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
Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
444 reviews
Excellent
379
Very good
50
Average
9
Poor
1
Terrible
5
jodi_b33
Toukley, Australia145 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
I did the cruise up river from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai and it was a fantastic experience. It seems less people go on this direction so there are not too many people on the boat.
The boat itself is so comfortable and decorated with lovely furnishings with lots of room and various spaces to relax and enjoy the scenic views.
The family who run the boat are lovely. Our guide was very knowledgable and friendly, sharing much information with us. The buffet lunch on board the boat was delicious and catered well for vegetarians.
It is really cold in the mornings and they have plenty of blankets on board to keep you warm. They stop at Pak Ou caves on day 1 and at a small village on day 2. Take some money with you on these visits. The village we visited had a donation box which benefits the whole village. The locals seemed as interested in us as we were in them. We didn't feel like we were intruding on them. They visit different villages on different days so they don't get too many visitors.
This cost quite a bit more than the really cheap boats with car seats or wooden seats but given that it's a 9 hour journey each day you won't regret spending the extra money fir the comfort, the food, the whole experience! I did not want to get off the boat and someone else I spoke to who did the cheap version was counting down the hours until they could get off their boat. That's the difference. You get what you pay for!
The boat itself is so comfortable and decorated with lovely furnishings with lots of room and various spaces to relax and enjoy the scenic views.
The family who run the boat are lovely. Our guide was very knowledgable and friendly, sharing much information with us. The buffet lunch on board the boat was delicious and catered well for vegetarians.
It is really cold in the mornings and they have plenty of blankets on board to keep you warm. They stop at Pak Ou caves on day 1 and at a small village on day 2. Take some money with you on these visits. The village we visited had a donation box which benefits the whole village. The locals seemed as interested in us as we were in them. We didn't feel like we were intruding on them. They visit different villages on different days so they don't get too many visitors.
This cost quite a bit more than the really cheap boats with car seats or wooden seats but given that it's a 9 hour journey each day you won't regret spending the extra money fir the comfort, the food, the whole experience! I did not want to get off the boat and someone else I spoke to who did the cheap version was counting down the hours until they could get off their boat. That's the difference. You get what you pay for!
Written 13 January 2020
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.
thank you for your detailed feedback. Indeed we are more expensive than public slow boat. But comfort and services are not also the same. Thanks for choosing us.
Written 19 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Designatedroamer
London, UK77 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
My partner and I took the two day down River journey from Chiang Khong to Pakbeng with pick up from Chiang Khong.
We booked around 3 weeks before your trip in the first week of January. Before the trip, communication was good with the company, who were flexible in adapting to our last minute confirmation of hotel.
On the day pick up was prompt and the assistance provided to cross the Thai and Laos border was excellent and very smooth. We were met by a lady at the Thai border who gave us all the documents we needed to fill, and checked them for us. We were helped to the shuttle, and our guide helped us quickly go through the visa process in Laos.
We then went to the boat. It was peak season and we were 27 on the boat, but it was big enough that each group got its own booth or table. The booths were comfortable for lying down and sitting up, and many people took naps, many read, some chatted over a beer. They even had blankets for us to use! The scenery on both days is jungle with mountain in the background. You see some water buffalo, villages and people wishing clothes from time to time.
On day one we stopped at a village, which was nice. We visited a school in the village in the middle of the school day, which seemed a bit weird, although the school gets funding from the cruise company so there is at least some element of giving back.
On day two, as scheduled we stopped at the Pak Ou caves and at a whisky village. The village also did weaving, and scarves were reasonably priced (a little than in Luang Prabang - I regretted not buying more).
Both days the food was very good. A wide range of food was provided (four or five different dishes each day), and tea and coffee was free throughout. Vegetarian options were available.
The family owning and operating the boat were amazing and friendly, as was the guide. The guide even bought us some local fruits at the village for us to try!
Overall, very comfortable and relaxing trip. You really feel like you have treated yourself to a luxury experience and also you get to slow the pace of life on this cruise! Highly recommended and remember to bring jackets and sunscreen as the day can start cold with mist but warms up!
