15+ Mekong Cruises Laos Top-Rated by American Travelers
Heritage Line Anouvong Cruise Upstream 4 days: Luang Prabang - Huay Xai
9.7Excellent - 2 reviewsWe had a delightful experience during our 4-night journey on the Anouvong cruise.…Mrs.Sofia Dario -
Hong KongLuang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves - Pakbeng - Huay Xai- Book 120 Days Early & Save!
Theme: Culture & Heritage, Nature & Landscapes, Off-the-Beaten-PathSuitable: Seniors, Luxury TravellersHighlights- Explore the UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang, famed for its ancient temples and French colonial charm
- Visit a peaceful rural village to experience authentic local life and traditional farming practices
- Take in panoramic Mekong views from a scenic hilltop temple in Pakbeng
- Enjoy gourmet dining and premium onboard experiences inspired by local flavors
View tour20% offfrom $1,714US$1,714/paxShompoo Cruise Downstream 2 days: Houay Xay - Luang Prabang
9.1Excellent - 5 reviewsWell-established organization Good meals Friendly staff A special mention for Deng,…Chris M -
afHuay Xai - Pakbeng - Pak Ou Caves - Luang PrabangSuitable: Couples, SeniorsHighlights- 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 fruits
View tourfrom $262US$262/paxHeritage Line Anouvong Cruise Downstream 4 days: Huay Xai - Luang Prabang
9.6Excellent - 4 reviewsWe were treated to a truly enchanting sunset while aboard a beautiful boat. The…Abe M -
FranceLuang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves - Huay Xai- Book 120 Days Early & Save!
Theme: Culture & Heritage, Nature & Landscapes, Off-the-Beaten-PathHighlights- Cruise through the breathtaking landscapes of the Upper Mekong River
- Explore the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues
- Visit a traditional Khmu village and discover its authentic rural lifestyle and local craftsmanship
View tour20% offfrom $1,714US$1,714/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 StatesGolden Triangle - Huay Xai - Pakbeng - Luang Prabang - VientianeTheme: Culture & Heritage, Beach & RelaxationSuitable: Seniors, CouplesHighlights- 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 tour48% offfrom $3,389US$3,389/paxHeritage Line Anouvong Cruise Upstream 10 days: Vientiane - Huay Xai
9.5Excellent - 5 reviewsIt's our third trip with Heritage. I like the size of the boats because they are…Ruben Duffy -
United StatesVientiane - Luang Prabang - Huay Xai - Pak Ou Caves - Pakbeng - Kuang Si Waterfalls- Book 120 Days Early & Save!
Theme: Nature & Landscapes, Culture & Heritage, Local Life, Off-the-Beaten-PathHighlights- Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary dedicated to conservation and sustainable tourism
- Discover the rich traditions of Lao, Khmu, and Hmong communities in Kok Aek Village
- Explore the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to nearly 4,000 Buddha statues
- Experience the timeless charm of the UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang
- Hike through lush forests to the stunning turquoise cascades of Kuang Si Falls
View tour20% offfrom $4,366US$4,366/paxShompoo Cruise Upstream 2 days: Luang Prabang - Houay Xay
9.3Excellent - 4 reviewsDiscovering Laos by river is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the authentic…Anika R -
SpainHuay Xai - Pakbeng - Pak Ou Caves - Luang PrabangSuitable: Couples, SeniorsHighlights- While sailing up the Mekong River, take in the gorgeous sights of Laos.
- Visit the most important pilgrimage places in Laos - 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 tourfrom $228US$228/paxMekong Sun Cruise 6 days: Highlights of Northern Laos
Luang Prabang - Ban Kok San - Kuang Si Waterfalls - Pak Ou CavesTheme: Nature & Landscapes, Beach & Relaxation, Local LifeSuitable: 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 tour46% offfrom $1,238US$1,238/paxRV Pandaw Laos Cruise Downstream 11 days: Chiang Khong - Vientiane
10.0Excellent - 1 reviewOur upstream cruise began on September 19th and just grew better as we went along.…Bernard D -
AustraliaChiang 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
View tourfromUSHeritage Line Anouvong Cruise Downstream 8 days: Huay Xai - Vientiane
9.5Excellent - 3 reviewsWe had an incredibly enjoyable experience on the cruise. The boat itself was stunning,…Mr. Vinicius -
AustraliaHuay Xai - Luang Prabang - Vientiane - Pak Ou Caves - Kuang Si Waterfalls - Pakbeng- Book 120 Days Early & Save!
Theme: Local Life, Culture & Heritage, Nature & Landscapes, Off-the-Beaten-PathHighlights- Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary dedicated to ecotourism and conservation
- Experience the traditions of Kok Aek Village, home to Lao, Khmu, and Hmong communities
- Explore the sacred Pak Ou Caves with thousands of Buddha statues
- Discover the timeless charm of the UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang
- Hike through lush landscapes to the stunning turquoise pools of Kuang Si Falls
View tour20% offfrom $3,498US$3,498/paxMekong Pearl Cruise Downstream 6 days: Golden Triangle - Luang Prabang
9.4Excellent - 1 reviewWe are so appreciative for such an excellent trip experience. Exploring the Baci…Alan S -
AustraliaChiang 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 tour47% offfrom $1,846US$1,846/pax
FAQs
The dry season (November - January) is the most comfortable time for a Laos cruise, with cooler temperatures and stable river conditions. The wet season (May - October) means lush scenery but higher rainfall and possible itinerary changes.
Yes, US citizens need a visa when they arrive in Laos. You can get an eVisa online (cost about 50$/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 (25)
Are you offering a combo Laos & Myanmar cruise? Please send itinerary if you have one. Many thanks. Marnie
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.


















