BEST OF LAOS & NORTHERN THAILAND

DAY 1 VIENTIANE ARRIVAL

Upon arrival the airport, our driver will wait you at the airport and transfer to your hotel for the evening. We suggest heading to the riverside and exploring the night market.

Meals: none

DAY 2 VIENTIANE FULL DAY CITY TOUR

Depart with your local guide for a full day city tour exploring Laos' French colonial capital. Visit Talaat Sao - Vientiane's Morning Market, Wat Sisaket, Haw Phra Kaew and Putousay, the victory gate inspired by the Arc of Triumph in Paris. After lunch at a local restaurant, head out of town to visit one of Laos' slightly stranger attractions - Xieng Khuan Buddha Park which is home to over 200 statues including a 40-metre reclining Buddha.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 3 VIENTIANE - PAK LAY

Check out of your hotel and be picked up at 08:00am for the transfer to your Pandaw ship.

Your journey begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Vientiane, the charming, old French capital of Laos known for its relaxed atmosphere and colonial architecture. You will board a traditional Laotian long-tail boat for an expedition upstream, a lovely introduction to river life before you even step on board your Pandaw vessel. As the city recedes, enjoy lunch and drinks served by our Pandaw chef and bar staff while watching the lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages unfold. In the afternoon, you will embark your ship, settle in, and join the crew for a welcome briefing and drinks as we moor for the night at Pak Lay.

DAY 4 PHA LAEB

Today is dedicated to pure river immersion as we sail upstream against the Mekong's powerful current. From the sundeck, meditate on the unfolding panorama of stunning mountain scenery and deep, verdant gorges where the river carves its path through the landscape. In the morning, join a presentation on the Lao language to learn more about the local culture. We also stop for a short, invigorating walk at Pha Laeb village to stretch our legs and meet some of the friendly locals in this remote region.

DAY 5 BAN PAK BOR - XAYABURI DAM

After a morning walk through the Khummu minority village of Ban Pak Bor, prepare for a fascinating encounter with modern engineering. You will experience passage through the Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam, getting an inside look at the workings of this massive structure as your ship expertly navigates the locks. In the afternoon, we visit Ban Na San, a Hmong minority village, offering a precious opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of one of Laos' most distinct ethnic groups, known for their vibrant textiles and silver jewelry.

DAY 6 KUANG SI WATERFALLS - LUANG PRABANG

We moor at the small village of Ban Mouang Khai to visit one of Laos’ most spectacular natural wonders: the Kuang Si Waterfalls. These falls cascade down multiple tiers into a series of stunningly beautiful, turquoise-blue pools where you are welcome to take a refreshing swim. On the way back, we stop at the Laos Buffalo Farm, a social enterprise working to improve the local farming community through sustainable dairy production. In the afternoon, we arrive in the heart of the enchanting, UNESCO-protected city of Luang Prabang, where we will moor for the next three nights. We then climb the 328 steps to Mount Phou Si Temple, where the best views of Luang Prabang can be found, followed by an orientation tour before returning to the ship.

DAY 7 LUANG PRABANG

Today is dedicated to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Luang Prabang. We begin at Ock Pop Tok, a wonderful social enterprise that provides sustainable employment and training for women from local weaving villages, preserving traditional Lao textile techniques. We then visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) to understand more about the diverse ethnic cultures and musical instruments of Laos. After lunch back on board, we take a short trip to the village of Ban Chan for a pottery demonstration at a local workshop. The day concludes with a serene sunset cruise on the Mekong alongside the city before returning to our central mooring.

DAY 8 LUANG PRABANG

Your day begins before dawn with a truly unforgettable experience: a walking tour to witness the sacred and silent morning alms-giving ceremony (Tak Bat), where hundreds of saffron-robed monks walk through the streets to collect offerings from the local people. After breakfast, we visit the bustling morning market before taking tuk-tuks for a tour of this incredibly well-preserved heritage city, exploring its many dazzling Buddhist temples, historic libraries, and the former Royal Palace (now the National Museum). In the afternoon, we take a tuk-tuk to visit Ban Xang Khong, a village famous for its traditional paper making. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the unique, peaceful atmosphere of Luang Prabang at your own leisure.

DAY 9 LUANG PRABANG - PAK OU CAVES

After a final morning at leisure in Luang Prabang, we set sail at midday, continuing our journey upstream. In the afternoon, we board a local boat to explore the unique Pak Ou Caves. Set in a dramatic limestone cliff face at the confluence of the Mekong and Ou rivers, these two caves are a Buddhist sanctuary filled with thousands of Buddha images of all shapes and sizes, left by pilgrims over hundreds of years. Afterward, we visit the nearby "Whisky Village" (Ban Xang Hai) to see the production of the local lao-lao rice spirit and browse for local handicrafts.

