LUANG PRABANG | Luang Say Cruise (2 days)

The Mekong river is the artery of life in Laos: a trading route, a source of food and water, and a social centre for the settlements along its route. Known locally as The Mother of Waters, discover with this cruise why the river has been venerated and worshipped for thousands of years. The Luang Say Cruise is a journey through remote mountainous stretches of the Mekong River between the northern Thai border at Huay Sai and the old royal city of Luang Prabang, Laos – in a style fit for a king. You will see villages along the river from several ethnic groups, ancient Buddhist temples, and all the activities that contribute to the economy of the people in Laos, such as farming, fishing, weaving, gold mining, whiskey distilling, and teak logging.

Name	Luang Prabang \| Luang Say Cruise
Duration	2 days / 1 night
Price from	430 USD / pax (based on 2 pax)
Itinerary in short	Day 1 : Luang Prabang / Pakbeng Day 2 : Pakbeng / Huay Sai

TRAVEL NOTES
• The cruise can be operated in both directions, from Luang Prabang to Huay Sai or from Huay Sai to Luang Prabang. So it is possible to do this boat journey at the end of your time in Laos, before continuing into Northern Thailand. This option works particularly well with some itineraries; and we often find that availability on the upstream cruises is better. Whichever direction works best for you trip, the Luangsay Cruise will undoubtedly be a highlight of your time in Laos.
• On this cruise, we can also build a 3-day cruise with an additional overnight at Khmu Lodge.
• Operated with minimum 4 participants on board.
For safety reasons and according to weather conditions, the program may be amended without prior notice.
• Please bring a jersey or a jacket as it can be cool at Luang Say Lodge and on the boat from October to February.
• We suggest you leave your suitcase and luggage on the boat and take only a small daypack with changing clothes. This is an advisory as the steps to Luang Say Lodge are too steep to carry big suitcases.

DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG / PAK OU / PAKBENG (-/L/D)
Luang Say boat leaves Auberge Calao pier at 07h00am (please be at pier not later than 6.45 am) for a cruise up the Mekong to Pakbeng and the Luang Say Lodge.

NOTE : Our boats are 34 metres long with a 420 HP engine and a steel hull for strength and safety. The boats have a capacity for 40 people in comfortable seats and benches. All our boats to and from Luang Prabang, are appointed with everything for your comfort, safety and enjoyment, with ample open air seating, a bar, toilet facilities and a galley. On board we have two western style toilets, one at the back of the boat and one next to the bar in the central section. Life jackets are available in a variety of sizes including children size. There are also rails around the sides of the boat for safety. Luggage can be stored overnight in a large compartment underneath the deck where it can be locked away

A continental breakfast is served while the boat is cruising to Pak Ou Village, at the mouth of the Nam Ou River, where you will visit the Tam Thing Caves of a Thousand Buddhas. Enjoy a buffet lunch on board then stop at a hilltribe village where you can watch the traditional process of Lao whiskey production. Arrive at Pak Beng around sunset and check in at Luang Say Lodge. Refreshing wet towels and a welcome drink awaits you in reception as you watch the sun set over the Mekong. Dinner on the terrace, overlooking the Mekong River.

The one night accommodation is in one of the more comfortable Lodges in the region. From your luxury teak and rosewood bungalow, you can view the dramatic river scenery of the Mekong, enjoying the fiery and romantic sunset and the mysterious and poetic sunrise.

DAY 2: PAKBENG / HUAY XAI (B/L/-)
Full breakfast at the Lodge. At 7.00am board the boat for the second leg of the cruise. En route one stop is made to observe rural life along the Mekong and observe minorities. Buffet lunch on board and then continue to Huay Sai where you will arrive around 5.00pm (you may proceed to Chiang Rai in the same day.)

NOTE: From November to February, on our upstream (Luang Prabang to Huay Sai) itinerary, we are sometimes unable to fit a visit to the whiskey village. We apologise for this but as it can be foggy in the mornings, and getting dark early, we need to ensure the safety of our passengers to get to the LuangSay Lodge during daylight.

This is a sample itinerary so the cost really depends on the number of people in your group and time of travel. Please send us your enquiry for availabilities & the most up dated price.

INCLUSION
• Transfer from your hotel in Luang Prabang to the boat pier
• Shuttle transfer from the Laos immigration at Huay Sai to the slow-boat pier and vice versa
• 2-day cruise on board Luang Say Boat with stops and visits en route
• 1 night at the Luang Say Lodge (Pakbeng)
• Meals as mentioned in the program ( 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast )
• Complimentary coffee, tea & drinking water on board and during meals.
• Admission fee at visiting points as mentioned in the program.
• Services of qualified crews during the cruise.
• Local English-speaking guide
• 24/24h assistance from our company
• Service charges and government tax

EXCLUSION
• Transfer by boat between the border town of Chiang Khong (Thailand) and the border town of Huay Sai (Laos) and vice versa
• Immigration fees in Huay Sai
• Soft and alcohol drinks during the trip.
• Visa approval and fees for Laos
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guide & driver
• Other items than mentioned in the program
• Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities (typhoon, floods), flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes etc.

ACCOMMODATION
On the left bank of the river, the Luang Say Lodge is backed by mountainous jungle. The large pavilions of solid teak and rosewood all have beautiful vistas looking out over the Mekong river and the mountains beyond. The traditional Laotian architecture provides accommodation of comfort and character, each bedroom equipped with high ceiling mosquito nets, electric fans and a large private bathroom with hot shower and western style toilet.

The Luang Say Lodge sits majestically above the Mekong River, blending artfully into the natural environment through careful landscaping, raised platforms and indigenous styling. It features 17 large pavilions, each elegantly furnished in dark toned wood and white fabrics, and offering stunning views on three sides of the Mekong. Each room is fitted with comfortable beds, mosquito nets, electric mosquito coils, a ceiling fan and private bathrooms. Your spacious bathroom has a hot shower and a western style toilet. The rooms don’t have air-con but their design and the standard ceiling fan will keep you mainly cool throughout the night

A central riverbank restaurant is reached by wooden walkways from the pavillions. Here you will enjoy fine, mainly organic, food and can order a choice of drinks from the well stocked bar.

On days with passengers exceeding 20 people, we include an ethnic minority dance performance in the restaurant area. The performers are a mixture of our Luang Say Lodge staff, local villagers and school children.