Le Grand Cruise

Welcome aboard the Le Grand Cruise! Your adventure begins at 08:30 AM, where our friendly local guide will meet you at the Lao side immigration. Look for the “Le Grand Cruise” sign at the meeting point in front of the Immigration Counter.

Board your traditional slow boat for a scenic cruise downstream the Mekong River to the charming town of Pakbeng. This stretch of the river offers some of the most stunning landscapes, with lush greenery and picturesque views. Along the way, we’ll stop at Hmong, Yao, and Khmu ethnic minority villages, allowing you to observe their traditional lifestyles and vibrant cultures.

A delicious lunch will be served on board as you continue your journey. Arriving in Pakbeng in the late afternoon, you’ll check in to your cozy bungalow. Relax with a refreshing drink while watching the sunset over the mountains and the Mekong River from the terrace by the swimming pool. Overnight in Pakbeng.

Optional: Extend your stay at our property to explore more local villages, try your hand at gold panning, and immerse yourself in the rural way of life. You can also hop back on board our next cruise in a few days or take a scenic drive to Oudomxay for an express train to Luang Prabang.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred from our resort to the boarding pier for your cruise departure at 08:00 AM. Today, we continue downstream, passing through untouched forests and quaint villages along the riverbanks, where you might even spot an elephant with its mahout.

We’ll visit a Hmong village, giving you a chance to explore local life and admire ancient temples. Enjoy a leisurely lunch on board as we cruise at a relaxed pace. Our journey will include a stop at the Pak-Ou Caves, a revered pilgrimage site filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha images accumulated over centuries.

As we approach Luang Prabang, you’ll disembark at Le Calao pier around sunset, where your local guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

INCLUDES

• Accommodation in a shared double/twin room
• Join-in transfers to and from boat piers as indicated in the itinerary
• Shared cruise experience with fellow passengers
• Assistance from an English-speaking guide on board
• Admission fees for sites mentioned in the itinerary
• Meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches on board, and 1 dinner at the hotel
• Government taxes and service charges
• Luggage handling
• Drinking water, coffee, or tea while on board

EXCLUDES

• Visa and immigration fees upon arrival
• Transfers from the boat pier to hotels in Luang Prabang or Houay Xay
• Travel insurance of any kind
• Lunch or dinner not specified in the itinerary
• Single room accommodation
• Triple share accommodation for adults or children
• Guides speaking languages other than English
• Peak season or special event surcharges
• Tips, drinks, and other personal expenses

Welcome aboard the Le Grand Cruise! Your journey begins at 07:00; we kindly ask you to arrive at Le Calao Pier by 06:30. Settle into the serene ambiance as we embark on an 8 to 9-hour cruise upstream the Mekong River towards Pakbeng.

Start your day with a delightful continental breakfast served on board while we glide past stunning landscapes. Our first stop is Pak Ou Village, located at the confluence of the Nam Ou River, where you’ll explore the Tam Ting Caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues.

Enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch as we continue our journey. Next, we’ll visit a local hill tribe village, where you can witness the traditional Lao whiskey production process. As we approach Pakbeng around sunset, you’ll check in at the charming Le Grand Pakbeng. Dinner awaits you on the terrace, offering breathtaking views of the Mekong.

Optional: Extend your stay at our property to explore local villages, experience gold panning, and immerse yourself in the vibrant rural life of this picturesque region. You are welcome to hop back on our cruise in a few days for more adventures!

After an early morning breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Pakbeng Pier for the next leg of your cruise. Board at 07:00 and prepare for another day of exploration on the Mighty Mekong River.

We’ll make a stop to observe the rural lifestyle of the Hmong, Yao, and Khmu ethnic minority villages, offering you a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch served on board as we continue our journey to Houay Xay, where we expect to arrive around 17:00. From here, you may proceed to Chiang Rai if you wish.

INCLUDES

• Accommodation based on double/twin shared basis
• Shared transfers to and from boat piers as indicated in the itinerary
• Join-in cruise experience with fellow passengers
• Assistance from an English-speaking guide on board
• Admission fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
• Meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches on board, and 1 dinner at the hotel
• Government taxes and service charges
• Luggage handling
• Drinking water, coffee, or tea while on board

EXCLUDES

• Visas and immigration fees upon arrival
• Transfers from the boat pier to hotels in Luang Prabang or Houayxay
• Travel insurance of any kind
• Lunch or dinner not specified in the itinerary
• Single room accommodation
• Triple share accommodation for adults or children
• Guides in languages other than English
• Peak season or special event surcharges
• Tips, drinks, and other personal expenses