Laos Mekong River Cruise from
USD$4360
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
DAY 8 PAK BENG
Morning visit to a local Khamo village. Sail upstream on the Mekong passing Pak Beng towards Pak Sit.
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.
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.
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
Extra Discounts may apply for past passengers of Pandaw, please advise your Pandaw club membership at time of booking
Indicative Prices, please talk to our team for current availability and pricing
Main Deck from
US$4360 per person twin share
Upper Deck from
US$5400 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
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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.
