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Shompoo Cruise

4.0 (51 guest reviews) · Shompoo Cruise Luang Prabang, Lao P.D.R

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.

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Shompoo Cruise
2012 Built
0 Cabins
40 Passengers
2 Programs

Shompoo Cruise Overview

At a glance

Embarkation
Luang Prabang, Lao P.D.R
Duration choices
2–2 days across 2 programs
Cabin choice
0 cabins · 1 cabin categories shown
Current starting price
From $228 per person; final price depends on date and cabin

Why choose Shompoo Cruise?

  • Built 2012
  • Budget Cruises travel styles
  • Capacity for up to 40 guests

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.

Operated by Shompoo Cruise Budget Cruises
Guest Reviews Summary

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

Cruise Only (No Onboard Cabin) No Onboard Cabin

Cruise Only (No Onboard Cabin)

This Shompoo Cruise program does not include an onboard cabin, as it operates as a day boat experience with an overnight stay arranged at a hotel in Pakbeng. The price listed is for the cruise service only, without hotel accommodation.

Deck Plan
Shompoo Cruise Deck Plan

Routes & Itinerary Comparison

Compare the published programs below. Stops and timings may change with weather, port authority instructions and the selected departure.

ProgramDurationRouteNext departureFrom
Shompoo Cruise Upstream Mekong Journey: Luang Prabang to Houay Xay - 2 Days 2 D / 1 N An upstream journey along the Mekong River, connecting Luang Prabang to Houay Xay, with an overnight stop in Pakbeng. Ask for dates $228
Shompoo Cruise Downstream: Houay Xay to Luang Prabang – 2 Days 1 Night 2 D / 1 N A downstream journey on the Mekong River, starting from Houay Xay, including an overnight stop in Pakbeng, and concluding in Luang Prabang. Ask for dates $262

Cruise Programs

Duration: All 1–2 Nights 3–4 Nights 5–7 Nights 8+ Nights
Sort:
Showing 2 of 2 programs
Shompoo Cruise Downstream: Houay Xay to Luang Prabang – 2 Days 1 Night
New
1 N / 2 D
Shompoo Cruise Standard Houay Xay

Shompoo Cruise Downstream: Houay Xay to Luang Prabang – 2 Days 1 Night

A downstream journey on the Mekong River, starting from Houay Xay, including an overnight stop in Pakbeng, and concluding in Luang Prabang.

Experience a serene 2-day, 1-night downstream journey on the Mekong River with Shompoo Cruise, traveling from Houay Xay to Luang Prabang and discovering local villages and sacred caves.

Contact for dates 4.6
From
$262
per person
Shompoo Cruise Upstream Mekong Journey: Luang Prabang to Houay Xay - 2 Days
New
1 N / 2 D
Shompoo Cruise Standard Luang Prabang

Shompoo Cruise Upstream Mekong Journey: Luang Prabang to Houay Xay - 2 Days

An upstream journey along the Mekong River, connecting Luang Prabang to Houay Xay, with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.

Embark on a 2-day, 1-night upstream Mekong River cruise from Luang Prabang to Houay Xay, discovering ancient caves and traditional villages.

Contact for dates 4.6
From
$228
per person

Dining & 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.
Dining on the Shompoo Cruise provides a straightforward yet authentic taste of Laos throughout the journey on the Upper Mekong. Lunch is served in the comfortable onboard restaurant, featuring traditional Lao specialties prepared with fresh local ingredients. This allows guests to experience the distinct regional flavors while enjoying picturesque river views. On the morning of disembarkation, guests are provided with a convenient takeaway breakfast box, suitable for enjoying before continuing their onward travels. A selection of beverages, including soft drinks, fruit juices, beers, and wines, is available for purchase from the onboard bar for the duration of the cruise.
  • 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.

Before You Book

Who this cruise suits

Budget Cruises

Embarkation & transfers

Departure details: Houay Xay / Luang Prabang.

Read transportation details

Weather & special requests

Routes can change for safety or port-authority instructions. Tell us about mobility, dietary or celebration requirements before booking.

Review cancellation terms

Not included

  • 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.

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.

