Nong Khiaw - Luang Prabang Nam Ou and Mekong River Boat Cruise - Lunch Included

Cruise down the Nam Ou and Mekong
from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang

Instead of driving the 140 km straight from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang, this full-day trip combines boats and vehicles to show you Laos' river scenery and local culture. The day flows from a morning Nam Ou cruise to lunch at an elephant camp, visits to the Pak Ou Caves and a whisky village, and a sunset cruise on the Mekong. You arrive in Luang Prabang around 6:00 PM and are dropped off at your chosen hotel in the center.

You travel in dedicated tour vehicles and boats instead of crowded public transport, accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Morning Nam Ou cruise
and lunch at an elephant camp

Meet at the office next to Nong Khiaw Bridge and board a boat on the Nam Ou River. Cruise through the morning mist for about 2 hours to the 2nd dam, then switch to a minivan waiting at the dam pier and drive for about 2 hours to the Manifa Elephant Camp, where lunch is served around 1:30 PM.

Explore the Buddha caves of Pak Ou
where the Nam Ou meets the Mekong

After lunch, continue on a relaxing Mekong cruise by boat, or switch to a kayak and paddle down the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves (minimum 2 people, no extra cost).

Both groups dock at Pak Ou, where the Nam Ou joins the Mekong, and explore the Buddha caves on the opposite bank for about 30 minutes. Kayakers then rejoin the main boat.

Stop at a whisky village
and watch the sunset on the Mekong

Continue downstream together and stop at Ban Xang Hai, a whisky village that distills spirits from sticky rice. Back on board, the sun begins to set and you watch it glow over the Mekong on the way to Luang Prabang. On arrival around 6:00 PM, you are taken to your chosen hotel in the center.

※ The itinerary may change depending on local conditions.
※ Sunset views depend on the weather.
※ The Pak Ou Caves entrance fee (60,000 LAK) is not included.