8 Day Luang Prabang

DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG – EMBARKATION (-/-/D)
In the afternoon embark the Mekong Sun (Check in is at 4:00 PM). Settle into your cabin and unpack for a seven-day cruise. Begin with a 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. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend our welcome reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun

DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG (B/L/-)
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. Apart from numerous temples, the atmosphere is enriched by neighboring French colonial architecture. As Luang Prabang offers many opportunities for fine dining, tonight you are free to choose from the numerous offerings in town or along the Mekong River. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU (B/L/D)
In the early morning you will able to observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast is on board. Today your spectacular cruise begins with the departure from Luang Prabang from where you will cruise north and visit a Laotian village. In the village you can observe how the local liqueur Lao-Lao is being distilled traditionally. 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. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend our welcome reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 4: LAND OF THE THOUSAND ELEPHANTS (B/L/D)
After breakfast on board, make an excusion by local slowboat up the Ou-River to visit rice paddies cultivated by the local Khmu minority. Before returning to the Mekong Sun, you may get the chance to see working elephants in action nearby. After reembarkation, enjoy a few hours of cruising down the Mekong River amidst beautiful landscapes. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 5: WILD NATURE ALONG THE MIGHTY MEKONG (B/L/D)
The ship will sail south to the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua, connecting Luang Prabang Province with 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 slowboat before returning back to the Mekong Sun). You can visit a local village school which is supported by guests of the Mekong Sun. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before you head north again and stop at a sandbank for the night. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 6: THA DEUA – LUANG PRABANG (B/L/D)
After breakfast on board, enjoy the beautiful view and spot local fishermen onshore as you cruise upstream again. After a few hours of cruising up the river, you will stop and continue by bus to visit the famous Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most remarkable waterfalls in Laos. On the way stroll through the small village of Tha Pan, where you can observe how the local communities live in norther Laos. In the afternoon you will return to Luang Prabang.

DAY 7: LUANG PRABANG (B/-/D)
Breakfast on board. Today the ship stays in Luang Prabang, while you can enjoy once again the wonderful town and the atmosphere in Luang Prabang. You have the day free to explore on your own. (For charter groups we can arrange an exciting program upon request) This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 8: DISEMBARK LUANG PRABANG (B/-/-)
After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark.

NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneer experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including from floodwaters and shallows. Therefore please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the itinerary of this tour due to the logistical complexities involved. Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, local authorities and river and/or road conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.

4 Day Luang Prabang

DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU (-/-/D)
In the afternoon, you will embark on the Mekong Sun, a comfortable new Laotian cruise ship. (Check in is at 2:00 PM) This unique vessel is the first German-Laotian owned river ship with cabins on the upper Mekong. Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a four-day cruise. Today your spectacular cruise begins with the departure from Luang Prabang from where you will cruise north and visit a Laotian village. In the village you can observe how the local liqueur Lao-Lao is being distilled traditionally. 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. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend our welcome reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise. 
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 2: LAND OF THE THOUSAND ELEPHANTS (B/L/D)    
After breakfast on board you will go on an excusion by local slowboat up the Ou-River to visit rice paddies cultivated by the local Khmu minority. Before returning to the Mekong Sun, you will see working elephants in action near (unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit). After reembarkation you will enjoy a few hours of cruising down the Mekong River amidst beautiful landscapes. 
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 3: 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. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. The ship will then head further south to the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua, connecting Luang Prabang Province with the Sayaboury province. (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 slowboat before returning back to the Mekong Sun) You will visit a local village school, which is supported by guests of the Mekong Sun. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before you head north again and stop at a sandbank for the night. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner. 
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 4: THA DEUA – LUANG PRABANG (B/L/-)
After breakfast on board, enjoy the beautiful view and spot local fishermen onshore as you cruise upstream again. After a few hours of cruising up the river, you will stop and continue by bus to visit the famous Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most remarkable waterfalls in Laos. On the way stroll through the small village of Tha Pan, where you can observe how the local communities live in norther Laos. In the afternoon you will return to Luang Prabang where you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark. End of service.


NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneer experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including floodwaters and shallows. Therefore please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the itinerary of this tour due to the logistical complexities involved. Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, local authorities, river and/or road conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.

