de Carné Explorer – 1 day Twin Rivers Kayaking

Activity Level – Moderate

Kayaking Distance ~ 28 kms

This exciting one day, de Carné Twin Rivers Explorer Tour includes kayaking on 2 of South East Asia’s most famous rivers, the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers.

de Carné Nam Ou & Mekong Rivers 1 day kayaking from Ban Hatgna to Pak Ou Caves and Pakxeung

The Mekong Kayaks’ guide will meet you at 0830 at the start of your journey outside the Luang Prabang central Post Office (at the crossroads of Chao Fa Ngum Rd opposite the new Azerai Hotel) and we’ll travel by tuk-tuk to Ban Hatgna on the Nam Ou River (literally “Rice Bowl River”), about 28 kms North of Luang Prabang, where we’ll kit you up to start your Twin Rivers Explorer Tour.

The Nam Ou runs over 400 kms from the borders of China and Vietnam in Phongsali Province in the far North of Laos, before flowing into the larger Mekong River at Pak Ou about 25kms upstream from Luang Prabang.

Following a safety briefing from the guides, we’ll kayak downstream before stopping for lunch on a white, sandy beach, beneath the soaring 330 m vertical karst cliffs, at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers.

Nam Ou River flows into the Mekong beneath 300m high karst mountain peaks opposite the Pak Ou Caves

After lunch we’ll kayak across the Mekong to one of Luang Prabang’s famous cultural attractions, the Pak Ou Caves where you’ll spend 40 minutes exploring Tham Ting Cave. (Cave entry fee is included in your tour price). There you can see thousands of Buddha images and statues which have been left there over the last thousand years by Buddhist devotees.

To the East in the distance you can see the crazy Pha an mountains towering over 1,500 m high, that look like they’ve jumped straight out of a Dr Seuss book.

We’ll then kayak down the Mekong and stop for afternoon refreshments at Wat Don Koun.

Golden Buddhas in Tham Ting Cave at Pak Ou on the Mekong River

This small temple sitting on an island in the middle of the Mekong River has a very interesting history (see https://www.mekongkayaks.com/history-tour-names/ for more details). According to local legend, Buddha stopped to rest there when he travelled down the river over 2,500 years ago.

20 minutes further downstream we’ll arrive at either port Ban Pakxeuang or port Don Mai around 1530, where you’ll be collected and driven back to Luang Prabang.

This fabulous 25 km twin rivers kayaking experience is the only one of its kind and is definitely not to be missed.

Each kayak also has a GoPro base mount on the bow if Clients want to record their adventure.

This de Carné Explorer, 1 day Twin Rivers Kayaking tour includes 2 experienced English speaking guides, kayaks, life jackets, helmets, safety gear, guide, lunch, afternoon tea (including fruit, tea, coffee, water), Pak Ou entrance fee and return transportation from Luang Prabang, etc. It does not include a support boat.

Twin Rivers Meals:

Packed lunch prepared by a French restaurant, and afternoon tea (snacks, fruit, tea, coffee, bottled water)

Transport:

This tour leaves Luang Prabang at 0830 outside the Luang Prabang Post Office. See What to Bring – Day Tours

You may like to visit our Downloads page to view these documents, which will make your adventure and stay more enjoyable:

• What you need to bring
• Village Etiquette Guide for a happy stay
• Sustainable Eco & Community Tourism guide
• Lao Visa application form for entry to Huay Xai from Chiang Khong