A Cruise to Luang Prabang
If you go by boat, getting to Luang Prabang is half the fun.
Maybe you’ve been to Luang Prabang before: either you could afford Bangkok Airways flights from Bangkok to the peaceful World Heritage City, or you took one of those scary 8-hour bus drives through the mountains from Vientiane. For your next trip, though, why not choose a way to get there that’s nearly as exciting as your ultimate destination. Fly to Chiang Rai and transfer to Chiang Khong where you can cross the border by boat into Huay Xai, in Laos (details in essentials). From there, you can take a 2-day-1-night cruise to Luang Prabang, with a sleepover in a luxurious lodge.
Cruising the Mekong is definitely on your list of things to do before you die. The Mekong is the world's 10th-longest river and the 7th-longest in Asia. It nourishes millions of people in six countries along the way. While traveling its waters, you’ll get to see wildlife, fishermen, incredible rock formations and a lush tropical jungle. It’s also a completely different way to travel, a revival of 19th century exploration versus modern low-cost air travel.
Your destination needs no introduction. Luang Prabang has incredible waterfalls with milky turquoise waters nearby; is home to gorgeous, intricately decorated temples; brims with great Lao and French food; and is full of great street life, from young monks to old petanque players.
Top Stops Along The Way
1. Ban Huay Nhor Khom. Your first stop is at a Hmong village situated by the river in Oudom Xai province. There’s no electricity and children stream out of their homes to welcome you, show you around, and finally escort you back to the boat. Of course, there are trinkets for sale: handmade wristbands ranging from US$0.70-US$1.70.
2. Pakbeng Town. Situated on a bend in the Mekong, this quiet town is where most cruises to Luang Prabang make a stop. The market is full of color and life, selling fresh produce ranging from vegetables to buffalo meat. Head to the main street for your morning coffee and chomp down on a baguette while watching boats crawl past on the river. If you wake up extra early, you’ll also see the monks’ procession as they beg for alms—just like Luang Prabang, only more idyllic.
3. Ban Baw village. This village of mixed ethnicities is some 600 years old. It’s famous for its traditional rice alcohol and homespun cloth. The prices of colorful scarves start from US$6.60, up to US$33 for tablecloths.
4. Ting Cave Temple. This is actually a popular excursion from Luang Prabang, so you’re now quite near your destination. Also known as Pak Ou Caves, they contain thousands of Buddha images set amid soaring rock formations. The kings of Luang Prabang visited this cave every New Year to pay homage to the images of Buddha, and some of the relics are over 200 years old. There is an upper and lower cavity so make sure you climb the 218 steps to the top to see more Buddhas inside.