GENERAL INFORMATION
Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang (Downstream)
Tour Route: Chiang Rai – The Golden Triangle – Huay Xay – Pak Tha – Pak Ou Caves – Luang Prabang.
Duration: 6 Days.
Start/ End: Chiang Rai/Luang Prabang.
River Cruise Name: Mekong Pearl Cruise.
Luang Prabang to Golden Triangle (Upstream)
Tour Route: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Nam Tha – Pak Tha – Huay Xay – Chiang Khong – Golden Triangle.
Duration: 6 Days.
Start/ End: Luang Prabang/Chiang Khong.
River Cruise Name: Mekong Pearl Cruise
BRIEF ITINERARY
Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang (Downstream)
Day 1:The Golden Triangle - Boarding (D)
Day 2: The Golden Triangle—Huay Xay and Pak Tha (B, L, D)
Day 3: Astonishing Landscapes and Remote Villages (B, L, D)
Day 4: Pak Ou Caves (B, L, D)
Day 5: UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang (B, L, D)
Day 6: Disembarkation in Luang Prabang (B)
Luang Prabang to Golden Triangle (Upstream))
Day 1: Luang Prabang - Boarding (D)
Day 2: Pak Ou Caves (B, L, D)
Day 3: The Mighty Mekong (B, L, D)
Day 4: Relaxation and Village Life (B, L, D)
Day 5: Hill Tribe Village and Border Crossing (B, L, D)
Day 6: Farewell, Mekong! (B)
FULL ITINERARY
Chiang Rai to Vientiane (Downstream)
Day 1: The Golden Triangle—Boarding (D)
The Golden Triangle area at Chiang Saen
You will be picked up from Chiang Rai Airport or your city hotel between 8–9 am, embarking on an unforgettable journey to the legendary Golden Triangle, once infamous but now celebrated for its intrigue and beauty. Your adventure begins with a visit to the majestic Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak, followed by the captivating Hall of Opium, a museum with royal ties that delves into the complex history of the opium trade and its impact on health.
Afterward, you’ll board your exclusive boutique river vessel, owned through a joint venture between German and Laotian partners.
Overnight on board.
Day 2: The Golden Triangle—Huay Xay and Pak Tha (B,L,D)
The Golden Triangle—Huay Xay and Pak Tha (BLD)
This morning begins with your final breakfast on Thai soil, marking the start of your adventure as you cross the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and step into Laos. Your journey continues with a visit to the bustling border town of Huay Xay, a lively trade hub in the Bokeo Province.
Afterward, your grand voyage on the mighty Mekong River begins as we set sail. You’ll be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes of northern Laos. We journey toward Pak Tha, a significant estuary of the Mekong, where we will anchor for the night.
Overnight on board.
Day 3: Astonishing Landscapes and Remote Villages (B,L,D)
Astonishing Landscapes and Remote Villages (BLD)
After breakfast, set off on a journey to visit one of the local hill tribe villages in the Pak Tha area. Upon your return to the vessel, you’ll be greeted with refreshing drinks on the upper deck before lunch.
We pass through remote and untouched regions of Laos, accessible only by water.
Overnight on board.
Day 4: Pak Ou Caves (B,L,D)
We arrive at a charming riverside village around midday. Here, we explore the legendary Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of small Buddha statues lovingly placed by pilgrims over the centuries. From this site, you can trek to the local village of Ban Muang Keo, where you’ll witness the ancient art of distilling Lao-Lao, the traditional rice whiskey of Laos.
Overnight on board.
Day 5: The UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang (B,L)
UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang (BLD)
Today, you will arrive in Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your adventure begins with a guided walk through the city, taking you to the famous Wat Xieng Thong Temple. In the evening, you’ll ascend Mount Phou Si, rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Mekong and Khan rivers.
Overnight on board.
Day 6: The Royal Capital, Luang Prabang (B,L,D)
Disembarkation in Luang Prabang (B)
In the early morning, you can visit or attend the Tak Bat – a traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. After breakfast, you’ll check out and disembark, concluding your journey along the mighty Mekong. A transfer to the airport or a city hotel in Luang Prabang ends the adventure.
Vientiane to Chiang Rai (Upstream)
Day 1: Luang Prabang - Boarding (D)
Ho Phra Bang temple and night market in Luang Prabang
From 1 PM it’s time to board your exclusive boutique river vessel, uniquely owned through a joint venture between German and Laotian partners. Settle into your inviting cabin, your home for the next 6 days.
Your first evening promises cultural enchantment: enjoy a traditional Lao dance performance and a heartwarming Baci well-wishing ceremony, followed by our Mekong River Cruises Welcome Dinner.
Overnight on board.
Day 2: Pak Ou Caves (B,L,D)
During breakfast, 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.
You may embark on a jungle trek to the village of Ban Muang Keo, or take a boat ride to the village. Witness the distillation of Lao-Lao, the local rice whiskey of Laos.
Your ship continues cruising towards Oudomxay Province, passing by the Pak Ou Dam construction site.
Overnight on board.
Day 3: The Mighty Mekong (B,L,D)
As you continue upstream, the river traffic thins, allowing you to enjoy the stunning landscapes: hills, tropical vegetation, rock formations, and the vibrant life along the Mekong River.
Overnight on board.
Day 4: Relaxation and Village Life (B,L,D)
Cruise towards the Nam Tha, a significant estuary of the Mekong. In the evening, enjoy a barbecue dinner at a picturesque riverside location.
Overnight on board.
Day 5: Hill Tribe Village and Border Crossing (B,L,D)
Hill Tribe Village and Border Crossing (BLD)
Visit a local hill tribe village in the Pak Tha area. Sail toward the Thailand–Laos border and arrive at the border town of Huay Xay in Bokeo Province. Explore the lively town market and visit the temple overlooking the Mekong.
Overnight on board.
Day 6: Farewell, Mekong! (B)
Disembark in Chiang Khong and visit the Golden Triangle. Explore the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the Hall of Opium museum. End the journey in Chiang Rai. See you again on the next trips with Indochina Tours!.
Inclusions
- 5 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, porters and performers
- 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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