Everything was great from the accommodation, and experience to the food and culture
Simi - Germany
On the Mekong Lover Cruise, you’ll find temples, waterfalls, and green rice fields surrounded by beautiful natural scenery along the Mekong River in southern Laos. These include the UNESCO city of Luang Prabang, the sacred Pak Ou Caves filled with thousands of Buddha statues, the peaceful riverside town of Pakbeng, and finally, the vibrant border town of Houayxay.
Founded in 2024, the Mekong Lover Cruise was created to give visitors a special journey along the famous Mekong River. With over 12 years in tourism, we now offer a fresh way to explore Laos on the river, traveling over 160 km from Luang Prabang to Houayxay.
Our Mekong Lover Cruise has two traditional long-tail boats, each led by captains with over 15 years of experience on the Mekong. On this 2-day Mekong River journey, you’ll see some of the most beautiful parts of the Mekong River in Laos, known for its stunning views and unique local culture.
Whether you're looking for a 1-day Mekong River Boat Tour or a 2-day Mekong River Cruise Tour, Asia Tour Deals has Laos tour packages that can be tailored to fit your travel needs. Start your journey with the Mekong Lover Cruise today for an unforgettable adventure on the Mekong!
For travelers with limited time, the Mekong Lover Cruise organizes scenic sunset and half-day cruises departing from Luang Prabang. These shorter trips capture the river's charm, passing riverside villages, dense jungles, and lush scenery, with tea or coffee served on board—an ideal way to experience the spirit of the Mekong in just a few hours.
If you find a personalized experience, the Mekong Lover Cruise includes private charter options, allowing you to customize your itinerary and pace. With services tailored to your needs and exclusive use of the boat, private charters are perfect for families, groups, or special events, ensuring an intimate journey on one of Southeast Asia's most iconic rivers.
The Mekong Lover Cruise takes you beyond sightseeing with stops at remote villages, like the hill tribes of Khamu or Hmong, where guests can engage with local traditions and learn about rural lifestyles along the Mekong. This cultural immersion provides insight into Laos’ ethnic diversity and the simple, harmonious ways of life preserved in these communities.
Tourists will get to savor some real Lao food while cruising, with traditional lunch sets that showcase local flavors and ingredients. This meal service on the Mekong Lover Cruise brings a bit of cultural flair to your trip, letting guests experience the tasty side of Laos as they enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Along with scenic views, guests can enjoy locally inspired refreshments, such as Rossel (hibiscus) drinks and homemade Lao desserts. This nice little touch makes the trip even better for a sweet snack and refreshing drinks that really show off Laotian hospitality.
Destination: Luang Prabang, Pakbeng, Huay Xai
07:00 AM: The boat departs from Luang Prabang, beginning its scenic journey upstream toward Pakbeng.
The Mekong Lover Cruise team serves a Western breakfast set onboard, offering a choice of tea or coffee while guests enjoy the serene views of the Mekong River.
The boat stops at the renowned Pak Ou Cave (Tham Ting), where our guide leads a tour to explore thousands of Buddha statues and shares the cave's significance as a sacred pilgrimage site for the Lao people.
12:00 PM: Our crew serves a traditional Lao lunch set on board, allowing guests to experience local flavors. The guide will also provide an informative session about Lao culture, history, and traditions, adding depth to the journey.
05:00 PM: The boat reaches Pakbeng, where guests disembark to check into their chosen hotel for an overnight stay.
Set sail with Asia Tour Deals! Escape to Laos – reserve your spot on the Mekong Lover Cruise today!
Note:
For those starting the journey from Pakbeng to Houayxay, our staff will be ready to assist at the dock by 6:45 AM. Guests should prepare their breakfast, as the boat departs at 7:00 AM. This route includes visiting a hill tribe village, and our team will serve lunch on board. We will transfer guests to Houayxay city center or the border via minivan upon arrival.
