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VIENTIANE, LUANG PRABANG, JUNGLE AND VILLAGES

THE LAOS MEKONG

10 NIGHTS FROM US$4,360.00
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON SELECTED DATES

No Single Supplements on selected dates

Enjoy the splendour of Laos on Pandaw's 10 night expedition on the Upper Mekong. Sailing between Chiang Khong on the Thai-Laos border, and through Laos toward Vientiane, the old French capital, you will witness stunning scenery, meet amazingly warm and friendly locals and learn about Laos’ national animal, the majestic elephant. We stop for three nights at the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang with its dazzling wood-carved monasteries before heading deep into the mountains, through rapids and gorges on our high-powered little Pandaw vessels.

Please note: During the months February to April there may be an increased risk of smog across Laos and northern Thailand. This is due to the annual crop burnings and whilst usually mild, can sometimes be quite severe. We would advise that any passengers with respiratory issues consult with their doctor before booking for this period. Most departures and travellers will be unaffected, however.

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or call TOLL FREE 1-877-872-6329
represented by Sayang Holidays

10 NIGHTS FROM US$4,360.00
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON SELECTED DATES

No Single Supplements on selected dates

Click Here for Dates and Book Online

IMAGES

EXPEDITION MAP

YOUR SHIP

RV LAOS PANDAW

RV CHAMPA PANDAW

RV SABAIDEE PANDAW

RV LAOS LONG TAIL PANDAW

MORE IMAGES OF THE RV LAOS PANDAW

MORE IMAGES OF THE RV CHAMPA PANDAW

MORE IMAGES OF THE RV SABAIDEE PANDAW

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LAOS & CHINA
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OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

PRE CRUISE EXTENSIONS

The Plain of Jars - Pre Cruise Upstream Laos

Exploring Vientiane 2 Night Pre Tour (La Seine Hotel)

Exploring Vientiane 2 Night Pre Tour (Settha Palace)

POST CRUISE EXTENSIONS

The Rachamankha Hotel, Chiang Mai Post Tour

The Hill Tribes of North Thailand Post Tour

OPTIONAL PACKAGE ADDONS

Private Dining

Pre-Bookable House Wine Package

Free Flow Drinks

Free Flow Drinks & Wine Package

ITINERARY

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DAY 1 VIENTIANE

Pick up from your hotel in Vientiane at 08.00am, followed by a 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.

More about Vientiane

DAY 2 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.

More about Cruising The Mekong

DAY 3 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 4 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.

More about Kuang Si Waterfalls

DAY 5 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 6 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.

More about Luang Prabang

DAY 7 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.

More about Pak Ou Caves and Nam Ou River

DAY 8 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 9 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.

More about Pak Beng

DAY 10 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 11 CHIANG KHONG

Disembark by 8.30 in Chiang Khong and group transfer to hotel/airport. En route, explore the Golden Triangle including a visit to the opium museum. Continue to airports or city hotels in Chiang Rai (2 hours) and Chiang Mai (6 hours).

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WHATS INCLUDED

Cruise Price Includes: Entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes. Transfers Chiang Rai / Chiang Mai to ship v.v. and ship to Vientiane v.v.

Cruise Price Excludes: 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 and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.

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TRANSFERS & JOINING

DAY 1 VIENTIANE

Transfers included from your hotel in Vientiane to the ship in Pak Lay via Pandaw's local long-tail boat. Pick up will be at 08:00am so we advise to stay in VTE at least 1 night pre cruise. Please ensure your hotel information is provided to Pandaw so that pick-ups can be arranged.

DAY 11 CHIANG KHONG

Disembark by 8.30 in Chiang Khong and group transfer to hotel/airport. En route, we will visit the Halls of Opium and the Golden Triangle before we transfers you to Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai hotel or airport. You will reach Chiang Rai at 15.30 and Chiang Mai at 17.30.

Private transfers will need to be arranged at an extra cost. We suggest to book a hotel in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai after your cruise.

VISA INFORMATION

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Visa on arrival for Laos can be acquired easily at the border crossing and requires 1 passport photo plus USD40 - USD55 in cash for processing. Alternatively, an E-visa can be obtained prior to travel for a fee of $50 USD. Please use the official Laos E-visa website only - https://laoevisa.gov.la.

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Most nationalities are eligible for visa waiver in Thailand meaning no visa is required for stays of 15 days. Please check your local embassy for up to date information about your personal requirements.

Click here for further visa information.