DAY 10 BAN TON AND SANDBANK BBQ

This day is spent sailing through some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the Upper Mekong. We'll take a morning walk through Ban Ton village to experience life in a place that few outsiders get to see, observing the daily rhythms of the local community. In the evening, a special Pandaw experience awaits, we moor alongside a secluded sandbank for a riverside barbecue and cocktail party. As darkness falls, you will light and release paper lanterns with the crew, their soft glow floating into the night sky over the river—a truly magical moment.

DAY 11 PAK BENG ELEPHANT SANCTUARY - BAN PAK SITH

Laos is famously known as ‘The Land of a Million Elephants’, and today we visit a sanctuary that is helping to preserve these majestic animals. The Pak Beng Elephant Sanctuary is a rescue center that provides a sustainable and ethical alternative for elephants and their mahouts who once worked in the logging industry. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see these gentle giants in a more natural environment. In the afternoon, we take a walk through the Khummu village of Ban Pak Sith to learn about the traditions of this ethnic group.

DAY 12 CHIANG KHONG

Today we sail the final leg of our journey, continuing upstream towards the Thai border. The scenery remains just as spectacular as the river carves its way through the mountains. You'll have time for a ship tour to see the inner workings of the vessel and a fruit carving demonstration from your talented Pandaw Chef. As we approach our final mooring in Chiang Khong, Thailand, you'll cross over the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge. Tonight, we celebrate our incredible journey with farewell cocktails and a traditional Thai dance performance on board.

DAY 13 CHIANG KHONG - CHIANG RAI

After a final breakfast, you will disembark in Chiang Khong. Before your transfer, you will explore the historic Golden Triangle region, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. This includes a fascinating visit to the Hall of Opium Museum, which details the area's notorious past and the history of the opium trade. Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel or the airport in either Chiang Rai (a 2-hour drive) or Chiang Mai (a 6-hour drive).

Upon arrival at the Chiang Rai border from the Pandaw ship, you will be transferred via the Golden Triangle to Chiang Rai. You will learn about the historical Opium boom in the region and visit the former Thai Kingdom of Chiang Saen, where you will explore the riverside towns and ancient buildings. Lunch will be provided at Banrai Sabaidee, followed by check-in at the Katiliya Mountain Resort in Chiang Rai. Chiang Saen is an ancient city with significant historical ruins, showcasing the past Lanna Kingdom, while the Golden Triangle is known for the Opium history, and the beautiful meeting point of three countries.

Overnight at Katiliya Mountain Resort
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14 CHIANG RAI - FANG

Following breakfast and check-out, we will drive into the hills at Doi Mae Salong towards the Santikhiri Kuomintang village, approximately a 50-minute journey. Here, you will gain an understanding of its founding in the 1960s as a refugee camp for Chinese soldiers who were expelled from Myanmar. You will observe how they maintain their traditions and their current way of life. Lunch will be at a local restaurant, followed by a transfer to the Phumanee Boutique Hotel, approximately a 1 hour and 20-minute drive. Doi Mae Salong is renowned for its unique blend of Chinese and Thai cultures, its tea plantations, and its historical significance as a former Kuomintang settlement.

Overnight at Phumanee Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 15 FANG - CHIANG MAI

After breakfast, you will receive a briefing on the history of the forgotten city and visit Doi Phu Muen, nestled within the Doi Pha Hom National Park. Subsequently, we will venture into the mountains by 4WD to visit a Lahu Village. Here, you will witness the daily lives of the villagers and learn about their traditional methods of tea and coffee cultivation. Lunch will be provided at the hotel before departing for Chiang Mai, approximately a three-hour drive. Check-in at the Rachamankha Hotel. Doi Phu Muen offers breathtaking mountain views and provides insight into the Lahu people's traditional way of life, especially their tea and coffee cultivation.

Overnight at the Rachamankha
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 16 CHIANG MAI

Following breakfast, please meet in the lobby for your visit to Doi Inthanon National Park, approximately a 1 hour and 30-minute drive. The day will be dedicated to exploring the scenic landscapes, traditional practices, and cultural heritage of the local Hill Tribe people. Our journey begins at Mae Klang Luang Village, where you will observe the terraced rice fields. You will then have the chance to interact with the local residents and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the late afternoon, we will return to the hotel. Doi Inthanon National Park is home to Thailand's highest peak, boasting lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. Mae Klang Luang Village shows the traditional farming methods of the local hill tribes.

Overnight at the Rachamankha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 17 CHIANG MAI DEPARTURE

After breakfast and check-out, you will be transferred to Chiang Mai Airport, a 10-minute journey, for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast