Relive the pioneering experience of the French Mekong-Expedition of 1866 during your cruise aboard the spacious cruise vessel Mekong Explorer.
Relive the pioneering experience of the French Mekong-Expedition of 1866 during your cruise aboard the spacious cruise vessel Mekong Explorer. Passengers of the exclusive Mekong Explorer can enjoy unique cruises through mainly unexplored regions of central Laos in the most comfortable way. Be one of the first travelers to get to know a truly unspoiled nature along the banks of the Mekong as well as during fascinating shore excursions to local villages on the route between The Golden Triangle and Luang Prabang in the north, the Lao capital of Vientiane and the lively market town of Savannakhet in the south.
Cruising without a fixed schedule, guests of the boutique cruise vessel Mekong Explorer can expect stunning and sometimes surprising excursions to remote villages and off the beaten track colonial towns like Thakhek and Savannakhet Natural wonders such as the 7 km long cave of Konglo, which you will traverse on small long tail boats are also parts of the unique experience. The cruise is available upstream from Savannakhet to Vientiane and vice versa. Apart from being located just across a bridge over the Mekong River from the Thai town of Mukdahan, flights between Savannakhet and Vientiane as well as to Bangkok and Pakse open numerous possibilities to include this unique cruise in tour itineraries to Laos or Southeast Asia in general.
The Mekong Explorer – Facts
* Built in Laos in 2008/2009
* Starting operations in December 2009
* Two decks with 16 cabins in three different categories
* All cabins twin bedded, with en suite shower/WC and air conditioning
* Eight Classic cabins (approx. 12,5 m²) and four Junior Suites (approx. 15,5 m²) on the main deck as well as two Junior Suites (approx. 15,5 m²) on the upper deck, all with wide sliding panoramic windows and a French balcony providing a fantastic view of the surrounding landscapes
* Two Suites (approx. 21 m²) with a private balcony on the upper deck
* Large sun deck on the top deck
* Restaurant/bar area on the upper deck
* All offshore excursions guided in English
* European Cruise director on board (English and German speaking)
6 Days : LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU – THA DEUA – HOUEY HIP – KUANG SI – LUANG PRABANG
DAY 1: Embarkation in Luang Prabang (D)
After lunch you will embark on your Mekong Cruise vessel, a comfortable new boutique-cruise ship. (Check in is after 2 PM). This unique boutique vessel is a German-Laotian owned river ship with stylish cabins. Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a six-day cruise. Begin with a guided walk up Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular sunset view over the Mekong as well as the Khan River and the surrounding mountains. In the evening, enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend our welcome reception this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise. Overnight in your cabin aboard your river vessel.
DAY 2: Departure from Luang Prabang (B/L/D)
In the early morning you will able to observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast is on board and the rest of the morning will be spent on a guided city tour with visits of the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple, Wat Khili and the Wat Sene temple as well. Your spectacular cruise begins with the departure from Luang Prabang after lunch from where you will cruise north through beautiful scenery. The night is spent on a secluded river bank or sandbank. Overnight onboard your river vessel.
DAY 3: Pak Ou Caves (B/L/D)
After breakfast on board you will explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. After a short walk through the jungle (optional) you visit a Laotian village. In the village you can observe how the local liqueur Lao-Lao is being distilled traditionally. Before returning to your Mekong vessel, you will see elephants in action (unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit). After re-embarkation you will enjoy a few hours of cruising down the Mekong River amidst beautiful landscapes. Overnight onboard your river vessel.
DAY 4: Wild nature along the mighty Mekong (B/L/D)
The ship will head south to the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua, connecting Luang Prabang Province with the Sayaboury province. Further downstream you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes of this still-untamed river. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the river banks, and a fascinating array of fast currents and slower river parts. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition (due to sudden drops in water level on some days, it may be necessary to make the afternoon excursion down south and upstream again – the wildest and possibly most exciting part of the Mekong – in a local Lao slow boat before returning back onboard). You will visit a local village school, which is supported by guests of the Mekong River Cruises fleet. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before you head north again and stop at a sandbank for the night. Overnight onboard your river vessel.
DAY 5: Kuang Si – Luang Prabang (B/L/D)
After breakfast on board, enjoy the beautiful view and spot local fishermen onshore as you cruise upstream again. After a few hours of cruising up the river, you will stop and continue by bus to visit the famous Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most remarkable waterfalls in Laos. On the way you will stroll through the small village of Tha Pan, where you can observe how the local communities live in Northern Laos. In the afternoon you will return to Luang Prabang. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner with a traditional Lao Baci-friendship ceremony.
