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Luang Prabang Touring

Luang Prabang, UNESCO World Heritage town located at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers. There are many sites to visit in and around this town and the best way to explore is by boat. We have designed trips, since 2010, to give you the independence to go at your own pace, take the track less worn, have an insider's perspective. Most importantly we take out the hassle so you can enjoy your time, interacting with locals and Lao hospitality.

Our boats are very comfortable for any number of guests, should you have a larger group we  have the perfect boat for your private function. 

All tours depart from Luang Prabang, and our workshops are in Luang Prabang town area.

Our Tours

BB03 Private Sunset Cruise 

For those who prefer to go their own way, catered for in local style!

  • Spectacular sights of the Mekong around Luang Prabang
  • Relax and watch the sunset with beer, refreshing drinks and Lao snacks
  • Optional climbing of the stairs to Chomphet Temple to enjoy the panoramic view of Luang Prabang
Cost:
    1 person - US$89  (travelling solo)

    2 persons - US$49 per person

    3 persons - US$39 per person

    4 persons - US$29 per person

    Fare Includes:  Hotel transfers

    Boat and experienced captain,

    water, soft drinks and beer (all drinks iced in cooler), Lao snacks.


    Does not include: Guide and tips, Wat Chomphet entrance fee (10,000 kip) if you choose to climb the stairs

BB05 Pak Ou Caves & Sunset 
    Relaxing afternoon tour to beat the heat and crowds!
  • Spectacular sights of the Mekong around Luang Prabang
  • Explore the lower and upper caves of Pak Ou
  • Enjoy the sunset with onboard beer, refreshing drinks and Lao snacks
  • Optional stops at the whiskey and paper villages
Cost:

1 person - US$155 (travelling solo)

2 persons - US$89 per person

3 persons - US$69 per person
4 persons - US$59 per person


Fare Includes: Hotel transfers, Boat and experienced captain, water, soft drinks and beer (all drinks in iced cooler),  Lao snacks, entrance to Pak Ou caves. (Add US$8.00 per person if you would like to include picnic lunch. )


Does not include: Guide and tips.

BB04 Waterfall and Caves

Perfect for the time poor, a big day out!

  • Drive through villages for views of the Mekong, mountains and rice fields to the Falls 
  • Visit the Bear Rescue Area 
  • Explore the jungle park of the Kuangsi Waterfall
  • Cruise upstream to Pak Ou Caves with an onboard picnic
  • Optional village visits -  See the array of hand-crafted items at the Paper Village and the making method and/or  taste the home brew at the Whiskey village
  • Return boat trip coincides with sunset  over the Mekong
Cost:

1 person - US$218 (travelling solo)

2 persons - US$127 per person

3 persons - US$89 per person

4 persons - US$79 per person


Fare Includes:  Private vehicle from hotel to waterfall and back to boat pier, transfer from carpark to entrance, entrance fees to waterfall and bear rescue centre,  boat and experienced captain, lunch, water, soft drinks and beer (all drinks in iced cooler),  Lao snacks, entrance to Pak Ou Caves, transfer return to hotel. 


Does not include: Guide and tips.

BB01 Temples, Bears, Waterfall
  • Visit the 200 year old Long Khoune Temple
  • Enjoy a panoramic view of Luang Prabang while climbing the stairs to the Chomphet Temple
  • Cruise the Mekong downstream to Ban Thin Som,
  • Explore the jungle of the Kuangsi Waterfall and swim in the natural pools
  • Visit the Bear Rescue Area
Cost:
    1 person - US$159 (travelling solo)

    2 persons - US$89 per person

    3 persons - US$69 per person

    4 persons - US$59 per person

    Fare Includes:  Hotel transfers

    Boat and experienced captain, van tansfer from village to waterfall carpark and return, entrance to Kuangsi waterfall and bear sanctuary including shuttle from carpark,water, soft drinks and beer (all drinks iced in cooler), picnic lunch, Lao snacks.


    Does not include: Guide and tips, temple fees (approx. 20,000kip).
    Read more about this trip in our tripper's blog.

