Option 1: Cruise Down from Houei Say to Luang Prabang

Day 1: HoueiSay/Pakbeng - Luangsay Lodge (L/D)

Cruise on the Mekong river Laos

Pak - Ou boat leaves HoueiSay pier at 9.00 a.m and cruises down the Mekong to Pakbeng - En route we have two stops - one for picnic lunch on the river bank and one to discover a village of minorities (Yao or Lu). Observe rural life along the Mekong river.

Arrive Pakbeng before sunset and check in at Luangsay Lodge - dinner on the terrace, overlooking the Mekong river.

Day 2: Luangsay Lodge - Pakbeng (B/L)

At leisure to enjoy the natural beauty of the Mekong river banks and walk to nearby villages, or optional tours :

a) drive 8 kms from Pakbeng by 4WD or pick up car to the departure point of the elephant trek. 3 hours ride through the rain forest to a village of a Kamou minority - lunch of local food - discover the traditional village life (handicraft - weaving - instruments...) Return to Pakbeng by elephant and then back to the lodge.

b) trekking in the mountains : walk 2 hours to a village where local minorities are gathering (Meo - Kamou - Lu), picnic lunch in the village - walk down to the Mekong and return by speedboat to the lodge before sunset.

Day 3: Luangsay Lodge-Pakbeng/Pak Ou/Luang Prabang (B/L)

Full breakfast at hotel - (optional : walk to Pakbeng market, where people from the surrounding villages exchange their goods)

08h30 board Pak - Ou boat for the second leg of the cruise - picnic lunch on a river sand beach and short stop to discover a Hmong Village. Continue to Pak Ou village at the mouth of the Nam Ou river, visit Tam Ting Caves of a 1000 bouddhas.

On the way to Luang Prabang brief stop to observe traditional process to obtain local rice alcohol - arrive Luang Prabang before sunset (go to hotel).

Option 2: Cruise Up from Luang Prabang to Houei Say

Day 1 : Luang Prabang/Pak Ou/Pakbeng - Luangsay Lodge (B/L)

Pak - Ou boat leaves Luang Prabang pier at 07h30 and cruise up the Mekong to Pakbeng - brief stop to observe traditional process to obtain local rice alcohol and continue to Pak Ou at the mouth of the Nam Ou river - visit Tam Ting Caves of a 1000 bouddhas - picnic lunch on a river sandy bank.

Arrive Pakbeng before sunset and check in at Luangsay Lodge - dinner on the terrace, overlooking the Mekong river.

Day 2 : Luangsay Lodge - Pakbeng (B/L)

At leisure to enjoy the natural beauty of the Mekong river banks and walk to nearby villages, or optional tours :

a) drive 8 kms from Pakbeng by 4WD or pick up car to the departure point of the elephant trek. 3 hours ride through the rain forest to a village of a Kamou minority - lunch of local food - discover the traditional village life (handicraft-weaving-instruments..) Return to Pakbeng by elephant and then back to the lodge.

b) trekking in the mountain : walk 2 hours to a village where local minorities are gathering (Meo - Kamou - Lu) picnic lunch in the village - walk down to the Mekong and return by speedboat to the lodge.

Day 3 : Luangsay Lodge - Pakbeng/HoueiSay (B/L)

Full breakfast at hotel - 08.00h board Pak - Ou boat for the second leg of the cruise - observe rural life along the Mekong - En route a stop is made at a village of the Yao minority ; picnic lunch is served on board - continue to HoueiSay for arrival around 5 p.m (continue to Thailand - Chiang Rai province).

Tour includes

- 2 days cruise with stops and visits en route

- 1 night accommodation at LuangSay Lodge

- Meal plan as mentioned

- Entrance fee at Tam Ting and police fees along the trip

- 1 FOC half twin for 15 paying persons

- Transfer from Lao immigration to pier in HoueiSay.

- Assistance of English-speaking cruise escort during the cruise (no guide on board)

Tour excludes

- Transfer from/to hotel to pier in Luang Prabang

- Ferry and immigration fees in HoueiSay

- Drinks during the trip, except bottled water (free suppied)

- Visa approval and fees for Laos

- Services in Luang Prabang

- Personal insurance

* Note: Low season from 1 Nov to 30 April

High season from 1 May to 31 August