The Pakbeng Passage
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Cruise the Mekong River from Houayxay to Luang Prabang aboard a traditional slow boat on this two-day tour through northern Laos. Glide past lush rainforest and riverside villages, stopping at Ban Pak Sith to learn how locals distil rice-based alcohol, before overnighting in the riverside town of Pakbeng. Continuing downstream, the cruise stops at the Pak Ou Caves, where the lower cave of Tham Ting holds over 2,000 Buddha statues left by generations of worshippers at the meeting point of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The journey concludes in Luang Prabang, the former royal capital whose palace and glittering temples earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
2 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
Chiang RaiEnds
PakbengMinimum Age
15 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Thailand that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Services of an English Local speaking GuideCountries
Thailand, LaosMeals Included
Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 1Tour Style
Group Size
Up to 24 travelers
Min 4 / Max 24
Trip Type
Group Tours
Travel Style
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
Fully Guided
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who accompanies you throughout your journey. They take care of the day-to-day logistics, offer local insights at every stop, and are available to assist with any questions or needs along the way. On longer tours or multi-country itineraries, you may be accompanied by a different tour guide or tour leader for certain sections of the journey. For full details of the guiding services included on this tour, please refer to the Inclusions.
Tour pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
These ratings are a general guide and may vary from tour to tour.
Tour Guide
Services of an English Local speaking GuideGroup Size
Min 4 / Max 24Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who accompanies you throughout your journey. They take care of the day-to-day logistics, offer local insights at every stop, and are available to assist with any questions or needs along the way. On longer tours or multi-country itineraries, you may be accompanied by a different tour guide or tour leader for certain sections of the journey. For full details of the guiding services included on this tour, please refer to the Inclusions.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Group ToursPassengers
$780.00
$500.00
Free eSIM included
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Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Crossing the Border and Downriver to Pakbeng
You'll need to arrive in Chiang Rai or Chiang Khong in Thailand the night before your Shompoo cruise begins, ready for an early start. If you're staying in Chiang Rai, plan to leave at around 6 am, as the drive to Chiang Khong takes about 2 hours. Make your way to the Chiang Khong Immigration Office on the Thai side by 7:30 am. Once you've cleared Thai immigration, buy a ticket for the public shuttle bus, which takes around 7 minutes to cross into Laos.
After completing Lao immigration, where visas on arrival are available (if you already hold an e-visa, you can head straight to the immigration booth for your entry stamp), Shompoo Cruise staff meet you and transfer you to the Slow Boat Pier. The cruise departs at 9 am, and our guide gives an overview of the journey ahead.
Lunch is enjoyed on board, along with a hands-on introduction to preparing khao tom muk khouay: banana with coconut milk and sticky rice wrapped in a banana leaf. Before reaching Pakbeng in the late afternoon, we stop at Ban Pak Sith village to learn about rural life and how locals produce rice-based alcohol. Dinner is included, and you overnight in Pakbeng, ready to rejoin the boat the next morning.
Please note: Accommodation and transport in Thailand are not included and should be arranged separately.
Day 2 - Pak Ou Caves and Arrival in Luang Prabang
After breakfast, we leave Pakbeng at 8 am for another day of cruising through idyllic countryside, the perfect time to take in the jungle scenery as the sun warms the day. Onboard, we're shown how to make a drink using butterfly pea flowers and lime, before lunch is served as the boat continues downstream.
We then stop at the Pak Ou Caves, set into a dramatic limestone cliff where the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers meet. Inside the lower cave, Tham Ting, over 2,000 Buddha statues left by local people over hundreds of years fill the subterranean space. From here, we restart the 25 km run to Luang Prabang, arriving at an estimated 4:30 pm.
Once the ancient capital of the Lao monarchy, Luang Prabang is home to a stately royal palace and an abundance of glittering temples, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995. Set in a deep valley beside the Mekong with a dramatic mountain backdrop, it's the country's leading destination for visitors.
this tour ends on arrival in the city.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
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