Impressions of the Mekong with Mekong River Cruises
From Vientiane To Pak Lay, Xayabouri Dam, Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang - 5 Nights
- Departing from:
- Vientiane
- Destination:
- Pak Lay, Xayabouri Dam, Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang
- Duration:
- 5 Nights
- Offer:
- Regular Mekong Cruises between September and February
- Tour Operator:
- Lernidee Trains & Cruises
- Reference Code:
- Lernidee
From
US$1,140
Price per person
Package Details
Overview
Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Mekong River on this unique cruise from the UNESCO World Heritage Town Luang Prabang to the Laotian capital, Vientiane. Travel along formerly inaccessible stretches of Southeast Asia’s most exciting river.
Discover Vientiane and the former royal capital of Luang Prabang; stroll through colourful markets, and experience firsthand the Laotian people’s traditional way of life. Relax aboard your exclusive boutique ship, and enjoy unspoiled nature along the mighty upper Mekong—one of the most difficult rivers in the world to navigate, with fluctuating water levels, tight gorges, labyrinths of sandbanks and churning rapids.
Details
Vientiane to Luang Prabang (Upstream)
DAY 1: Vientiane—Boarding (D)
At 2 pm you check in and board the Mekong Sun or Mekong Pearl, our comfortable Laotian cruise ships. These unique vessels are the first German–Laotian owned cruise ships with cabins that navigate the upper Mekong. You settle into your comfortable cabin, and unpack for a six-day cruise.
Later you participate in a guided city tour including all highlights of the Laotian capital: including the Pha That Luang stupa and the Patuxai, also known as the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane. That evening, you enjoy the ship’s spacious decks and comfortable lounge before attending your welcome reception and dinner. A selection of Asian and European food is provided throughout the cruise. Overnight on board.
DAY 2: Wild Nature Along the Mighty Mekong (BLD)
Today your Mekong River cruise experience starts. During the day you continuously cruise upriver, where you discover some of the most remarkable, impressive landscapes. In the afternoon, you enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbanks before stopping at a peaceful spot to moor for the night. Overnight on board.
DAY 3: Powerful Rapids and the Town of Salakham (BLD)
Further north you discover more gorgeous scenery of the wild Mekong. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations, and a diverse array of rapid currents and slow rivulets. During the day, you visit the dreamy town of Salakham. The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. You enjoy beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders then head north, where you stop again for the night. Overnight on board.
DAY 4: The Farming Village of Ban Don Saingam (BLD)
Upstream you stop at the small farming village of Ban Don Saingam, where you can participate in a 30-minute trek to explore a hidden cave visited exclusively by our guests. The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. In the evening, you enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises barbecue dinner in a beautiful riverside location. Overnight on board.
DAY 5: Xayabouri Dam (BLD)
During breakfast on board you enjoy the beautiful view, and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore. Don’t miss the Xayabouri Dam, the biggest hydroelectric power plant in Laos. In the afternoon, you meet the inhabitants of a small hill tribe village which is regularly visited by our guests and supported by donations. That evening, you celebrate your last night on board with a farewell dinner. Overnight on board.
DAY 6: Kuang Si Falls and Luang Prabang (BL)
In the morning, a guided shore excursion takes you to the Kuang Si Falls, some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Laos. That afternoon, you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Luang Prabang you say goodbye to your Lao crew. Later you check out and disembark from your Mekong River cruise ship, your comfortable home on an unforgettable journey.
Luang Prabang to Vientiane (Downstream)
DAY 1: Luang Prabang—Boarding (D)
In the afternoon, you board your comfortable Laotian cruise ship. These unique vessels are the first German-Laotian owned river ships with cabins on the upper Mekong. You settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for a five-day cruise. Today your cruise ship remains in Luang Prabang, giving you the opportunity to explore this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. That evening, you can explore the nightly market where locals sell their handicrafts. Later you enjoy the spacious decks and lounge of your river ship, and attend your welcome reception and dinner. A selection of Asian and European food is provided throughout the cruise. Overnight on board.
DAY 2: Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls and Xayabouri Dam (BLD)
In the early morning, you can view the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Back on board during breakfast, your ship starts out for your spectacular river cruise downstream into formerly inaccessible parts of the Mekong River. Later a guided shore excursion takes you to the Kuang Si Falls, some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Laos. In the afternoon, don’t miss the Xayabouri Dam, the biggest hydroelectric power plant in Laos. Today your cruise ship moors overnight at a peaceful sandbank. Overnight on board.
DAY 3: The Farming Village of Ban Don Saingam (BLD)
Today you visit an almost forgotten cave, and experience nature on some easy hiking trails. You take in the beautiful views, and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore. Later you can enjoy a presentation about the history and culture of Laos or simply relax on deck. The comfort and service on board provides an exclusive, yet casual atmosphere. That evening, you enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises barbecue dinner in a beautiful riverside location. Overnight on board.
DAY 4: Powerful Rapids and the Town of Salakham (BLD)
Further downstream you discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes of the wild Mekong. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations, and a diverse array of rapid currents and slow rivulets. During the day, you visit the dreamy town Salakham. The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. You enjoy beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbanks before you head further downriver and stop for the night. Overnight on board.
DAY 5: Wild Nature Along the Mighty Mekong (B)
During the day, you continuously cruise down-river, where you discover remarkable, impressive landscapes. In the afternoon, you enjoy more amazing landscapes and sights from the comfort of your boutique ship before stopping at a peaceful spot for the night. Overnight on board.
DAY 6: Vientiane (B)
Today you head towards Vientiane, the capital of Laos. In Vientiane, you say goodbye to your Lao crew. Later you check out and disembark from your Mekong River cruise ship, ending your unforgettable journey through this wondrous region.
Inclusions
Tour Prices Include
-
- 5 nights in selected cabin type aboard your boutique river cruise vessel
- Local English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees for sightseeing according to itinerary
- Excursions according to itinerary
- Tours and transfers according to itinerary
- Drinking water in vehicles and on the ship
- Meals according to itinerary (B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, and D=Dinner)
- Complimentary coffee, tea and water on board your boutique river cruise vessel
- Presentations and lectures on board by the cruise director
- Transfers between airports and hotels within city limits (only guaranteed if information was correctly provided four weeks prior to departure at the latest)
Not Included
- Flights
- Meals and services other than those noted in the itinerary
- Visas for Laos
- Laundry, telephone calls and personal expenditures
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, boat crew, and personal, non-itinerary services
- Alcoholic and soft drinks other than mentioned
- Personal insurance
- Video or photography fees (if requested during excursions)
Terms
NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including floodwaters and shallows. 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.
This journey is generally not for guests with limited mobility or who depend on CPAP machines. Please contact us for more information about your specific requirements before booking.
