Hidden Gems of the Mekong
Isabella Carter - Canada
Mekong Sun 10 Nights (Downstream)
Destination: Golden Triangle, Pak Ou Caves, Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls, Ban Don Saingam, Salakham, Vientiane
Departure date of itinerary: Contact us for details
Highlights of Itinerary
- Witness the majestic mountains and the beauty of Mekong River
- Enjoy the fresh air and sparkling beauty of the river at night
- Explore unique architecture and cuisine in Luang Prabang
- Capture the architectural symbol of Vientiane - Pha That Luang
- Visit the famous Pak Ou Caves with thousands of Buddha statues
- Admire Kuang Si Waterfall - the most beautiful natural waterfall
Mekong Sun 10 Nights (Downstream)
After pickup between 8 am and 9 am at your local hotel or Chiang Rai Airport, you will visit the well-known Golden Triangle area. The city tour begins with the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the Hall of Opium Museum. The Hall of Opium attracts tourists by the history and politics of the opium commerce and its health effects to the users. Then, you will stay in a spacious accommodation and prepare for an 11-day voyage. In the evening, a welcome dinner and reception are for you after having a great time to experience the ship’s large decks and lounge. Overnight on board.
In the morning, the once-in-a-lifetime experience officially begins with the first point from the Golden Triangle region where borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. You will visit a place near Huay Xay belonging to Laos on the Laos- Thailand border. Then, you board a ship through the fabulous views of northern Laos to the Pak Tha’s small village. Afterwards, the long-tail boat will take you to Khmu village passing Namtha River. You keep downriver and enjoy the atmosphere there until the cruise vessel anchors on the sand during night time. Overnight on board.
Passing the abundant population area reached by water only, you will explore the most stunning scenery: hills overlaid with tropical plants, breathtakingly unique rock formations, and a fabulous mixture of slow and fast water. You will experience an exploration of reality through the power of the Mekong River. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of these amazing environments in the lounge, your cabin, or on deck. Enter Oudomxay Province after a while. Overnight on board.
After a great morning on board, we will visit the famous Pak Ou Caves, located at a small riverside village, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside. Now, you can go on a boat or trek through the forest to the local village to view the distillery. Not far away, the elephants may work (unless they are employed elsewhere at the time of your visit). It is surrounded by incredible limestone mountains and enjoy your dinner on board. Overnight on board.
Now, we head to UNESCO World Heritage Site- Luang Prabang known as the former capital of Laos. First is the city walk tour to well-known Wat Xieng Thong temple gold-coloured rim tile roofs, which impresses you. You will visit other must-see destinations during this round trip through Luang Prabang. Walking up Mount Phou Si to see breathtaking views of the Mekong and Khan Rivers and the surrounding mountains. You will be attracted by the walkway along the Mekong or join the lively Hmong night market. There are various cuisines in Prabang for you to select from their offerings beside the Mekong River and in town. Overnight on board.
If you wake up early, you can see the common giving of alms in the street of Luang Prabang, and experience the peaceful morning market. After having breakfast on board, the guided city tour will consist of the National Museum of Luang Prabang in an old royal palace and a local handicraft village. After that, you are free to explore the city center with many places such as local shops, restaurants, or cafeterias. Before dinner time on board, you join the Baci friendship commemoration and a celebration of performing a traditional Lao dance. Overnight on board.
The breakfast served on board, you savor the amazing views and may see the spot local fishermen onshore when you board farther downriver. After a couple of hours, you will travel by tuk-tuks to see the breathtaking Kuang Si Falls, considered the most beautiful masterpiece of nature in the whole country. In the afternoon, do not forget the Xayaburi Dam, the largest hydroelectric power plant in Laos. You can enjoy a delicious Mekong River Cruises barbecue dinner along the river bank. Overnight on board.
Now, you will discover the hidden cave and feel natural by some simple hiking trails. In the afternoon, you see the stunning scenery on the sun deck or join the talk about Laos’s history and culture. Then, you take a rest on board, and have a good time served by a boutique ship in a particular but casual air. Overnight on board.
The landscapes become more and more remarkable when downstream with the hills covered by tropical plants, dramatic rock formations along riversides, and different array speeds of rivulets. Then head to the magnificent town of Salakham. You can feel the real expedition by the power of the mighty Mekong. You enjoy the splendid scenery and see the wonders of nature along the riversides before the vessel goes downstream and anchors for the night. Overnight on board.
You keep downriver along with the Mekong, and is considered the “Mother of All Waters”. Laotian capital-Vientiane is the next stop where you see the Pha That Luang stupa known as an architectural symbol of Laos, and Patuxai is considered the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane. Last is the evening celebration of your cruise with a bon voyage dinner on board, with the kind crew, cruise director, and captain. Overnight on board.
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to your Laotian crew. You check out and disembark your boutique ship before transferring to the airport or your local hotel. What an unforgettable experience!
What's included
10 nights in a selected cabin type aboard your boutique river cruise ship.
Local English-speaking guides.
Entrance fees for sightseeing according to the itinerary.
Excursions according to itinerary.
Tours and transfers according to itinerary.
Drinking water in vehicles and on the ship.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Complimentary coffee, tea, and water on board your boutique river cruise ship.
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).
Flights
Meals and services other than those noted in the itinerary.
Visas for Thailand and 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 those mentioned.
Personal Insurance
Video or photography fees (if requested during excursions).
