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).
Price: 200 000 kips
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
Price: 200 000 kips
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.
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.
Price: 200 000 kips
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