Filovent boat rental agency

Laos, from Huay Xai to Vientiane in 8 days

Looking for a holiday with a change of scenery, relaxation, exclusivity and a wealth of cultural visits?

By Léa MLODUCHOWSKI expert of your cruises
Main features
Boat type: traditional ship
Number of cabins: 10
Maximum capacity: 20 travelers

Cabins

Deluxe
Capacity: 2 Berths maximum
Deluxe cabins feature bay windows opening onto a French balcony.
Deluxe Executive
Capacity: 2 Berths maximum
Deluxe executive cabins are designed and equipped in the same way as staterooms, while offering a view from a higher floor, on the terrace.
NB : The pictures, information, and visuals presented are not contractually binding. The itinerary and program indicated may be modified without notice for technical reasons (captain's decision).

Itinerary

Huay Xai Huay Ting
In the morning, passengers are welcomed at the Laos immigration office.
After gathering all... more+ participants, you’ll be transferred by minivan to the Huay Xai pier, where the boat will be waiting for you.
Our team will assist you with check-in and take care of your luggage.
Begin your 7-night cruise on the Upper Mekong.
Please gather in the lounge for the welcome presentation and safety briefing with the cruise director.
Upon arrival at the confluence of the Mekong and a major tributary, let the peaceful waters carry you downstream, enjoying breathtaking views of the natural landscapes.
The exploration begins in Ban Pak Sith, a small riverside village inhabited mainly by the Khmu ethnic group.
Life here is simple and closely tied to nature, with families making a living by growing rice and vegetables.
Some families carry on the traditional craft of blacksmithing, making knives, hoes, and spades.
If conditions permit, the village blacksmith will introduce you to his methods, passed down through generations.
Before returning to the boat, enjoy a special moment of interaction with the village schoolchildren, followed by a performance showcasing their talents.
Before dinner, a captivating lecture on the history of Laos and its ancient royal dynasties.
In the evening, a film screening of “Chiang” (“elephant” in Lao).
Filmed in this very region in 1927 and directed by the filmmaker behind the first “King Kong,” this film will immerse you in the atmosphere ahead of the next day’s discoveries.
 
Included activities: Conference on the history of Lao royalty, Tour of the village of Ban Pak Sith, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Huay Ting Khok Aek
For early risers, a daily yoga session is offered on the sundeck, in a peaceful setting with... more+ breathtaking views of the Mekong River.
The cruise continues to Pakbeng, where we arrive in the morning.
On the opposite bank, deep in the jungle, lies one of the elephant sanctuaries in Laos most committed to sustainability.
In this nearly pristine environment, you’ll encounter these majestic animals.
Born in Laos and once used to haul timber, they have now found refuge in a peaceful, natural setting.
Raised in captivity, they unfortunately can no longer survive in the wild.
This sanctuary, a symbol of ecotourism and sustainable development, reflects a deep commitment to protecting these animals.
Observing these gentle giants in the heart of the rainforest and discovering their unique history is an unforgettable experience.
After lunch, a presentation on traditional bamboo weaving in Laos.
Discover this ancestral craft that transforms simple materials into essential everyday objects, showcasing the ingenuity of the Lao people.
In the afternoon, sail to Ban Khok Aek, where a new cultural discovery awaits you.
Three ethnic groups—the Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khmu—live side by side here, almost under the same roof.
Each has its own history, traditions, way of life, and architectural styles.
Set out to explore the village and visit a family’s home, where representatives from each group will present the differences and unique aspects of their daily lives.
The concepts discussed during the previous day’s lecture will then come to life before your eyes.
As evening approaches, head to the bar for some snacks and to review the next day’s itinerary.
Before dinner, the villagers put on a performance on the terrace deck, featuring the traditional “Kene” instrument and/or a traditional dance.
After dinner, there will be a screening of “The Rocket,” a 90-minute Laotian film telling the story of a young boy seeking redemption in a war-torn country.
 