2 nights / 3 days Nongkhiaw, Nam Ou River & Villages
  • Half-day visiting Taileu weaving village en-route to Nongkhiaw with a guide for a deeper understanding of this culturally active community. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch and an indigo natural dyes workshop is available (optional) 
  • Day trip with guide along the very scenic Nam Ou river with some trekking, this day can be adjusted to suit fitness. 
  • Time to explore Nongkhiaw on-foot independently.
  • 2 nights accommodation Nongkhiaw and transfers to and from Luang Prabang.
Cost:

2 persons - approx. US$345 per person

Note: Price is guide only and depends on accommodation available at time of booking. And fitness level for touring in Nongkhiaw. Contact us to tailor the tour to your interests.
 
Fare Includes:  Private mini-van transfer to Nongkhiaw, via village and return, Taileu cotton village visit with guide and lunch, 2 nights boutique guesthouse accommodation with breakfast, day tour on the Nam Ou River including lunch and guide.  


Does not include: tips, 2 dinners in Nongkhiaw, and lunch on
Day 3. 

Overnight Village Experience
True Lao Hospitality

Stay overnight in a traditional TaiLeu wooden house. Experience traditional life and culture of your warm English-speaking host, his family and community as they show you their crafts. Workshops are hands-on and at your own pace. Enjoy the peaceful village and very delicious food. 


Cost:

1 person - US$145 (travelling solo)

2 persons - US$130 per person


Fare includes: Accommodation, English-speaking host, 2 lunches, breakfast and dinner, drinking water, 2 workshops, cotton scarf for dyeing, bus tickets from Luang Prabang and return (or from Luang Prabang and on to Nongkhiaw).


Does not include: Items of a personal nature and tips.


If travelling in a group or family or would prefer a private van transfer please have us prepare a quote. Additional nights and longer workshops available for those who would like to create in this unique village environment. 

Artisanal Workshops

Silver
Jewelry

In this half day workshop be guided by a master silversmith and make a ring, earrings or a small pendant with 10grams of 99.9% silver. A unique experience to fashion jewelery, your own design or inspiration from examples on show.

US$59 per person
Half Day 9am or 1pm
Includes return transfers from town accommodation to studio.

Paper
Making

Travel to the paper village for a hands-on paper making experience. Learn the process of preparing mulberry bark, from boiling to breaking it down. Get your hands dirty as you make a piece of paper. Decorate your creation with natural ingredients.
US$50 one person, US$36 per person 2 people or more
Half Day 9am or 1pm

Includes return transfers from town accommodation to studio.

Taileu Dreamcatcher

Using beads, bamboo, and naturally-dyed cotton from our Taileu weavers create a beautiful decoration to hang in your home, and improve your dreams!. Our master English-speaking teacher will guide you through each step. An activity for all skill levels.
US$20US per person
Allow 2 hours
Make your own way to Ma Té Sai store for this workshop.

FAQs

Prices are per person based on two or more people travelling together unless otherwise stated. Children under 5 are free, and we offer discounts for children under 12, please contact us to confirm price as depends on number of adults in group. All of our tours and workshops are based on private departure, if you are one person please note price on tour page.  If you have a larger family or group please contact us for a quote.


ATTENTION - DRINKING WATER 

Banana Boat is helping to reduce plastic waste in Luang Prabang. We use light weight reusable aluminium bottles for drinking water, the drinking water comes from 5 litre bottles we purchase from a reputable water company in town. Bottles are thoroughly cleaned after each trip. We hope our passengers can understand this strategy to reduce the amount of small plastic water bottles going into landfill. 

Things to remember about boating and touring in Laos:

  • The rivers in Laos vary in height greatly between the wet and dry seasons so you will have times when you have to walk up steep river banks. If you cannot walk up steep inclines
    without steps let us know so we can make sure you are set down in suitable places with ramps or steps. Steps are unavoidable. 
  • It can be very cold in the dry season (Nov-Mar), so dress warmly for sitting on the boat. Even in the hot wet season (May-Sep) it is a good idea to bring a light
    cover as it can get chilly if caught in a rain storm.  
  • It is your trip so enjoy your time, but please be mindful of time after sunset, it is not easy navigating at night.  
  • Boats can be unstable,  it is best if you sit evenly on either side of the boat. Try and manage the weight displacement with your friends. 
  • And Relax.....we are in no hurry so enjoy the ride. 


Visit us in-store @Ma Té Sai, opposite Outback Bar, Ban Aphai, Luang Prabang (see map below for exact location)

Message us in English & Lao:   WhatsApp +856 2077941118