Laos Revealed - downstream
10 DAYS DOWNSTREAM - CRUISE PACKAGE FROM GOLDEN TRIANGLE TO VIENTIANE
DAY 1: Golden Triangle – Embarkation
Pickup from the airport of Chiang Rai or your hotel within city limits around 2pm. Transfer to the once-notorious region of the Golden Triangle. Your sightseeing tour today includes a visit to the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the new Hall of Opium. This fascinating museum, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, gives a deep background on the history and politics of the opium trade and the health effects of opium the Mekong Sun/Explorer*, comfortable and unique boutique vessels, which are German-Laotian owned river ships with stylish cabins. Settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for a ten-day cruise. In the evening enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend a dinnertime welcome reception. (D) 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: Golden Triangle – Huay Xay – Pak Tha
The morning your grand voyage on the mighty Mekong River really gets going, with your departure from the Golden Triangle region between Burma, Laos and Thailand. The destination for today is the nearby Laotian town of Huay Xay on the Laotian - Thai border, where you will officially enter the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos. Your voyage then leads into northern Laos amid stunning scenery. Continue to Pak Tha, a small village where you will take off on a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to visit a local village of the ethnic minority Khmu. Upon re-embarkation your boutique-ship you will continue downstream and anchor at a sand or river bank. (B,L,D)
DAY 3: PakbengThe river traffic increases as you pass through a densely populated region accessible only by water. You will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes of this still-untamed river. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the river banks, and a fascinating array of fast currents and slower river parts on the river. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Relax on deck, in your cabin or in the lounge and soak up the remote, isolated surroundings. Shortly after getting underway, you will arrive in Pakbeng, the local market town in this region. Nearby you can see elephants in action (unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit). (B,L,D)
DAY 4: Pak Ou caves – Luang PrabangThe famous Pak Ou-caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns, are one highlight of the day. After a short walk through the jungle (optional) you visit a Laotian village. In the village you can observe how the local liqueur Lao-Lao is being distilled traditionally. In the late afternoon you will reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will get to know some highlights of this beautiful city, incl. the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple and enjoy the unique atmosphere provided by the abundance of well-preserved French colonial architecture mingling with traditional Buddhist temples. A short climb up Phou Si-hill you will be rewarded with a panoramic 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 colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. 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 5: UNESCO-World heritage town of Luang PrabangBreakfast on board. Today the ship stays in Luang Prabang, while you have the full day to get to know the beauties of this UNESCO World Heritage town. During a morning guided tour you will visit National Museum, Wat Sene and many more. Apart from numerous temples, the atmosphere is enriched by neighboring French colonial architecture. After Lunch please explore City on your own. In the evening enjoy during Dinner a traditional Bazi Ceremony and watch some local Dances. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si waterfalls
In the early morning you will able to observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast on board. After a few hours of cruising downriver, you will continue by bus to the famous Kuang Si waterfalls. Enjoy the natural pools and stop in another small village. The ship then heads on southwards and pass through the Keng – Luang rapids. (B,L,D)
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DAY 7: Tha Deua – Pak Lay
Today you will see the ferry crossing the Mekong at Tha Deua connecting Luang Prabang Province with Sayaboury province and pass Laos biggest construction site, the future Sayaboury dam. Discuss the future of the Mekong, its fauna and the people living along the river after your cruise director’s presentation of hydropower projects along the mighty Mekong. In the afternoon you will drop in on the small riverside community of Pak Lay. After a short walk in an untouched nature you are able to explore near Ban Donkhai village a cave no many travelers have seen before. You will spend the night close to the Thai-Laotian border.(B,L,D)
DAY 8: Nature along the mighty MekongEnjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before you stop at a remote sandbank for the night. Today the Mekong will become again the river separating two unequal brothers, the neighbouring countries of booming Thailand and sleepy Laos. The river banks become shallower and especially, which are used agriculturally, especially on the Thai side. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before you stop for the last time at a remote sandbank for the night. (B,L,D)
DAY 9: The Lao capitol of VientianeYou travel further downstream along the “mother of all waters”, as the Thai and Lao call the Mekong River. Today’s destination is the Laotian capital, Vientiane, where you will see the That Luang temple, the national symbol, as well as the picturesque Arc de Triomphe. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner together with your ever-friendly crew, cruise director and captain at night in Vientiane! (B,L,D)
DAY 10: Disembarkation in VientianeAfter breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembarkation (until 10am). End of service with the transfer to the airport or your hotel within city limits. (B)
12 day
cruiseAlso available as 12 day cruise from Vientiane to Golden Triangle. 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 |