Enjoy a three country expedition as we will traverse Laos to touch Thailand and Burma at the once notorious Golden Triangle. From Vientiane, the old French capital, and so redolent of L’Indochine Pandaw will be the first river expedition since pre war days to cross all Laos. We stop two nights at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang with its dazzling wood carved monasteries and then on deep into the mountains, through rapids and gorges on our high powered little Pandaw. Visit tribal villages and explore into jungle and countryside. As the first year of operation, please anticipate many a change – but a great adventure!
Day 1: Vientiane | Meal: D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
Transfer from airports or hotel in Vientiane or from Udon Thani (1.5hrs) in Thailand just across the river. Embarkation 11.30am, followed by lunch and afternoon explorations of the delightful French city including visits to Sisaket Temple, the President’s Hall, Wat Prakeo Temple and the Phatouxay monument. Set sail late afternoon, enjoy a welcome dinner on board and overnight near Vientiane.
PLEASE NOTE:
The itinerary for this expedition is indicative only and subject to reconnaissance. As we travel to remote areas, changes to the itinerary will inevitably occur. A flexible approach is required if you book this cruise.
There is a surcharge for private transfers if you are not able to meet us at above scheduled pick up times.
Vientiane Jetty – Land River Transport Enterprise, Thadeua Road km4, Sisattanark District.
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Day 2: Cruise the Mekong | Meal: B-L-D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
Today we cruise upstream on the Mekong, passing lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages. Morning presentation on the Lao language. Afternoon cooking demonstration on the upper deck. Arrive in Ban Xanakham where we more overnight.
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Day 3: Pak Lai | Meal: B-L-D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
Afternoon visit to the French administrative town of Pak Lai with many colonial buildings and a bustling local market. This town boasts the largest elephant festival in South East Asia, usually in February. We return to the ship at Ban Muang where we overnight.
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Day 4: Ban Park Bor village| Meal: B-L-D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
Afternoon visit and walking tour of Ban Park Bor (Kmu Tribal) Village, a typical village, set on the banks of the Mekong amidst lush jungle.
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Day 5: Ban Mouang Khai village | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
In the morning we pass the newly constructed lock that forms part of the Xanyaburi Hydro Electric Power Plant. Continue upstream to the village of Ban Mouang Khai.
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Day 6: Luang Prabang | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
Morning sightseeing by mini coach to visit the jungle pools and dramatic Khaung Si waterfall. We also visit a butterfly garden and elephant camp. Arrive in the heart of the temple city of Luang Prabang. After lunch, explore by tuktuk this well-preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. There is a buzzing night market and many delightful cafes and some quite good restaurants ashore.
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Day 7: Luang Prabang | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
Early morning walking tour to see the alms offering by the local people to hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. Passengers are invited to join in with offerings we provide for the alms giving. Morning walking tour visiting the National Museum and morning market. Afternoon free to enjoy the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang on your own explorations ashore. Enjoy traditional Laos dancing on the upper deck late afternoon. We moor overnight in Luang Prabang.
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Day 8: Pak Ou Caves | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
Morning sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. Sail upstream on the beautiful Mekong towards Ban Bo. After lunch, enjoy a cooking demonstration on the upper deck.
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Day 9: Pak Peng | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
Morning walking tour of the market town of Pak Beng. After lunch, if time permits, we explore Ban Pak Sip, a traditional riverside village full of charm and life.
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Day 10: Chiang Khong | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
Scenic cruising to the border between Laos and Thailand at Huay Say. Here we cross into Thailand where our waiting transport takes you to re-join the ship at the bustling and pretty Thai port town of Chiang Khong. Enjoy farewell cocktails and dinner on board the Laos Pandaw tonight.
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Day 11: Disembarkation - Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai | Meal: B |
Disembark by 8.30 AM in Chiang Sean and explore the Golden Triangle including a visit to the opium museum. Continue to airports or city hotels in Chiang Rai (3 hours) and Chiang Mai (6 hours).
Day 1: Golden Triangle | Meal: D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
Transfers from airports or any city hotel in Chiang Rai (3 hours) and Chiang Mai (6 hours) with a visit to the Golden Triangle and the now infamous opium museum. Embark your ship by 16.00pm and cruise up river towards the Burma border for sunset.
