A River Cruise through the Upper Mekong in Laos

11 days from £3600 per person

Route: Vientiane – Ban Xanakham – Pak Lai – Xayaburi – Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Pak Sit – Huay Xai – Chiang Saen

Less visited than the Vietnamese and Cambodian Lower Mekong, the Upper Mekong in Laos is an untouched and beautiful part of the world. Home to spectacular scenery, slow river life and wonderful people, cruising the Upper Mekong offers a real sense of exploration and adventure. This unique 11-day river cruise aboard the charming RV Laos Pandaw encompasses Laos’s beating heart – the Mekong – as well as touching Thailand and Burma’s Golden Triangle. Discover the glistening temples of the French-colonial capital Vientiane before embarking on the river cruise passing mountainous and jungle landscapes and remote riverside villages as you travel upstream. Visit Pak Lai, the Pak Ou Caves as well as stunning Luang Prabang before cruising past the stunning countryside at the Thai border and ending in the Golden Triangle town of Chiang Saen.

Day 1 Vientiane

Today start your river cruise journey through the Mekong River in Laos where you will embark your cruise vessel at midday from the Vientiane jetty. Enjoy a traditional lunch and spend the afternoon exploring the delightful French city and capital, Vientiane. Visit the golden Pha That Luang, the early-19th century Sisaket Temple, the President’s Hall and the renowned Patuxai monument. Set sail later that afternoon where you will enjoy welcome dinner and drinks on board. (L/D)

Day 2 Vientiane to Ban Xanakham

This morning leave behind the Laotian capital behind and cruise upstream on the Mekong passing lush jungle scenery and remote riverside villages. Spend the morning relaxing onboard and enjoy a presentation given by the crew about language in Laos. In the afternoon take part in a cookery demonstration on the upper deck where you will learn about local produce, cuisine and cooking techniques. Continue to cruise towards Ban Xanakham where you will moor overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 3 Ban Xanakham to Pak Lai

Today is largely spent onboard as the vessel weaves its way through the narrow creeks and twisting channels of the mighty Mekong River. Relax on deck and take in the beautiful scenery of the Laotian countryside. In the afternoon visit the French administrative town of Pak Lai which is in an important port of the Mekong. Explore the many colonial buildings, local homes and the bustling market. Pak Lai is also home to the largest elephant festival in South East Asia, which usually takes place in February. Enjoy the evening with dinner onboard. (B/L/D)

Day 4 Pak Lai to Xayaburi

Enjoy breakfast onboard overlooking the Mekong and surrounding mountainous scenery before taking a morning visit to a Khamo tribal village. Explore this remote village which is set on the banks of the Mekong amidst lush jungle and meet the local tribe group and get to know their way of life. In the afternoon pass through the Xayaburi Power Plant, one of the most important hydroelectric dams on the Lower Mekong. (B/L/D)

Day 5 Ban Mouang Khai to Luang Prabang

This morning visit a Hmong village, a remote tribal group in Laos. Discover the thatched homes, local traditions and intriguing cultures of this ethnic minority group. Continue the journey upstream to the village of Ban Mouang Khai where you will enjoy exploring the refreshing jungle pools and dramatic Khaung Si waterfall as well as a local butterfly garden. Return to the boat as you travel upstream towards the beautiful and ancient city of Luang Prabang. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a wonderfully atmospheric and romantic place to explore with its historic temples and colonial architecture. That evening wander around the bustling night market or stop at one of the many great cafes, bars and local restaurants. (B/L/D)

Day 6 Luang Prabang

After breakfast explore the sleepy riverside town of Luang Prabang which is the religious centre of Laos and home to over thirty temples and monastic complexes. Take a tuk tuk tour around the city and visit the Royal Palace, Wat Xieng Thong and That Makmo, known locally as the 'Watermelon Stupa'. Take a trip to the National Museum and spend a free afternoon to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang. Back on board, enjoy a traditional Laos dancing performance on the upper deck before sunset cocktails and dinner. Moor overnight at Luang Prabang. (B/L/D)

Day 7 Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves

This morning you will have the opportunity to see the alms offering to hundreds of monks around the city. You will be invited to join the procession and will be provided with offerings for the monks – this is truly is a wonderful and enriching experience when in Laos. Later that morning explore the unique Pak Ou Caves by local boat – these spectacular caves are housed in a limestone cliff and filled with a myriad of Buddha images and statues overlooking the river. That evening enjoy cocktails on a sandbank and taking in the magnificent scenery before sailing upstream on the beautiful Mekong towards Ban Bo. (B/L/D)

Day 8 Arrive Pak Sit

Today continue your river cruise where you will spend most of the day sailing upstream on the Mekong. Stop off at a tribal Khamo village where you will have the opportunity to meet some locals. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing onboard as you pass Pak Beng and head for Pak Sit. (B/L/D)

Day 9 Pak Sit to Huay Xai

Enjoy breakfast on the upper deck as you cruise pass the dramatic and stunning scenery and slowly approach the Laos-Thailand border. Stop off at local villages along the way before arriving in Huay Xai on the Laos side where you will spend the night moored. (B/L/D)

Day 10 Huay Xai to Chiang Saen – The Golden Triangle

This morning cruise upstream to Chiang Saen for the border crossing into Thailand. Enjoy an afternoon exploring the famous Golden Triangle. Known to locals as Sop Ruak, the Golden Triangle is the mountainous, forested area in the north of Thailand, where it meets Laos and Burma on the Mekong. The region offers stunning landscapes where you can explore coffee plantations, traditional villages and slow, winding rivers, as well as one of the best elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. This evening enjoy farewell cocktails and a traditional Thai dance performance onboard. Spend your last night moored in Chiang Saen. (B/L/D)

Day 11 Chiang Saen

After an early breakfast your Laos Mekong river cruise journey will come to an end. Disembark the boat at 08:30 where you can explore the Golden Triangle further and visit an opium museum or continue to Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai. (B)

A River Cruise through the Upper Mekong in Laos

11 days from £3600 per person

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Itinerary: A River Cruise through the Upper Mekong in Laos

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