LAOS – Luang Prabang – Shompoo Cruise

Description

Made of teak and rosewood and tastefully decorated, the 35-m Shompoo boat is used for trips between Houei Xai, Pakbeng, and Luang Prabang. Carrying up to 40 travelers at a time and providing seating around 10 tables this is a comfortable option for exploring the Mekong north of Luang Prabang. A cool breeze can be enjoyed while travelling upstream – there are no glass windows but there is a plastic side cover in case of rain. The boat offers professional and high quality services, space for walking, clean toilets, and a range of pleasurable delights such as magazines, books, tea and coffee. Also, to complement the cruise experience, there is a sundeck, a bar area, and a different lunch provided everyday.

Selling points

• Comfortable and relaxing way of travelling along the Northern Mekong.
• Facilities include electricity supply for guests, a bar, and a sundeck.
• High-quality professional service.
• Excellent option for day cruises.
• Safety is taken seriously.

Notes

SCHEDULE:

• DOWNSTREAM CRUISE – 2 DAYS OF BOAT SERVICES
  • From October to March: Departure every Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.
  • From April to September: Departure every Monday and Friday.UPSTREAM CRUISE – 2 DAYS OF BOAT SERVICES
  • From October to March: Departure every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
  • From April to September: Departure every Wednesday and Sunday.

NOTES:

• From October to February, it can get cold during the cruise, guests should not forget to bring a jacket.
• It is possible to leave luggage and suitcase on the boat and take only small day-pack for your
  overnight stay in Pakbeng. Guests are free to choose their own hotel in Pakbeng.
• For safety reasons and according to the weather conditions, the program may change without prior notice.

SAFETY ON BOARD: 

• 50 life vests are on the boat
• AGL insurance (boat + passengers)
• Boat registration to the boat association

Facilities

Disabled Facilities

Restaurant information

Shompoo Cruise Cuisine

• Type of cuisine: Lao, buffet style.
• Capacity: 40 pax
• Opening hours: Variable, depends on the day’s itinerary.

Pros

• The Shompoo Cruise offers a high quality of service.
• The boat is well designed making it comfortable for day cruise trips.
• On-board facilities include electricity for guests, a bar, and a sundeck lounge.
• A comfortable and relaxing way to explore the Northern Mekong.

Cons

• Not ideal for guests wanting a more private journey.
• Pick-up in Luang Prabang is not provided.
• No accommodation is provided in Pakbeng.

Notes

SHOMPOO CRUISE SCHEDULE:

• DOWNSTREAM CRUISE – 2 DAYS OF BOAT SERVICES
  • From October to March: Departure every Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.
  • From April to September: Departure every Monday and Friday.
• Boats leave Houei Say pier at latest for 9:30am. Guests should be at the Lao immigration office in Houei Say before 08:30am.
• UPSTREAM CRUISE – 2 DAYS OF BOAT SERVICES
• • From October to March: Departure every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
  • From April to September: Departure every Wednesday and Sunday.Boats leave Luang Prabang at 7:00am. Guests should be at the CALAO boat pier at 6:45am.

INCLUDED ON SHARED CRUISE

• Transfer on a shared tuk-tuk from Lao immigration office to slow boat Pier in Houay Xay for
  downstream and vice-versa for upstream program.
• Crew service during the cruise.
• Baggage handling during all the cruise.
• Admission fees for shore visits with our English speaking guide.
• Lunch on board as mentioned in the program.
• Drinking bottled water, coffee, tea during meals.

EXCLUDED:

• Shuttle boat from Houei Say to Chiang Khong and vice-versa.
• Visa/immigration and/or overstay fees in Laos or in Thailand.
• Transfer in Luang Prabang from your hotel to boat pier and vice-versa.
• Accommodation and meals in Pak Beng.
• Personal insurance.
• Beverages, personal expenses, and tips.
• Other expenses not mentioned above.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Shompoo is not the owner of the ships. They rent them from locals (most of them Lao speaking only). Hence, staff are not fixed and service is family style. Boat are of different sizes depending on group size.
• It is better to recommend local boats for privatisation and GIT, offering similar services but lower prices for charter than Shompoo cruise.
• On the upstream cruise: from November to March it may not be possible to ensure the Hill tribe village visit, as during this period there is a lack of daylight (i.e. a late sunrise and early sunset).

SAFETY ON BOARD: 

• 50 life vests are on the boat
• AGL insurance (boat + passengers)
• Boat registration to the boat association

Alternative cruises: LAOS – Luang Prabang – Nagi Cruise; LAOS – Luang Prabang – Local Boat

Important notes

Tel: +856 71 21 31 89
Fax: +856 71 21 31 90
www.shompoocruise.com/

Contact

EXTRA COSTS

• Lunch not included for charter boat: 10 USD per pax
• Entrance fees/baggage handling and transfer to boat pier is guests’ responsibility.
• Extra day in Pakbeng: additional cost + 50 USD per day
• For 1day cruise only, we charge 65% of the total price mentioned above.

CHILD POLICY

• Free of charge for children under 4 years old.
• Between 4 and 12 years old, 80% of the normal rate.
• Over 13 years old, full rate is applied.

CHARTER CRUISE

• The charter cruise prices include only the private boat cruise and the whole staff services from embarkation on board to arrival of boat pier destination (entrance fees, baggage handling and tuk-tuk transfers are not included).

POLICY FOR LOCAL GUIDES AND TOUR LEADERS:

• Cruise and lunch on board are free of charge for local guides and tour leaders.

• Boat Photos
• Restaurant photos