Please note:
Pick up from the airport Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai: Arrival must be before 13.00 PM and transfer you to the ship. This transfer will not include any visits to Golden Triangle, Opium House and Lunch due to time limit.
There is a surcharge for private transfers if you are not able to meet us at above scheduled pick up times.
The itinerary for this expedition is indicative only and subject to reconnaissance. As we travel to remote areas, changes to the itinerary will inevitably occur. A flexible approach is required if you book this cruise.
Related
Day 2: Into Laos | Meal: B-L-D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
We go through the immigration formalities at the Thai/Laos border and re-join the Laos Pandaw. Set sail downstream on the beautiful Upper Mekong River. After lunch, if time allows, enjoy sightseeing by foot in a Laos jungle village.
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Day 3: Pak Ou Caves | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
Morning walking tour of the local trading town of Pak Beng. Continue cruising downstream to Pak Ou, where we transfer to a local boat and enter the Nam Ou River to visit the extraordinary Pak Ou Buddha Caves. Admire spectacular limestone cliff faces in the Buddhist sanctuary.
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Day 4: Luang Prabang | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
In the early morning we will arrive in Luang Prabang. After breakfast, there is an opportunity for you to explore the beautiful temple city of Luang Prabang with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and Royal Palace. There is a buzzing night market and many delightful cafes and some quite good restaurants ashore.
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Day 5: Luang Prabang | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
Early morning walking tour to observe the morning alms offering by local people to the hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. Passengers are invited to join with the offerings we provide for the alms giving. Mid-afternoon traditional dance performance on board the Laos Pandaw. We moor overnight in Luang Prabang.
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Day 6: Muang Khay village | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
Morning sightseeing by mini coach. We drive to see the deep jungle pools at the Khaung Si Waterfall and for the teak forest trails and butterfly farm. Time permitting, we will also visit the elephant camp. After lunch, enjoy a cooking demonstration on board and wonderful scenic cruising on the mighty Mekong River.
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Day 7: Xaya Bumi Dam | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
Pass through the Mekong water control lock at Xayaburi Hydro Electric Power Plant (itself an interesting and perhaps controversial tourist attraction). Late afternoon walking tour of a local village (Pha Leap).
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Day 8: Pak Sao | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
Morning visit to Ban Pak Huoang, an interesting local village on the Thai/Laos border. Continue to Pak Sao where we enjoy an excursion to a plantation village and meet the local people.
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Day 9: Vientiane | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
We pass through a dramatic landscape of jungle and mountain where the river flows fast and wild. Amazing rock formations straddle the river banks. Here we enter the cultivated plains of Vientiane province. We arrive mid-afternoon in Vientiane where we moor overnight. Opportunity for independent exploration of this delightful, French influenced city.
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Day 10: Vientiane | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise
Morning explorations of the delightful French city including visits to Sisaket Temple, the President’s Hall, Wat Prakeo Temple and the Phatouxay monument. Opportunity for independent exploration enjoying the many cafes and bistros in this charming little corner of L’Indochine. Farewell cocktails and dinner on your final night aboard the Laos Pandaw.
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Day 11: Disembarkation Vientiane | Meal: B
Disembark in Vientiane after breakfast and transfer to airports or hotel in Vientiane or Udon Thani in Thailand (1.5hrs, just across the river).
Locally made soft drinks, local beer and local spirits, jugged coffee and selection of teas and tisanes, mineral water.
Transfers Chiang Rai / Chiang Mai to ship v.v. and ship to Vientiane / Udon Thani v.v.
International flights
Port dues (if levied)
Laundry
All visa costs
Fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions)
Imported beverages such as wines, premium spirits and liqueurs, fancy soft drinks like perrier, espressos and cappuccinos at bar and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.
``The journey, mostly in Laos, was through wonderful scenery. Stopped at a number of sites including waterfalls, caves and many villages. Several different activities too, including feeding bananas to elephants, giving alms to monks and launching Chinese lanterns. The crew were very friendly and helpful, nothing seemed too much trouble.``
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