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, Kuang Si Falls and the temple city, Luang Prabang, before crossing the Thai border and exploring the Golden Triangle an ending with a stay in cultural Chiang Mai.
Vientiane – Pak Lay – Xayaburi Dam – Kuang Si – Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Ban Ton – Pak Ben – Pak Sith – Chiang Kong – Chiang Mai
Trip Highlights
- Cruise through jungle-clad interior of Laos passing remote villages and grand scenery
- Discover the sleepy riverside town of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- See the Kuang Si Falls which cascade into a number of turquoise limestone pools
- Enter the Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues of all shapes and sizes
- Thailand’s Golden Triangle region is known for stunning scenery and coffee plantations
- Explore the monasteries and temples of charming Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second city
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Board your Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore where you will connect onto Vientiane in Laos.
Day 2
Singapore to Vientiane – by air
Arrive into Singapore before boarding your flight to the Laotian capital of Vientiane. After transferring to your hotel, you may wish to explore this delightful French-colonial city; visit the golden Pha That Luang, the early-19th century Sisaket Temple, the President’s Hall and the renowned Patuxai monument.
Salana Boutique Hotel
Souphattra Heritage Vientiane
Day 3
Vientiane to Pak Lay
Today start your river cruise journey through the Mekong River in Laos. You will be picked up from your hotel at 08:00 followed by a longtail boat expedition to the Pandaw vessel where lunch and drinks will be provided. Embark on your vessel in the afternoon where the welcome briefing will take place, and enjoy a welcome dinner and drinks on board in the evening. You will moor overnight in Pay Lay.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Champa Pandaw
Day 4
Cruising the Mekong
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, disembark to take a gentle stroll around Pha Laeb village and back on board enjoy a presentation given by the crew about language in Laos. If time permits there is also an opportunity for an afternoon walk at Ban Khok Fark.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Champa Pandaw
Day 5
Cruising the Mekong
Enjoy breakfast onboard overlooking the Mekong and surrounding mountainous scenery before taking a morning visit to Ban Pak Bor Khummu. 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. Pass through the Xayaburi Power Plant, one of the most important, yet controversial, hydroelectric dams on the Lower Mekong. Visit Ban Na San village in the afternoon, a Hmong minority village.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Champa Pandaw
Day 6
Luang Prabang
This morning moor at the village of Ban Mouang Khai and visit the dramatic pools at Kuang Si Falls. On return to the boat stop at the Laos Buffalo Farm, a social enterprise which utilises abundant buffalo. In the afternoon you will arrive at Luang Prabang, Laos’s beautiful temple city. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a wonderfully atmospheric and romantic place to explore with its historic temples and colonial architecture. Back on board, enjoy a traditional Laos dancing performance and traditional Bacci ceremony on the upper deck before sunset cocktails and dinner.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Champa Pandaw
Day 7
Luang Prabang
Today is dedicated to the handicrafts and culture of Laos. Start the day at Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise providing sustainable employment and training for the women of local weaving villages, before visiting the Traditional Arts and Ethology Centre to learn about Laos musical instruments. Back on board enjoy lunch before setting sail towards Ban Chan to take part in a pottery demonstration at a local workshop. Finish the day with a sunset cruise on the Mekong before mooring overnight in the centre of Luang Prabang.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Champa Pandaw
Day 8
Luang Prabang
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. 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, you may wish to visit the bustling night market or stop at one of the many great cafes, or bars.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Champa Pandaw
Day 9
Pak Ou Caves
Enjoy a final morning in Luang Prabang at leisure before departing at midday and sailing upstream. 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. There is also an opportunity to see the production of local Laos whisky and shop for locally produced handicrafts.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Champa Pandaw
Day 10
Cruising the Mekong
Today continue your river cruise where you will spend most of the day sailing upstream on the Mekong as well as stopping at Ban Ton village for a morning stroll. In the evening, moor alongside a sandbank for a riverside barbecue and cocktail party, a truly special experience where you can light paper lanterns with the crew and enjoy dancing in remote Laos.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Day 11
Pak Beng
Today visit an elephant rescue sanctuary that helps to preserve these majestic creatures and also provide sustainable alternative employment for Mahouts who once trained and rode the elephants. You will also enjoy an afternoon walk at Ban Pak Sith Khummu village.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Champa Pandaw
Day 12
Pak Sith to Chiang Khong
Enjoy breakfast on the upper deck as you cruise pass the dramatic and stunning scenery and slowly approach the Laos-Thailand border at Huayxay. Cross over into Thailand via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge before rejoining the ship in Chiang Kong. This evening enjoy farewell cocktails and a traditional Thai dance performance onboard.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Champa Pandaw
Day 13
Chiang Saen to Chiang Mai
After an early breakfast your Laos Mekong river cruise journey will come to an end. Disembark the boat at 08:30 where you will explore 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. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of coffee plantations, traditional villages and slow, winding rivers, and visit an opium museum. You will then be transferred to Chiang Mai, arriving at approximately 17:30. This evening you may wish to join the street vendors, artists and food sellers at the lively Chiang Mai night market.
- Breakfast
Tamarind Village
137 Pillars House
Four Seasons Chiang Mai
Day 14
Chiang Mai
As Thailand’s second city, Chiang Mai is set high in the valley at the foot of the Doi Suthep Mountain and is known as being the country's cultural hub. Home to fine monasteries and temples and a rich artistic tradition, explore Chiang Mai at your own place. Places of interest include the city’s oldest temple, Wat Chiang Man, which was built in 1296 and Wat Phra Singh. Later ascend Doi Suthep then climb the 300 steps to Wat Phrathat which sits atop the summit and offers spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.
