Luang Prabang

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Slow boats on the Mekong, and day tours from town. We are a local office in Visoun, not a desk in Bangkok.

Luang Prabang – Pakbeng – Houay XaySaturday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Houay Xay – Pakbeng – Luang PrabangMonday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

The boat

Two days on the river. One night in Pakbeng.

The classic run is Luang Prabang, Pakbeng, Houay Xay. Downstream takes you into town. Upstream takes you out toward the Thai border. Either way you sleep in Pakbeng and eat on the boat.

The cabin is wood, with benches along the windows and a table if you want lunch sitting down. On the bow there are mats if you would rather lie down and watch the hills. Life jackets are on board. Please stay off the roof.

Up: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
Down: Sat, Tue, Wed
Night in Pakbeng

Long blue slow boat on the Mekong, forested hill behind it — The long boat, tied up between runs.

Wooden cabin with blue cushions, passengers looking out at the river

Passengers on deck mats, Lao flag, forested bank

Lunch laid out in metal trays inside the wooden cabin

Inside on a down day: cushions, lunch, and the bow if the weather holds.

A guide and a guest on a trail below a forested cliff

Around town

If you are not getting on the boat.

Most people who find us are already in Luang Prabang and have a day or two spare. Kuang Si in the morning. Pak Ou if you want the caves. A bike across the river if you would rather skip the waterfall queue.

The longer walks go out toward Phatueng, Houay Faiy, and the villages past Tad Sae. Nong Khiaw is an overnight, up the Nam Ou, and worth it if the karst is what you came for.

All cruises and tours

Two people with bikes on a dirt road, mountains ahead — Village roads on the bike days. Helmets are on the bikes.

Khmu village houses under a limestone peak — A Khmu village stop on the hill-tribe day.

Two women in striped textile dress in front of a bamboo house

Who you are booking

A small office on Kitsalat Road.

Mekong Charm is Seuk and the guides who actually run the days. We live in Luang Prabang. If a road is closed after rain, we say so before you leave the guesthouse.

Village visits are visits, not shows. On the school day, gifts go through the teacher. On the Buddhism day, Seuk comes with you. Ask before you photograph people in a house.

VisounOffice on Kitsalat Road

WhatsApp+856 20 23 895 459

Small groupsDates first, then the plan

A man casting a fishing net from the riverbank

Sunset over the Mekong with boats at a rocky landing

Luang Prabang

The town, before the boat.

Temples, the morning market, silk, and the river from the bank. This is the Luang Prabang we work in.

Luang Prabang album

Gilded temple roof in a quiet Luang Prabang courtyard

The river

Mist, the falls, and the peninsula after dark.

Slow boat on a misty Mekong morning — First light on the river.

Turquoise limestone falls in a Laos forest — The falls, before the noon queue.

Lantern-lit wooden street in Luang Prabang at dusk — The peninsula, once the day is done.

Before you come

The day is slow. The planning is not.

Morning startSlow boats leave early. Day tours start before the heat.

Small groupsTell us the date and the number. We say if the day still has room.

What to bringA hat, water, and shoes you can get wet. Cash for Pakbeng if you stay the night.

Office hoursKitsalat Road, most days 8:00–18:00. WhatsApp is watched later.

Find the office

Kitsalat Road, Visoun.

The office is in the village, a short walk from the old town. If you are already in Luang Prabang, come by before the boat day.

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Questions

Before you write.

Where does the slow boat stop?

Luang Prabang, Pakbeng, and Houay Xay. You sleep in Pakbeng. The boat does not run every day in both directions.

Is the price on the website?

No. The rate depends on the date and how many of you there are. Ask on WhatsApp and we reply with the current figure.

Can I book only a day tour?

Yes. Kuang Si, Pak Ou, a village, or a bike day can be booked on their own if you are already in town.

Do you pick up from the guesthouse?

For day tours in town, yes, when the road is open. For the slow boat, we tell you the landing the evening before.

Tell us the date.

WhatsApp is the fastest way. Send the day you want to leave, how many people, and whether you want the boat or a day around town. We reply with what is actually running.

WhatsApp +856 20 23 895 459 Write instead