No Single Supplement on select sailings from
$8,048
per personVarious departures available
The Laos Mekong River Cruise with Pandaw
See a different side of the Mekong river on this immersive journey between Vientiane and Chiang Khong taking you deep in the heart of the Golden Triangle
DAY 1 VIENTIANE
PLEASE NOTE: Itinerary may change due to low water levels around Vientiane at certain times of year. If the ship cannot sail into Vientiane, alternate transportation by river, plus overnight stays in a hotel during time in Vientiane will be provided.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DAY 10 PAK SITH - 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.
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).
What is included on a Pandaw Cruise?
The Pandaw ships are small scale, hand crafted in brass and Teak and the experience is all about exploring remote and often hard to navigate rivers, in a friendly and informal atmosphere.
Fabulous value and inclusions, check out the extensive list below.
- Welcome cocktail party
- Signature hors d’oeuvres at cocktails each evening
- Afternoon tea with cakes or cookies when cruising
- Celebration cake and champagne on birthdays and anniversaries
- Cookery demonstrations and classes using local produce
- All scheduled excursions
- At least two cultural performances per cruise
- Tour of the engine rooms, galley and working parts of the ship
- Film presentations on local culture and history
- Local mineral water
- Cold towels on deck all day
- Jugged coffee, tea and tisanes on deck from sunrise till sunset
- Crew gratuities are included in your cruise program price
SPECIAL OFFERS
No Single Supplement on the following departures, while space lasts:
11 Oct 2024, 07 Nov 2024, 20 Dec 2024, 23 & 26 Jan 2025
Indicative Prices, please talk to our team for current availability and pricing
Main Deck from
$8,048 per person twin share
Upper Deck from
$9,968 per person twin share
Port Taxes
US$90 per person
Pandaw offer this journey as an upriver or down river itinerary
Please ask for details of dates & availability
Cruise Itinerary
>More River Cruises
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Terms and Conditions
Offer is subject to availability and capacity controlled. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offers and cannot be backdated. Prices are inclusive of gratuities, port & handling taxes. Offer is subject to change and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. All cruise packages are based on Twin share, inside cabin and costs are per person. Details are not live, speak to one of our consultants for current availability and pricing. Space is strictly limited and is subject to availability at time of booking. All passengers are bound by the individual cruise lines terms & conditions, please ask your consultant for a full copy. Current Deals must be paid in full at time of booking or as shown. All passengers must have a valid passport with more than 6 months validity at the end of their holiday. Travel insurance should be taken out at time of booking to cover in the event of any unforeseen cancellation. ESTA Visas are required for Itineraries visiting USA, Canada, India, China, Vietnam & Sri Lanka. Visa costs are not included. If travelling on a non NZ passport other visas + NZ re-entry permits may also be required, please check with applicable embassy.