Meals: Lunch
Destination: Luang Prabang, Pakbeng, Huay Xai
06:30 – 06:45 AM: Our team will pick you up from your hotel in Luang Prabang and transfer you to the pier at Wat Thad Pier (opposite Wat Thad temple).
07:00 AM: The boat departs from Luang Prabang, starting the scenic journey along the Mekong River. A delicious breakfast is served on board as you relax and enjoy the morning.
09:00 AM: The cruise makes a stop at the famous Pak Ou Caves after 2 hours of sailing. Our guide shares the fascinating history of the caves, known for their thousands of Buddha statues and significance in Lao culture.
12:00 PM: A fresh Lao lunch set is served onboard while you continue cruising past beautiful scenery, including local villages, wildlife, and people panning for gold along the riverbanks.
05:30 PM: The boat arrives in Pakbeng, where you disembark and check into your chosen accommodation for an overnight stay.
Meals: Lunch
06:45 AM: Guests prepare for departure from Pakbeng on the last day of the 2-day Mekong River Cruise Tour.
07:00 AM: The boat departs Pakbeng for a full day of cruising. Guests should arrange their takeaway breakfast with their hotel before boarding.
The cruise stops to visit a hill tribe village. Our guide provides insights into the unique culture and daily life of the locals.
12:00 PM: A fresh Lao lunch set is served onboard, giving you the energy to enjoy the remainder of the cruise.
04:30 – 05:00 PM: The boat arrives in Houay Xay. Our driver transfers you to your hotel or the Lao immigration office for border check-out, completing the day's activities.
Book your unforgettable Mekong Lover Cruise now and experience the charm of the Mekong River in Laos with Asia Tour Deals!
Notes:
Private transfers to Chiang Khong, Chiang Rai, or Chiang Mai can be arranged upon request.
Guests may choose to stay extra days in Pakbeng (additional fee). Contact us for availability.
Meals: Lunch
Destination: Huay Xai, Pakbeng, Luang Prabang
08:00 – 09:00 AM: Your English-speaking guide will warmly welcome you at the Lao immigration office, ready to assist you in your visa application journey. Following this, they will drive you away to the pier in a minivan in 20 minutes.
10:30 AM: The boat departs for the cruise. Onboard, our chef will prepare fresh local Lao dishes, including steamed and sticky rice. Lunch on day 1 of your Laos river cruise will be served around noon.
12:30 PM: The boat will cruise for approximately 8 hours, with a stop to visit a local hill tribe village. You’ll learn about the unique customs and traditions of the people living along the river.
05:00 PM: Arrival at Pakbeng for an overnight stay. Check in to your hotel and relax after your day of scenic cruising.
Meals: Lunch
07:45 AM: Tourists should be ready at the pier for departure from Pakbeng. The boat will leave at 08:00 AM for the second day of cruising the Mekong River Tour in 2 days.
12:00 PM: A fresh Lao set lunch will be served onboard before the boat stops at Pak Ou Cave, a sacred site housing over 2,000 Buddha statues. Our guide will provide a brief history of the cave and its cultural significance.
After the cave visit, the boat will continue on a short cruise to the Whisky Village. Here, you’ll have about 40 minutes to explore and learn about the local production of Lao whiskey.
Then, the cruise continues downstream, heading towards the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang.
05:00 PM: Arriving in Luang Prabang. Your driver will take you to your hotel so you can check in and get settled. End of service!
Don’t miss out! Contact Asia Tour Deals to book your cruise and explore the charm of Houay Xay to Luang Prabang.
Notes:
If your hotel is located outside Luang Prabang, transportation will be at your own expense.
Additional overnight stays in Pakbeng can be arranged (additional charge). Contact us for availability.
Meals: Lunch
The views from the Mekong Lover Cruise were absolutely breathtaking. Cruising along the Mekong River gave me a unique perspective of Laos that I’d never experienced before. The onboard meals were delicious, and the service was top-notch. Stopping at Pak Ou Caves was a spiritual and awe-inspiring moment. I can’t recommend this cruise enough for anyone visiting Laos.
