Laos Mekong Explorer

Fly overnight from London to Vientiane, via Bangkok.

Vientiane exudes an easy tempo, its character stylish and amiable, its modern malls complementing colonial buildings, its broad boulevards redolent of Paris. On arrival transfer to the 5-star Souphattra Heritage Hotel for two nights.

A tour of the city includes a visit to That Luang which is considered to be the most revered shrine in Laos. This striking building features a golden stupa fashioned in an ornate banana flower shape, followed by a stop to admire the view from Patuxai. This is also known as the Victory Monument and is similar in construction to Paris’ famed Arc De Triomphe. The afternoon is at leisure of join an optional tour to to Buddha Park which contains hundreds of Buddha statues and a visit to COPE centre (pre-bookable).
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Take a local long-tail boat expedition to embark on the RV Sabaidee Pandaw, your vessel for the ten-night cruise. The boat will moor at Pak Lay overnight.
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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.
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Morning walk at Ban Pak Bor Khummu village before passing through the Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam, a controversial construction, considered to have adversely affected local ecosystems and agriculture. Take a look at the workings of the dam as the ship navigates the locks. Afternoon visit to Ban Na San village, a Hmong minority village.
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In the morning moor at the village of Ban Mouang Khai and visit the dramatic Kaung Si waterfall and 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. Traditional Laos Bacci ceremony. Moor overnight in central Luang Prabang.
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Today starts with a focus on local crafts and culture, including Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise supporting the women of local weaving villages, the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, a museum of the heritage of diverse ethnic groups, with exhibits of the country’s musical instruments. In the afternoon sail to Ban Chan Pottery Village, continuing the traditional methods of making clay pots which have been used since the 16th century. A demo of creating the typical jars shows you how they are hand-thrown and fired. Sunset cruise.
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Witness the early morning ritual of the Tagbat, when 2,000 monks walk around the old royal capital in a daily ceremony embraced by the local people, who come out to give them food; return to the ship for breakfast, then stroll through the souvenir and street-food stalls of Hmong market, before taking a tuktuk tour of the enchanting city, with its Royal Palace and many Buddhist shrines. Afternoon at leisure for independent exploration.
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Morning is at leisure in Luang Prabang. Cruise to Pak Ou and switch to a local boat to explore the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist holy site, tucked into spectacular limestone cliffs, and famed for its hundreds of Buddha statues; followed by a visit to nearby Whisky Village, to witness the production of the local tipple, and to shop for handcrafted souvenirs.
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Day of sailing upstream along the Mekong with morning walk through Ban Ton village. In the evening enjoy a lantern-lit riverside barbecue and cocktail party.
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Visit to an elephant rescue sanctuary, where mahouts, who once worked these amazing animals in the forest, are now re-trained to care for them in their retirement. Afternoon walk at Ban Pak Sith Khummu village.
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Today is the final leg of the cruise upstream toward Huayxay. Cross over into Thailand via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge. Farewell cocktails and Thai traditional dance on board for your last evening.
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Disembark in Chiang Khong and transfer to Chiang Rai with visit to the Opium Museum on the way. A tour of Chiang Rai will visit the White Temple, a contemporary temple; Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple, designed by Putha Kabkaew; the Baan Dam Museum, also known as Black House Museum, this unique place offers a captivating blend of art, architecture, and cultural symbolism. Overnight at the 4-star The Riverie by Kathathani.
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Transfer to Chiang Rai airport for return flight to London, via Bangkok. Arriving later the same day.
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