Laos Revealed - 8-day cruise from the Golden Triangle to Luang Pabang

Travel along formerly inaccessible stretches of Southeast Asia’s most exciting river

Day 1: Chiang Rai – The Golden Triangle – Embarkation (L, D)

Meet and greet at 11:30am in Chiang Rai city. Transfer by Bus to the Golden Triangle area at Chiang Saen. You will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant overlooking the Mekong before visiting the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the modern Hall of Opium. This fascinating museum, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, gives a deep background on the history and politics of the opium trade and the health effects of opium abuse using multimedia exhibitions. In the evening embark on the RV Mekong Sun, a comfortable German-Laotian Boutique Cruise ship. Settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for a seven night cruise. Tonight you can enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend your evening welcome reception. Overnight aboard your Mekong River Cruise Boutique-Boat.
Day 2: Welcome to Laos (B, L, D)

This morning your cruise will take you from the Golden Triangle region between Burma, Laos and Thailand into the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos (Most nationalities can obtain visa on arrival here against USD in cash plus passport sized picture, pls. inquire with your local embassy about visa regulations). From the town of Huay Xay on the Laotian – Thai border your voyage leads into northern Laos amidst beautiful scenery. Continue to the small village of Pak Tha, where we join a longtail boat for a trip up the Nam Tha River to visit a remote Khmu village. You will visit a small village school sponsored by guests of Mekong River Cruises.
Overnight aboard the Mekong River Cruise Boutique-Boat.
Day 3: Pakbeng (B,L, D)

The river traffic increases as you pass through a densely populated region accessible only by water. Relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin or in the lounge and soak up the remote scenery. Our voyage continues to the small town of Pak Beng, where we hope to meet elephants in a nearby camp. Once back on your Mekong cruise you will continue downstream and anchor at a sand bank.
Overnight aboard the Mekong River Cruise Boutique-Boat.
Day 4: The Pak Ou caves (B, L, D)

After a relaxing morning onboard we stop at a small riverside village for a visit and to see their local distillery. From here, you can optionally go on a short jungle trek through the forest to the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. Alternatively you can reach the caves comfortably by boat as well. This evening we enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises BBQ dinner in a beautiful riverside location. Overnight aboard the Mekong River Cruise Boutique-Boat.
Day 5: The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang (B, L)

Today you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a walk up Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular view over the Mekong as well as the Khan river and the surrounding mountains. Among other highlights during this full day excursion through Luang Prabang, the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple with its Golden tiled roofs will surely leave you in awe. In the evening, enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. As Luang Prabang offers many opportunities for fine dining, tonight you are free to choose from the numerous offerings in town or along the Mekong River.
Overnight aboard the Mekong River Cruise Boutique-Boat.
Day 6: The mighty Mekong (B, L, D)

In the early morning you will able to visit the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast is on board. Today you will experience more of the town during a morning visit and enjoy the unique atmosphere provided by the abundance of well-preserved French colonial architecture mingling with traditional Buddhist temples. After returning back on board for lunch your cruise will take you further downriver, where you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes of this still-untamed river. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the river banks, and a fascinating array of fast currents and slower river parts on the river. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before you stop at a remote sandbank for the night.
Overnight aboard the Mekong River Cruise Boutique-Boat.
Day 7: Kuang Si Waterfalls (B, L, D)

An excursion by local Tuk Tuks will take you to the Kuang Si-falls, one of the most attractive waterfalls in Laos. Back aboard your cruise returns northbound reaching Luang Prabang after lunch. This afternoon you are free to explore the beautiful town on your own pace, rent an E-bike to reach some of the lively outskirts of the town (optionally against premium) or spend some time shopping for souvenirs or presents for your loved ones at home. In the evening enjoy a traditional Lao Baci Ceremony and watch some local dances on board before celebrating with your local crew your farewell dinner. Overnight aboard the Mekong River Cruise Boutique-Boat.
Day 8: Disembark Luang Prabang (B)

After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark. End of services with your transfer to the airport or your hotel in Luang Prabang (within city limits)