Tour Highlights
- Cruise the Mekong from Thailand to Luang Prabang, uncovering hidden gems.
- Experience lively markets and rich Laotian traditions.
- Relax in luxury while enjoying the untouched beauty of the Mekong.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang (Downstream)
Tour Route: Chiang Khong – Huay Xay – Buddha Caves and Lao Liquor – Pak Ou Caves – Luang Prabang.
Duration: 4 Days
Start/ End: Chiang Khong - Luang Prabang
River Cruise Name: Mekong River Cruises
Luang Prabang to the Golden Triangle (Upstream)
Tour Route: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Relaxing on Board & Village Life – Pak Tha and Huay Xay
Duration: 4 Days
Start/ End: Luang Prabang - Chiang Khong
River Cruise Name: Mekong River Cruises
BRIEF ITINERARY
Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang (Downstream)
Day 1: Chiang Khong (D)
Day 2: Onboard Relaxation and Remote Village Life (B,L,D)
Day 3: The Mighty Mekong (B,L,D)
Day 4: Buddha Caves and Lao Liquor (B,L)
Luang Prabang to the Golden Triangle (Upstream)
Day 1: Pak Ou Caves (D)
Day 2: Onboard Relaxation and Remote Village Life (B,L,D)
Day 3: The Mighty Mekong (B,L,D)
Day 4: Buddha Caves and Lao Liquor (B,L)
FULL ITINERARY
Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang (Downstream)
Day 1: Sabaidee in Laos (D)
In the early afternoon, your adventure begins as you’re warmly greeted in Chiang Khong before crossing the border into Laos, arriving at the charming border town of Huay Xay. Soon after, you’ll step aboard your comfortable Laotian cruise ship, a vessel unlike any other, crafted under the joint vision of Lao and German ownership—pioneers in offering multi-day cruises along the upper Mekong. Once the safety drill concludes, your downstream river cruise begins. As the sun sets, your friendly crew welcomes you with a sumptuous dinner, setting the perfect tone for the journey ahead.
Overnight on board.
Day 2: Onboard Relaxation and Remote Village Life (B,L,D)
This morning, you’ll step into the heart of the Pak Tha area to visit a hill tribe village. Here, you’ll meet the locals and catch a rare glimpse of their authentic, natural way of life in the remote parts of Laos. Back aboard your cruise ship, a delicious lunch awaits as you continue cruising peacefully down the Mekong. As the afternoon unfolds, relax and soak in the breathtaking landscapes that drift past—lush jungles, towering cliffs, and quiet riverbanks—all from the comfort of your vessel, until evening invites you to a delightful dinner.
Overnight on board.
Day 3: The Mighty Mekong (B,L,D)
As you journey further upstream, the river traffic fades away, allowing you to peacefully enjoy the fantastic landscapes surrounding you. Unwind in your cozy cabin, the inviting lounge, or on deck, soaking up the sun as the ever-changing scenery transforms into a breathtaking spectacle: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the riverbanks, and a diverse array of rapid currents and slow rivulets. The power of the mighty Mekong lends your cruise the spirit of a true expedition. The evening offers a true highlight: our renowned Mekong River Cruises BBQ dinner under a canopy of stars, creating an unforgettable dining experience on the riverbanks.
Overnight on board.
Day 4: Buddha Caves and Lao Liquor (B,L)
After breakfast we explore the legendary Pak Ou Caves, inhabited by thousands of small Buddha statues lovingly placed by pilgrims over the centuries. From this sacred site, you have the option to embark on a jungle trek through lush greenery, leading you to the local village of Ban Muang Keo. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, a short boat ride will take you to the village. You can witness the ancient art of distilling Lao-Lao, the local rice whiskey of Laos, guided by Miss Somechan Khonpachith, who has dedicated her life to mastering this craft. She will not only reveal the secrets of this ancient technique but also invite you to a tasting. Back on board, you will be served a delicious lunch as your river cruise ship continues to your destination in Luang Prabang. In the early afternoon, you’ll disembark, your heart full of memories from this enchanting river adventure.
