Savour the fantastic scenery of the Mekong River on your spectacular cruise starting and ending in the former royal city of Luang Prabang, now UNESCO World Heritage. The exclusive river vessel, RV Mekong Sun, enables you to go on a comfortable journey which seemed impossible for ages: traveling along fantastic river landscapes, visiting World Heritage Sites and aboriginal villages. The upper Mekong is one of the most difficult rivers in the world to navigate but the Mekong Sun can master tight gorges, labyrinths of sandbanks and mount violent chutes.
On this part of the Mekong, quiet and calm parts of the river alternate with most dramatic and exciting shore sceneries: Tropical lush green mountains, impressive rock formations and secluded villages along the river banks.
Day 1. Luang Prabang.
In the afternoon, embark on the Mekong Sun and depart from Luang Prabang around 2 PM, where you will cruise north towards Pak Ou. The night is spent on a secluded river bank or sandbank. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend welcome reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun. D
Day 2. Land of the Thousand Elephants.
After breakfast on board you will go on an excursion by local slowboat up the Ou-River to visit rice paddies cultivated by the local Khmu minority. Before returning to the Mekong Sun, you will see working elephants in action nearby (unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit).
You will also visit a Laotian village where you can observe how the local liqueur Lao-Lao is being distilled traditionally. After a short walk through the jungle you will explore the famous Pak Ou-caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. After re-embarkation you will enjoy a few hours of cruising down the Mekong River amidst beautiful landscapes. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun. BLD
Day 3. Wild Nature along the Mighty Mekong.
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 to the Mekong Sun). You will visit a local village school, which is supported by guests of the Mekong Sun. 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. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun. BLD
Day 4. Kuang Si to Luang Prabang.
After breakfast on board, enjoy the beautiful view and spot local fishermen on shore 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 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. Check out and disembark. BL
Price Includes:
Sightseeing, shore excursions, admission fees and onboard programs by English-speaking guides. Meals as shown by BLD, drinks at meal time (mineral water, juice, coffee, tea). Accommodation on RV Mekong Sun with private facilities.
Price Excludes:
Flights, tips, visa, drinks with the exception of drinks mentioned above, transfers to/from pier.
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, local authorities and river and/or road conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.
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