Luxury river cruise · Mekong, Laos
Five nights on the Mekong between Luang Prabang and Vientiane in a 13-suite river boat, or two to three nights on the private four-guest Gypsy
In short
Mekong Kingdoms runs small luxury boats from Luang Prabang, with reservations through Minor Hotels. Bohème carries 26 guests in 13 suites on a five-night voyage between Luang Prabang and Vientiane, through a stretch of the Mekong with no road along it. Gypsy is a two-suite boat for up to four guests, chartered privately for two nights downstream from Chiang Khong or three nights upstream from Luang Prabang. Both suit couples in their sixties and seventies who want northern Laos without daily hotel changes.
Price on requestWe check live rates and dates with the property and send them in your written quote.
Bohème is 50 meters long with a dining salon, a bar lounge, two spa treatment rooms and a sun deck. Deluxe Suites of 30 square meters on the lower deck have private balconies, Premier View Suites on the upper deck have Juliet balconies, and the single Royal Suite is 60 square meters with a balcony daybed. The five-night route moors each night at a village or sandbank and passes through the lock of the Xayaboury dam, with stops at the Pak Ou caves, Kuang Si waterfalls, paper-making and pottery villages. Dining, excursions and standard beverages are included; premium imported wines are extra.
Gypsy, 41 meters with two 30-square-meter suites, is the choice for a family of four or two couples who want the whole boat: a cooking class on board, Khmu and Hmong village visits, nights moored on sandbanks, and the Pak Ou caves before arriving in Luang Prabang. The pace on both boats is slow, with long stretches of simply watching the river.
| Day 1 | Leave the Avani+ Luang Prabang at 08:30, Baci blessing on board at 09:00, sail at 10:00. Afternoon at the Pak Ou caves; moor at Wat Nong Sa Keo. |
|---|---|
| Days 2–3 | Paper-making at Ban Xang Khong, pottery at Ban Chan Neua; a walk to Kuang Si waterfalls with a picnic lunch at Tad Keo. Nights at Muang Khay and Ban Tha Deua. |
| Days 4–5 | Lock passage through the Xayaboury dam, village walks at Ban Pha Liep, a Lao-themed dinner. Nights at Ban Kok Fark and Ban Nam Song. |
| Day 6 | Breakfast while sailing to Pak Lay; disembark 08:30 and coach to Vientiane, arriving around 12:30. Your private car meets you there. |
We place Bohème after three or four nights in Luang Prabang, so the temples, the alms round and the night market come first and the river becomes the way south to Vientiane rather than a flight. Gypsy works in the other direction: a private car from Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong, two nights on the river, and arrival in Luang Prabang by water. Both link naturally to Cambodia or northern Thailand afterwards.
Itineraries we often build around it:
Bohème is a small-ship experience with 26 guests, a spa and a five-night route that reaches Vientiane. Gypsy is a private boat for up to four, best for a family or two couples who want their own crew, their own timetable and the shorter Chiang Khong to Luang Prabang stretch. Price per person is much higher on Gypsy.
Yes for most. Days are unhurried, moorings are at villages and sandbanks reached by a gangway, and every excursion is optional. The Kuang Si walk and the cave steps at Pak Ou are the two outings that need steady legs; the rest is flat village walking. Tell us about any limits so the crew can plan around them.
For Bohème, Metta's private car brings you to the Avani+ Luang Prabang on the morning of departure, where the operator's transfer takes over. For Gypsy, we drive you from Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong, where the crew meets you at Thai immigration and handles the crossing to Houay Xai.
Bohème is priced per person in a twin-share suite, by departure date. Gypsy is priced per trip for the whole boat, up to four guests. Your written quote shows which basis applies and the final figure for your dates.
Facts checked against the official website on 28 October 2026. Official website: mekongkingdoms.com
Luxury resort · Luang Prabang, LaosAmantaka, Luang PrabangTwenty-four suites on a historic garden estate at the foot of Mount PhousiPrice on request
Luxury resort · Luang Prabang, LaosRosewood Luang PrabangTwenty-three rooms, villas and hilltop tents around a waterfall in the Nahm Dong valleyPrice on request
Luxury cruise · Lan Ha Bay, VietnamCapella CruiseA 30-suite ship on Lan Ha Bay with balconies, a rooftop pool and family suitesFrom US$260 per personTell us your dates and who is travelling. A travel designer replies within one working day with availability, a day-by-day plan and one price for the whole trip, including private car, guide and connections.
Private guide in your language; outside Vietnam subject to availability.
Hotline / WhatsApp: +84 812 247 572