TESTIMONIALS

The journey on the smaller longtail boat was just as exciting and spectacular - posted by Simon and Jackie

Yet another amazing experience under our belts - posted by Richard

This was an outstanding trip and we enjoyed the longtail boat segment as well; all part of the adventure spirit of Pandaw! - posted by Bruce Johnson

The Pandaw was fabulous, and the journey was exceptional - posted by Gary Walsh

There is nothing to say other than positives about the staff, the food, the ship and the experience generally - posted by Janette Grierson

The facilities on the RV Laos Pandaw are first class. From morning coffee to the cocktail hour and dinner the service was impossible to fault - posted by Stephen Horsfield

There is absolutely nothing that I can imagine to improve upon our experience. The delights of exploring the quiet country of Laos, the superb boat, the wonderful crew - posted by Frank and Barbara Almond

We just departed the Laos Pandaw yesterday here in Vientiane and want you to know that the trip was fantastic - posted by Captain Gerald Salvo and James Graf

New Year was celebrated in great style with special food and later all the crew joined with us - posted by Maxine Godley and Vicki Stannard

Pandaw has again impressed us, fully meeting and often exceeding our expecations - posted by Steve Bousfield

This was my 5th river cruise with Pandaw and I wasn't disappointed - posted by Penelope Cooke

Our third Pandaw expedition met the high expectations that had been set by our two previous journeys - posted by Solveig, Krishna and Lindsay Isaac Lalla

We could not think of travelling with any other company if we want to continue to explore Asian and other river systems - posted by Val Gribble

Four cruises down and a few more to go. Everyone a great trip. - posted by Gavin and Joan Carpenter

It is my second experience of travelling with the Pandaw and both trips have been excellent - posted by MH

Altogether a wonderful and relaxing holiday - posted by Andrew Featherstone and Rosemary Doey

The most magical days I have ever experienced - posted by Irene Clarke

The cruise itself and the timing in November were perfect - posted by Axel Ciossek

This was a fabulous cruise, a real highlight and totally different to the lower Mekong - posted by Stuart Betlem

This was the third trip, having previously enjoyed seeing Cambodia/Vietnam and Burma with Pandaw - posted by Hans and Brita Nauman

My only concern now at our age is how much longer we can go on enjoying such treats! - posted by Tim & Diana Goetz

Unspoilt by other tourists, so relaxing, so peaceful, we all loved it - posted by Narelle & Trevor Petith

TRAVEL BLOGS

Tale of an early morning on the misty Upper Mekong

Pandaw Blog Compeition 2023 - 2nd Prize Winner TALE OF AN EARLY MORNING ON THE MISTY UPPER MEKONG submitted by Jim Wingrove I was gently.... read more

Sailing up the Mekong from Vientiane to the Thai Border 2016

Guest Blog submitted by Donalda Reid for our Pandaw Blog Competition 2023 In former generations people of the Downtown Abbey clas.... read more

French Colonial Vestiges in Laos

The French colonial influence is easily witnessable in the cities we traverse on river cruise expeditions through Laos . One is Vientiane , .... read more

Laos Tribes We Visit Along the Way and Other Attractions

Join our Laos Mekong river cruise to experience the village life and interact with tribes populating small riverside villages. The government.... read more

Laos, the final frontier

No visitor to the Laotian capital Vientiane should leave without visiting Pha That Luang, the 45 metre tall golden stupa four miles from th.... read more

Extra, extra! Pandaw adds more dates as Laos becomes firm favourite

We pride ourselves on our flexibility at Pandaw, so when a product proves as big a hit as our Laos Mekong expedition, we do everything we can to.... read more

THE LAOS MEKONG

CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ONLINE

IMAGES

EXPEDITION MAP

YOUR SHIP

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

The Plain of Jars - Pre Cruise Upstream Laos

Exploring Vientiane 2 Night Pre Tour (La Seine Hotel)

Exploring Vientiane 2 Night Pre Tour (Settha Palace)

The Rachamankha Hotel, Chiang Mai Post Tour

The Hill Tribes of North Thailand Post Tour

Private Dining

Pre-Bookable House Wine Package

Free Flow Drinks

Free Flow Drinks & Wine Package

ITINERARY

DAY 1 VIENTIANE

DAY 2 CRUISING THE MEKONG

DAY 3 XAYABOURI DAM

DAY 4 KUANG SI WATERFALLS

DAY 5 LUANG PRABANG CRAFTS & CULTURE

DAY 6 LUANG PRABANG

DAY 7 PAK OU CAVES

DAY 8 BAN TON AND SANDBANK BBQ

DAY 9 PAK BENG ELEPHANT SANCTUARY

DAY 10 PAK SITH - CHIANG KHONG

DAY 11 CHIANG KHONG

DOWNLOAD ITINERARYUpstream

WHATS INCLUDED

TRANSFERS & JOINING

DAY 1 VIENTIANE

DAY 11 CHIANG KHONG

VISA INFORMATION

TESTIMONIALS

TRAVEL BLOGS

MEDIA MENTIONS

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY
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