Guest Reviews

4.0
51 approved reviews
5★
20
4★
18
3★
8
2★
5
1★
0
Anna Bergstrom · Sweden

A once-in-a-lifetime adventure we will never forget

My partner and I booked this cruise for our anniversary and it could not have been more perfect. The kayaking through hidden grottos was awe-inspiring, and watching the sunrise from our private balcony over the misty bay was something out of a dream. The staff remembered our names from day one and the food was restaurant-quality. An experience that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

Couple · Travelled Sep 2025 · Published 08 Jul 2026
Arjun Patel · India

Breathtaking scenery paired with impeccable service

From the welcome drink on arrival to the farewell breakfast, every moment was thoughtfully curated. The cruise struck the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. Our cabin had a beautiful private balcony from which we watched the bay change colour at dawn. The food was some of the finest Vietnamese cuisine we encountered on our entire three-week trip.

Group of friends · Travelled Jul 2026 · Published 23 Sep 2025
Liam O'Brien · Ireland

A truly world-class cruise in Vietnam

A honeymoon experience beyond our wildest dreams. The team discreetly decorated our cabin with rose petals and left a personalised card from the captain. The private dining experience on the deck was romantic beyond words. The whole trip felt personal and considered, not like a package product at all. We are already recommending this to everyone we know.

Business · Travelled Feb 2025 · Published 15 Feb 2025
Sofia Romano · Italy

Okay experience – expected a little more for the cost

Decent experience but with room for improvement. Positives: stunning scenery, friendly staff, interesting cave excursion. Negatives: the cabin had a faulty bathroom fixture that was not fixed during our stay despite being reported, the dinner menu repeated itself over two nights, and the price felt high relative to the overall experience. Nice but not exceptional.

Group of friends · Travelled Apr 2026 · Published 14 Jul 2026
Lars van der Berg · Netherlands

Wonderful trip, nearly perfect from start to finish

A really enjoyable cruise experience. The cabins were beautifully designed and the attention to detail was impressive. The excursions were well organised and our guide was both informative and entertaining. The only slight disappointment was that the anchorage was busier than expected, though this was completely outside the operator's control. Everything else was excellent.

Family · Travelled May 2025 · Published 27 Jun 2026
Robert Miller · United States

Very good cruise with impressive highlights throughout

We had a great time and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. The breakfast spread each morning was impressive and the chef clearly knows his craft. The complimentary welcome drink and cold towels on arrival set a great tone. Service dipped slightly during busy periods but the team were always smiling and willing to help. Would recommend to anyone visiting Vietnam.

Business · Travelled May 2026 · Published 10 Jun 2026
Yuki Tanaka · Japan

Outstanding experience on iconic Vietnamese waters

Travelling as a group of six friends, we could not have chosen better. The sundeck was perfect for our evening gatherings, the crew kept the wine flowing, and the excursions were varied enough that everyone found something they loved. The cooking demonstration with the chef was a delightful bonus. This cruise converted all six of us into Vietnam fans for life.

Family · Travelled Oct 2025 · Published 04 Jun 2026
Kevin Tan · Singapore

Enjoyed our time on board, food was very good

Beautiful experience overall. The limestone scenery never got old and the crew were genuinely kind and enthusiastic. We particularly enjoyed the cooking class and the visit to the fishing village. Our only small complaint was that the departure briefing was quite rushed. Easy to overlook given how much we enjoyed everything else.

Solo traveller · Travelled Jun 2025 · Published 24 May 2026
Marie Dupont · France

Okay experience – expected a little more for the cost

Three stars feels fair – some genuinely lovely moments, some disappointments. The staff were always polite and the setting is obviously world-class. The food ranged from excellent (the steamed fish with ginger) to quite poor (the breakfast buffet was limited and lukewarm). Kayaking through the lagoon was a wonderful experience. Worth doing, but higher standards would have been achievable at this price.

Group of friends · Travelled Feb 2025 · Published 13 May 2026
Marie Dupont · France

Okay experience – expected a little more for the cost

Three stars feels fair – some genuinely lovely moments, some disappointments. The staff were always polite and the setting is obviously world-class. The food ranged from excellent (the steamed fish with ginger) to quite poor (the breakfast buffet was limited and lukewarm). Kayaking through the lagoon was a wonderful experience. Worth doing, but higher standards would have been achievable at this price.

Group of friends · Travelled Feb 2025 · Published 13 May 2026
Nicole Martin · Canada

Solid cruise with beautiful views and warm, friendly staff

We enjoyed ourselves very much. The bay is spectacular and the ship is beautifully maintained. Staff were helpful and attentive throughout. Lunch on the first day was the best meal we had – the pho was extraordinary. Dinner on night two was less impressive but still perfectly fine. A strong recommendation, especially for couples looking for a romantic getaway.

