Notes

Golden Triangle ~ Vientiane

GOLDEN TRIANGLE – HUAY XAY – PAK THA – PAKBENG – PAK OU– LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI – THA DEUA – PAKLAY – VIENTIANE

DAY 1: CHIANG SAEN – EMBARKATION [-/-/D]
In the afternoon, you will embark the boat. (Check-in is at 2:00 PM). Settle into your cabin. Then, join in a sightseeing tour of this once-notorious region, including visits to the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the new Hall of Opium. This fascinating museum, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, gives a deep background on the history and politics of the opium trade and the health effects of opium abuse. In the evening enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend a dinnertime welcome reception. Overnight onboard.

DAY 2: GOLDEN TRIANGLE – HUAY XAY [B/L/D]
The morning is spent on an excursion to Mae Sai, where you can stroll through the local market and enjoy a scenic view across the border to Burma. Afterwards, visit the Doi Tung Royal Orchid Botanical Gardens, one of the most beautiful botanical gardens of Southeast Asia. Returning to Chiang Saen port, we will take care of border formalities at Thai immigration. Today your grand voyage on the mighty Mekong River really gets going, with your departure from the Golden Triangle region between Burma, Laos and Thailand. The destination for today is the nearby Laotian town of Huay Xay on the Laotian - Thai border, where you will officially enter the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos. Your voyage then leads into northern Laos amid stunning scenery. Overnight onboard.

DAY 3: HUAY XAY – PAK THA [B/L/D]
The river traffic increases as you pass through a densely populated region accessible only by water. Relax on deck, in your cabin or in the lounge and soak up the remote, isolated surroundings. Continue to Pak Tha, a small village where you will take off on a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to visit a Khmu village. Upon reboarding the Mekong Sun you will continue downstream and anchor at a sand bank. Overnight onboard.

DAY 4: PAKBENG – PAK OU – LUANG PRABANG [B/L/-]
Shortly after getting underway, you will arrive in Pakbeng and have a short coffee break at a lodge. Time permitting, a market visit will follow before continuing. The famous Pak Ou-caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns, are one highlight of the day; you will also take a short walk through the forest to a small village where you can see the traditional production of the local liquor Lao-Lao. You are also able to see working elephants in Nam Ou village. In the late afternoon you will reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will get to know some highlights of this beautiful city, incl. the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple and enjoy the unique atmosphere provided by the abundance of well-preserved French colonial architecture mingling with traditional Buddhist temples. A short climb up Phou Si-hill you will be rewarded with a panoramic sunset view over the Mekong as well as the Khan River and the surrounding mountains. In the evening, enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. Overnight onboard.

DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG [B/L/D]
Breakfast on board. Today the ship stays in Luang Prabang, while you have the full day to get to know the beauties of this UNESCO World Heritage town. During a morning guided tour you will visit National Museum, Wat Sene and many more. Apart from numerous temples, the atmosphere is enriched by neighboring French colonial architecture. After Lunch please explore City on your own. In the evening enjoy during Dinner a traditional Bazi Ceremony and watch some local Dances. Overnight onboard.

DAY 6: LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI [B/L/D]
In the early morning you will able to observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast on board. After a few hours of cruising downriver, you will continue by bus to the famous Kuang Si waterfall. Stop in a small village where you are able to watch production of Sa – paper. The ship then heads on southwards and pass through the Keng – Luang rapids. Overnight onboard.

DAY 7: THA DEUA – PAK LAY - Ban donkhai [B/L/D]
Today you will see the ferry crossing the Mekong at Tha Deua connecting Luang Prabang Province with Sayaboury province. In the afternoon you will drop in on the small riverside community of Pak Lay, famous for its colonial architecture. After a short walk in an untouched nature you are able to explore near Ban Donkhai village a cave no many travelers have seen before. You will spend the night close to the Thai-Laotian border. Overnight onboard.

DAY 8: WILD NATURE ALONG THE MIGHTY MEKONG [B/L/D]
Further south you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes of this still-untamed river. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the river banks, and a fascinating array of fast currents and slower river parts on the river. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before you stop at a remote sandbank for the night. Overnight onboard.

DAY 9: VIENTIANE [B/L/D]
You travel further downstream along the “mother of all waters”, as the Lao call the Mekong River. Today’s destination is the Laotian capital, Vientiane, where you will see the That Luang temple, the national symbol, as well as the picturesque Arc de Triomphe. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner. Overnight onboard.

DAY 10: DISEMBARK VIENTIANE [B/-/-]
After breakfast you will say goodbye to your crew. Checkout and disembark. End of service.

