The Mekong – Mae Khong… or Mother Khong- as rivers are revered as the mother of waters.
Flowing 4350km from its source in Tibet, the Mekong is the 12th longest river in the world- 10th largest in terms of volume, and is a life force for over 60 million people along its way. The Mekong marks the border between Myanmar and Laos, and at the Golden Triangle: where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet. South of the Golden Triangle is the official border crossing from Thailand. The Lao Friendship Bridge takes you from the Thai side of Chiang Khong across to the Lao side at Houixay where you can begin the 2-day journey downriver to Luang Prabang.

This part of the Mekong offers one of the most beautiful river journeys left in Southeast Asia.
Simply unplug and recharge, flowing slowly down the river. Boats like above are local boats that carry cargo and passengers up and down the river. There is a daily public boat which is a cheap option, but it can get very crowded. So it is very worthwhile to spend a little more and enjoy the beautiful Shompoo Boat. Details below on how you can book one of their join-in cruises with a lovely crew.

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Passing villages, life is still a slow pace…. while the new bridge for the Lao China Railway – ( this photo was taken before completion) – now has the train high-speeding across to and from another world a few times a day. Cruising downriver on a slow boat reminds us it is nice to not have to rush in Lao PDR.

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Pak Ou Caves is located at the confluence of the Mekong and Ou rivers, about 25km from Luang Prabang. Situated in a limestone cliff with a shrine for the river spirit, Tham Ting – lower cave, and Tham Thueng– upper cave, have become sanctuary to around 4000 Buddha images, donated to honor spirits, ensure protection, and gain merit, often on pilgrimage visits during Lao New Year celebrations.

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Each Buddha statue resonates its own peace.

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Approaching Luang Prabang where the two rivers meet and the steps at the landing that brings you right up to Wat Xieng Thong Temple. Most boats use a new harbour a bit out of the center, but it is special to land right at the tip of the Old Town.

The beautiful rear facade and Tree of Life glass mosaic at Wat Xieng Thong– Temple of the Golden City.

Early morning and early evening hours you can hear monks chanting at the temples in the Old Town.

Learning stories of life at Wat Pa Phai on an insightful walking tour with Orange Robe Tours.

Early morning locals cook sticky rice at their homes to make rice cakes, and to offer rice to the monks.

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Morning Fresh Market, Saffron Coffee with a view, and lunch by the meeting of the rivers.

Certain times of the year, a bamboo bridge constructed allows you to walk across to Ban Xang Khong weaving village where you can also see the process of mulberry paper making.

Handicrafts Fair at Huen Chan Heritage House behind Wat Xieng Mouane in the Old Town.

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Khinthong Textiles– always a feast to the eyes to see these beautiful textiles handwoven by Tai Daeng (Red Tai) ethnic group weavers of northeastern Laos where Khinthong is from. Find her shop opposite the Villa Santi Hotel annex in the Old Town.

Kuang Si Waterfalls about 30km from the center of town- wonderful to cool off on a hot day and where you can learn about bears rescued from illegal wildlife trade: www.freethebears.org

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Procession for a special ceremony at Wat Xieng Thong

Ending a beautiful day in Luang Prabang. May this town continue to protect its charm.

Lao Airlines about to depart for Chiang Mai- an easy one hour flight. Direct flights also to Bangkok, Hanoi and to Vientiane, if not taking the train, the views from the plane are beautiful with clear skies.

Shompoo Boat information and schedules. link below. Make your way to Chiang Khong, the Thai border town via Chiang Rai. There is a comfortable Green Bus with VIP service Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai where you connect to a local bus to Chiang Khong. Or see about a direct Chiang Mai-Chiang Khong Green Bus.
Downriver to Luang Prabang is more popular. Upriver Luang Prabang to Houixay is less crowded and the travel time a bit longer as cruising against the current, but arrival in Houixay is still before dark.
I would recommend an overnight at Houixay on the Lao side where there are lots of traveler guesthouses and restaurants not far from the harbour and the Friendship Bridge.
On the way, the boat stops for an overnight at Pak Beng as the boats cannot navigate after dark.
This small trading town has lots of traveler lodgings you can find on the spot, or online, or have Shompoo Cruise help you. See their FAQ on their website including latest on Visa requirements.
https://shompoo-cruise.com/en/

UPSTREAM CRUISE? Also an option and usually less crowded as downstream is more popular.
Cruising upstream is a bit longer as against the current, but you will still arrive in Houixay before sunset.
See about crossing over into Thailand same early evening or plan a relaxing overnight in Houixay.

Lao Visas are available upon arrival for USD 35-45 and a passport photo. The visa cost may vary slightly according to nationality. 
Lao- E-Visa also available online for Friendship Bridge crossing:
https://laoevisa.gov.la/index

Pak Beng Sanctuary Luxury Eco Lodge:
https://sanctuaryhotelsandresorts.com/sanctuary-pakbeng-lodge/

Future planned dams on the Mekong
This may sadly change the life force and navigation of the river, so good to experience this journey as soon as possible- hoping it can remain a beautiful part of Laos to enjoy for next generations.

Seasons for Travel:

March to May is the hot season. It is generally hot and very dry. Water levels can be low for navigating so best check with Shompoo Boat. Also during the dry and burning season of March, air quality can be very unpleasant.

June to November is the rainy season. It may rain for a few hours during the day, and most of the night. The weather is still quite warm, and often hot and sunny. In case of rain during the cruise, the boat is fully equipped to keep you dry. The river level is high and the scenery is lush and green. There are fewer tourists as well making it a relaxed time to travel.November to February is the cold season, and also the peak season for travel. Temperatures can drop to around 15 C during the day, and even lower overnight. A jumper or jacket is recommended for the mornings and the evenings.

Note the Shompoo boat will stop at the Pak Ou caves as well as another village along the way.
The public boat from Houixay/Pakbeng does not stop at the Pak Ou Caves.
However a day-trip from Luang Prabang to the Pak Ou caves can be arranged easily.

Learn about:

Orange Robe Tours in Luang Prabang:

https://www.orangerobetours.com/

Films about Life as Monks

Two films below tell real life stories of young novices. Hopefully the full movies are still available, otherwise enjoy the trailers below:

Today is Better than Two Tomorrows:
a beautiful film about two young boys ordaining as novices in Laos.
Directed by Anna Rogers with a poetic insight to village and temple life which visitors to Laos today can appreciate.
You Tube Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9y8x6pM_aQ
www.ctlfilms.com

Buddha’s Lost Children – true story of compassion and tough love by Thai Monk (former Thai Boxer) Khru Ba Neua Cha Kositto, who raises abandoned and orphaned young boys as novices teaching them the art of living away from despair along the Thai/Burma border. You can also visit the Golden Horse Monastery near Chiang Rai.
www.buddhaslostchildren.com
Full Film on You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHaHYEE-P9E

Back to Main Laos Page: https://alamasia.net/asia-destinations-news-and-links/laos/

The LCR -Lao China Railway: Going High-Speed to slow down in Laos:
https://alamasia.net/going-high-speed-to-slow-down-in-laos/

Wishing you wonderful Lao Journeys! Travel Gently, Live Consciously.