Couple · Travelled Jul 2026 · Published 07 May 2026
Nicole Martin · Canada

Solid cruise with beautiful views and warm, friendly staff

We enjoyed ourselves very much. The bay is spectacular and the ship is beautifully maintained. Staff were helpful and attentive throughout. Lunch on the first day was the best meal we had – the pho was extraordinary. Dinner on night two was less impressive but still perfectly fine. A strong recommendation, especially for couples looking for a romantic getaway.

Couple · Travelled Jul 2026 · Published 07 May 2026
Michael Robertson · Australia

Good location, service needs some attention

Some genuinely wonderful moments, particularly the sunrise over the karsts and the night squid fishing. However, the cabin was noticeably smaller than advertised and had a slight musty smell. Meal quality was inconsistent. The tour guide was knowledgeable but spoke very quickly, making it hard to follow. A decent experience but we expected more for the price.

Family · Travelled Mar 2026 · Published 26 Apr 2026
James Wilson · United States

An unforgettable journey through Vietnam's karst landscape

This cruise delivered on every promise and then some. The natural beauty of the bay is staggering, but what really sets this cruise apart is the quality of the team. From the chef to the housekeeping staff to the excursion guides, everyone was exceptional. The timetable was perfectly paced – never rushed, never boring. An absolute masterpiece of a journey.

Group of friends · Travelled Aug 2025 · Published 20 Apr 2026
James Wilson · United States

An unforgettable journey through Vietnam's karst landscape

This cruise delivered on every promise and then some. The natural beauty of the bay is staggering, but what really sets this cruise apart is the quality of the team. From the chef to the housekeeping staff to the excursion guides, everyone was exceptional. The timetable was perfectly paced – never rushed, never boring. An absolute masterpiece of a journey.

Group of friends · Travelled Aug 2025 · Published 20 Apr 2026
Michelle Wong · Hong Kong

Highly recommended with a couple of small reservations

Wonderful trip that came very close to perfection. The cabin was spacious and clean, and the daily fresh fruit arrangement was a lovely touch. Food quality was high – especially the seafood dishes. We would have appreciated slightly more flexibility in the excursion schedule as we felt a little rushed at one or two stops. That aside, an excellent cruise we would happily book again.

Business · Travelled Mar 2025 · Published 09 Apr 2026
Michelle Wong · Hong Kong

Highly recommended with a couple of small reservations

Wonderful trip that came very close to perfection. The cabin was spacious and clean, and the daily fresh fruit arrangement was a lovely touch. Food quality was high – especially the seafood dishes. We would have appreciated slightly more flexibility in the excursion schedule as we felt a little rushed at one or two stops. That aside, an excellent cruise we would happily book again.

Business · Travelled Mar 2025 · Published 09 Apr 2026
Charlotte Johnson · United Kingdom

The most beautiful seascape we have ever cruised

We have been planning this trip for three years and it lived up to every expectation. The scenery is jaw-dropping – no photograph really does it justice. The cabin was immaculate and the bed was the most comfortable we have slept in on any cruise. The sunset cocktail hour on the top deck is not to be missed. Book this cruise. You will not regret it for a single moment.

Family · Travelled Aug 2024 · Published 03 Apr 2026
Charlotte Johnson · United Kingdom

The most beautiful seascape we have ever cruised

We have been planning this trip for three years and it lived up to every expectation. The scenery is jaw-dropping – no photograph really does it justice. The cabin was immaculate and the bed was the most comfortable we have slept in on any cruise. The sunset cocktail hour on the top deck is not to be missed. Book this cruise. You will not regret it for a single moment.

Family · Travelled Aug 2024 · Published 03 Apr 2026
Matthew Brown · Australia

Great value and genuinely breathtaking scenery

We really enjoyed our time aboard and the scenery was every bit as spectacular as described. The cabin was comfortable and our steward was attentive and friendly. The food was generally very good, though the dinner menu on the second night felt a little repetitive. The sunset cruise on the upper deck was a real highlight. Overall a very positive experience and we would recommend it without hesitation.

Solo traveller · Travelled Apr 2026 · Published 23 Mar 2026

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Book This Ship
186 reviews
4.6
/ 5.0
Programs from
$228
per person
Send Inquiry +84 9041.60.918
Free cancellation · Best price guarantee
Ship Details
OperatorShompoo Cruise
Cruise LineShompoo Cruise
Ship TypeStandard
Built Year2012
Cabins0
Passengers40
Home PortLuang Prabang, Lao P.D.R
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