Happy time on anouvong. Tasty menu we drank a lot
C. Holmes - United Kingdom
RV Sabaidee Pandaw Cruise 14 Nights (Downstream)
Destination: Jinghong, Guan Lei, Sob Luoy, Ban Dom Moon, Golden Triangle, Khamo Village, Pak Ou Caves, Luang Prabang, Xayaburi Dam, Ban Park Bor Village, Pak Lai, Vientiane
Departure date of itinerary: Contact us for details
Highlights of Itinerary
- Explore the intriguing Tropical Plant Institute with over 13,000 plants
- Learn about the Dai people at ancient Manting Park
- Enjoy cultural performances with stories and country history
- Capture the Akha village with traditional architecture
- Visit the Opium Hall in Golden Triangle - the major traffic point for opium
- Witness the ancient beauty and enjoy local specialties in Luang Prabang
RV Sabaidee Pandaw Cruise 14 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 element that force the cruise to change the plan.
This afternoon, you will check-in a 4-star hotel with the welcome from the guide and if you wish, a Chinese lesson to cover the basics. The afternoon will be spent for your own exploration.
Overnight in Hotel.
Jinghong a Chinese city founded by Tai King Phanya Coeng. The culture here is especially diverse due to the influences of the Thai, Burmese and Chinese mixed residents.
The morning will be spent in the intriguing Tropical Plant Institute and for your amazement as you enter this garden of over 13,000 plants species and 35 exhibits. Next on the schedule is the Manting Park with the longest history of over thirteen decades in Xishuangbanna. Used to be a Dai Imperial Garden, this park can provide you the knowledge of the Dai’s people. Some also call Manting Park “Chunhuan Park” which bear the meaning of the place of relief for the minds and soul of all earthly burdens.
This evening, witness the cultural show in Maxmumbani. Here, you can admire dancers from 38 different ethnic groups showing off their skills and traditions to convey the story and history of the country through the elaborative moves.
Overnight in a hotel.
Take the road journey to Guan Lei Port and after the immigration formalities to reach Thailand. After we embark on the speedboat down the Mekong River to reach the ship waiting for your arrival. Along the way, stop at the Lao Lue Village and visit the local establishments like the temple and the hearthcare clinic. Many people here move from Xishuangbanna of China to Laos.
Begin today excursion with a visit to Ban Done Jai – a village of the Akha people who settled here from the harsh hilly landscape. En route, you have the chance to visit a Akha home with the traditional design and a Lao Lue temple.
Canapés and cocktails will be provided for a relaxing social opportunity on the sundeck as the passengers are entertained by the local folktales and ceremony.
Today, we sail to the Golden Triangle. A morning hike to the Pok Lok Village before going back on board to join in a talk by the guide about the ethnics of the region. Afternoon, we arrive in the Thai Immigration Office to pass the border.
The ship moors overnight in Chiang Saen.
After breakfast, take a border crossing trip to the Tachilek – some call it the smuggler city of Burma – where you can find some “special” market and the Tachilek Shwedagon Pagoda.
After lunch, we visit to the Hall of Opium in the Golden Triangle. The place used to be infamous for being the major traffic point of opium. Numerous Thai organizations guided by the Royal Project and Doi Tung Development have contributed their effort to the decades-long battle against the illegal trade. The Hall of Opium was built as a reminder for everyone about the harmfulness of drugs through history and scientific evidences.
Near the end of the day, we visit the Buddha Statue by the river to watch the sunset as well as the border forks of the three country – Laos, Thailand, Myanmar.
Overnight in Chiang Saen
Sailing through the border gate and the crew will help you with the immigration process to enter Laos. Continue downstream toward the gems of Laos. If time allows today, we can take a walking trip to a Laos Jungle village.
Today, begin the exploration of a Khamo Village. As we continue the journey downstream and end of the day near a sandbank where you will enjoy a cocktail.
Today, we will continue the voyage downstream. By the time we reach Pak Ou by a local boat to the immense caves with their thousands of Buddha Images.
The afternoon will be reserved for a visit to the to Khaung Si Waterfalls with the aquamarine pools with shockingly blue color due to the minerals. Make a stop at the butterfly garden nearby if you wish.
Wake up extra early today to catch the daily alms giving ceremony that takes places on the streets of Luang Prabang. Observe the lines of dozens of monks walk slowly around the city and receiving donations from the townsfolks.
After breakfast, leave the ship and take on the tuk tuk ride to the unchanging town of Luang Prabang. Visit many Buddhist buildings in town coupled with a museum and library. The afternoon will be for your own exploration of the town. The evening, there will be a traditional Laos dance show on the open lounge area on the upper deck. Spend the night on board near Luang Prabang.
Sail through the water lock on the Mekong by the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant. After going through the lock, we continue the afternoon with a trip to a local village.
Morning hiking trip to a Khamo tribal village, an ordinary village so you can experience the humbling experience of living in a small community amidst of a jungle.
The morning will be leisure on board to admire the incredible landscape by the river, followed by the afternoon visit to Pak Lai town. Used to be a French Administrative, now it is a lively town with many colonial imprints through the buildings. In February, this town also has one of the biggest elephant festival in South East Asia.
After breakfast, visit the gorgeous French-influenced city with the first stop to the golden Pha That Luang Stupa then Sisaket Temple, the Phatouxay Monument, the President’s Hall and Wat Prakeo Temple. The afternoon, you can have to explore the city on your own with its charming little cafés and restaurants.
A farewell party with hearty dinner and cocktail ensues.
After breakfast, check-out of the room and leave the ship for your onward journey.
What's included
Entrance fees
Guide services (English language)
Gratuities to crew
Main meals
Local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes
Transfers from Vientiane/hotel to ship in Vientiane (if any, as stated in itinerary) v.v.
Transfers from Jinghong airport/hotel to ship in Jinghong.
International flights
Port dues (if levied)
Laundry
All visa costs
Fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions)
All beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes
Tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.
