HIGHLIGHT OF NORTHERN LAOS

In Luang Prabang we transfer you around 1.00pm from your hotel in town/upon your arrival at Luang Prabang airport to embark your comfortable boutique-cruise ship RV Mekong Sun for check-in at 1:30pm. 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 this afternoon with a guided city tour with visits of the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple among others. 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 aboard your river vessel.

Meals: Dinner

In the early morning you will be able to observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast is on board before your spectacular cruise begins with the departure from Luang Prabang southbound through beautiful scenery. The night is spent on a secluded river bank or sandbank. Overnight on board your river vessel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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, 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. Overnight onboard your river vessel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 local Tuk Tuk-Trucks to visit the famous Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most remarkable waterfalls in Laos. After passing Luang Prabang you will stop again at a sand- or river bank for the night. This evening we enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises BBQ dinner in a beautiful riverside location.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today 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 the Mekong River amidst beautiful landscapes before reaching again Luang Prabang, where you enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a walk up Phou Si-hill e.g., which offers a spectacular sunset view over the Mekong as well as the Khan River and the surrounding mountains. In the evening, you can stroll along the Mekong promenade or visit the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority before celebrating this last evening on board with a farewell dinner with a traditional Lao Baci-friendship ceremony.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark (until 10am). End of service with the transfer to the airport or your hotel within city limits.

Meals: Breakfast