Package overview
For agents who've never sold Laos before, the two-day Mekong slow boat from Houeixai is the single most distinctive product in the country's tour catalogue — nothing comparable exists on a typical Vietnam or Thailand itinerary. Passengers travel by river rather than road or air, overnighting in the small trading town of Pakbeng before continuing down to Luang Prabang, passing riverside villages and minority communities along the banks.
Once in Luang Prabang, the pace shifts from river time to a mix of city sightseeing, a community rice-farming visit at Living Land Farm, and a hands-on day at an elephant camp built around mahout training and river bathing rather than a simple ride. This suits clients who want an active, experience-led trip rather than a checklist of monuments, and runs best from November to February, when Mekong water levels make the boat journey most comfortable.
Trip highlights
- Two-day Mekong slow boat from Houeixai to Luang Prabang via Pakbeng
- Pak Ou Caves and a rice-alcohol village en route
- Luang Prabang city tour, Khouangsi Waterfall and the Asian bear rescue centre
- A hands-on morning at Living Land Farm, a community rice-farming project
- Mahout training and elephant bathing in the Nam Khan River
- Sunset climb up Mount Phousi
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Houeixai to Pakbeng by Mekong slow boat
The journey begins with a slow boat departure from Houeixai on the Thai border, drifting down the Mekong for a full day. A stop along the way gives a look at riverside village life and minority communities, and lunch is served on board as the boat continues towards the overnight stop at Pakbeng.
Day 2: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang via Pak Ou Caves
Those who want an early start can walk through Pakbeng Market, where traders from nearby minority villages sell their goods, before rejoining the boat for the second leg of the river journey. A stop at a Hmong village breaks up the morning, and lunch is again served on board. Near the mouth of the Nam Ou River, the boat calls at the Pak Ou Caves, known as the Cave of a Thousand Buddhas, with a further stop to see traditional rice alcohol being distilled.
Day 3: Luang Prabang city tour and Khouangsi Waterfall
A guided visit to the National Museum at the former Royal Palace and to Wat Visoun, home to the distinctive Watermelon Stupa, leads into a full day that also takes in Khouangsi Waterfall via several Lao ethnic minority villages, with a stop at an Asian bear rescue centre en route. The afternoon ends with the climb up Mount Phousi's 328 steps for sunset views, followed by browsing at the Night Market.
Day 4: Living Land Farm
A morning at Living Land, a community-run rice farm set among paddies and hills outside Luang Prabang, gives clients a hands-on look at farming life, with the option to join in various stages of rice cultivation or simply watch from a traditional Lao rice-house balcony. The visit also covers local handicrafts such as bamboo weaving and sugar cane processing, plus an organic garden used in traditional medicine, before an afternoon free at leisure.
Day 5: Mahout experience and elephant bathing
A day at an elephant camp begins with a briefing before a short, un-seated ride of around 3km, followed by basic mahout training on how elephants are managed and cared for. After lunch at the camp, clients help bathe their elephant in the Nam Khan River, then travel by traditional longboat to Tad Sae Falls for a final swim or relaxed stop before returning to Luang Prabang.
Day 6: Departure
Transfer to Luang Prabang International Airport for the onward or homeward flight, concluding a trip built as much around the Mekong River and hands-on activities as around monuments and museums.
What's included
- English-speaking tour guides
- Land transportation by air-con vehicles
- Accommodation based on Twin-shared room with breakfast
- Meals as mentioned in the program (no drinks)
- Boat trips and admissions as mentioned in the program
- Drinking water during the touring day (2 bottles/person/day)
Not included
- Airfare (international and domestic) and airport tax ( on request )
- Visa services (Visa approval letter/Visa stamp fee/ Visa fast track on request)
- Early check-in/late check-out/ room upgrade surcharge
- Other meals, Drinks, and personal expenses (phone call, laundry, tipping etc.)
- Any services not mentioned in the program
- Optional Tours
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Book this package
Visa requirements, payment terms and cancellation rules for this destination are set out on our [Laos travel information page](laos/travel-information).
Rates are quoted on request for your dates, party size and hotel category. Send us the itinerary reference and we will come back with a net B2B quotation.