Notes

Luang Prabang ~ Vientiane

Cruise Route: VIENTIANE – PAKLAY – THA DEUA – KUANG SI – PAK OU – LUANG PRABANG (or vice versa)

DAY 1:VIENTIANE – EMBARKATION [-/-/D]
In the afternoon, embark the boat, a comfortable Laotian cruise ship. Settle into your cabin and unpack for a six-day cruise. (Check-in is at 2:00 PM). In the afternoon, you will visit the national symbol of Laos, the That Luang temple, and the picturesque Arc de Trioumphe. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend the welcome reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise. Overnight onboard.

DAY 2: DEPART VIENTIANE [B/L/D]
In the morning, the ship will start cruising for your spectacular river cruise upstream into formerly inaccessible parts of the Mekong river. The c night is spent on a beautiful sandbank, surrounded by nothing but pure nature. Overnight onboard.

DAY 3: WILD NATURE ALONG THE MIGHTY MEKONG [B/L/D]
Further north you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes of this still-untamed river. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the river banks, and a fascinating array of fast currents and slower river parts. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbanks before you head north again and stop at a remote sandbank for the night. Overnight onboard.

DAY 4: PAK LAY [B/L/D]
Upstream you will stop at the small riverside community of Pak Lai, known for once possessing many colonial buildings. The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. Enjoy the comfort and service onboard: exclusive, yet casual, you’ll share the boat with no more than 26/30 fellow guests. Overnight onboard.

DAY 5: THA DEUA [B/L/D]
During and after breakfast on board, enjoy the beautiful view and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore. Today you will see the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua, connecting Luang Prabang Province with the Sayaboury province. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun/ Explorer.

DAY 6: KUANG SI – LUANG PRABANG [B/L/-]
A shore excursion will take you to the Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most attractive waterfalls in Laos. This afternoon you will reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Luang Prabang you will say goodbye to your crew. Check out and disembarkation.

Notes

Luang Prabang ~ Golden Triangle

ROUTE: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU – PAKBENG – PAK THA – HUAY XAY – GOLDEN TRIANGLE (or vice versa)

DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG – EMBARKATION [-/-/D]
In the afternoon, board the boat. These are comfortable new cabin cruiser on the upper Mekong. (Check in is at 2:00 PM.) Settle into your cabin and unpack. Your program begins with a walk and visit at the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple, Wat Khili and Wat Sene as well. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend our welcome reception, bazi ceremony, Lao Dances performance and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the evening. Overnight onboard.

DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG CITY TOUR [B/L/-]
During a full day visit you will get to know some of the highlights of this beautiful city, the National Museum in the morning include. After Lunch trip by minivan for a visit Wat Visoun, Wat Manorom and Sa-Paper-Village at the Nam Khan River outside town. In the late afternoon walk up Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular sunset view over the Mekong as well as the Khan river and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy the unique atmosphere provided by the abundance of well-preserved French colonial architecture mingling with traditional Buddhist temples. In the evening enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. For Dinner on your own our Cruisedirector and/ or Lao Staff will recommend you some of the best local and international restaurants in town. Overnight onboard.

DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU [B/L/D]
In the early morning you will able to visit the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Today your spectacular cruise begins with the departure from Luang Prabang. You will cruise north and visit a Laotian village, observe the traditional production of Lao-Lao, the local liqueur. After a short walk through the jungle you will explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. The night is spent on a secluded river bank or sandbank. Overnight onboard.

DAY 4: TAXUANG [B/L/D]
Today is a day to take it all in – relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin or in the lounge and soak up the untouched scenery. The river traffic thins out as you proceed upstream, and you can enjoy the fantastic landscapes along the river. In the afternoon, you will visit a small village school sponsored by guests of the Mekong Sun/ Explorer. Overnight onboard.

DAY 5: PAKBENG [B/L/D]
The diversity of the landscape is astonishing, now shifting to tropical hills in the background. Enjoy the tranquility of northern Laos, a real retreat from the hustle-and-bustle of daily life. Later, that day you will have a short stop in the market town of Pakbeng. As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha. Overnight onboard.

DAY 6: PAK THA - HUAY XAY / CHIANG KHONG [B/L/D]
As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha. At Pak Tha, a small village, you will take off on a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to visit a Khmu village. You will also visit a small village school sponsored by guests of the Mekong Sun/ Explorer. The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. Enjoy the comfort and service onboard: exclusive, yet casual, you’ll share the boat with no more than 26 fellow guests. Today you proceed to the Thai-Laotian border at Chiang Khong (Thailand) and Ban Huay Xay (Laos). You will then spend a last relaxing dinner and evening in Laos. Overnight onboard.

