Top 10 Laos Mekong River Cruises Rated by American Travelers
Heritage Line Anouvong Cruise Upstream 4 days: Luang Prabang - Huay Xai
Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves - Pakbeng - Huay XaiTheme: Off the beaten track, Cultural, NatureSuitable: Luxury Travellers, SeniorsHighlights- Explore Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient temples and French colonial architecture
- Hop in a kayak, paddle along the peaceful stream, and enjoy the amazing natural beauty of Nam Ou River
- Visit a rural charming village of the Khmer people to see how local life and processes of agricultural products
- Enjoy fantastic river views at the lovely hill-top temple in Pakbeng
- Feature onboard activities and amenities, including gourmet dining with a focus on local flavors
View tour5% offUS$1,939$1,939/paxShompoo Cruise Downstream 2 days: Huay Xai - Luang Prabang
9.1Excellent - 4 reviewsWell-established organization Good meals Friendly staff A special mention for Deng,…Chris M -af
Huay Xai - Pakbeng - Pak Ou Caves - Luang PrabangSuitable: Seniors, Couples & HoneymoonHighlights- Enjoy the beautiful attractions in Laos while cruising along the Mekong River
- Visit ancient temples and experience the colorful life of locals
- Experience Laos cuisine as well as a variety of local's tropical fruits
View tourUS$262$262/paxHeritage Line Anouvong Cruise Downstream 4 days: Huay Xai - Luang Prabang
9.5Excellent - 8 reviewsWe had a delightful experience during our 4-night journey on the Anouvong cruise.…Mrs.Sofia Dario -Hong Kong
Luang Prabang - Pak Ou CavesTheme: Off the beaten track, Cultural, NatureHighlights- Grab a kayak and explore Ou River's breathtaking natural beauty while paddling along the tranquil stream.
- Discover the well-known Pak Ou Caves.
- Visit a quaint Khmu village to learn about daily life and the production of agricultural goods there.
View tour5% offUS$1,939$1,939/paxMekong Pearl Cruise Downstream 11 days: Chiang Rai - Vientiane
9.4Excellent - 8 reviewsMy wife and I recently embarked on a remarkable adventure aboard the Mekong Sun…Mr.Abraham -United States
Golden Triangle - Huay Xai - Pakbeng - Luang Prabang - VientianeTheme: Cultural, RelaxationSuitable: Seniors, Couples & HoneymoonHighlights- The wild upper Mekong aboard a boutique river vessel to explore the laidback waterlife
- First-hand experience of the Thai and Lao peoples’ traditional lifestyles
- The Golden Triangle region, with its infamous past, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet
View tour57% offUS$3,268$3,268/paxHeritage Line Anouvong Cruise Upstream 10 days: Vientiane - Huay Xai
9.4Excellent - 2 reviewsIt's our third trip with Heritage. I like the size of the boats because they are…Ruben Duffy -United States
Vientiane - Luang Prabang - Huay XaiTheme: Off the beaten track, Interact with local, Cultural, NatureHighlights- We at Visit Elephant Sanctuary are dedicated to sustainable development and ecotourism.
- Explore the Lao, Khmu, and Hmong communities that comprise the Kok Aek village.
- On a kayaking expedition, unwind and take in the passing natural beauty along a tranquil stream.
- Visit the well-known Pak Ou Caves to witness two limestone caverns that contain almost 4,000 holy Buddhist statues and images.
- Explore Luang Prabang, the world's most distinctive and endearing city.
- After hiking through the neighborhood's natural park, visit the Kuang Si waterfall with its raging blue waters.
View tour5% offUS$4,801$4,801/paxShompoo Cruise Upstream 2 days: Luang Prabang - Huay Xai
9.3Excellent - 3 reviewsDiscovering Laos by river is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the authentic…Anika R -Spain
Huay Xai - Pakbeng - Pak Ou Caves - Luang PrabangSuitable: Seniors, CouplesHighlights- While sailing up the Mekong River, take in the gorgeous sights of Laos.
- Visit the most important pilgrimage places for the Lao - Pak Ou Cave
- Explore rural villages and learn about the colorful lives of the inhabitants.
- Taste Laotian cuisine as well as a range of exotic fruits grown locally.
View tourUS$228$228/paxMekong Sun Cruise 6 days: Highlights of Northern Laos
Luang Prabang - Ban Kok San - Kuang Si Waterfalls - Pak Ou CavesTheme: Interact with local, Relaxation, NatureSuitable: Seniors, CouplesHighlights- Exploring the wildlife on upper Mekong, one of the most spectacular river cruises in the world
- Insight into the laid-back world of Luang Prabang, where temples, monasteries and French colonial buildings peek out from tropical greenery
- Swimming in the crystal waters and turquoise pools of the magnificent Kuang Si Falls
View tour47% offUS$1,215$1,215/paxRV Pandaw Laos Cruise Downstream 11 days: Chiang Khong - Vientiane
Chiang Khong - Pak Ou Caves - Luang Prabang - VientianeHighlights- Immerse yourself in the charming French city of Vientiane, where delightful explorations await
- Take the opportunity to disembark and experience the vibrant village life at this significant crossing point
- Discover the well-preserved and extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site, which boasts numerous Buddhist temples, libraries, and a royal palace
- Pay a visit to the Buddhist sanctuaries and venture into the Pak Ou Caves for an exploration of Chiang Khong
Heritage Line Anouvong Cruise Downstream 8 days: Huay Xai - Vientiane
Huay Xai - Luang Prabang - VientianeTheme: Nature, Cultural, Interact with local, Off the beaten trackHighlights- Visit elephant sanctuary were committed to the tenets of ecotourism and sustainability.