DAY 6: Disembarkation (B)
After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark. End our service
NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including floodwaters and shallows. Therefore please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the itinerary of this tour due to the logistical complexities involved. Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather and river conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.
Inclusions
• 5 overnights aboard your boutique river vessel
• All meals and tour program as per above itinerary
• Coffee, tea and water during meal times (juice for breakfast)
• All excursions and necessary entry fees
• Presentations and lectures by your cruise director
• Transfers from/to Luang Prabang airport or your hotel in town
Exclusions
• Visa fees
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Flights
• Tips
• Transfers (can be arranged on request for a small extra charge)
• Video or photography-fees (if requested during excursions)
• Personal expenditures or not mentioned services of any kind
6 Days : VIENTIANE – PAKLAY – THA DEUA – KUANG SI– LUANG PRABANG
DAY 1: Vientiane Embarkation (D)
In the afternoon, you will embark on the Mekong Sun/ Explorer, a comfortable Laotian cruise ship. These unique vessels are the first German-Laotian owned river ship with cabins on the upper Mekong. Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a six-day cruise. (Check-in is at 2:00 PM). In the afternoon you will visit the national symbol of Laos, the That Luang temple, and the picturesque Arc de Trioumphe. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend Your welcome reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise. Overnight aboard the cruise vessel.
DAY 2: Depart Vientian (B/L/D)
The morning your vessel start for your spectacular river cruise upstream into formerly inaccessible parts of the Mekong river. The night is spent on a beautiful sandbank, surrounded by nothing but pure nature. Overnight aboard the cruise vessel.
DAY 3: Wild nature along the mighty Mekong (B/L/D)
Further north you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes of this still-untamed river. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the river banks, and a fascinating array of fast currents and slower river parts. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbanks before you head north again and stop at a remote sandbank for the night. Overnight aboard the cruise vessel.
DAY 4: Pak Lay (B/L/D)
Upstream you will stop at the small riverside community of Pak Lai, known for once possessing many colonial buildings. The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. Enjoy the comfort and service onboard: exclusive, yet casual, you’ll share the boat with no more than 26/30 fellow guests. Overnight aboard the cruise vessel.
DAY 5: Tha Deua (B/L/D)
During and after breakfast on board, enjoy the beautiful view and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore. Today you will see the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua, connecting Luang Prabang Province with the Sayaboury province. Overnight aboard the cruisevessel.
DAY 6: Kuang Si – Luang Prabang (B/L)
A shore excursion will take you to the Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most attractive waterfalls in Laos. This afternoon you will reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Luang Prabang you will say goodbye to your Lao crew. Check out and disembarkation. This is the end of the trip.
NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneer experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions including flood waters and shallows. Therefore please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the itinerary of this tour due to the logistical complexities involved. Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, local authorities and river and/or road conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.
Inclusions
• 5 overnights aboard your boutique river vessel
• All meals and tour program as per above itinerary
• Coffee, tea and water during meal times (juice for breakfast)
• All excursions and necessary entry fees
• Presentations and lectures by your cruise director
Exclusions
• Visa fees
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Flights
• Tips
• Transfers (can be arranged on request for a small extra charge)
• Video or photography-fees (if requested during excursions)
• Personal expenditures or not mentioned services of any kind
8 Days : LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI – PAK OU – PAKBENG – PAK THA – HUAY XAY – GOLDEN TRIANGLE
DAY 1: Luang Prabang Embarkation (D)
In the afternoon, you will embark at one of the German-Laotian owned river ships Mekong Sun. These are comfortable new cabin cruiser on the upper Mekong. (Check in is at 2:00 PM.) Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a four-day cruise. Your program begins with a walk and visit at the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple, Wat Khili and Wat Sene as well. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend our welcome reception, bazi ceremony, Lao Dances performance and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the evening. Overnight aboard the Mekong Cruise.
DAY 2: Luang Prabang (B/L)
During a full day visit you will get to know some of the highlights of this beautiful city, the National Museum in the morning include. After Lunch trip by minivan for a visit Wat Visoun, Wat Manorom and Sa-Paper-Village at the Nam Khan River outside town. In the late afternoon walk up Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular sunset view over the Mekong as well as the Khan river and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy the unique atmosphere provided by the abundance of well-preserved French colonial architecture mingling with traditional Buddhist temples. In the evening enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. For Dinner on your own our Cruisedirector and/ or Lao Staff will recommend you some of the best local and international restaurants in town. Overnight aboard the Mekong Cruise.
DAY 3: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou (B/L/D)
In the early morning you will able to visit the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Today your spectacular cruise begins with the departure from Luang Prabang. You will cruise north and visit a Laotian village, observe the traditional production of Lao-Lao, the local liqueur. After a short walk through the jungle you will explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. The night is spent on a secluded river bank or sandbank. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun Cruise.
DAY 4: Taxuang (B/L/D)
Today is a day to take it all in – relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin or in the lounge and soak up the untouched scenery. The river traffic thins out as you proceed upstream, and you can enjoy the fantastic landscapes along the river. In the afternoon, you will visit a small village school sponsored by guests of the Mekong Sun/ Explorer. Overnight on the boat.
DAY 5: Pakbeng (B/L/D)
The diversity of the landscape is astonishing, now shifting to tropical hills in the background. Enjoy the tranquility of northern Laos, a real retreat from the hustle-and-bustle of daily life. Later, that day you will have a short stop in the market town of Pakbeng. As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun Cruise
DAY 6: Pak Tha – Huay Xay – Chiang Khong (B/L/D)
As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha. At Pak Tha, a small village, you will take off on a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to visit a Khmu village. You will also visit a small village school sponsored by guests of the Mekong Sun/ Explorer. The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. Enjoy the comfort and service onboard: exclusive, yet casual, you’ll share the boat with no more than 26 fellow guests. Today you proceed to the Thai-Laotian border at Chiang Khong (Thailand) and Ban Huay Xay (Laos). You will then spend a last relaxing dinner and evening in Laos. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun Cruise.
DAY 7: The Golden Triangle (B/L/D)
Today is spent on an excursion to the Golden Triangle area at Chiang Saen, where you will visit the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the new Hall of Opium. This fascinating museum, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, gives a deep background on the history and politics of the opium trade and the health effects of opium abuse. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun Cruise.
DAY 8: Disembark (B)
After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark. End our service
* Depending on season and water level the check-out will either be at Chiang Saen or Chiang Khong. (Regularly until early December the check-out will be at Chiang Saen, afterwards until May it will be Chiang Khong.)
NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including from flood waters and shallows. Therefore please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the itinerary of this tour due to the logistical complexities involved. Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, local authorities and river and/or road conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigation conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.
Inclusions:
* Accommodation in twin shared rooms with private bathroom.
* Full board as mentioned in program ( B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
* Sightseeing tours as indicated in the programme, inclusive of all entrance fees and tour guides.
* Government Taxes & services charges
* Bottled drinking water, tea and coffee.
* Baggage handling.
Exclusions:
* Airfares & airport taxes
* International or domestic air tickets.
* Departure tax in Luang Prabang, Chiang Saen and/or Jinghong.
* Laotian, Thai and/or Chinese visa fee.
* Any transfer costs from the pier or vice versa.
* Any hotel accommodation.
* Tips, beverages (except of bottled drinking water, tea and coffee) and any items for your personal needs.
* All other meals not mentioned above.
12 Days : VIENTIANE – PAKLAY – THA DEUA – KUANG SI – LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU – PAKBENG – PAK THA – HUAY XAY – GOLDEN TRIANGLE
DAY 1: Vientiane Embarkation (D)
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel to visit national symbol of Laos, the That Luang temple, and the picturesque Arc de Trioumphe. After lunch in town, we will be transfering you approx. 2 hrs. north of Vientiane to embark on your boutique river vessel, a comfortable German- Laotian cruise ship. These unique vessels are the first German-Laotian owned river ship with cabins on the upper Mekong. Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a twelve-day cruise. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend your welcome reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise. Overnight aboard.
