OUR FAQ
FAQ: Everything you need
to know for your cruise
Find all the practical answers here to help you prepare calmly
for your cruise between Houayxay, Pakbeng and Luang Prabang.
BEFORE DEPARTURE
Our cruises and bookings
We offer several authentic Mekong cruise options:
2-day / 1-night all-inclusive cruises
Downstream from Houayxay to Pakbeng and Luang Prabang
Upstream from Luang Prabang to Pakbeng and Houayxay
2-day cruises
Downstream from Houayxay to Pakbeng and Luang Prabang
Upstream from Luang Prabang to Pakbeng and Houayxay
Day cruises
Downstream from Houayxay to Pakbeng and Luang Prabang
Upstream from Luang Prabang to Pakbeng and Houayxay
Private 1-day or 2-day charters for groups and families.
The ideal season runs from October to April, with dry and pleasant weather. From May to September, during the rainy season, the landscapes are lush but the river level is higher. We cruise all year round and adapt the route to the conditions.
You can book directly on our website using our secure online payment system, or contact our team for personalized assistance.
Our standard policy requires full payment at the time of booking to guarantee your place. Refunds are possible if you cancel within the time limits set out in our policy.
Any cancellation made between 10 days and 5 days before the departure date will incur a charge equal to 50% of the total amount.
Any cancellation made less than 5 days before departure, as well as any no-show on the day of departure, will be charged at 100% of the total amount.
We reserve the right to cancel the booking up to one month before the departure date if the minimum required number of passengers is not reached.
Yes, private charters are available for 1 or 2 days.
Contact us for rates and availability.
Travel documents and visa
Yes, a visa on arrival is available in Houayxay. You will need:
a completely blank page in your passport,
a passport valid for at least 6 months,
two passport-sized photos,
USD 50 in cash (USD preferred).
Our team assists you with the border procedure for downstream cruises.
You can apply for your eVisa online before departure. When filling it out:
Entry point: select Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Chiang Khong – Huay Xai).
Transport: choose Car only if you are traveling with a private vehicle and license plate; otherwise choose Public transport.
Passport upload: JPG or PNG format, 2 to 3 MB maximum, clear color scan. PDFs are generally refused.
Yes, euros and USD are accepted, with USD preferred. Thai baht is also accepted.
The Lao and Thai immigration checkpoints in Houayxay and Chiang Khong are open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
It is a welcoming and safe area for travelers. Standard travel precautions are sufficient.
How to reach the departure point
For downstream cruises: the Lao immigration office in Houayxay.
For upstream cruises: Calao pier in Luang Prabang.
Chiang Rai Airport is the nearest airport, located 134 km away, or about a 2-hour drive. A transfer can be arranged directly.
Both options are convenient:
Overnight in Chiang Khong (Thailand): our team meets you at Lao immigration in Houayxay between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and assists you with the visa.
Overnight in Houayxay (Laos): we pick you up directly from your hotel.
Yes, if you leave early in the morning, it is entirely possible to board on the same day.
Chiang Rai is 134 km away, or about a 2-hour drive.
Go to the Chiang Khong immigration checkpoint, before the 4th Friendship Bridge.
Complete Thai exit formalities.
Cross the bridge by official shuttle or van (10 to 15 minutes).
Arrive at Houayxay immigration, where our team welcomes you.
We can arrange this Chiang Khong to Houayxay transfer for USD 38 per trip.
Packing and budget
We recommend: light and comfortable clothing, an outfit covering shoulders and knees for temple and village visits, closed shoes or walking sandals, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, a light sweater for the air conditioning, and a camera.
No vaccinations are required to enter Laos, but we recommend consulting your doctor before departure.
It is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended to cover cancellation, health and luggage.
On board, we accept USD, EUR and THB. There is no need to withdraw Lao kip before boarding. Please bring cash for village purchases and tips.
Yes, tips are appreciated but left to your discretion. As a guideline: USD 2 to USD 5 per day and per passenger for the crew and guide.
DURING THE CRUISE
On board
Each boat accommodates up to 40 passengers, offering a comfortable and panoramic setting.
Our guides speak English.
Wi-Fi is not available on board because coverage on the river is limited.
Take the opportunity to disconnect. A connection is usually possible in Pakbeng in the evening.
Yes, you can charge phones and cameras during the cruise.
Yes, the boats have clean and accessible toilets during navigation.
Access to the boats is via a gangway from the riverbank, which may be difficult for people with reduced mobility. Please contact us before booking so we can review the best possible arrangements.
Yes, the cruise is suitable for families. We have life jackets in suitable sizes, including for children. Reduced rates may apply depending on age. Contact us for more details.
Yes. We have enough life jackets for everyone in different sizes, our boats are regularly inspected, and all safety equipment is checked. A first-aid kit is available on board.
Meals and drinks
Yes. A traditional Lao lunch is served on board each day of navigation. For upstream cruises, a Western breakfast is included on the first day.
Yes, we offer vegetarian dishes. Please let us know at the time of booking so that we can adapt the meals served on board.
Coffee, tea and water are included free of charge. A small bar on board offers other drinks for purchase, including soft drinks, beers and wines.
Experiences and visits
Our cruises include visits to Khamu, Hmong and Lao Loum villages, exploration of the Pak Ou caves, which house thousands of Buddha statues, and traditional Lao meals served on board.
Stopover in Pakbeng (2-day, 1-night all-inclusive cruise)
For the 2-day, 1-night all-inclusive cruise, accommodation at Luang Say Lodge is included in the package.
Dinner at Luang Say Lodge is included.
Yes, your luggage goes with you for the night in Pakbeng. It does not remain on board.
AFTER THE CRUISE
Arrival and transfers
Downstream: at Calao pier in Luang Prabang.
Upstream: in Houayxay, on the Lao side.
Yes, the schedule allows time to cross the border into Thailand and continue on to Chiang Rai the same day.
Yes. The private car journey takes about 5 hours without stops. Fixed rate: USD 237 per trip.
Yes, we arrange a private minivan from Pakbeng to Luang Prabang for USD 277 per trip.
We do not guarantee connections with night buses. Please contact Houayxay bus station directly: +856 84 211659.
After your trip
Contact us as soon as possible by email or phone. We will do our best to locate your item and arrange shipment, with shipping costs at your expense.
Yes. Mekong Cruises is part of a group that also offers heritage accommodation in Luang Prabang. We would be delighted to offer you special rates for a future stay.
Still have a question?
Feel free to contact us directly by clicking the button below. We will be happy to help you prepare for your Mekong cruise.
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