- Discover the local culture of Kok Aek village where the local ethnic Lao, Khmu, and Hmong live.
- Relax and enjoy the passing natural beauty along a peacefully flowing stream on kayaking.
- Visit the famous Pak Ou Caves where you can see two limestone grottoes which house approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images.
- Explore the most unique and charming city - Luang Prabang.
- Hike through the surrounding natural park and visit the Kuang Si waterfall with its rushing turquoise waters.
View tour5% offUS$3,847$3,847/paxMekong Pearl Cruise Downstream 6 days: Golden Triangle - Luang Prabang
Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Pak Ou Caves - Luang PrabangHighlights- An authentic encounter with Thai and Laotian culture.
- Visit the town of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Wonder with a number of significant temples
- Explore the stunning Pak Ou Caves and hill tribe villages
- Attend lectures on the fascinating cultures of Laos and Thailand to gain a wealth of useful knowledge
View tour55% offUS$1,785$1,785/pax
FAQs
The dry season (November - January) is the most comfortable time for a Laos cruise, with cooler temperatures and stable river conditions. The wet season (May - October) means lush scenery but higher rainfall and possible itinerary changes.
Yes, US citizens need a visa when they arrive in Laos. You can get an eVisa online (cost about 50$/pax) at laoevisa.gov.la/index or upon arrival at the airport (cost about 40$/pax). Please prepare cash, a valid passport (for more than 6 months), and card photos in advance.
For a longer cruise that crosses the border between Laos & Thailand, the cruise will help with the Visa-on-arrival application (not included in the price).
There are 4 main river cruise routes within Laos and from/to Thailand. You can opt for a suitable cruise length and start/end point as follows:
- 2 - 4 days: Luang Prabang - Huay Xai
- 6 days: Luang Prabang - Vientiane
- 8 days: Huay Xai - Vientiane
- 10 - 11 days: Vientiane - Chiang Khong/ Golden Triangle
Depending on different cruise types, budget ranges, and reviews from US travelers, we offer the best choices for Mekong Laos cruises as follows:
- Heritage Line Anouvong Upstream 4 days: Luang Prabang - Huay Xai (from US $1,939/pax): Best value 5-star cruise.
- Shompoo Cruise Downstream 2 days: Huay Xai - Luang Prabang (from US $262/pax): Top favorite long wooden boat.
- Mekong Sun 6 days: Highlights of Northern Laos (from US $1,245/pax): Best deluxe cruise with Laos itinerary.
- Mekong Pearl Downstream 11 days: Chiang Rai - Vientiane (from US $3,268/pax): Boutique river vessel to Laos & Thailand.
The Laos Mekong River trip average price ranges from US $228 to US $4,801 per person, depending on the cruise length and service provided:
- 2 - 6 days: from $228 to $1,939/pax
- 8 - 11 days: from $3,268 to $4,801/pax
The cost usually includes accommodation, shore excursions, entrance fees, hotel transfers, welcome drinks, and some onboard facilities.
Unluckily, no cruises are operating on the Laos - Cambodia route at the moment. However, there are some river cruises from Thailand to Laos, like the Mekong Pearl or Pandaw Laos Cruise.
Questions & Answers (24)
My husband and I are looking for a 5 or 6 day Laos cruise, preferably one way in mid January. Any available?
We now only have Anouvong still run, our travel consultant will check available and send you via email.
Hello, we're a family of 4. We want to find a cruise in Laos that lasts for 5 - 10 days. We'll travel around the start of July, which cruises are available at that time?
Hi! Unfortunately, there's no cruise in Laos available in July at present. If you can delay your trip until August, we suggest you should consider 2 below options:
- Heritage Line Anouvong Cruise Downstream 8 days: Huay Xai – Vientiane - departure date 4 Aug
- Heritage Line Anouvong Cruise Upstream 10 days: Vientiane - Huay Xai - departure date 12 Aug
I'm looking for a cruise in Laos for more than 5 days. We're a couple that will travel during March. We'd like a cruise with great privacy. Hope you can help us find a cruise. Thanks.
You can have a look at the 8-day or 10-day Heritage Line Anouvong Cruise with only 10 cabins on the cruise gives you great privacy.
Hi, is the Heritage Annouvong cruise operating on Feb 1, we'd like to book a tour for 2 people in Laos. It'll be better if you send more info to my email.
Hi! Unfortunately, Heritage Annouvong for your date is fully booked, and also all of our cruise in Laos. If you can delay your travel date, may be we can try to find a cabin for you.
I wonder if there is any cruise in Laos longer than 7 days. We'd love to explore this country thoroughly. Can you recommend me some suitable cruises for a group of friends?
No current there is no boat longer than 7 days.