Shompoo Cruise
Shompoo Cruise
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Shompoo Cruise organize 2 days Mekong Cruise from Luang Prabang to Thai border and Vice-versa on board of our comfortable boats.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
448 reviews
Excellent
383
Very good
50
Average
9
Poor
1
Terrible
5
248rosanna
Winchester, United Kingdom8 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Witnessing the beauty of the gently changing view as we sailed down the Mekong river on this gorgeous and atmospheric boat was one of the best experiences of my life. Please choose Shompoo; their boat is so much prettier than their competitors, who we saw doc after day 1 of our voyage. The lunch prepared onboard is traditional and utterly delicious. Our guide, Deng, originated from a hill tribe in North Laos so was hugely knowledgable as well as respectful when we visited am anemis hill tribe on day one of our voyage. We felt concerned about this part of the itinerary, fearing we my be being voyeuristic. However, Shompoo is such an ethical company that the stop does seem to be to the good of the settlement. Deng showed us how Shompooo have used their cruise profits to build clean water facilities for the anemis settlement, administered malaria vaccines to all and provided schooling. He spoke to the families in their language, gave us a few words so we could do so and it was an utter privilege to meet them and inspiring to see such positive work happening.
Shompoo’s ethics extends to we tourists too. The other cruise companies stop 20 minutes outside Luang Prabang at the end of the cruise on day 2 so that tourists are forced to pay for tuk tuks and taxis to take them into the centre; however, Shompoo docs in the centre of Luang Prabang.
It’s also worth giving a particular mention to The Grand Hotel in which we stayed after day 1 of the cruise when docking in Packbeng. I recommend you to book it if you have the budget because it is probably the most beautifully situated hotel I have ever been to. The infinity pool looks out over the Mekong and we all swam as sunset once we’d docked. The rooms have a glass wall which looks out on the same view (even from the shower). It’s a destination hotel in itself. There are much cheaper hotels in Packbeng too though and the Shompoo cruise is HEAVENLY so don’t worry if you can’t combine it with a stay at this hotel.
Shompoo’s ethics extends to we tourists too. The other cruise companies stop 20 minutes outside Luang Prabang at the end of the cruise on day 2 so that tourists are forced to pay for tuk tuks and taxis to take them into the centre; however, Shompoo docs in the centre of Luang Prabang.
It’s also worth giving a particular mention to The Grand Hotel in which we stayed after day 1 of the cruise when docking in Packbeng. I recommend you to book it if you have the budget because it is probably the most beautifully situated hotel I have ever been to. The infinity pool looks out over the Mekong and we all swam as sunset once we’d docked. The rooms have a glass wall which looks out on the same view (even from the shower). It’s a destination hotel in itself. There are much cheaper hotels in Packbeng too though and the Shompoo cruise is HEAVENLY so don’t worry if you can’t combine it with a stay at this hotel.
Written February 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle
6 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
Just recently finished a 2 day cruise down the Mekong with Shompoo Cruise from HouayXai to Luang Prabang and would definitely recommend it to anyone! It was comfortable, relaxing, and very enjoyable to watch the scenery go by for about 7 or so hours each day. We stayed in Chiang Khong the night before so that we wouldn't have to get up as early as we would have if coming from Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai (or you can stay in HouayXai on the Laos side if you want to be able to sleep in even later). We met our guide at the immigration office at 7:30am, and all transportation from that point on was arranged for us, plus assistance with carrying our bags up some steep hills, including getting to the boat from the border, getting to and from the 1 overnight hotel stop in Pakbeng, and then getting to our hotel in Luang Prabang once we arrived. As everyone else said, everything was very well organized, and it was nice to not have to worry about any of that. We stayed at the Sanctuary ( the mid-range hotel option if booked through Shampoo) and it was comfortable with a beautiful view from up on a hill overlooking the river.
I wanted to re-recommend 2 tips that I had seen on here before and wished that I had followed. First is to pack just an overnight bag to bring to your hotel so that you don't have to bring your larger backpack or suitcase with you (the crew sleeps on the boat so your luggage is safe). And second, I wished that I had picked up some school supplies for the children in the village that we stopped in (pens, pencils, notebooks, or anything else) because I think they would be so excited and appreciative to get anything!
I wanted to re-recommend 2 tips that I had seen on here before and wished that I had followed. First is to pack just an overnight bag to bring to your hotel so that you don't have to bring your larger backpack or suitcase with you (the crew sleeps on the boat so your luggage is safe). And second, I wished that I had picked up some school supplies for the children in the village that we stopped in (pens, pencils, notebooks, or anything else) because I think they would be so excited and appreciative to get anything!