Included activities: Visit to the Elephant Conservation Sanctuary, Yoga session, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Khok Aek Luang Prabang
Start the day by enjoying the first rays of sunlight on the river and, if you’d like, join the... more+ daily yoga session.
As we cruise along the edges of the Golden Triangle toward Luang Prabang, spend your morning relaxing on deck or treating yourself to some pampering at the spa.
The morning continues with a visit to the picturesque village of Khok Luang, home to the Khmu people.
Simplicity defines this village, with its bamboo houses on stilts surrounded by vast rice paddies.
Meet villagers of all ages, deeply attached to their land and living off traditional agriculture.
Discover their daily lives, observe their way of life, and chat with the locals.
The cruise continues along the river’s meandering course to the Pak Ou Caves, nestled along the rocky cliffs of the Mekong.
They consist of two caves housing approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and representations.
Explore the lower cave, which is the most impressive and accessible.
After the tour, two optional activities: a kayaking trip on the Nam Ou River or a visit to the nearby village of Ban Muang Keo, renowned for its traditional silk weaving.
You’ll also have the option to visit a local distillery.
The cruise continues to Luang Prabang, one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating cities.
Arrival in the early evening.
After dinner, take a stroll through downtown Luang Prabang and soak up the peaceful and enchanting atmosphere of this city, taking the time to slow down.
 
Included activities: Visit the Pak Ou Caves, Exploring UNESCO World Heritage: Luang Prabang, more+
Optional services: Kayaking on the Nam Ou River more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Luang Prabang
Start your day by watching the sunrise while enjoying a freshly brewed coffee and a selection of... more+ teas in the lounge bar.
Then enjoy a daily yoga session on the terrace deck, at the foot of one of Laos’s most iconic temples.
After breakfast, take a walking tour of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the old town and its picturesque peninsula, where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet.
Admire the distinctive architecture while learning the fascinating stories behind its iconic houses and monuments.
Stroll through the narrow streets lined with historic buildings and majestic mango trees.
Return to the ship for lunch and some downtime.
The afternoon is dedicated to cultural heritage with a visit to the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum.
Discover local works of art and historical treasures that once belonged to the Lao royal family.
Continue with a gentle hike up Mount Phousi, offering magnificent panoramic views of the city.
After this excursion, enjoy free time to explore downtown at your own pace or relax at one of the street cafés.
A talk on daily life in Laos is then offered on board.
The evening continues with a cultural experience: village elders are invited to participate in a traditional Baci ceremony, a sacred ritual intended to bring good luck and blessings.
The ceremony is followed by a captivating traditional performance in the lounge.
Dinner is served on the terrace deck, with a pleasant view of Luang Prabang’s picturesque riverbanks.
 
Included activities: Visit to ancient Luang Prabang, Exploring UNESCO World Heritage: Luang Prabang, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Luang Prabang Xayaboury
Before the sun has fully risen, witness a spiritual Buddhist tradition deeply rooted in Lao... more+ culture: the morning alms procession, known as “Tak Bat” in Lao.
Wake up before dawn to watch hundreds of monks dressed in saffron robes file by in a peaceful atmosphere.
After bidding farewell to Luang Prabang, continue your journey downstream on the Mekong River.
First stop: a visit to an innovative dairy farm committed to social and environmental responsibility, the Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm.
While dairy products were rare in Laos just a few decades ago, the country now produces cheese, ice cream, and yogurt locally, which are sold in markets.
Continue on to the Kuang Si Falls, a remarkable natural site offering a pleasant hike where you can admire the turquoise waters.
You’ll have the chance to cool off by swimming in the shallow pools at the base of the falls.
Return to the ship, then sail toward the country’s first major dam and its first iconic hydroelectric power plant.
Before reaching the Xayaburi Dam, a lecture on the role of energy production in Laos’s economy and its potential to become the “battery of Southeast Asia.”
We’ll moor near the dam in preparation for our passage through it early the next day.
After dinner, another movie screening featuring a classic film.
 
