Laos Revealed - upstream
12 DAYS UPSTREAM - CRUISE PACKAGE FROM VIENTIANE TO GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Itinerary from Vientiane to Golden Triangle
DAY 1: Vientiane – Embarkation
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DAY 9: Pakbeng
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The river traffic thins out as you proceed upstream, and you can enjoy the fantastic landscapes along the river. The scenery along the river is incredible... With a little luck you will be able to see working elephants in action today (unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit). Later, that day you will have a short stop in the market town of Pakbeng.
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In Vientiane we await you at the airport or pick you up in your hotel in town around 2pm. After a short sightseeing program to the highlights of the Lao capitol such as the That Luang temple or Wat Sisaket monastery, you will embark tonight on your Mekong Cruise vessel, a comfortable new boutique-cruise ship (embarkation is after 4pm)*. This unique boutique vessel is a German-Laotian owned river ship with stylish cabins. Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a twelve-day cruise. 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. All overnights aboard your boutique river cruise ship. * Depending on your cruise date, the ship will be either Mekong Sun or its sister vessel Mekong Explorer. Please refer to the dates below.
DAY 2 and 3 : Nature along the mighty Mekong
This morning you start your spectacular river cruise upstream into formerly inaccessible parts of the Mekong river. Enjoy the comfort and service onboard: exclusive, yet casual, you’ll share the boat with only few fellow guests. During the next days of your river cruise you will go on exciting offshore excursions and enjoy a programme with profound travel information in form of presentations, speeches or documentaries on relevant topics. Among others, the French Mekong Expedition of the 1860s, the daily life of a Buddhist novice or the plants and fruits of the Mekong region might be possible subjects. A visit of a small riverside communities get you acquainted with the life of the local Lao people. At night you anchor at a secluded sand or river bank. (2x B,L,D)
DAY 4: Pak Lay
Your boutique river vessel enables you to go on a comfortable journey, which seemed impossible for ages: about 800 km of travelling along fantastic river landscapes, passing by aboriginal villages and reaching World Heritage Sites. You will discover some of the last unknown regions of South-East Asia. Upstream you will stop at the small riverside community of Pak Lai. The local market with its many exotic offerings is quite a sight. Safe and comfortable travelling on board of your exclusive river vessel is guaranteed, while you watch the incredible landscapes of the river pass by. At night, enjoy once again the comforts on board. You will spend the night close to the Thai-Laotian border. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: Tha Deua
During and after breakfast on board, enjoy the beautiful view and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore. You travel further on the “mother of all waters”, as the locals call the Mekong River. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbank. You meet the people of a small riverside village, which is regularly supported by guests of your Mekong cruise. Today you will also pass the much-discussed Sayaboury hydropower dam project. Learn more about the background of this huge building site, the different views represented by the governments of the river’s neighboring nations, the Mekong River Commission or the local people during your cruise director’s lecture on the Mekong River and its future this afternoon. You will also see the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua, connecting Luang Prabang Province with the Sayaboury province. (B,L,-)
DAY 6: Kuang Si waterfalls – Luang Prabang
Another shore excursion will take you to the Kuang Si-falls, some of the most attractive waterfalls in Laos. This afternoon you will reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from numerous temples, the atmosphere is enriched by neighbouring French colonial architecture. 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 colourful night market of the local Hmong minority and enjoy during Dinner a traditional Bazi Ceremony and watch some local Dances. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: UNESCO-World heritage town of Luang Prabang
Breakfast on board. Today the ship stays in Luang Prabang, while we take you on a full day of sightseeing to get to know the beauties of this UNESCO World Heritage town. Apart from numerous temples, the atmosphere is enriched by neighbouring 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.
(B,L,-) DAY 8: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou caves
In the early morning you will able to visit the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast is on board. Today you will cruise north again and visit a Laotian village where you observe the traditional production of Lao-Lao, the local liqueur. After a short walk through the jungle (optionally) you will explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. The night is spent again on a beautiful sandbank, surrounded by nothing but pure nature. (B,L,D)
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DAY 10: Pak Tha
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 diversity of the landscape is astonishing, now shifting to tropical hills in the background. Enjoy the tranquillity of northern Laos, a real retreat from the hustle-and-bustle of daily life. As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha.
DAY 11: Pak Tha – Huay Xay
At Pak Tha, a small village, you will take off on a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to visit a local Khmu village. The small village school is often sponsored by guests of your Mekong cruise. Upon reboarding your boutique river vessel, you will proceed to the Thai-Laotian border at Chiang Khong (Thailand) and Ban Huay Xay (Laos). The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. You then will spend a last relaxing dinner and evening aboard, celebrated with a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 12: Golden Triangle – farewell
After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark. Today is spent on an excursion to the Golden Triangle area at Chiang Saen, where you will visit among others the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak. Chiang Saen once served as the crowing location for the kings of Lanna or Chiang Mai, and history is well preserved here. In the afternoon transfer to Chiang Rai hotel (within city limits) or airport, from where frequent flights to Bangkok are offered (no flights earlier than 18:30pm can be reached). (B,L)
NOTE:
Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including floodwaters, shallows and morning fog. 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 and river conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.
(B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner |