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The Laos Mekong

Downstream - Example 11 Day Cruise aboard RV Laos Pandaw
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Enjoy a three-country adventure on this 11-day Laos Mekong river cruise as you travel through Laos and Thailand. Pandaw is the first river expedition to cross all of Laos since pre-war days, departing from Chiang Khong. You spend two nights in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, with its dazzling wood-carved monasteries, before continuing deep into the mountains, through rapids and gorges. Explore tribal villages and the surrounding jungle and countryside.
Highlights
  • Visits to the golden Pha That Luang Stupa, Sisaket Temple, the President’s Hall, Wat Prakeo Temple and the Phatouxay monument
  • Morning visit and walking tour to Khamo tribal village, Ban Park Bor Village
  • Explore the unique Pak Ou caves
Activity Level: Relaxed
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Chiang Khong | Embarkation

PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary for this expedition is indicative only and subject to reconnaissance. As we travel to remote areas, changes to the itinerary will inevitably occur. A flexible approach is required if you book this cruise.

Transfers from airports or any city hotel in Chiang Rai (2 hours) and Chiang Mai (6 hours) including a visit to the Golden Triangle and the now infamous opium museum. Embark your ship by 16.00. 

Day 2: Into Laos

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Pass through immigration formalities at the Thai/Laos border and re-join the ship. Set sail downstream on the beautiful Upper Mekong River. After lunch, if time allows, sightseeing on foot in a Laos jungle village.

Day 3: Khamo Village

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Morning walk in a Khamo village. Sail downstream on the beautiful Mekong then relax with evening cocktails on a sandbank.

Day 4: Pak Ou Caves | Luang Prabang

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Continue cruising downstream to Pak Ou, transfer to a local boat and enter the Nam Ou River to visit the extraordinary Pak Ou Buddha Caves. Admire spectacular limestone cliff faces in the Buddhist sanctuary.

Day 5: Luang Prabang

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning explore by tuktuk this well preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. Visit the National Museum and have the afternoon free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang. Traditional Laos dancing on the upper deck late afternoon. Moor overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 6: Khaung Si Waterfall

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Early morning walking tour to observe the morning alms offering by local people to the hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. Drive to see the deep jungle pools at the Khaung Si Waterfall, the teak forest trails and butterfly farm.

Day 7: Xayaburi Dam

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Pass through the Mekong water control lock at Xayaburi Hydro Electric Power Plant (itself an interesting and perhaps controversial tourist attraction). Late afternoon walking tour of a local village.

Day 8: Xanakham

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Morning visit to Ban Pha Leab with its beautiful limestone mountain. Continue to Pak Houng-Thai Lao Border for an excursion to a plantation village and meet the local people.

Day 9-10: Vientiane

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Pass through a dramatic landscape of jungle and mountain where the river flows fast and wild. Amazing rock formations straddle the river banks. Here we enter the cultivated plains of Vientiane province. Arrive mid-afternoon in Vientiane to moor overnight. Opportunity for independent exploration of this delightful, French influenced city.

Morning exploration of the delightful French city including visits to the golden Pha That Luang Stupa, Sisaket Temple, the President’s Hall, Watt Prakeo Temple and the Phatouxay monument. Opportunity for independent exploration and experience the many cafes and bistros in this charming little corner of L’Indochine. Farewell cocktails and dinner.

Day 11: Vientiane | Embarkation

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark in Vientiane after breakfast and transfer to airports or hotel in Vientiane or Udon Thani in Thailand (1.5hrs, just across the river).

Ship/Hotel

RV Laos Pandaw

RV Laos Pandaw - Dining
RV Laos Pandaw - Deck
RV Laos Pandaw - Public Area

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$4,360
RV Laos Pandaw - Cabin
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Pandaw Stateroom
Bedroom: 12' x 10' Bathroom: 6' x 4' Showeroom: 2'8" x 3'4" Single Bed: 6'7" x 3'3"
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
  • English Speaking Guide
  • All entrance fees as per program
  • Local mineral water, Jugged coffee, Teas & Tisanes
  • Transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark day
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry 
  • Port Fees
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • Tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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