Kayaking Luang Prabang: Mekong, Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si

Eight and a half hours on two rivers, inside caves, and under a 200-foot waterfall

A full-day kayaking tour from Luang Prabang takes you down the Nam Ou and Mekong rivers, stopping to explore the Buddha-filled Pak Ou Caves with a guide and then paddling to Manifa Elephant Camp for buffet lunch overlooking the water. After eating, you travel to Kuang Si Waterfall (a three-tiered cascade with a 60-meter main drop), where you can swim in the turquoise pools and walk the nature reserve trails before returning to town by 5:30 pm. The tour runs as a private group or a shared departure, both include kayak, guide, all fees, and water. Children from age 4 are welcome, though the itinerary requires moderate fitness.

The experience

The day starts at 10 am with a kayak launch on the Nam Ou River from one of two starting points (Ban Pak Ou or Ban Hat Kho) chosen based on your fitness level and what the water conditions allow. The paddle takes you past limestone cliffs called Pha Aen and through the countryside until you reach the confluence where the Nam Ou meets the Mekong. That's where Pak Ou Caves sit on the riverbank, about 25 km from town. You'll spend roughly 30 minutes inside exploring the caves with your guide, moving through chambers filled with thousands of Buddha images that have drawn pilgrims for generations.

The second paddle is a 30-minute run down the Mekong itself, ending at Manifa Elephant Camp where buffet lunch waits: vegetarian options available if you request them ahead. The restaurant overlooks the river, and you have time to shower and rest in the garden before the final leg. Groups stay under eight travelers plus guide and driver, which keeps the day from feeling crowded on the water or at the stops.

Kuang Si Waterfall is the afternoon centerpiece: a three-tiered cascade that ends in a 60-meter drop into turquoise pools. You can swim in the refreshing water, walk the trails through the nature reserve, and visit the bear rescue center on the grounds. The return to your accommodation is set for 5:30 pm. If you need to reschedule, you can change the date up until 7 pm the day before by contacting the operator by email, message, or at their office opposite Villa Santi Hotel.

What’s included

• Kayak and all paddling gear.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• English-speaking guide.
• Pak Ou Caves entry and 30-minute guided exploration.
• buffet lunch with vegetarian option available on request.
• Kuang Si Waterfall entry and access to the nature reserve and bear rescue center.
• all fees and taxes.
• hotel pickup and return.

Options for this experience

2 options

Joint TourUp to 15 people · Guide in English · 08:30Solo traveler: By booking as a solo traveler, you accept that the tour may be cancelled the day before if the minimum number of participants is not reached. Pickup is included.

Private TourUp to 10 people · Guide in English · 09:00Includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Paid on siteUS$ 7.10

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Manifa travel

Is this one for you?Book the private tour if your group wants to set the pace and timing without coordinating with other travelers. The shared departure works if you're flexible about departure time and happy to meet other kayakers on the water and at lunch.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the kayaking like on the Nam Ou and Mekong rivers?

The Nam Ou paddle passes limestone cliffs and countryside before reaching Pak Ou Caves at the river confluence about 25 km from Luang Prabang. The Mekong stretch is a 30-minute run downstream to the lunch stop. Both sections are on calm water suited to moderate fitness, and your starting point on the Nam Ou is chosen based on your strength and water conditions.

Can I swim at Kuang Si Waterfall?

Yes, Kuang Si Waterfall has three tiers ending in a 60-meter main drop, and the pools at the base are deep enough and safe enough for swimming. You'll have time to swim, walk the nature reserve trails, and visit the bear rescue center on the grounds.

What does the buffet lunch include?

Lunch is a buffet served at Manifa Elephant Camp overlooking the Mekong River. Vegetarian options are available on request. You can shower and rest in the garden after eating before heading to Kuang Si.

How many people go on this kayaking tour?

Groups are limited to a maximum of eight tourists plus one guide and one driver, keeping the experience smaller and more manageable on the water and at each stop.

What if I need to change my tour date?

You can reschedule until 7 pm the day before your tour by emailing the operator, sending a message, or visiting the Manifa Travel office opposite Villa Santi Hotel in Luang Prabang.