How to reach us
By Boat
Boat trips available back and forth for Luang Prabang – Houay Xay
Public join in slow boat
Slow boats leave every day, in the morning in both directions (Luang Prabang or Houexay). They depart around 08:30 and you can take the tickets directly on site. As they are no seat numbers on your tickets, we recommend arriving early to get one of the better seats (as far away from the loud engine as possible). There is nowhere to stop or buy lunch along the way, although snacks, beers and instant noodles are sold on board.
The boats normally arrive to Pakbeng late afternoon (approximately 5 or 6pm).
Private Boat
There are 2 private companies which cruise downstream from Houexay to Luang Prabang via Pakbeng (and vice versa cruise upstream):
- Shompoo Cruise, premium service: http://www.shompoocruise.com
- Nagi of Mekong: http://www.nagiofmekong.com
By Road
Pakbeng bus station is located 2.1 kilometers out of town along the main road. A tuk tuk to there will cost 15,000 kips.
Public Options
Pakbeng to Oudomxay or Oudomxay to Pakbeng
The bus ride to Oudomxay province covers roughly 140 kilometers of winding roads, (approximately 4 hours and a half). The ticket cost 80,000 kips one way.
From Oudomxay: Buses depart at 8am
From Pakbeng: Buses depart at 9am.
Public Minivan Luang Prabang – Pakbeng (everyday – duration 5-6 hours)
From Pakbeng to Luang Prabang: Depart from Pakbeng Bus station (or in front of Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge) at 09:00am.
From Luang Prabang to Pakbeng: Depart from Ban Naluang Bus Station in Luang Prabang at 08:30am.
Private Options
Private Minivan Luang Prabang – Pakbeng
Private minivan options are bookable directly with the Mekong Elephant Park. We may arrange at your convenience transfers to the Lao / Thai border at Muang Ngeun, the Royal City of Luang Prabang and Oudomxay.
Notes:
– Private minivan options allow further flexibility to organize your visit.
– Maximum availability per minivan: 8 people
| PRIVATE MINIVAN TRANSFERS | PRICES (USD) | DURATIONS |
| Pakbeng – Oudomxay or Oudomxay – Pakbeng |
120 | 3 hours |
| Luang Prabang – Pakbeng or Pakbeng – Luang Prabang |
150 | 4.30 hours |
| Luang Prabang – Pakbeng (round trip) |
280 | – |
| Muang Ngeun – Pakbeng or Pakbeng – Muang Ngeun |
65 | 1 hour |
Where To Stay
Located just opposite the Mekong Elephant Park and departure point of boat transfers crossing the Mekong, this charming 3* Lodge wishes to promote sustainable tourism. They have supported the park since its very opening by financing:
- The preservation and conservation projects,
- Maintenance of the site
- The construction of our electric fences
From the hotel, you may see the elephants drinking and bathing in the Mekong in the morning.
Email: reservation.pakbeng@sanctuaryhotelsandresorts.com
Website: www.sanctuaryhotelsandresorts.com
Facebook: Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge
Tel: +856 (0)81 212304
Turnkey Packages Ideas
Luang Prabang – Pakbeng – Luang Prabang
2 Days – 1 Night
Day 1 :
- 8.30: Departure from Luang Prabang and cruise (public or private) on the Mekong to reach Pakbeng.
- Arrival in Pakbeng late afternoon.
- Check-in at your hotel.
- Dinner and overnight at hotel.
*Tips: Upstream cruises are generally less crowded and offer more space and time to mingle with the local population.
Day 2 :
- Breakfast at the hotel and meeting point at the Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge reception.
- 9.00 : Crossing of the Mekong River from the Lodge for a half-day exclusive tour to the Mekong Elephant Park (ref EPH01).
- Lunch with full menu on site
- Return to Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge and departure by private minivan for Luang Prabang (to the hotel of your choice, the TGV station or the airport).
Notes :
* This package can be transformed into a 3D/2N stay with a full day at the Mekong Elephant Park on Day 2, an extra night in Pakbeng and a return to Luang Prabang on Day 3.
* You’ll find our hotel and cruise operator recommendations by category and level of service on this same page.
* In order to be able to manage your trip and stay in Laos, we leave it up to you to make the necessary reservations with the various service providers. Nevertheless, we remain at your disposal for any assistance you may require, and can take care of booking your private minivan.
Luang Prabang – Pakbeng – Oudomxai (or vice versa)
Extension onto Nong Kiaw possible
2 Days – 1 Night
Day 1:
- 8.30: Departure from Luang Prabang and cruise (public or private) on the Mekong to reach Pakbeng.
- Arrival in Pakbeng late afternoon.
- Check-in at your hotel.
- Dinner and overnight at hotel.
- Tips: Upstream cruises are generally less crowded and offer more space and time to mingle with the local population.
Day 2:
- Breakfast at the hotel and meeting point at the Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge reception.
- 9.00 : Crossing of the Mekong River from the Lodge for a half-day exclusive tour to the Mekong Elephant Park (ref EPH01).
- Lunch with full menu on site
- Return to Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge and departure by private minivan for Oudomxai (to the hotel of your choice or the Train station).
Notes :
* This package can be transformed into a 3D/2N stay with a full day at the Mekong Elephant Park on Day 2, an extra night in Pakbeng and a morning drive to Oudomxay on Day 3. On Day 3, you can also continue your journey directly to Nong Kiaw in a public minivan.
* You’ll find our hotel and cruise operator recommendations by category and level of service on this same page.
* In order to be able to manage your trip and stay in Laos, we leave it up to you to make the necessary reservations with the various service providers. Nevertheless, we remain at your disposal for any assistance you may require, and can take care of booking your private minivan.
Luang Prabang – Pakbeng – Houexai (or vice versa)
3 Days – 2 Nights
- Day 1:
- 8.30: Departure from Luang Prabang and cruise (public or private) on the Mekong to reach Pakbeng.
- Arrival in Pakbeng late afternoon.
- Check-in at your hotel.
- Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Tips: Upstream cruises are generally less crowded and offer more space and time to mingle with the local population.
Day 2:
- Breakfast at the hotel and meeting point at the Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge reception.
- 9.00 : Crossing of the Mekong River from the Lodge for a full day at the Mekong Elephant Park with lunch included (ref EPHFD).
- Return to Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge at the end of the day.
- Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 :
- Early breakfast at the hotel and departure on a cruise (public or private) on the Mekong to reach Houexai (and the Thai border).
* You’ll find our hotel and cruise operator recommendations by category and level of service on this same page.
* In order to be able to manage your trip and stay in Laos, we leave it up to you to make the necessary reservations with the various service providers. Nevertheless, we remain at your disposal for any assistance you may require, and can take care of booking your private minivan.
