Upstream Cruise Through Northern Laos from Vientiane to Luang Prabang

Upstream Cruise Through Northern Laos from Vientiane to Luang Prabang 6-day | Itinerary:

Day 1. Vientiane – Embarkation

In the afternoon, you will embark on the Mekong Sun or Mekong Pearl, a comfortable Laotian cruise ship. These unique vessels are the first German-Laotian owned river ships with cabins on the upper Mekong. Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a six-day cruise. (Check-in is at 2 pm). In the afternoon, you will participate in a guided city tour that includes all the highlights of the Laotian capital: amongst others the That Luang Stupa and the Victory gate. Back on board your river vessel, 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 on board. (D)

Day 2. Upstream Cruise Through Northern Laos from Vientiane to Luang Prabang: Wild Nature along the Mighty Mekong

Today your Mekong river cruise experience starts. During the day, you will continuously cruise up-river, where you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes.

In the afternoon, enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before you stop at a remote place to stay for the night. Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 3. Fascinating rapids & the district town Salakham

Further north, 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 north again and stop for the night. Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 4. Upstream Cruise Through Northern Laos from Vientiane to Luang Prabang: The farming village Ban Don Saingam

Upstream, you will stop at the small farming village Ban Don Saingam, where you can participate in a 30-minute trek to explore a hidden cave visited exclusively by Mekong River Cruises guests. The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. This evening, we enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises BBQ dinner in a beautiful riverside location. Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 5. Xayabouri Dam

During and after breakfast on board, enjoy the beautiful view and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore. Don’t miss passing the log of the Xayabouri dam, the biggest hydropower facility in the whole of Laos. In the afternoon, you will meet the inhabitants of a small hill tribe village which is regularly visited by our guests and supported by donations. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner. Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 6. Upstream Cruise Through Northern Laos from Vientiane to Luang Prabang: Kuang Si waterfall – Luang Prabang

During the morning, a guided 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.

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 conditions, 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.

• First-hand experience of Lao peoples’ traditional lifestyles

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

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

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

Journey Highlights

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

• First-hand experience of Lao peoples’ traditional lifestyles

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

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

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

Tour price includes

• 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

• Water in the vehicles and on the ship

• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, =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 Vientiane and Luang Prabang airports or hotels within city limits (only guaranteed if information was correctly provided 4 weeks prior to embarkation, at the latest)

Not included

• Flights

• Meals and services other than those noted in the itinerary

• Visas for Laos

• Laundry, telephone calls, and personal expenditures

• Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, boat crew, and personal, non-itinerary services

• Alcoholic and soft drinks other than mentioned

• Personal Insurance