DAY 2: Wild Along The Mighty Mekong (B/L/D)
This morning you start your spectacular river cruise upstream into formerly inaccessible parts of the Mekong river. Enjoy the comfort and service onboard: exclusive, yet casual, you’ll share the boat with only few fellow guests. During the next days of your river cruise you will go on exciting offshore excursions and enjoy a program with profound travel information in form of presentations, speeches or documentaries on relevant topics. Among others, the French Mekong Expedition of 1860s, the daily life of a Buddhist novice or the plants and fruits of the Mekong region might be possible subjects. A visit of a small riverside community this afternoon gets you acquainted with the life of the local Lao Lum minority. Overnight aboard your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 3: Pak Lay (B/L/D)
Further north you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes of this still-untamed river. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the river banks, and a fascinating array of fast currents and slower river parts. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Your boutique river vessel enables you to go on a comfortable journey which seemed impossible for ages: about 800 km of traveling along fantastic river landscapes, passing by aboriginal villages and reaching World Heritage Sites. You will discover some of the last unknown regions of South-East Asia. Upstream you will stop at the small riverside community of Pak Lai, known for once possessing many colonial buildings. The local market with its many exotic offerings is quite a sight. Safe and comfortable traveling on board of you exclusive river vessel is guaranteed, while you watch 15 the incredible landscas of the river pass by. At night, enjoy once again the comforts on board. You will spend the night close to the Thai-Laotian border. Overnight aboard your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 4: Tha Deua (B/L/D)
During and after breakfast on board, enjoy the beautiful view and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore. You travel further on the “mother of all waters”, as the Lao call the Mekong River. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbank. You meet people of the small village of Hua Hip which is regularly supported by guests of your Mekong cruise. Today you will also see the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua, connecting Luang Prabang Province with the Sayaboury province. Overnight aboard your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 5: Kuang Si – Luang Prabang (B/L/D)
A shore excursion will take you to the Kuang Si-falls, some of the most attractive waterfalls in Laos. This afternoon you will reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from numerous temples, the atmosphere is enriched by neighboring French colonial architecture. Begin with a walk up Phou Si-hill which offers a spectacular sunset view over the Mekong as well as the Khan river and the surrounding mountains. In the evening enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. Overnight aboard your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 6: Unesco World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang (B/L)
Breakfast is on board. Today the ship stays in Luang Prabang while we take you on a full day of sightseeing to get to know the beauties of this UNESCO World Heritage town, incl. the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple and the National Museum. As Luang Prabang offers many opportunities for fine dining, tonight you are free to choose from the numerous offerings in town or along the Mekong River. Overnight aboard your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 7: Luang Prabang – PakOu (B/L/D)
In the early morning you will able to visit the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast in on board. Today you will cruise north again and visit a Laotian village, where you observe the traditional production of Lao-Lao, the local liqueur. After a short walk through the jungle (optionally) you will explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. The night is spent on a secluded river bank or sandbank. Overnight aboard.
DAY 8: Pakbeng (B/L/D)
The river traffic thins out as you proceed upstream, and you can enjoy the fantastic landscapes along the river. The scenery along the river is incredible … With a little luck you will be able to see working elephants in action today (unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit). Later, that day you will have a short stop in the market town of Pakbeng. Here we go ashore to enjoy a coffee Lao in a beautiful lodge with Mekong panorama or visit the local market, small stalls and shops along the one main street. Overnight aboard your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 9: Pak Tha (B/L/D)
As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha. At Pak Today is a day to take it all in – relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin or in the lounge and soak up the untouched scenery. The diversity of the landscape is astonishing, now shifting to tropical hills in the background. Enjoy the tranquility of northern Laos, a real retreat without the hustle-and-bustle of daily life. As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha. Overnight aboard your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 10: Pak Tha – Huay Xay – Chiang Khong (B/L/D)
At Pak Tha, a small village, you will take off on a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to visit a Khmu village. The small village school is often sponsored by guests of your Mekong cruise. Upon reboarding your river vessel you will proceed to the Thai-Laotian border at Chiang Khong (Thailand) and Ban Huay Xay (Laos). The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. You will then spend a last relaxing dinner and evening in Laos. Overnight aboard your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 11: The Golden Triangle (B/L/D)
Today is spent on an excursion to the Golden Triangle area at Chiang Saen where you will visit the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the old temple remains of the town. Chiang Saen once served as the crowing location for the kings of Lanna or Chiang Mai, and history is well preserved here. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner. Overnight aboard your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 12: Farewell Disembark (B)
After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark.*
* Depending on season and water level the check-out will either be at Chiang Saen or Chiang Khong. (Regularly from June until early November the check-out will be at Chiang Saen, afterwards it will be Chiang Khong.)
NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including flood waters and shallows. Therefore please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the itinerary of this tour due to the logistical complexities involved. Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, local authorities and river and/or road conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigation conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.
Inclusions:
• 11 overnights aboard your Boutique river vessel
• All meals and tour program as per above itinerary
• Coffee, tea and water during meal times (juice for breakfast)
• All excursions and necessary entry fees
• Presentations and lectures by your cruise director
• Transfer to/from cruise vessel (depending on cruise direction)
Exclusions
• Visa fees (most nationalities can obtain Lao visa on arrival (VOA) for approx. 30 USD, please inquire with your next Lao embassy if you are eligible for VOA. For VOA please bring along apassport sized photo and USD in cash!)
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Flights
• Tips
• Video or photography-fees (if requested during excursions)
• Personal expenditures or not mentioned services of any kind
