well organized, especially love the elephant sanctuary
Bethany Stone - United Kingdom
RV Laos Pandaw 10 Nights (Downstream)
Destination: Chiang Saen, Laos, Khamo Village, Pak Ou Caves, Luang Prabang, Khaung Si Waterfall, Xayaburi Dam, Xanakham, Vientiane
Departure date of itinerary: Contact us for details
Highlights of Itinerary
- Visit the Hall of Opium and embark on a journey through the Mekong's heartland
- Explore this UNESCO gem, renowned for its temples, architecture, and vibrant night markets
- Witness the alms giving ceremony, visit a Khamo village, and immerse in Laos' rich traditions
- Marvel at thousands of Buddha statues in the sacred Pak Ou Caves
- Discover the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant and explore villages along the riverbanks
- Uncover the vibrant capital's charm, from Pha That Luang Stupa to bustling markets
Itinerary of RV Laos Pandaw 10 Nights (Downstream)
PLEASE NOTE: The following itinerary is just an indication of what you can expect on the cruise and subject to change. With the journey to remote land like this, there may be inevitable elements that force the cruise to change the plan.
Transfers from the hotel near the city center or the airport in Chiang Rai (2 hours) or Chiang Mai (6 hours). Upon reaching Chiang Saen, you can make a visit to the Hall of Opium in the Golden Triangle. Check-in on the cruise at 16:00 and we begin the journey.
Reaching the river border gate, we will pass through and enter Laos. Continue downstream to the Mekong River. Lunch on board followed by a short visit to a little village in the middle of the jungle in time allows.
Today visit in the morning to a Khamo Village. Then continue sailing downstream. Enjoy a cocktail on the sandbank by the evening.
The trip today will be to Pak Ou Caves. It holds a special significance to the Buddhists as the spacious cave houses thousands of Buddha images. Reaching Luang Prabang in the afternoon
After breakfast, take on a tuk tuk ride to the town of Luang Prabang with its many monuments that still retains the original states. First off is the National Museum followed some other Buddhist Temples. Afternoon, you will be free to explore the town on your own. Back on board in the evening to enjoy dinner and a traditional dance performance by the local artists.
Wake up early today to take part in the almsgiving ceremony by the locals that donate foods for monks that go around the town every morning.
The morning will be spent on bus to the Khaung Si waterfalls with its sapphire water and lagoons as well as the butterfly garden.
Continue the journey down south
Today, we will cross through the water block of Xayaburi Hydro Electric Power Plant. In the afternoon, take a stroll through a typical local village.
After breakfast, we leave the ship for Ban Pha Leab for its breathtaking limestone rock formation. Next, we reach Pak Houng another Thai and Laos border for a trip to a plantation and meet the residents.
Cross the out-of-this-world scenery with the signature mountainous jungle of Laos as the river swerves around it. After a few hours of sailing, we will reach the water body of Vientiane – the capital of Laos and dock here for overnight. You can also have the chance to do your own exploration here.
Morning exploration will be the discovery of Vientiane’s highlights such as Pha That Luang Stupa, Sisaket Temple, the President’s Hall, Wat Prakeo Temple and the Phatouxay monument. Later, if you wish, will be your own exploration to the coffee shops and bistros located in narrow alleys and small roads of this colonial city. Enjoy a farewell cocktail and dinner.
Check-out from the cruise in Vientiane, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city or the airport.
What's included
Entrance fees
Guide services (English language)
Gratuities to crew
Main meals as mentioned
Locally made soft drinks, mineral water
Local beer and local spirits
Jugged coffee and selection of teas and tisanes
Transfers between the meeting point and the ship at the start and end of a voyage
International flights
Visa costs
Phnom Penh Port tax 65 USD/ pax
Port dues (if levied)
Laundry
Fuel surcharges (Policies)
Imported beverages such as wines, premium spirits and liqueurs
Fancy soft drinks like Perrier, espressos and cappuccinos
Tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers
No transfers in Phnom Penh, ship docks in city center at Sisowath Quay
