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VIENTIANE, LUANG PRABANG, JUNGLE AND VILLAGES

THE LAOS MEKONG

10 NIGHTS FROM US$4,360.00

March New Dates & A Special Christmas & New Year sailing

Enjoy a three country expedition as we will traverse Laos to touch Thailand and Burma at the once notorious Golden Triangle. From Vientiane, the old French capital, and so redolent of L’Indochine Pandaw will be the first river expedition since pre war days to cross all Laos. We stop two nights at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang with its dazzling wood carved monasteries and then on deep into the mountains, through rapids and gorges on our high powered little Pandaw. Visit tribal villages and explore into jungle and countryside.

CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ONLINE

10 NIGHTS FROM US$4,360.00

March New Dates & A Special Christmas & New Year sailing

IMAGES

EXPEDITION MAP

YOUR SHIP

EXTENSIONS

PRE CRUISE EXTENSIONS

The Plain of Jars - Pre Cruise Upstream Laos

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POST CRUISE EXTENSIONS

The Rachamankha Hotel, Chiang Mai Post Tour

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The Hill Tribes of North Thailand Post Tour

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OPTIONAL PACKAGE ADDONS

Private Dining

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Pre-Bookable House Wine Package

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Free Flow Drinks

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Free Flow Drinks & Wine Package

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ITINERARY

Upstream      Downstream

DAY 1 VIENTIANE

PLEASE NOTE: Due to low water levels around Vientiane, we will be operating a low water itinerary from December 2022 through March 2023. Our ship will not be able to sail into Vientiane and alternate transportation by river, plus overnight stays in hotel during time in Vientiane will be provided.

Embarkation 12.30, followed by lunch and afternoon exploration of the delightful French city including visits to the golden Pha That Luang Stupa, Sisaket Temple, the President’s Hall, Wat Prakeo Temple and the Phatouxay monument. Set sail late afternoon, enjoy a welcome dinner on board and overnight near Vientiane.

More about Vientiane
Vientiane
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. Afternoon cooking demonstration on the upper deck. Arrive in Ban Xanakham to moor overnight.

More about Cruising The Mekong

DAY 3 PAK LAI

Afternoon visit to the French administrative town of Pak Lai with many colonial buildings and a bustling local market. This town boasts the largest elephant festival in South East Asia, usually in February.

More about Pak Lai
Pak Lai
Pak Lai

DAY 4 BAN PARK BOR VILLAGE

Morning visit and walking tour to Khamo tribal village, a typical village, set on the banks of the Mekong amidst lush jungle. In the afternoon pass through the Xanyaburi Hydro Electric Power Plant.

More about Xayaburi Dam

DAY 5 BAN MOUANG KHAI VILLAGE AND LUANG PRABANG

In the morning visit a Hmong village and continue upstream to the village of Ban Mouang Khai. Afternoon sightseeing by minibus visiting the jungle pools and dramatic Khaung Si waterfall then on to a butterfly garden. Arrive in the heart of the temple city of Luang Prabang where there is a buzzing night market and many great cafes and some good local restaurants.

More about Kuang Si Waterfalls
Ban Mouang Khai Village and Luang Prabang
Ban Mouang Khai Village and Luang Prabang

DAY 6 LUANG PRABANG

In the morning explore by tuktuk this well-preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. Visit the National Museum and have the afternoon free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang on your own. Enjoy traditional Laos dancing on the upper deck late afternoon. Moor overnight in Luang Prabang.

More about Luang Prabang

DAY 7 PAK OU CAVES

Early morning walking tour to see the alms offering by the local people to hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. Passengers are invited to join in with offerings we provide for the alms giving. Morning sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. Evening cocktails on a sandbank. Sail upstream on the beautiful Mekong towards Ban Bo

More about Pak Ou Caves and Nam Ou River
Pak Ou Caves
Pak Ou Caves

DAY 8 PAK BENG

Morning visit to a local Khamo village. Sail upstream on the Mekong passing Pak Beng towards Pak Sit.

More about Pak Beng

DAY 9 BAN HOUAYXAY

Early morning walking tour in a Khamo village then cruise through stunning scenery to the border of Laos and Thailand. The night is spent on the Lao side in the Huay xay area where we take a late afternoon village walk.

Ban Houayxay
Ban Houayxay

DAY 10 CHIANG KHONG

Cross over into Thailand via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge before rejoining your ship in Chiang Khong. Farewell cocktails and Thai traditional dance on board for your last evening.

More about Golden Triangle

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).

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.

TRANSFERS & JOINING

DAY 1 VIENTIANE

Transfers included from airport or hotel in Vientiane. We suggest an early morning arrival. Any late arrivals will also be transferred to the ship but you might miss lunch and/or the afternoon excursion. If staying at a city hotel in Vientiane you will be picked up between 11.00 and 12.00. Our representative will call you on the evening before or leave a message with the hotel to reconfirm the exact pick up time.

Please note: There is a surcharge for private transfers, and pick up and drop for Udon Thani if you are not able to meet us at above scheduled pick up times.

Vientiane Jetty - Land River Transport Enterprise, Thadeua Road km4, Sisattanark District.

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

Downstream
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.

Upstream
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

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

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

 

MEDIA MENTIONS

The Mekong's Magical Secret

25 May 2021 - article by Caroline Hendrie for the Mail Online

 

Retraced grandmother's Mekong trip

01 Mar 2021 - article by David Smith for the International Travel News

 

Pandaw’s Pursuit Of Laos

05 Mar 2020 - article by Steve Leland for the Porthole Cruise Magazine

 

Cultural immersion on Laos river cruise

10 Jan 2019 - article by Group Leisure & Travel. From Buddhist ceremonies to stunning scenery, Jeannine Williamson finds out why Laos should be on your river cruise agenda. Read the full article here.

 

Exploring Laos by Boat

29 Nov 2018 - article by Norma Myer, Freelance Writer & Traveller for the San Diego Union Tribune

 

King of the Mekong

11 Oct 2018 - article by Cruise Adviser

 

Just Back From Pandaw: 7 Reasons to Take a River Cruise in Laos

09 Oct 2018 - article by Chris Gray Faust, Managing Editor for CruiseCritic

 

Queen Kong: A trip down the Mekong in Laos is an eye-opening marvel

09 May 2018 - article by Jeannine Williamson, World of Cruising

 

An exciting Pandaw river cruise through South East Asia’s least-known destination

05 Feb 2018 - article by Jeannine Williamson for Silver Travel Advisor

 

Down the mighty Mekong (Laos)

20 Aug 2017 - article by Tan Chung Lee for the Straits Times Singapore

 

Lao and now: Mekong River, Vientiane, Thailand

22 Apr 2017 - article by John Borthwick for THE AUSTRALIAN

 

Pandaw Cruises Pte Ltd ©2023 Pandaw Cruises Ltd. All rights reserved.

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