Laos Revealed - downstream
10 days downstream - Cruise package from Golden Triangle to Vientiane
Savour the fantastic scenery of the Mekong River on your spectacular and unique cruise between the Golden Triangle (Thailand), Luang Prabang and further south into the heart of Laos to the Laotian capitol of Vientiane (Laos). Join a unique cruise on formerly inaccessible segments of South-East Asia's most exciting river! Enjoy visiting the sleepy Lao capitol of Vientiane and UNESCO World Heritage Town Luang Prabang, stroll along colourful markets, get an insight into the traditional way of life of the Lao people, relax aboard your exclusive river vessel and enjoy the unspoiled nature along the mighty upper Mekong. The upper Mekong is one of the most difficult rivers in the world to navigate. Your comfortable cruise ship masters tight gorges, labyrinths of sandbanks and mounts violent chutes. Water levels are prone to drop up to 7 feet overnight. On this part of the Mekong quiet and calm parts of the river alternate with most dramatic and exciting shore sceneries: Tropical lush green mountains, impressive rock formations and secluded villages along the river banks. Some call the upper Mekong the most spectacular river in the world, which is navigable by a cruise ship!
YOUR ROUTE:
GOLDEN TRIANGLE – HUAY XAY – PAK THA – PAKBENG – PAK OU– LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI – THA DEUA – PAKLAY – VIENTIANE (or vv.)
Highlights
- Boutique-cruise on the wild upper Mekong, possibly the most spectacular river cruise in the world!
- The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, a perfect melange with its numerous temples, monasteries and French colonial architecture and one of Asia’s most beautiful towns
- get an insight into the traditional way of life of the people of Thailand and Laos
- Travel in exclusive small groups with a max. of 30 fellow passengers aboard
- The National symbol of Laos, the That Luang buddhist temple in Vientiane
- The Buddhist Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong, with its thousands of Buddha statues
- The waterfalls of Kuang Si inviting to bathe in its natural pools
- The once inglorious Golden Triangle region in the border region of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos
- sunset over Luang Prabang
- Unforgettable impressions of the mighty Mekong River, the “mother of waters”
- Great infotainment aboard with exciting lectures and documentaries on the region
Services included
- 9 overnights in selected cabin type aboard your boutique river cruise ship (depending on routing/departure date)
- Local English- and/or French speaking guides (depend. on routing/departure date)
- Entrance fees for mentioned visits in the itinerary
- Excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
- Tours and transfers as mentioned by air-conditioned vehicles
- Water in the vehicles and on the boat
- Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, =Lunch, and D=Dinner)
- Coffee, tea and table water during meal times on board of your boutique river cruise ship
- Presentations and lectures by the cruise director on board
- Transfers from/to Chiang Rai and Vientiane airports or hotels within city limits (only if information was provided correctly until latest 3 weeks prior embarkation)
Services not included
- Any flights
- Meals and services other than mentioned
- Visas for Thailand and Laos*
- Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
- Tips for guide, driver, porter, boat crew and personal expenses
- Alcoholic and soft drinks other than mentioned
- Personal Insurance
* Depending on your nationality, you need visas for the following countries (passport must be valid more than 6 month after departure date from Southeast-Asia):
- Laos: visas on arrival can be obtained for entry in Huay Xay (downstream cruises) or Vientiane (upstream cruises). Per each visa on arrival, valid 30 days: 30 to 42 US$ in cash upon nationality + one passport sized photo). Subject to change without prior notice. ATTENTION: Visa on arrival pay more 1 US$ /person every Saturday and Sunday
- Thailand: most nationalities do not need visa to enter Thailand.