Written February 16, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael B
Jersey, UK23 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
After spending two weeks in Thailand we crossed over Friendship Bridge no 4 at Chiang Khong into Laos to begin a fantastic two day cruise downstream the mighty Mekong to Luang Prabang. Stunning scenery all the way and an absolutely wonderful host in the charming and funny Por Xiong. This is an absolutely wonderful way to enter beautiful Laos.
The Shompoo operation runs like clockwork and I would thoroughly recommend it. My only warning is that some of the gangway access off the boat onto land can be a bit tricky. At 68 I must have been close to being the eldest of the 30 or so passengers on board but I made it safe and sound!
The Shompoo operation runs like clockwork and I would thoroughly recommend it. My only warning is that some of the gangway access off the boat onto land can be a bit tricky. At 68 I must have been close to being the eldest of the 30 or so passengers on board but I made it safe and sound!
Written January 24, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VAS2011
Cambridge, UK76 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
The long boat cruise on the Mekong was amazing! The cruise was perfectly arranged by Alex and his team, and our guide Sen made it so much more by sharing info about Laos, anecdotes about his family and his good humour. Watching nature along the way with a good book was so relaxing. We visited several villages on the way and a women’s cooperative. And the food served on the boat was some of the best we had in Laos!
The stay at the Lodge in Pak Beng was also perfect - watching the sunset over the Mekong with a Beer Lao was fantastic. If you have time, stay an extra day and visit the Mekong Elephant Park. It was so close just on the other side of the river, and we were really impressed with their commitment to ethical treatment of the elephants (no riding, no touching, just observing elephants in their natural habitat).
The stay at the Lodge in Pak Beng was also perfect - watching the sunset over the Mekong with a Beer Lao was fantastic. If you have time, stay an extra day and visit the Mekong Elephant Park. It was so close just on the other side of the river, and we were really impressed with their commitment to ethical treatment of the elephants (no riding, no touching, just observing elephants in their natural habitat).
Written December 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ALISTAIRGEE
3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Upriver 2 day boat trip from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai, had a great 2 days, bboat and facilities were great. The meals supplied on both days were excellent and freshly supplied by the captains wife. Overnight stay in Pak Beng was in a very cheap accommodation (£15.00) Janh Ya Phone Guesthouse, this was booked by ourselves to save some costs. It was fine and was only used to sleep in overnight, clean and comfortable.
The guide for the 2 day trip was a local Laos man named Tee, he was great company and continually kept most members on the trip up to date with locations and relevant information about the areas and villages. He was so helpful when reaching the border control at Thailand, we also met some lovely people on the trip.
Well worth the cost and time
Alistair/Elaine
The guide for the 2 day trip was a local Laos man named Tee, he was great company and continually kept most members on the trip up to date with locations and relevant information about the areas and villages. He was so helpful when reaching the border control at Thailand, we also met some lovely people on the trip.
Well worth the cost and time
Alistair/Elaine
Written December 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fredrick P
6 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
I recently had an exceptional experience on the Shompoo Cruise in Luang Prabang. The cruise not only offered breathtaking views along the Mekong River but also provided top-notch service. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring a comfortable journey. The onboard amenities were impressive, and the traditional Laotian cuisine served was delicious. This cruise truly exceeded my expectations, making it a five-star experience that I highly recommend to anyone visiting Luang Prabang.
Written January 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe H
Oakland, CA183 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Our two-day slow boat journey down the mighty Mekong from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang was absolutely sublime, an awesome scenic and relaxing break after a few weeks bouncing around Asia. Stops at a Khmu ethnic hill village, a sacred cave filled with Buddha statues, and another village known for making Lao Lao whisky provided local color you just can't experience otherwise. The boat itself was really something and had everything we needed - lovely family crew, an awesome guide, great food, cold beer, great views, lots of shady space to stretch out, and a near constant refreshing breeze. Our guide, Dent, was fantastic and we learned a lot about the indigenous people from him. This is one fantastic trip and these guys are pros!
Written November 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sarlouaustin
Bristol, UK24 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
We took the two day river boat trip from Houay Xay on the Thai border. What an amazing trip! The boat is so comfortable, my husband and I led back and watched the river go by! Beautiful scenery accompanied by the expert guide Sen who throughout the two days kept us informed of Laos history and culture. Such a great guy! Funny and interesting and gave us the perfect balance of relaxation and information. The owners of the boat, a husband and wife team, were great. He expertly handled the boat down river and she and her colleague gave us amazing Laos lunches and we made banana leaf baskets which was great fun! Tea and water and fruit freely available. We paid for a Laos beer or two from the bar. We visited a local village which was interesting to see and fun to meet the local children. We also visited the Pak Ou caves and stopped to taste Lao whiskey and wine. Such a memorable trip. I’d highly recommend it to families and older travellers. Top tip - I’d stay two nights at The Grand Pakbeng. It’s a beautiful serene setting with wonderful staff. The one night stop felt too short at this time of year when it gets dark at 6pm and we left early in the morning so didn’t get to appreciate it fully. A luxurious, relaxed way to travel from Thailand to Luang Prabang or vice versa.