The Mekong Lover Cruise was more than just a trip; it was an enriching journey through the heart of Laos. I loved learning about the history and culture from our knowledgeable guide. The visit to the small hill tribe village was a highlight, as we got to interact with locals and understand their way of life. A must-do for culture enthusiasts!
My experience on the Mekong Lover Cruise was unforgettable. From the warm hospitality of the crew to the fascinating excursions, everything was perfectly planned. I especially enjoyed the traditional Lao performances onboard—it felt like I was truly immersed in the local culture. This cruise is the ultimate way to explore the beauty and heritage of Laos.
As a first-time visitor to Laos, the Mekong Lover Cruise provided a perfect introduction to the country. The serene atmosphere on the boat and the gentle rhythm of the Mekong River were incredibly relaxing. The Western-style breakfast was a comforting touch, and I loved exploring the Ban Baw village, where we learned about traditional Lao crafts. It was a beautiful way to start my journey in Laos.
The Mekong Lover Cruise was a serene and scenic adventure I’ll never forget. The lush landscapes and peaceful flow of the river created a calming experience. I particularly enjoyed the onboard discussions about the Mekong’s history and importance to the region. The cruise offered the perfect mix of relaxation and cultural exploration. I can’t wait to do it again!
If you’re looking for a unique and scenic way to travel between Luang Prabang and Houayxay, the Mekong Lover Cruise is a top choice! The landscapes along the Mekong River are absolutely stunning, and the stops at local attractions add so much value to the journey. Just make sure to arrange your pick-up at the Houayxay pier if needed. This cruise is an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking adventure and beauty!
The Mekong Lover Cruise was a fascinating journey into the heart of Laos. Our guide’s deep knowledge of Lao culture and history was truly impressive, and I learned so much throughout the trip. Stopping at the hill tribe village was a unique and enriching experience that I’ll never forget. This cruise is an excellent way to connect with the history and culture of the Mekong region.
Kicking off my Laos adventure with the Mekong Lover Cruise upstream was the perfect choice! It’s such a relaxing way to ease into the country. The Western breakfast onboard was a delightful surprise, and the Pak Ou Caves were absolutely breathtaking. Highly recommend this as a must-do experience!
I absolutely enjoyed my time on the Mekong Lover Cruise! The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and I especially appreciated the guide’s engaging talk about the Mekong River in the morning. It was such a relaxing and informative experience—I would definitely do it again!
The Mekong Lover Cruise is a fantastic way to explore the beauty of the Mekong River. One of the most fascinating stops was at Ban Baw village, where we learned about the traditional crafts and local way of life. Onboard, the Rossel drink was a refreshing treat that added to the relaxing atmosphere. I highly recommend this cruise to anyone looking for an authentic Mekong adventure!
I recently returned from an incredible two-day downstream journey on the Mekong Lover Cruise from Houayxay to Luang Prabang. The experience was truly excellent! The boat was extremely comfortable, and the guide was so helpful, especially with assisting me on my visa process. I loved discovering the unique cultures of the local villages and indulging in the authentic Lao lunch. Visiting the Pak Ou Caves was the highlight of the trip—a memory I’ll treasure forever!
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Launched: 2019
10 Cabin(s)
Everything was great from the accommodation, and experience to the food and culture
Simi - Germany
Starting Form:
$1,686Launched: 2020
13 Cabin(s)
A Comfortable Cultural Escape
Kevin - Australia
Starting Form:
$3,400Launched: 2016
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Scenic Mekong Voyage
Isabella Martinez - Spain
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$4,317Need Help?
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Sarah Mitchell,
AustraliaThe Mekong Lover Cruise was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The boat was beautifully maintained, and the crew made sure every moment was special. I particularly enjoyed the visit to the local weaving village, where we saw the intricate artistry behind traditional Lao textiles. The stunning sunsets over the Mekong were the cherry on top of an unforgettable journey.