An expedition into the stunning, unspoiled Laotian landscape, as you cruise along the Mekong to the notorious Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand converge. Explore forgotten sights, atmospheric cities, minority villages deep in the forest, and landscapes unchanged for centuries.
Your home will be a traditional river cruiser with just 10 staterooms and suites.
SAILING THE MIGHTY MEKONG
HIGHLIGHTS
- Soak up the atmosphere in historic Luang Prabang
- Browse numerous markets and craft shops
- Head off track to explore Hmong and Khmu villages
- Explore the legendary Golden Triangle
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Arrive
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Day 1 Board your River Cruiser in Vientiane
When you arrive in Vientiane or Udon Thani across the river, you will be met by a representative and driven to join RV Laos Pandaw, the charming river boat which will be your home for the next 10 nights, for lunch. The afternoon can be spent exploring this delightful French city, before dinner on board or ashore in one of the cafes, bistros or elegant restaurants.
Overnight: RV Laos Pandaw
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Day 2 Cruising The Mekong
Cruise upstream on the Mekong, passing lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages. Morning presentation on the Lao language. Afternoon cooking demonstration on the upper deck. Arrive in Ban Xanakham to moor overnight.
Overnight: RV Laos Pandaw
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Day 3 Ban Pak Lai
As you venture further into rural Laos, the river's pace picks up, farmland gives way to dramatic jungle-clad mountains, and striking rock formations straddle the river banks. This afternoon, we shall arrive at Ban Paklay, a former French administrative town with beautiful colonial buildings and a market. Your captain will moor up, and the night will be spent on a deserted sandbank amidst this beautiful landscape.
Overnight: RV Laos Pandaw
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Day 4 Ban Park Bor
Coninue along the river, stopping this afternoon at Ban Park Bor, a Kmu tribal village set against the backdrop of a lush jungle.
Overnight: RV Laos Pandaw
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Day 5 Ban Mouang Khai & Luang Prabang
In the morning visit a Hmong village and continue upstream to the village of Ban Mouang Khai. Afternoon sightseeing by minibus visiting the jungle pools and dramatic Khaung Si waterfall then on to a butterfly garden. Arrive in the heart of the temple city of Luang Prabang where there is a buzzing night market and many great cafes and some good local restaurants.
Overnight: RV Laos Pandaw
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Day 6 Luang Prabang
n the morning explore by tuktuk this well-preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. Visit the National Museum and have the afternoon free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang on your own. Enjoy traditional Laos dancing on the upper deck late afternoon. Moor overnight in Luang Prabang.
Overnight: RV Laos Pandaw
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Day 7 Pak Ou Caves
Early morning walking tour to see the alms offering by the local people to hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. Passengers are invited to join in with offerings we provide for the alms giving. Morning sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves and Elephant camp, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. Evening cocktails on a sandbank. Sail upstream on the beautiful Mekong towards Ban Bo
Overnight: RV Laos Pandaw
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Day 8 Pak Bang
Morning visit to a local Khamo village. Sail upstream on the Mekong passing Pak Beng towards Pak Sit.
Overnight: RV Laos Pandaw
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Day 9 Ban Houayxay
Early morning walking tour in a Khamo village then cruise through stunning scenery to the border of Laos and Thailand. The night is spent on the Lao side in the Huay xay area where we take a late afternoon village walk.
Overnight: RV Laos Pandaw
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Day 10 Chiang Saen (Thailand)
Cruise upriver to the Town of Chiang Sean for border crossing at the Golden Triangle. Farewell cocktails and Thai traditional dance on board for your last evening.
Overnight: RV Laos Pandaw
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Day 11 Disembark Chiang Saen
It's time to leave the boat behind and head off to the airport in Chiang Rai (3 hours) or Chiang Mai (6 hours) to continue your journey or return home.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
Currency
| Low | £ 3,136 | $ 4,622 |
| Mid | £ 3,906 | $ 5,757 |
| High | £ 4,340 | $ 6,397 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Based on two people sharing a double/twin cabin throughout.
- Upstream and downstream itineraries available.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast.
- Private transfers throughout.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