Included activities: Visit to the Kuang Si waterfall, Tour of the Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Xayaboury Don Saynhan
In the morning, witness the boat passing through the Xayaburi hydroelectric dam, whose impressive... more+ structure rises 32.6 meters.
To overcome this significant difference in elevation, the boat passes through an imposing lock, allowing it to continue its journey.
During the morning, participate in a hands-on cooking workshop.
Learn how to prepare some classic Lao-Thai dishes that are easy to make at home.
Nothing brings back memories quite like the flavor of a good meal.
As the riverbanks become rockier and the passages narrower, arrive at Don Saynhan in the afternoon.
Once ashore, explore the surroundings aboard a local tuk-tuk on the way to Khao Cave.
The journey winds through lush, jungle-like vegetation.
The cave, which has long been home to a large colony of bats, serves as a vital source of fertilizer for the village.
Take a walk inside to admire its stalagmites and stalactites.
In the evening, head to the bar for some snacks and a briefing on the next day’s itinerary with your guide.
Later, we’ll anchor near a beautiful sandbar to enjoy a romantic barbecue dinner under the stars, followed by an outdoor movie screening in a cozy atmosphere.
 
Included activities: Tour of the island by TUK TUK, Khao Cave Tour, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Don Saynhan Sandbank
On this final full day of the cruise, the excursion takes us to the charming village of Pha Liep,... more+ surrounded by majestic limestone mountains offering a spectacular panorama.
In this region, the Lao Loum community lives primarily off agriculture.
The day is devoted to exploring two very distinct local craft traditions.
First, discover the expertise required to build traditional long-tail boats.
Although it is sometimes considered a “factory,” the construction of these iconic vessels—which remain essential for transportation in Laos—relies on meticulous and demanding manual labor.
The second activity is more indulgent: a visit to a local Lao whiskey distillery.
Owning this business not only allows the owner to regularly monitor production quality but also to manage a particularly thriving industry in Laos.
Lao whiskey is an integral part of the local culture, and every Laotian household typically has a bottle on hand.
Why not sample this specialty by preparing the traditional “Laotian Whiskey Cola,” a delicious local twist on the famous Cuba Libre?
After this immersion in the local culture, we’ll resume our cruise along the peaceful waters of the Mekong River to our mooring spot for the night.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to attend a presentation titled “Laos Today,” offering a glimpse into contemporary life along the river, or simply relax on board while admiring the scenery.
The day ends with a farewell dinner served on the sun deck, marking the conclusion of this magnificent adventure on the Mekong.
 
Included activities: Visit to the traditional boat production workshop, Visit to a local whisky distillery, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Sandbank Vientiane
Start your last day on board with a morning yoga session on deck.
Today, breakfast will be served... more+ on the sun deck, weather permitting, so you can fully enjoy the last few hours of cruising and the panoramic views.
Disembarkation at 9:00 a.m., followed by a transfer to Vientiane.
Estimated arrival in the city around 12:30 p.m.
The trip ends at your hotel located in the city center.
We hope you enjoy the rest of your stay.
 
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner

included

The price includes
Tours and admission to the sites listed in the itinerary
All transfers from the boat to tourist sites
Transfer from meeting point to ship and vice versa
English-speaking tour guide
Welcome drink
Unlimited tea and coffee on board
Mineral water available
Passenger liability insurance
Internet on board (subject to cellular network signal)
Port tax
River pilots
Fuel
Taxes
A French-speaking guide
Activities included in the program
Meals included in the program
The price does not include
Tips for crew and guides
Visa fees
Private transfers
Personal expenses
Beverages other than those listed
Medical service
Spa
Activities not included in the program
Meals not included in the program
Filovent cancellation cover more+
Filovent comprehensive cover more+
Optional services
Flights not included in the programme are available on request
Activities and excursions upon request more+

Activities

included
included
included
included
included
included
included
included
included
included
included
included
included
included
included
included
included
included
included
included
Not included

Customer reviews

The boat

This partner's boat has not yet been rated by a Filovent customer for this cruise.

The service

The service quality of this partner has not yet been rated by a Filovent customer for this cruise.

Information about the partner

  • Filovent partner since 2024
  • Last booking with this partner in May 2025
  • 3 bookings with this partner
  • Partner's overall rating: 4.2 / 10 (1 avis)
  • Average rating of the partner's boats: 3.3 / 10
  • Average rating of the partner's service: 5.0 / 10
  • Léa
    With Léa expert of your cruises

    Log in to receive your personalized cruise

    Invalid email
    Password forgotten? Invalid password, must be at least 8 characters long. Invalid email address or password We have a technical problem, please try again later