DAY 7: THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE [B/L/D]
Today is spent on an excursion to the Golden Triangle area at Chiang Saen, where you will visit the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the new Hall of Opium. This fascinating museum, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, gives a deep background on the history and politics of the opium trade and the health effects of opium abuse. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner. Overnight onboard.

DAY 8: DISEMBARK [B/-/-]
After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark.*

Notes

Luang Prabang Round Trip

Cruise Route: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU – THA DEUA – KUANG SI – LUANG PRABANG

Day 1: EMBARKATION IN LUANG PRABANG [-/-/D]
After lunch, embark on your Mekong Cruise vessel, a comfortable new boutique-cruise ship. (Check in is after 02pm). This unique boutique vessel is a German-Laotian owned river ship with stylish cabins. After settled in and freshen-up, begin with a guided walk up Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular sunset view over the Mekong as well as the Khan River and the surrounding mountains. In the evening, enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. After, attend the welcome reception this evening, and enjoy your dinner with a selection of Asian and European food. Overnight onboard.

Day 2: DEPARTURE FROM LUANG PRABANG [B/L/D]
In the early morning, you will be able to observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast is on board and the rest of the morning will be spent on a guided city tour with visits of the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple, Wat Khili and the Wat Sene temple as well. The cruise begins with the departure from Luang Prabang after lunch from where you will cruise north through beautiful scenery. The night is spent on a secluded river bank or sandbank. Overnight onboard.

Day 3: PAK OU CAVES [B/L/D]
After breakfast, explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. After a short walk through the jungle (optional) and visit a Laotian village. In the village, you can observe how the local liqueur Lao-Lao is being distilled traditionally. Before returning to the boat, you will see elephants in action (unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit). After re-embarkation, relax and enjoy a few hours of cruising down the Mekong River amidst beautiful landscapes. Overnight onboard.

Day 4: WILD NATURE ALONG THE MIGHTY MEKONG [B/L/D]
The ship will head south to the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua, connecting Luang Prabang Province with the Sayaboury province. Further downstream you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes of this still-untamed river. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the river banks, and a fascinating array of fast currents and slower river parts. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition (due to sudden drops in water level on some days, it may be necessary to make the afternoon excursion down south and upstream again – the wildest and possibly most exciting part of the Mekong – in a local Lao slow boat before returning back onboard). You will also get to visit a local village school, which is supported by guests of the Mekong River Cruises fleet. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before heading north again and stop at a sandbank for the night. Overnight onboard.

Day 5: KUANG SI – LUANG PRABANG [B/L/D]
After breakfast onboard, enjoy the beautiful view and spot local fishermen onshore as you cruise upstream again. After a few hours of cruising up the river, there will be a stop where you will continue by bus to visit the famous Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most remarkable waterfalls in Laos. On the way, you will stroll through the small village of Tha Pan, where you can observe how the local communities live in Northern Laos. In the afternoon, return to Luang Prabang. This last evening onboard will be celebrated with a farewell dinner with a traditional Lao Baci-friendship ceremony.

Day 6: DISEMBARKATION [B/-/-]
After breakfast, say goodbye to your crew. Check-out and disembark. End of service with the transfer to the airport.

Notes

Luang Prabang ~ Houei Xay

CRUISE ROUTE: HUAY XAY – PAK THA – PAKBENG – PAK OU – LUANG PRABANG

DAY 1: HUAY XAY – EMBARKATION
At 12 PM you will embark on the Mekong Sun/ Explorer, comfortable new cruise ships. These unique vessels are the one and only German-Laotian owned cabincruiser on the upper Mekong. Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a four-day cruise. You will cruise southwards and visit some unspoiled Laotian villages on the way. During cruising you are able to spend free time at sundeck, in your cabin or library. Lunch will be served as buffet, dinner as a set menu. The night is spent on a secluded river bank or sandbank. Overnight aboard.

DAY 2: PAK THA
As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha. At Pak Tha, a small village, you will take off on a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to visit a Khmu village. You will also visit a small village school sponsored by guests of the Mekong Company. The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. Enjoy the comfort and service onboard: exclusive, yet casual, you’ll share the boat with no more than 26/30 fellow guests. You will then spend a last relaxing dinner and evening aboard.

DAY 3: PAKBENG
The diversity of the landscape is astonishing, now shifting to tropical hills in the background. Enjoy the tranquility of northern Laos, a real retreat from the hustle-and-bustle of daily life. Later, that day you will have a short stop in the market town of Pakbeng. As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha. Overnight aboard.

DAY 4: PAK OU – LUANG PRABANG - DISEMBARK
This morning you will cruise southwards and visit the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns.Today and after lunch you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark in Luang Prabang. (Please do not book any connecting flights in LPQ before 6 PM.)
 

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