Luang Prabang to the Golden Triangle (Upstream)
Day 1: Luang Prabang - Boarding and Pak Ou Caves (L,D)
At 10 a.m, your adventure begins as you step aboard your comfortable Laotian cruise ship. These remarkable vessels, the pioneers in offering multi-day cruises along the untamed upper Mekong, open up the river for unforgettable cruise expeditions. Settle into your cozy, well-appointed cabin, where you can unpack and prepare for a four-day journey. Your cruise takes you upstream where we explore the legendary Pak Ou Caves, inhabited by thousands of small Buddha statues lovingly placed by pilgrims over the centuries. From this sacred site, you have the option to embark on a jungle trek through lush greenery, leading you to the local village of Ban Muang Keo. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, a short boat ride will take you to the village. You can witness the ancient art of distilling Lao-Lao, the local rice whiskey of Laos, guided by Miss Somechan Khonpachith, who has dedicated her life to mastering this craft. She will not only reveal the secrets of this ancient technique but also invite you to a tasting.
In the afternoon, your ship continues cruising upstream towards Oudomxay Province passing the dam construction site of Pak Ou.
Overnight on board.
Day 2: The Mighty Mekong (B,L,D)
At 10 a.m, your adventure begins as you step aboard your comfortable Laotian cruise ship. These remarkable vessels, the pioneers in offering multi-day cruises along the untamed upper Mekong, open up the river for unforgettable cruise expeditions. Settle into your cozy, well-appointed cabin, where you can unpack and prepare for a four-day journey. Your cruise takes you upstream where we explore the legendary Pak Ou Caves, inhabited by thousands of small Buddha statues lovingly placed by pilgrims over the centuries. From this sacred site, you have the option to embark on a jungle trek through lush greenery, leading you to the local village of Ban Muang Keo. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, a short boat ride will take you to the village. You can witness the ancient art of distilling Lao-Lao, the local rice whiskey of Laos, guided by Miss Somechan Khonpachith, who has dedicated her life to mastering this craft. She will not only reveal the secrets of this ancient technique but also invite you to a tasting.
In the afternoon, your ship continues cruising upstream towards Oudomxay Province passing the dam construction site of Pak Ou.
Overnight on board.
Day 3: Relaxing on Board & Village Life (B,L,D
Today you relax on deck, surrounded by the serene beauty of northern Laos, a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As you cruise along the green hills, we will soon approach a charming Laotian village, tucked away from time, ready to be explored during an exciting shore excursion. Once back on board, a delicious lunch awaits, and later, after more cruising through this beautiful scenery, you’ll indulge in a mouth-watering dinner.
Overnight on board.
Day 4: Pak Tha and Huay Xay (B)
During breakfast, take in the breathtaking scenery during the final moments of your river cruise, as you glide toward the Thailand–Laos border. Soon, you’ll arrive in the bustling border town of Huay Xay, famed for its lively trade in the Bokeo province, where ‘Bokeo’ translates to sapphire, a nod to the region’s gemstone legacy. Explore the towns market and visit the temple overlooking the Mekong, offering stunning views of the river. Afterward, your unforgettable river cruise experience comes to a close with a transfer to the Thai/Lao Friendship Bridge, or to your Huay Xay hotel, in the early afternoon.See you again on the next trips with Indochina Tours!
Inclusions
- 3 overnights in selected cabin type aboard your boutique river cruise vessel
- Local English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees for sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary
- Excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
- Tours and transfers as mentioned
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, performers and porters
- Water in the vehicles and on the ship
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, and D=Dinner)
- Coffee, tea, and table water is complementary onboard your boutique river cruise vessel
- Presentations and lectures onboard by the cruise director
- Transfers from/to Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang airports or hotels within city limits (only guaranteed if information was correctly provided 4 weeks prior to embarkation, at the latest)
Exclusions
- Flights
- Meals and services other than those noted in the itinerary
- Visas for Laos
- Laundry, telephone calls, and personal expenditures
- Gratuities for boat crew, and personal, non-itinerary services
- Alcoholic and soft drinks other than mentioned
- Personal Insurance
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