Luang Prabang

Live in moments that matter.

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.

  • Down: Sat, Tue, Wed
  • Up: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
  • 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
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

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.