Written December 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriele G
Vientiane, Laos18 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
We cruised from Luang Prabang to Pakbeng and had a great experience. The boat was beautiful and very clean, with flowers on the tables.
Sen is a very friendly, knowledgeable guide, who answered willingly all our questions about Laos, its history, geography, culture and religion. And he has a good sense of humor too!
The captain and his wife took care of navigating the boat safely through the water as well as preparing and serving two most delicious meals (breakfast and lunch).
We enjoyed every minute of this trip and couldn't get enough of the beautiful landscapes passing by along the river.
Sen is a very friendly, knowledgeable guide, who answered willingly all our questions about Laos, its history, geography, culture and religion. And he has a good sense of humor too!
The captain and his wife took care of navigating the boat safely through the water as well as preparing and serving two most delicious meals (breakfast and lunch).
We enjoyed every minute of this trip and couldn't get enough of the beautiful landscapes passing by along the river.
Written October 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnG6832MK
Birmingham, UK36 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We booked this cruise after much internet research, what a great choice. Price point between a full on luxury cruise and the slow backpacker boat. Ok it’s not cheap but it’s fabulous. We travelled downstream to Luang Prabang from the Thai border. We were met by Mr Bounsene ( Sam) at the border post where he helped people with immigration into Laos. Then a bus to the embarkation point. Beautiful boat, clean, very comfortable and well organised. Run by a family. Captain, Wife ( catering) and daughter ( hospitality and bar) . The boat is surprisingly fast and expertly piloted by the captain around rapids and sandbanks. Great scenery. We were lucky that the other people onboard were great company . Mr Bounsene provided a comprehensive and very informative talk. All this while Mum and daughter produced an excellent lunch of traditional Lao food, which was really delicious. All washed down with beer Lao from the bar. We stopped at a local riverside village, again Mr Bounsene from a Lao minority ethnicity himself gave us a great insite into the village culture. A night in a riverside lodge in Pakbeng ( not included) and a repeat for day 2 with 2 more interesting stops. Can’t be more positive about the boat, crew and Sam. Fantastic experience. Loved every minute of it.
Big shout out to Noungning who looked after the bar and was the perfect hostess.
Big shout out to Noungning who looked after the bar and was the perfect hostess.
Written January 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What happens to our suitcase/ luggage? Does it travel with us?
Written October 7, 2023
Nachdem ich jetzt die Reise hinter mir habe und all die andern Slowboats auf dem Fluss und beim halten am Ufer gesehen habe .. frage ich mich ernsthaft was der benefit ist, für den ich 145$ bezahlt habe. Any help?
Written January 1, 2020
Is there an email contact for questions and booking? Email/ website links don’t work.
Thank you!
Written December 23, 2019
Yes we faced still some issues in our website. Please send us your request directly at alex @ shompoocruise . com
Written December 23, 2019
I would like to book a trip with you guys for january 2020, but for some reason the price increase if you go solo. bah!
Written October 2, 2019
Dear Marhie,
Greetings from Shompoo Cruise.
The price increase as you require a single room. it is cheaper when you are 2 people as you share the cost of the room by 2.
please send us your enquiry directly trough our website.
Best regards,
Alex Chitdara
Written October 3, 2019
I have sent you email 3 days ago please respond.
Written August 3, 2019
Hi Sue
Sorry I have only just become aware that you have asked a question but I am unable to see the actual question
Written August 12, 2019
We will be in Laos in early July. Want to take a slow boat down Nam Ou River from Muang Khua to Luang Prabang. Do you know if boats run this time of year or at all anymore?
Written June 10, 2019
Dear sgnewman,
Shompoo cruise is only operating on the Mekong River.
You can navigate on the Nam Ou river only from Muang Khoua and Nong Kiaw with regular line.
Written June 10, 2019
Hello - I'd like to travel from Luang Prabang towards Thailand -how many days and nights on river ?
Written May 27, 2019
We are 2 people and would like to go on the 2 day trip. Is it $155 per couple or $155 per person? $310 seems quite high compared to $25 on per person with other boats...
Written April 3, 2019
Dear customer, thank you for your email.
Price is 155 uSD/person. 310 USD if you are 2 passengers.
I agree price is higher compared to pubic slow boat but we limit boat capacity to 40 passengers maximum. Meals, drinks and visits are also included in the price. English tour guide is also included.We make sure for all our passengers, they feel relax and comfortable during the 2 whole days with us.
Written April 5, 2019
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