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8 Days 7 Nights
Specific Tour
20 people
Multilingual
Route : GOLDEN TRIANGLE – HUAY XAY – PAK THA – PAK OU – LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI FALLS – LUANG PRABANG
Savor the magnificent scenery of the Mekong River on this unique cruise from the Golden Triangle in Thailand to Luang Prabang, in the heart of Laos, . Travel along formerly inaccessible stretches of Southeast Asia’s most exciting river. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, stroll through colorful markets, and experience firsthand the Laotian people’s traditional way of life.
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, with fluctuating water levels. Your comfortable cruise vessel masters tight gorges, negotiates labyrinths of sandbanks, and clears churning rapids. Along this part of the Mekong, tranquil stretches of the river combine with striking shore scenery of lush green mountains, impressive rock formations, and secluded villages. The upper Mekong is considered one of the world’s most spectacular rivers navigable by a cruise vessel.
On your first day, you attend a meet and greet between 8 and 9 am in Chiang Rai city. Later you transfer by bus to the Golden Triangle area at Chiang Saen, where you enjoy lunch in a local restaurant overlooking the Mekong River before visiting the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the Hall of Opium Museum. 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 abuse using multimedia exhibitions. In the evening, you board your comfortable German–Laotian boutique cruise ship, where you settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for a seven-night cruise. That evening, you can enjoy the ship’s spacious decks and lounge and attend your welcome reception. Overnight on board.
In the morning, your cruise will take you from the Golden Triangle region, situated on borders of Burma, Laos and Thailand, into Laos. From the town of Huay Xay on the Laos–Thailand border, your voyage leads into the beautiful scenery of northern Laos. You continue to the small village of Pak Tha, where you board a long-tail boat for a trip up the Nam Tha River to visit a remote Khmu village. There, you visit a small village school supported by donations from guests of Mekong River Cruises. Overnight on board.
The river traffic increases as you pass through a densely populated region accessible only by water. You can relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin or in the lounge and soak up the remote scenery as the landscape becomes more and more spectacular—hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the riverbanks, and a diverse array of rapid currents and slow rivulets. The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Overnight on board.
After a relaxing morning on board, you stop at the famous Pak Ou Caves, known for the thousands of small Buddha statues that inhabit its chambers. From here, you can go on a short jungle trek through the forest to a small riverside village and visit the village distillery. Alternatively, you can reach the village comfortably by boat. This evening we enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises barbecue dinner in a beautiful riverside location. Overnight on board.
Today you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You start the day with a walk through the city to the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple with its gold-trimmed tile roofs, which leave you in awe. You enjoy other highlights during this full-day excursion through Luang Prabang. In the evening, you walk up Mount Phou Si, which offers a spectacular view over the Mekong as well as the Khan River and the surrounding mountains. You enjoy a stroll along the Mekong promenade or visit the colorful Hmong night market. 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. Overnight on board.
In the early morning, you can view the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. After breakfast on board your boutique ship, your cruise takes you further downriver, where you discover remarkable, impressive landscapes. In the afternoon, you visit a traditional Hmong hill tribe village. You enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before you stop at a tranquil place to stay for the night. Overnight on board.
Today a tuk-tuk excursion takes you to the Kuang Si Falls, one of Laos’ most beautiful waterfalls. Back on board, your cruise heads north and reaches Luang Prabang after lunch. In the afternoon, you are free to explore this beautiful city at your own pace. You can rent a bike to reach some of the lively outskirts of the town or spend some time shopping for souvenirs and gifts. In the evening, you enjoy a traditional Lao Baci Ceremony and watch some local dances on board before celebrating with the crew at a farewell dinner. Overnight on board.
After breakfast you say goodbye to your Laotian crew, check out, and disembark from your boutique ship. You transfer to the airport or your centrally located hotel in Luang Prabang, bidding farewell to the Mekong River and its treasures.
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