Golden Triangle ~ Vientiane

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

DAY 1:    GOLDEN TRIANGLE - EMBARKATION (-/L/D) *

The morning is spent on an excursion to Mae Sai, the northern-most town in Thailand, 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. Next is 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. After the excursion in the afternoon, embark the Mekong Sun at 4:00 PM. Settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for the ten-day cruise. In the evening, enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend a dinnertime welcome reception.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 2:    GOLDEN TRIANGLE – HUAY XAY (B/L/D)

The boat crew 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 aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 3:    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 aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 4:    PAKBENG – PAK OU – LUANG PRABANG (B/L/D)

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. Today you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 5:    LUANG PRABANG (B/L/-)

Today your boat will anchor centrally in Luang Prabang while you experience the town during a full day visit. 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 aboard the Mekong Sun.

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. The day also includes a visit to an elephant camp where you will be able to see the big creatures in action (Unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit). The ship then heads on southwards.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 7:    THA DEUA – PAK LAY (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. At night, enjoy once again the comforts on board. You will spend the night close to the Thai-Laotian border.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

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 aboard the Mekong Sun.

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 nation’s symbol, as well as the picturesque Arc de Triomphe. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 10: DISEMBARK VIENTIANE (B/-/-)

After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Lao crew. Checkout and disembarkment. End of service.

* Depending on season and water level the check-in will either be at Chiang Saen or Chiang Khong. (Regularly until early December the check-in will be at Chiang Saen, afterwards it will be Chiang Khong.)
 
NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneer experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including flood waters and shallows. Therefore please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the itinerary of this tour due to the logistical complexities involved. Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, local authorities, river and/or road conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.

Luang Prabang ~ Vientiane

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

DAY 1:    VIENTIANE – EMBARKATION (-/-/D)

Embark on the Mekong Sun in te afternoon to meet your crew before proceeding to visit the national symbol of Laos, the That Luang temple, and the picturesque Arc de Triomphe. Return on board and settle into your cabin and unpack for the eight-day cruise (Check-in is after the excursion at 4:00 PM). Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend your welcome reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 2:    DEPART VIENTIANE (B/L/D)

This morning you will start your spectacular river cruise upstream into formerly inaccessible parts of the Mekong river. The night is spent on a beautiful sandbank, surrounded by nothing but pure nature. Cherish the tranquility of Laos, a real retreat from the hustle-and-bustle of daily life.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

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 aand 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 aboard the Mekong Sun.

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. Time permitting, a market visit will follow before continuing. Enjoy the comfort and service onboard: exclusive, yet casual, you’ll share the boat with no more than 26 fellow guests.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

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. Your voyage then leads into northern Laos amid stunning scenery.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 6:    KUANG SI – PAK OU (B/L/D)

A shore excursion will take you to the Kuang Si-falls, some of the most attractive waterfalls in Laos. Your program also includes a visit to an elephant camp, where you can see the big creatures in action (Unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit). Your spectacular river cruise will head north to visit a Lao village, where you be able to observe how the local Lao-Lao liqueur is being distilled traditionally. After a short jungle walk you will continue to the famous Pak Ou-caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. After turning south again you will reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 7:    LUANG PRABANG (B/L/D)

Today your boat will anchor centrally in Luang Prabang while you experience the town during a full day visit. 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. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 8:    DISEMBARK LUANG PRABANG (B/-/-)

After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Lao crew. Check out and disembarkation.
This is the end of the trip.
 
NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneer experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions including flood waters and shallows. Therefore please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the itinerary of this tour due to the logistical complexities involved. Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, local authorities, river and/or road conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.

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)

Embark on the Mekong SunIi the afternoon at 4:00 PM. Settle into your cabin and unpack for an eight-day cruise. Begin with a 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 spacious decks, lounge on board and attend our welcome reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 2:    LUANG PRABANG     (B/L/-)

Breakfast is on board. Today you will experience the town during a full day visit. You will get to know some of the many 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. In the evening, enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

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 aboard the Mekong Sun.

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. Your program also includes a visit to an elephant camp, where you can see the big creatures in action (Unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit).
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

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. Time permitting, a market visit will follow before continuing. As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

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. 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 aboard the Mekong Sun.

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 aboard the Mekong Sun.

DAY 8: DISEMBARK     (B/-/-)

After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark.*

* Depending on season and water level the check-out will either be at Chiang Saen or Chiang Khong. (Regularly until early December the check-out will be at Chiang Saen, afterwards until May it will be Chiang Khong.)
 
NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including flood waters and shallows. Therefore please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the itinerary of this tour due to the logistical complexities involved. Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, local authorities, river and/or road conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigation conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.