THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE: THAILAND - LAOS

Between 8 and 9 am, you are picked up at the airport in Chiang Rai or at your hotel inside the city limits and taken to the once-famous Golden Triangle region. Today's sightseeing tour takes you to the new Hall of Opium and the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak. This intriguing museum, supported by the Thai royal family, offers a comprehensive look at the politics and history of the opium trade as well as the effects of opium use on one's health. Then it's time to get on board your private riverboat. One of a kind boutique ships is the Mekong Cruise. Unpack and settle into your cozy cabin for a ten-day cruise. Enjoy the large decks, the onboard lounge, and the welcome dinner reception in the evening. 

All overnights aboard your boutique river cruise ship…

Meals: Dinner

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 downstream aboard your cruise ship and anchor at a sand or river bank.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 Pakbeng, a local market town serving the region. Nearby you are able to see elephants in action (unless they are employed elsewhere at the time of your visit).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a relaxing morning onboard we stop at a small riverside village for a visit and to see their local distillery. From here, you can optionally go on a short jungle trek through the forest to the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. Alternatively, you can reach the caves comfortably by boat as well. This evening we enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises BBQ dinner in a beautiful riverside location.

Overnight aboard the Mekong River Cruise Boutique-Boat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a walk up Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular view over the Mekong as well as the Khan river and the surrounding mountains. Among other highlights during this full day excursion through Luang Prabang, the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple with its Golden tiled roofs will surely leave you in awe. In the evening, 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 Mekong River. After these extensive visits you have a full day to explore the city on your own, stroll the lovely old town or relax aboard or in one of the many riverside cafés. Rent an E-Bike to explore the surrounding villages or visit a nearby elephant camp (optionally, can be booked against supplement on the spot).

Two overnights aboard the Mekong River Cruise Boutique-Boat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the early morning you are able to observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast is served on board. After a several hours cruising downriver, you continue by bus to the famous Kuang Si Falls. Enjoy the natural pools and pause in another small village before reboarding. Your ship then heads south and passes through the Keng-Luang rapids.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning you start your spectacular river cruise upstream to formerly inaccessible parts of the Mekong. Enjoy the comfort onboard the boat, with its fine service and exclusive, yet casual setting, which you share with a limited number of fellow guests. During the next days you will take exciting excursions, both on water and on land, and enjoy an onboard program of presentations, talks, and film documentaries on relevant topics, such as the French Mekong Expedition of the 1860s, the daily life of a Buddhist novice monk, or the flora and fauna of the Mekong region. A visit to a small riverside community acquaints you with the life of the local Lao people. At night you anchor at a secluded sand or river bank.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy the vistas and natural beauty along the river before your ship anchors at a remote sandbank for the night. Here, the Mekong once again becomes the boundary separating two unequal brothers: the neighbouring countries of booming Thailand and sleepy Laos. The river banks become less steep and more suitable for agricultural, especially on the Thai side.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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).

Meals: Breakfast