will develop a sense of serenity being absorbed by the physical pull of the river and its surrounding lush green landscape. Gliding smoothly on the river you will soak up the slow-paced atmosphere as we wave to the friendly, smiling locals we see on our way to Luang Prabang.

Day 1 (Fr): HOUAYXAY – PAKBENG by shompoo cruise (L/D)

An adventure cruise downstream on the Mekong River – between Houayxay and Luang Prabang – reveals an ever-changing scenery of lush rainforests and picturesque local villages. The navigation starts with a 7.30 am meet up at Chiang Khong Immigration Office on the Thai side, where the boat crew will assist with exiting Thailand, including boarding the shuttle bus to the Lao border and handling luggage. Upon arrival at the Lao Immigration Shuttle Bus Terminal, a guide will help us with the visa on arrival process. Those with an e-visa, can proceed directly to the immigration booth to get an entrance stamp. At around 9 am, after clearing Lao immigration, we take a shared minivan to the Slow Boat Pier and board the vessel by 9.30 am. After the guide has given an overview of the journey, we enjoy a traditional Lao lunch on board, followed by instruction into the preparation of khao tom muk khouay – banana with coconut milk and sticky rice rolled in a banana leaf. Before reaching Pakbeng in the late afternoon, we stop at Ban Pak Sith village to learn about rural life and the production of rice-based alcohol. This concludes a day filled with cultural discoveries and culinary delights. Overnight in Pakbeng

Day 2 (Sa): PAKBENG – PAK OU – LUANG PRABANG by shompoo cruise (B/L)

Another day of cruising through an idyllic countryside awaits after breakfast at the hotel. Our journey to Luang Prabang leaves Pakbeng at 8am. This is the perfect time to absorb the jungle scenery and nature coming to life as the sun warms the earth. We will enjoy an onboard demonstration into making drinks using butterfly pea flowers and lime. After a traditional Lao lunch served as we cruise, we stop at the Pak Ou Caves. These are situated in a dramatic limestone cliff at the point where the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers merge. We enter the lower cave, Tham Ting, an amazing subterranean world that is home to over 2,000 Buddha statues that have been left by local people over hundreds of years. We then restart our 25 km navigation to Luang Prabang, with an estimated arrival at 4.30 pm. Luang Prabang, once the ancient kingdom of Laotian monarchs, is home to a stately royal palace and an abundance of glittering temples—reasons why it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Situated in a deep valley alongside the Mekong and with a dramatic mountain backdrop, this is the country’s top tourism draw.