By Boat – 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 3 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
- Mekong Smile Cruise: http://www.mekongsmilecruise.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.
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 9am
From Pakbeng: Buses depart twice a day at 8am and 10am.
Luang Prabang- Pakbeng
No buses exist between these two towns currently. Private mini van transfers available upon request.
Private minivan options are also bookable directly with the Mekong Elephant Park. We may arrange transfers to the Lao / Thai border at Muang Ngeun, the Royal City of Luang Prabang and Oudomxay.
| PRIVATE MINIVAN TRANSFERS | DESCRIPTIONS | PRICING (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Luang Prabang – Pakbeng or Pakbeng – Luang Prabang4 Hours |
The maximum availability in the minivan is 8 people | 120 |
| Pakbeng – Oudomxay or Oudomxay – Pakbeng 4 Hours |
||
| Luang Prabang – Pakbeng – Luang Prabang | 180 | |
| Muang Ngeun – Pakbeng or Pakbeng – Muang Ngeun1 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,
- the rescue of our latest elephant, Mae Bounma, that arrived at the park
- maintenance of the site
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
