The Golden Triangle Mekong Cruise from Chiang Rai to Vientiane 11-Day

Day 1. The Golden Triangle – Embarkation

You are picked up from Chiang Rai Airport or at your hotel within city limits between 8 – 9 am and brought to the once-notorious Golden Triangle region. Your sightseeing tour today includes a visit to the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the Hall of Opium. This fascinating museum, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, provides an in-depth look at history and politics of the opium trade and the health impacts of opium use.

Afterwards, it is time to board your exclusive river vessel. The Mekong Pearl, under joint German-Laotian ownership, is a unique boutique vessel. Settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for an 11-day cruise. In the evening, enjoy the spacious decks, the onboard lounge, and a dinnertime welcome reception.

Overnight: All overnights aboard your boutique river cruise ship. Meals included: Dinner (D)

Day 2. The Golden Triangle Mekong Cruise from Chiang Rai to Vientiane: The Golden Triangle – Huay Xay – Pak Tha

This morning your grand voyage on the mighty Mekong River really gets underway, with your departure from the Golden Triangle region, where Myanmar (Burma), Laos, and Thailand meet. Today’s destination is the nearby Laotian town of Huay Xay on the Laotian-Thai border, where you will officially enter the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos. Your voyage then takes you into northern Laos amid stunning scenery and on to the small village of Pak Tha. Here you take a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to visit a local village of the ethnic minority Khmu. You then continue down-stream aboard your cruise ship and anchor at a sand or river bank.

Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast (B), lunch (L) and dinner (D).

Day 3. Astonishing Landscapes &remote Villages

The river traffic increases as you pass through a densely populated region accessible only by water. Here you will discover some of this still-untamed river’s most beautiful landscapes: hills covered with tropical vegetation, dramatic rock formations, and a fascinating mixture of fast currents and more placid stretches of river. The power of the mighty Mekong lends your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Relax on deck, in your cabin, or in the lounge as you absorb the remoteness of these spectacular surroundings. A short while later, you arrive in Oudomxai Province. Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 4. The Golden Triangle Mekong Cruise from Chiang Rai to Vientiane: The Pak Ou Caves

After a relaxing morning onboard, we stop at a small riverside village for a visit ofthe famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. From here, you can optionally go on a short jungle trek through the forest to a local village to see their local distillery. Alternatively, you can reach the village comfortably by boat as well. Nearby you can see elephants in action (unless they are employed elsewhere at the time of your visit). Enjoy your Dinner onboard surrounded by impressive limestone mountains. Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 5. The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang

Today you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a city walk to the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple, with golden tiled roofs will surely leave you in awe. Explore other highlights during this full day excursion through Luang Prabang.

In the evening, walk up Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular view over the Mekong as well as the Khan river and the surrounding mountains, enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. As Luang Prabang offers many opportunities for fine dining, tonight you are free to choose from the numerous offerings in town or along the Me-Kong River. Overnight on board. (BL)

Day 6. The Golden Triangle Mekong Cruise from Chiang Rai to Vientiane: The ancient royal capital, Luang Prabang

In the early morning, you can visit the traditional almsgiving in the streets of Luang Prabang and explore the traditional morning market. After your breakfast onboard, join in for our guided city tour, which includes the former royal palace, the National Museum, a local handicraft village, and many more. After exploring the city center, the afternoon is free at leisure. You can choose from dozens of local restaurants and eateries. Before having dinner onboard, you are celebrating this evening with a local dancing performance and a traditional Lao Baci-friendship ceremony. Overnight on board. (BD)

Day 7. Kuang Si Waterfalls

After breakfast on board, enjoy the beautiful view and spot local fishermen onshore as you cruise further downstream. After a few hours of cruising down-river, you will stop and continue by local TukTuk-Trucks to visit the famous Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most remarkable waterfalls in Laos.

In the afternoon, don’t miss passing the log of the Xayabouri dam, the biggest hydropower facility in the whole of Laos. This evening, we enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises BBQ dinner in a beautiful riverside location. Overnighton board. (BLD)

Day 8. The Golden Triangle Mekong Cruise from Chiang Rai to Vientiane: The farming village Ban Don Saingam

On the way, you will visit an almost forgotten cave and experience nature on some easy hiking trails. Enjoy the beautiful view and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore. We also offer presentations on the history and culture of Laos that you are free to join or relax on deck. Enjoy the comfort and service onboard: exclusive, yet casual. Overnights on board. (BLD)

Day 9. Fascinating rapids & the district town Salakham

Further downstream, you will discover some of the most remarkable, and 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. During the day, you will visit the dreamy district town Salakham. 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 further downriver and stop for the night. Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 10. The Golden Triangle Mekong Cruise from Chiang Rai to Vientiane: The Lao capital of Vientiane

You continue downstream along the “mother of all waters”, as the Mekong is known to the Thais and Laotians. Today’s destination is the Laotian capital of Vientiane, where you will see the Pha That Luang Temple, the Lao national symbol, as well as the picturesque Arc de Triomphe. This last evening of your cruise is celebrated with a farewell dinner on board, together with your ever-friendly crew, cruise director, and captain. Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 11. Disembarkation in Vientiane

After breakfast, you say goodbye to your Laotian crew as you check out and disembark (until 10am). Your memorable river journey ends with your transfer to the airport or to your hotel (within city limits).(B)

End of the trip!

NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including floodwaters, low water levels, and morning fog. Therefore, please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the itinerary of this tour because of the logistical complexities involved. Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather and river conditions. For safety reasons arising from the existing navigating con- ditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.

This journey is generally not for guests with limited mobility or who depend on CPAP machines. Please contact us for more information about your specific requirements before booking.

Journey Highlights

• The wild upper Mekong aboard a boutique river vessel –.one of the most spectacular river cruises in the world.

• The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, a superb fusion of numerous temples, monasteries, and French colonial architecture. One of Asia’s most beautiful historical towns

• First-hand experience of the Thai and Lao peoples’ traditional lifestyles

• Small groups limited to 28 fellow passengers

• Pha That Luang Buddhist Temple in Vientiane – the Laotian national landmark

• The Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong – containing thousands of Buddha statues

• The waterfalls at Kuang Si, inviting you to swim in their lovely natural pools

• The Golden Triangle region, with its infamous past, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet

• Sunset over Luang Prabang

• Unforgettable impressions of the mighty Mekong River, the “mother of waters”

• Professional onboard infotainment, including lectures and documentaries on the region.