Nothing to complain about
Robert - United States
Mekong Pearl 5 Nights: Laos Revealed (Upstream)
Destination: Luang Prabang, Pak Ou Caves, Pak Tha, Huay Xai
Departure date of itinerary: Contact us for details
Highlights of Itinerary
- Discover the historic town of Luang Prabang
- Admire thousands of small Buddha statues inside the famous Pak Ou Caves
- Immerse yourself in the beautiful nature along the Mekong River
- Learn about Lao culture when visiting the Khmu ethnic village
- Explore the Golden Triangle area with many thrilling stories about opium
Mekong Pearl 5 Nights: Laos Revealed (Upstream)
Welcome on board around 11.00 am. This is a unique vessel with cabins on the upper Mekong which is owned by German-Laotian.
Check in your cabin and start a six-day cruise to discover the mighty Laos Mekong River Cruise.
After having lunch onboard, you explore the charming UNESCO Heritage Town of Luang Prabang in the afternoon.
Back on board, you are celebrating this evening with a local dancing performance and a traditional Lao Baci-friendship ceremony. Overnight on board.
Early morning will be spent on board. If you wish to, you can catch the stunning sunrise in the early hours as it rise above the mountains and river afar. We reach a charming town on the shore to interact with the locals as afterward make the trek through the mysterious jungle toward the destination of the day – Pak Ou Caves. There is also the alternative of taking the boat ride to the caves. Arrive at the cave, marvel at the sheer size of the case and the number of Buddha Image with different depictions. Nearby you can see work elephants in action unless they are employed elsewhere at the time of your visit.
Then return back on board as the ship sails to Oudomxay Province.
As the ship makes its way on the river, there are many opportunities to admire the unique sights of the surroundings and the people living by the shore. The further the sail the more incredible the scenery is. Hills are covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the riverbanks, and a diverse array of rapid currants and slow rivulets. Take in the true green jungle on the towering landscape as you escape from the concrete ones. The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Overnight on board.
Today you relax on deck to enjoy astonishingly diverse landscapes and the tranquility of northern Laos-a real retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life back home. As you cruise along the green hills, you start heading toward the small village of Pak Tha. You can join a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River, which takes you to a nearby Khmu village, whose school has been supported by donations from Mekong River Cruises guests for many years. In the evening, the dinner will be by the sandbank as the staffs prepare you the traditional BBQ feast. Overnight on board.
Soak in the scenery and the purely natural landscape, which is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. In the afternoon, you proceed to the Thailand–Laos border at Chiang Khong, Thailand, and Ban Huay Xai, Laos. In the evening, you enjoy your last dinner on the Mekong. Overnight on board.
After breakfast, you say goodbye to your Laotian crew. You check out and disembark your boutique ship before transferring to the airport or your local hotel. Depending on season and water level the check-out will either be at Chiang Saen or Chiang Khong.
What's included
5 nights aboard your boutique river vessel.
Meals according to itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
Coffee, tea, and water during meal times on board.
All excursions and necessary entry fees according to itinerary.
Presentations and lectures by your cruise director.
Transfers between airports and hotels within city limits.
Meals and services other than those noted in the itinerary.
Flights, 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).
