Sunset Cruises in Laos: The 7 Best Sailings

1.Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 158 reviews · 5 hours · from $35Our pick

Leave Luang Prabang in the afternoon for two hours at Kuang Si Waterfalls, with time to swim, walk the forest trails, and visit the Asiatic Black Bear Rescue Centre. Continue to a rice farm, then board a two-hour Mekong cruise with one drink included. Guides such as Pany, Khanthong, and Mr. Da have earned especially warm praise.

“Our guide was great and everything was on time. The time at the waterfall was appropriate and the boat trip back was excellent - good guide, beer and snacks.”

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2.Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 27 reviews · 2 hours · from $44

You’ll spend two hours on a solar-powered, double-decker wooden boat drifting along the Mekong near Luang Prabang. Enjoy a Lao mojito, seven small tasting dishes, sunset views, blankets, and a simple river ritual involving wishes and fish release. Hotel pickup by tuk tuk is included, but the return to your hotel is not.

“Average. They didn’t check our tickets properly and if we didn’t ask for the tasting dinner we would have missed out. Cocktails were mostly all sold out and the one we had wasn’t very nice. The fish release isn’t you doing it yourself but the wishes and worries was a nice idea. Not sure if I’d do this again nor recommend”

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3.Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 24 reviews · from $41

Join Manifa Travel for a small-group kayaking trip from Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves. Paddle the Nam Ou and Mekong, see limestone cliffs, visit Buddha-filled caves and Ban Xang Hai whisky village, then return by car or optional sunset cruise. Lunch, water, equipment, and entrance fees are included.

“We did the half day tour in a small group of six. The whole experience was excellent. We really enjoyed the kayaking and the caves. You definitely need to take a change of clothing - there are lockers at the activity centre where you can leave Read more”

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4.Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 20 reviews · from $35

Cruise the Mekong from Khem Khong in Luang Prabang for about two hours, timed for sunset. The quiet solar-powered boat carries up to 15 people and includes one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink. Expect a peaceful ride, photo opportunities, and a return to the same meeting point.

“The booking said tour starts at 1730. Boat left at 1700. You did not provide a meeting location. Only a geographical latitude, longitude. There was no guide, even though indicated. I expect a partial refund of HK$250.”

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5.Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $55Top rated

Meet your guide and travel by tuk-tuk to the Mekong jetty behind the Royal Palace. A two-hour slow-boat cruise brings sunset views of Luang Prabang and Chompet, followed by SinDat hot pot, snacks, local beer, and bottled water. Your guide helps with ordering and can take photos.

“What a great evening. Our guide, Mr Tid, was very informative & explained many things about the Mekong River.”

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6.Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $35

Join Victoria Xiengthong Palace at 4:30 pm for a 90-minute to two-hour sunset cruise from its Luang Prabang hotel. You’ll pass stilt houses, fishermen, and green riverbanks while enjoying comfortable seating, open views, snacks, and a drink. The boat returns to the hotel meeting point.

“We booked this last minute so hadn’t done any research which is unusual. However it turned out to be a truly amazing experience and one we will never forget. We felt like royalty it was that good. The food amazing, the sunset spectacular and overall service way over 5 stars. Absolutely recommend this to anyone.”

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7.Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang with Live Performance

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3 reviews · from $45

Meet at Khem Khong at 4:30 pm for a 90-minute Mekong cruise with sunset views, a nonalcoholic welcome drink, Lao snacks, and traditional dance and music onboard. Dinner is available to order, but hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide are not included.

“The traditional dance, music, and snack plate of Laotian food were excellent. It was a very relaxing way to spend a few hours. The scenery along the Mekon River was breathtaking. It would be perfect if there was an English speaking guide to Read more”

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