- Breakfast
Tamarind Village
137 Pillars House
Four Seasons Chiang Mai
Day 15
Chiang Mai to the UK via Singapore
Depart Chiang Mai on the Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore and then board your onward flight back to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Opt for an overnight stay in Singapore during your inbound or outbound journey. The mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western influences has created a fascinating city and melting pot of culture, cuisine and art. Highlights include bustling Chinatown, the magnificent Botanic Gardens and the modern Gardens by the Bay.
Surrounded by karst mountains and lush green forests, Vang Vieng’s natural setting is truly beautiful. Take a private cruise down the Namsong River on a traditional longtail boat as you admire the towering limestone cliffs and rice paddies as the sun sets.
Travel north of Chiang Mai into the highlands near the Thai-Myanmar border to stay at Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort. Set amongst 800 acres of unspoiled mountain forest, enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding valley, take a cookery class, go birdwatching or take a guided tour of the historic Golden Triangle.
The Thai islands provide the quintessential Thailand beach experience. From the original holiday isle of Koh Samui to the serene and picturesque Koh Lanta, take time to relax in your hand-picked hotel, swim in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy cotton-candy sunsets from the beach.
Guide to Price
15 days from £6150 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Cruise accommodation and sightseeing on a join-in basis with other passengers
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £6150
Travel Information
Getting There
There are currently no direct flights between the UK and Laos, so the best option is to fly to Bangkok or Singapore and then take a connecting flight to either Vientiane or Luang Prabang. Flights are available from many of the major UK airports to both Bangkok and Singapore using a range of airlines including Thai Airways, British Airways and Singapore Airlines.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights to Bangkok take around 12 hours. From Bangkok to Laos flight times range from 1 to 2 hours depending on your chosen destination.
Time Zone
Laos is +7 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
A Laos e-visa can be applied for online at least 5 days in advance. The e-visa is single entry only and is accepted at major entry points - for more information please visit https://laoevisa.gov.la/index. Visas can also be obtained on arrival (single entry) at many entry points including Vientiane Wattay airport, Luang Prabang airport and Paske airport.
The Laos government is piloting a Digital Immigration Registration arrival card system for two years starting September 2025 initially at the following points of arrival: Luang Prabang International Airport, Vientiane (Wattay) International Airport, Pakse International Airport and the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge (Vientiane–Nong Khai). From 1st January 2026, nationwide roll-out is expected.
Do’s & Don’ts
It is illegal to import, transport, use, store or sell vapes or e-cigarettes in Laos. This ban applies to both visitors and locals. If found in possession of a vape or e-cigarette the device will be confiscated and a fine, or more significant penalty, enforced. We strongly advise not to bring or use any vape or e-cigarette during your stay in Laos.
Do carry your passport, or copies of your passport, with you at all times.
It is courteous to ask permission from people or monks before taking any photographs.
If you are going to a place of worship you should remove your shoes, ensure your upper arms and legs are covered and remove your hat.
Do not stray from the path in rural areas. Unexploded mines are a hazard throughout the country, particularly in Xieng Khouang Province close to the Plain of Jars and in the vicinity of the Lao-Vietnamese border. Keep to main routes and avoid picking up any discarded metal objects.
Money
The official currency of Laos is the Lao Kip, but the Thai Baht and US Dollars are also widely accepted. Although US Dollars are accepted, it is not advisable to rely solely on this form of currency throughout your trip and best to also have a supply of Lao Kip as this is generally preferred for smaller purchases. Cards are not widely accepted but larger hotels in all of the main cities do accept card payments. You can also use ATM machines in most major towns, just remember to inform your bank before you travel.
Tipping
In Laos tipping is not generally expected. If you visit a temple or other religious institution, there will be contribution boxes available for donations. A guideline for tipping drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food & Drink
Lao cuisine has been heavily influenced by the food of surrounding countries, particularly Thailand and China. There is also a strong French influence with baguettes are readily available, numerous French restaurants and French style draught beers. Staples of the Lao diet include sticky rice, noodles, soups and grilled or steamed meat. Two famous, mouth-watering dishes are ‘larb’, a spicy mixture of meat, herbs and vegetables, and ‘som tam’, a spicy green papaya salad.
Accommodation
In both Luang Prabang and Vientiane there is a wide variety of accommodation including some of South East Asia’s best heritage hotels. In the more rural areas of the country the accommodation, although clean and comfortable, tends to be simple with a Laotian style and limited facilities and amenities. Often the purpose of visiting rural locations in Laos is to experience the area rather than the accommodation you are staying in, however, you will of course be made to feel most welcome with every effort made to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Shopping
Laos is renowned for silver jewellery and textiles and the best place to pick such wares up is Luang Prabang where you will find a modern take on traditional styles and techniques. There is no shortage of markets in Laos offering shoppers the opportunity to browse traditional handmade craft items including textiles, rattan items and carvings.
Suggested Reading
The Rough Guide and Footprint are excellent books with plenty of general information on the country. For more insight into the history of this fascinating country, from its ancient history to its colonisation by France and its subsequent freedom, try Martin Stuart-Fox’s ‘A History of Laos’ or ‘A Short History of Laos’ by Grant Evans. If you want some Laos-based fiction to read by the beach or pool, why not try one of Colin Cotterill’s Dr Siri mystery series? All Cotterill's books are set in this beautiful country.
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Laos the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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