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

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

Embark our local long-tail boat expedition to your Pandaw vessel upstream. Lunch and drinks will be provided on the local boat by your Pandaw chef and bar staff. Embark your Pandaw in the afternoon for a welcome briefing and welcome drinks. We moor overnight at Pak Lay.

DAY 4 CRUISING THE MEKONG

Cruise upstream on the Mekong, passing lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages. Morning presentation on the Lao language after a short walk at Pha Laeb village. If time permits, we will also enjoy an afternoon walk at Ban Khok Fark.

DAY 5 XAYABOURI DAM

Morning walk at Ban Pak Bor Khummu village before passing through Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam, taking an inside look of the workings of this somewhat controversial attraction as we navigate the locks. Afternoon visit to Ban Na San village, a Hmong minority village.

DAY 6 KUANG SI WATERFALLS

In the morning we moor at the village of Ban Mouang Khai and visit the dramatic Kaung Si waterfall. On the way back to the ship, we stop at the Laos Buffalo Farm, a social enterprise utilizing the abundant buffalo in Laos. Arrive in the heart of the temple city of Luang Prabang mid-afternoon where there is a buzzing night market and many great cafes and local restaurants. Traditional Laos Bacci ceremony and dancing on the upper deck during happy hour. Moor overnight in central Luang Prabang.

DAY 7 LUANG PRABANG CRAFTS & CULTURE

Today we explore the various handicrafts of Laos in more detail. We start with Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise providing sustainable employment and training for the women of local weaving villages. We then head to TAEC (Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre) to understand more about Laos musical instruments. After lunch aboard the ship, we sail toward Ban Chan and take part in a pottery demonstration at the local pottery workshop. We finish the day with a sunset cruise on the Mekong alongside Luang Prabang, returning to moor overnight in the centre of town.

DAY 8 LUANG PRABANG

Early morning walking tour to observe the alms offerings to the hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. We continue after breakfast to the morning market before taking tuktuks for a city tour of this well preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. The afternoon is free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang.

DAY 9 PAK OU CAVES

Morning at leisure in Luang Prabang before setting sail at midday upstream. Afternoon sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. See the production of local Laos whisky at the Whisky village and shop for locally produced handicrafts.

DAY 10 BAN TON AND SANDBANK BBQ

Day of sailing upstream along the Mekong with morning walk through Ban Ton village. In the evening, we moor alongside a sandbank for a special riverside barbecue and cocktail party. Light paper lanterns with the crew and enjoy a dance in remote Laos.

DAY 11 PAK BENG ELEPHANT SANCTUARY

Laos is known as ‘The land of a million elephants’ and today we will visit a rescue sanctuary that is helping to preserve the elephants of Laos and provide sustainable alternative employment for Mahouts who once trained and rode these beautiful creatures. Afternoon walk at Ban Pak Sith Khummu village.

DAY 12 PAK SITH - CHIANG KHONG

Today we sail the final leg of our journey upstream toward Huayxay. Cross over into Thailand via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge before rejoining your ship in Chiang Khong. Enjoy a ship tour of your Pandaw vessel and fruit carving demonstration from your Pandaw Chef. Farewell cocktails and Thai traditional dance on board for your last evening.

DAY 13 CHIANG KHONG - CHIANG RAI

Disembark after breakfast by 8.30 in Chiang Khong.

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 and dinner will be 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, Lunch

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