We booked around 3 weeks before your trip in the first week of January. Before the trip, communication was good with the company, who were flexible in adapting to our last minute confirmation of hotel.
On the day pick up was prompt and the assistance provided to cross the Thai and Laos border was excellent and very smooth. We were met by a lady at the Thai border who gave us all the documents we needed to fill, and checked them for us. We were helped to the shuttle, and our guide helped us quickly go through the visa process in Laos.
We then went to the boat. It was peak season and we were 27 on the boat, but it was big enough that each group got its own booth or table. The booths were comfortable for lying down and sitting up, and many people took naps, many read, some chatted over a beer. They even had blankets for us to use! The scenery on both days is jungle with mountain in the background. You see some water buffalo, villages and people wishing clothes from time to time.
On day one we stopped at a village, which was nice. We visited a school in the village in the middle of the school day, which seemed a bit weird, although the school gets funding from the cruise company so there is at least some element of giving back.
On day two, as scheduled we stopped at the Pak Ou caves and at a whisky village. The village also did weaving, and scarves were reasonably priced (a little than in Luang Prabang - I regretted not buying more).
Both days the food was very good. A wide range of food was provided (four or five different dishes each day), and tea and coffee was free throughout. Vegetarian options were available.
The family owning and operating the boat were amazing and friendly, as was the guide. The guide even bought us some local fruits at the village for us to try!
Overall, very comfortable and relaxing trip. You really feel like you have treated yourself to a luxury experience and also you get to slow the pace of life on this cruise! Highly recommended and remember to bring jackets and sunscreen as the day can start cold with mist but warms up!
Written 17 January 2020
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.
thank you very much for the feedback. All is clear and detailed. We appreciate your comment.
Written 19 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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 1 February 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.
Daniela Sota Valdivia
2 contributions
Feb 2020
We were very hesitant about taking the cruise (due to the great price difference compared to the regular boats) but after this experience I can only recommend others to go for Shompoo. Our guide Sommay, the captain Buloe as well as all the staff were great! We especially found Sommay a charming guide that was always very willing to help us and always with a big smile.
The food was very nice and they even made some special vegetarian dishes for me.
I would greatly recommend this cruise to everyone!
The food was very nice and they even made some special vegetarian dishes for me.
I would greatly recommend this cruise to everyone!
Written 13 February 2020
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.
Thank you for Mr Bounloy (our captain) and Sommay (our guide).
Written 19 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fran
19 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Most importantly for everyone considering to go on these kind of cruises: wear warm clothes. When we got on the boat on an early morning in January it was about 12 degrees Celsius. The wind makes it feel even cooler. The operator gave us blankets that also helped a bit.
We are a family with two small children (2 and 5) and loved this beautiful tour from luang prabang to huayxai. It was a part of our route trough Laos and I would recommend everyone to take this boat rather than eg fly or take the bus.
The boats are beautiful and in a very good shape. With only a small number of guests on board we had lots of space to ourselves, a great service, much to see and absolutely dicious food. Our guide gave us many insights during the two stops (caves and village) and at any time in between.
We saw mostly nature, almost no human activity along the river, except for some cattle or a very occasional hill tribe village.
For our children, suitable life vests were provided. We simply sent an email in advance and it was taken care of. I would recommend for small children to wear these at all times, there are some unsecured spots at the front of the boat where they could go overboard. Overall we did feel them to be quite safe on the boat though and didn't stress too much.
We are a family with two small children (2 and 5) and loved this beautiful tour from luang prabang to huayxai. It was a part of our route trough Laos and I would recommend everyone to take this boat rather than eg fly or take the bus.
The boats are beautiful and in a very good shape. With only a small number of guests on board we had lots of space to ourselves, a great service, much to see and absolutely dicious food. Our guide gave us many insights during the two stops (caves and village) and at any time in between.
We saw mostly nature, almost no human activity along the river, except for some cattle or a very occasional hill tribe village.
For our children, suitable life vests were provided. We simply sent an email in advance and it was taken care of. I would recommend for small children to wear these at all times, there are some unsecured spots at the front of the boat where they could go overboard. Overall we did feel them to be quite safe on the boat though and didn't stress too much.
Written 6 February 2020
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.
Thank you for the feedback. From December to February, It can be cold in the morning. We recommend to bring jackets and socks for the cruise. We still have blankets for helping you. The river mekong in that part of the country is still wild and few population along the way. We provide life jackets for children on board.
Written 19 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ams262015
Aberdeen, UK2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
This was the highlight of our visit to Thailand and Laos—well worth the money. The boat was clean, comfortable, nice toilets and food was fantastic. Plenty of space to sit around in various places and blankets were very much appreciated on the early morning before the sun got up. The visits to villages and caves were very interesting and guide was very informative and friendly. Getting visa and crossing border was made easy by the company. All in all —an excellent cruise.
Written 26 January 2020
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.
we are honored and proud to be the "highlight" of your travel. Thank you for choosing us.
Written 19 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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 2 October 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.
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 7 December 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.
mfja1
Sedona, AZ11 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
We have little to add to the many accurate 5-star reviews already posted; please refer to them. What we can add:
There was some trepidation booking a cruise with an unknown company online. No worries. Completely reliable and upstanding.
We did the two-day (overnight in Pak Beng) upstream version in early November 2024. Weather was great: some fog/overcast which did not interfere with views but kept weather from being too hot. We were fortunate to have "Sen" as the main guide on the boat. In addition to being knowledgeable and friendly, he was eager to engage in informal side conversations, which in our case involved Buddhism and recent Laotian history. He also delivered several lectures en route, and oversaw the transfer from the cruise end at the dock in Houay Xay to the shuttle bus over the Friendship Bridge to Thai immigration [this took about 45 minutes total].
The highlight of the cruise, however, is sitting and watching from boat as the scenery goes by. The cruise is two days of this, with a few stops for visits. If this is what you want -- and in our case it was -- you'll get it.
Logistically, we booked at a nearby guest the night before departure and rolled our roller boards to the cruise dock. Luggage was thereafter handled for us. Food served on board was tasty and abundant. The boats can carry 40 passengers, but we were lucky to have maybe a dozen on board.
One word of advice: Laos is building a large dam along the cruise route, destined for completion in a few years. This will dramatically affect the cruise, unfortunately for the worse. If you want to do this cruise, do it before the dam is completed.
There was some trepidation booking a cruise with an unknown company online. No worries. Completely reliable and upstanding.
We did the two-day (overnight in Pak Beng) upstream version in early November 2024. Weather was great: some fog/overcast which did not interfere with views but kept weather from being too hot. We were fortunate to have "Sen" as the main guide on the boat. In addition to being knowledgeable and friendly, he was eager to engage in informal side conversations, which in our case involved Buddhism and recent Laotian history. He also delivered several lectures en route, and oversaw the transfer from the cruise end at the dock in Houay Xay to the shuttle bus over the Friendship Bridge to Thai immigration [this took about 45 minutes total].
The highlight of the cruise, however, is sitting and watching from boat as the scenery goes by. The cruise is two days of this, with a few stops for visits. If this is what you want -- and in our case it was -- you'll get it.
Logistically, we booked at a nearby guest the night before departure and rolled our roller boards to the cruise dock. Luggage was thereafter handled for us. Food served on board was tasty and abundant. The boats can carry 40 passengers, but we were lucky to have maybe a dozen on board.
One word of advice: Laos is building a large dam along the cruise route, destined for completion in a few years. This will dramatically affect the cruise, unfortunately for the worse. If you want to do this cruise, do it before the dam is completed.
Written 15 November 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.
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 26 December 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.
What happens to our suitcase/ luggage? Does it travel with us?
Written 7 October 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 1 January 2020
Is there an email contact for questions and booking? Email/ website links don’t work.
Thank you!
Written 23 December 2019
Yes we faced still some issues in our website. Please send us your request directly at alex @ shompoocruise . com
Written 23 December 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 2 October 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 3 October 2019
I have sent you email 3 days ago please respond.
Written 3 August 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 12 August 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 10 June 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 10 June 2019
Hello - I'd like to travel from Luang Prabang towards Thailand -how many days and nights on river ?
Written 27 May 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 3 April 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 5 April 2019
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