SAILING THE MIGHTY MEKONG

Arrive

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

Day 2 Sanakham

Set sail for a day cruising up the Mekong, watching the scenery glide by. On board activities include a presentation on Lao language in the morning, and a Lao cookery class on the upper deck this afternoon. On arrival at Ban Sanakham you may like to take a riverside stroll to stretch your legs. The town is an important border crossing between Laos and Thailand.

Overnight: RV Laos Pandaw

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

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

Day 5 Ban Mouang Khai

The force of the Mekong is captured for hydro electric energy at various points along its length course. This morning we pass the a newly constructed lock which forms part of the Xanyaburi hydro electric plant before continuing to the village of Ban Mouang Khai.

Overnight: RV Laos Pandaw

Day 6 Luang Prabang

Continuing along the river, there will be a morning trip to the Khaung Si waterfalls, a butterfly garden and elephant camp before arriving in the heart of mellow, atmospheric Luang Prabang. After lunch on board, you will explore the well-preserved Buddhist temples and buildings of this UNESCO World Heritage site by tuk tuk. There is a buzzing night market, as well as a great choice of delightful, open-air cafes and restaurants where you can relax and watch the world go by.

Overnight: RV Laos Pandaw

Day 7 Luang Prabang

Rise early to see Luang Prabang's monks collect 'alms' or offerings from the locals - a tradition which has all but died in many parts of Southeast Asia. Guests are welcome to participate in this Buddhist tradition. Your guide will then accompany you to the National Museum and morning market. This afternoon is at your leisure to explore Luang Prabang at our own pace before traditional Lao dancing on board your boat.

Overnight: RV Laos Pandaw

Day 8 Pak Ou Caves - Nam Ou River

Today's stop will be at the Pak Ou caves along the river, which house hundreds of Buddhist statues and act as sanctuaries for devotees. You will then join the Nam Ou river towards Ban Bo. Your course takes you past spectacular cliffs, as you continue your journey northwards. Thre will be a cookery demostration on the upper deck for those wishing to learn more about Lao cuisine.

Overnight: RV Laos Pandaw

Day 9 Pak Beng

Enjoy a walk around the market town of Pak Beng, deep in the northern jungle. Should time permit, explore Ban Pak Sip, a traditonal village on the riverbanks.

Overnight: RV Laos Pandaw

Day 10 Chiang Kong (Thailand)

As you cross the border into Thailand, the boat will dock in Chiang Kong. Chiang Kong is the meeting point of three tribal cultures and an important market town. This eveing there will be farewell cocktails and dinner on board.

Overnight: RV Laos Pandaw

Day 11 Disembark Chiang Khong

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.

Depart