Shompoo Cruise
The Shompoo Cruise offers an authentic and relaxing journey along the Mekong River in Laos aboard traditional wooden vessels, focusing on cultural exploration and scenic river views.
Discover Laos on the Mekong River with Shompoo Cruise
The Shompoo Cruise provides an authentic river experience along the Mekong in Laos, utilizing a fleet of three charming traditional slow vessels. Each boat, measuring 35 meters in length, is built with robust steel hulls and features interiors crafted from exquisite local woods such as rosewood and teak. These vessels are specifically designed for comfortable navigation on the Mekong, offering a relaxed pace to appreciate the surrounding natural beauty and local life.
Onboard, guests will find a thoughtfully arranged layout that balances leisure and dining. The front of the vessel boasts a spacious sundeck lounge, offering unobstructed views of the river as you glide past. In the center, a 40-seat restaurant provides a cozy setting for enjoying meals, while the stern features a welcoming bar and additional seating, perfect for socializing or simply unwinding with a book.
It is important to note that the Shompoo Cruise operates as a day boat, meaning it does not feature overnight cabin accommodations on board. Instead, guests stay at pre-arranged hotels in Pakbeng during their journey. This unique approach allows travelers to fully engage with the riverine landscape and local culture during the day, while enjoying the comforts of land-based lodging at night. This cruise is an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of scenic river travel and immersive cultural discovery without the traditional overnight cruise ship cabin experience.
The Shompoo Cruise consistently receives high praise from guests, holding an excellent overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 11 reviews. Travelers frequently commend the professional and friendly crew, highlighting their helpfulness and extensive knowledge. The authentic handcrafted wooden boats and the peaceful atmosphere are often mentioned as key highlights, along with the well-organized excursions and delicious traditional Lao cuisine. While the cruise does not offer overnight cabins on board, the overall experience of exploring the Upper Mekong is widely regarded as exceptional and highly recommended by past passengers.
Cabin Types
No Onboard Cabin
Cruise Only (No Onboard Cabin)
Deck Plan
Cruise Programs
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Clear filtersDining & Facilities
- Sundeck Lounge: A spacious outdoor area at the front of the vessel, ideal for relaxing and enjoying panoramic river views.
- Onboard Restaurant: A centrally located, 40-seat dining area offering a comfortable environment for meals with scenic backdrops.
- Bar & Lounge: A relaxed social space at the ship's rear, providing beverages and additional seating.
- Sundeck Lounge: A spacious outdoor area at the front of the vessel, ideal for relaxing and enjoying panoramic river views.
- Onboard Restaurant: A centrally located, 40-seat dining area offering a comfortable environment for meals with scenic backdrops.
- Bar & Lounge: A relaxed social space at the ship's rear, providing beverages and additional seating.
- Receive assistance with border crossing at Chiang Khong (Thai side).
- Obtain support for visa application processes.
- Utilize shared minivan or hotel shuttle transfers to the slow boat pier.
- Attend an engaging lecture by the guide on Laotian culture and local insights.
- Visit traditional Kamu villages to experience authentic rural life.
- Explore the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to over 2,000 Buddha statues.
- Discover the traditional distillation process of Lao Lao rice whiskey in Ban Mouang village.
- Enjoy peaceful cruising along the Upper Mekong River, observing forested hills and riverside communities.
Booking Policies
- Transfers from the boat pier to hotels in Luang Prabang.
- Visa stamping fees upon arrival.
- All flight costs (unless explicitly quoted as part of the package).
- Any form of travel insurance.
- Surcharges for hotel accommodation in Pakbeng, including:
- Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge/Superior: $130 per room, per night.
- Le Grand Pakbeng/Mekong Villa: $150 per room, per night.
- Luangsay Lodge/Standard: $110 per room, per night.
- Guides speaking languages other than English.
- Additional charges during peak tourist seasons or special events.
- Gratuities, personal beverages, and other individual expenses.
To secure a reservation, full payment must be completed prior to the scheduled travel date. Please note that specific cancellation terms apply uniquely to each cruise product; for comprehensive details, kindly consult the cruise-specific policy or reach out to our sales team directly.
Should a guest need to cancel their booking, the following charges will be applied:
- No Show: 100% of the total tour price.
- Cancellations made 1-10 days before departure: 100% of the total tour price.
- Cancellations made 11-20 days before departure: 50% of the total tour price.
- Cancellations made 21-30 days before departure: 30% of the total tour price.
- Cancellations made more than 30 days before departure: 10% of the total tour price.
- Children under 4 years old travel free of charge.
- Children aged 4 to 10 years old will be charged 75% of the adult rate and are expected to share a bed with their parents.
- Children 11 years and older are charged the full adult rate (100%).
For travelers arriving from Thailand, our team will greet you at 7:30 AM at the Chiang Khong immigration office on the Thai border. We will facilitate your crossing of the bridge via the mandatory shuttle bus and assist with your visa application to ensure a smooth start. Once your visa is processed, a comfortable shared minivan will transport you to the slow boat pier for boarding. If you are already in Houay Xay, a shuttle will pick you up directly from your hotel between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM and take you to the boat pier. Please note that transfers from the boat pier to your hotel in Luang Prabang upon disembarkation are not included in the cruise fare.
| Operator | Shompoo Cruise |
| Cruise Line | Shompoo Cruise |
| Ship Type | Standard |
| Built Year | 2012 |
| Cabins | 0 |
| Passengers | 40 |
| Home Port | Luang Prabang, Lao P.D.R |
