Unveiling Laos Treasures
Alice M. - Australia
Mekong Pear 10 Nights (Upstream)
Destination: Vientiane, Salakham, Ban Don Saingam, Xayaburi Dam, Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang, Pak Ou Caves, Huay Xai, Chiang Rai
Departure date of itinerary: Contact us for details
Highlights of Itinerary
- Visit famous places in the capital Vientiane
- Relax and enjoy pristine nature along the majestic Mekong River
- Discover the scenic town of Salakham with stunning scenery
- Explore the mysterious natural cave at Ban Don Saingam
- Admire the largest hydroelectric plant in Laos called Xayaburi Dam
- Immerse in the ancient beauty of the ancient town - Luang Prabang
Mekong Pear 10 Nights (Upstream)
Checking in and boarding the Mekong Sun which is a boutique river vessel first of its kind to provide cabins on upper Mekong by Germany and Laos at 2 pm. First you receive your nice accommodation and prepare for a 12-day voyage. In the afternoon, the tour guide will take you to visit the famous places in Laotian capital, including Pha That Luang stupa and Patuxai, considered as the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane. Back to your cruise ship and relax in the expansive decks and lounge. Then join the greeting reception and dinner. We offer a choice of European and Asian food on the ship. Overnight on board.
The experience on the Mekong River begins with an upriver route where travelers can see the most breathtaking and stunning scenery. In the afternoon, you enjoy the splendid landscape and the wonders of nature along the Mekong riversides before the vessel anchors at a peaceful place to have a night off. Overnight on board.
The views are more and more astounding in further north: hill overlaid tropical plants, dramatic rock formations, and fast currents and sluggish rivulets. You have a day to discover the dreamy town of Salakham and you will feel like an expedition in reality by the power of the impressive Mekong. Do not forget to enjoy the scenic landscape and nature’s wonders along the riverside before the boutique reaches the north and stay there for a night. Overnight on board.
Go upriver, you will visit Ban Don Saingam, where the trekking in 30 minutes to discover the cave takes place by Mekong River Cruises guests. The entirely natural environment is only broken by the rare sightings of tiny communities and local livestock herds. Overnight on board.
You can catch the wonderful landscape and local fishermen along the bank when having breakfast on board. Remember to visit the largest hydroelectric power plant in Laos called Xayaburi Dam. During the afternoon, you see the life of a small tribe living in the hill, who are often visited by tourists and assisted by funds. Overnight on board.
The tour guide will take you to Kuang Si Falls, one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Laos in the morning. The afternoon is for Luang Prabang, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal Laotian capital. Walking up Mount Phou Si at night to see the stunning view of the Mekong and Khan Rivers and then mountains around. Afterwards, you can take a walk along Mekong bank and join the Hmong night market before dining on board and participating in a Lao dance and a Baci friendship celebration. Overnight on board.
You can experience the common giving of alms in Luang Prabang’s street and local morning market in the early time. Then you have an on board breakfast and guided city tour, including the National Museum, located in an old royal palace then a traditional handicraft village. The afternoon is for you to discover the city by yourself. There are many offers for dining in Luang Prabang so you can select one of the famous restaurants within town or Mekong’s riverside. Overnight on board.
While you have breakfast, go upstream and head to the must-see Pak Ou Caves where the thousands of small Buddha statues are placed. From this, you can trek acrossing the forest or by boat to the riverside village and see the distillery. The elephants are nearby unless they go somewhere else to work. Upstream to Oudomxay Province in the afternoon. Overnight on board.
There is less traffic to the upstream and you can have a great time in peaceful surroundings. Relax on your accommodation, lounge or deck and feel the atmosphere as the great views get more fabulous: hills overlaid tropical flora, dramatic rock formations in riverside, fast currents and sluggish rivulets. You can feel the exploration in reality by the power of the strong Mekong. Overnight on board.
Avoid the speedy daily life and relax on deck to see the views around and the peace of northern Laos. You will reach Pak Tha when the ship passes the green hills.
Join a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River, which takes you to a nearby Khmu village, whose school has been sup-ported by donations from Mekong River Cruises guests for many years. In the evening, in an ideal riverbank location, you have a tasty Mekong River Cruises barbecue dinner. Overnight on board.
Say goodbye to the Laotian crew after breakfast and check out. Before noon you reach Ban Huay Xay and disembark your boutique ship. After visiting the temple and traditional market you will pass the Thailand-Laos border at Friendship Bridge before transferring to the airport or your local hotel at Chiang Rai city limits. It is difficult to say goodbye and the voyage will instill in your memory.
What's included
10 nights in 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 mentioned.
Personal Insurance
Video or photography fees (if requested during excursions).
