DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG – EMBARKATION (-/-/D)
In
the afternoon, you will embark on the Mekong Sun, a comfortable
new Laotian cruise ship. (Check in is at 4:00 PM) This unique
vessel is the first German-Laotian owned river ship with cabins
on the upper Mekong. Settle into your accommodating cabin and
unpack for a seven-day cruise. Begin with a walk up Phou
Si-hill, which offers a spectacular sunset view over the Mekong
as well as the Khan river and the surrounding mountains. In the
evening, enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting
the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. Enjoy the
spacious decks, lounge on board and attend our welcome reception
and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food
will be provided throughout the cruise. Overnight aboard the
Mekong Sun.
DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG (B/L/-)
Breakfast on board. Today the ship stays in Luang Prabang, while
you have the full day to get to know the beauties of this UNESCO
World Heritage town. Apart from numerous temples, the atmosphere
is enriched by neighboring French colonial architecture. 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. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU (B/L/D)
In
the early morning you will able to observe the traditional
giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast is on
board. Today your spectacular cruise begins with the departure
from Luang Prabang from where you will cruise north and visit a
Laotian village. In the village you can observe how the local
liqueur Lao-Lao is being distilled traditionally. After a short
walk through the jungle you will explore the famous Pak Ou-caves,
with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. The
night is spent on a secluded river bank or sandbank. Enjoy the
spacious decks, lounge on board and attend our welcome reception
and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food
will be provided throughout the cruise.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
DAY 4: LAND OF THE THOUSAND ELEPHANTS (B/L/D)
After breakfast on board you will go on an excusion by local
slowboat up the Ou-River to visit rice paddies cultivated by the
local Khmu minority. Before returning to the Mekong Sun, you
will see working elephants in action near (unless they are busy
with an off-site contract by the time of your visit). After
reembarkation you will enjoy a few hours of cruising down the
Mekong River amidst beautiful landscapes.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
DAY 5: WILD NATURE ALONG THE MIGHTY MEKONG (B/L/D)
The
ship will head south to the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua,
connecting Luang Prabang Province with the Sayaboury province.
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 slowboat before returning back to the Mekong Sun) You
will visit a local village school, which is supported by guests
of the Mekong Sun. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s
wonders along the shores before you head north again and stop at
a sandbank for the night. This last evening on board will be
celebrated with a farewell dinner.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
DAY 6: THA DEUA – LUANG PRABANG (B/L/D)
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 bus to visit the famous Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most
remarkable waterfalls in Laos. On the way stroll through the
small village of Tha Pan, where you can observe how the local
communities live in norther Laos. In the afternoon you will
return to Luang Prabang.
DAY 7: LUANG PRABANG (B/-/D)
Breakfast on board. Today the ship stays in Luang Prabang, while
you can enjoy once again the wonderful town and the atmosphere
in Luang Prabang. You have the day free to explore on your own.
(For charter groups we can arrange an exciting program upon
request) This last evening on board will be celebrated with a
farewell dinner. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
DAY 8: DISEMBARK LUANG PRABANG (B/-/-)
After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew.
Check-out and disembark.
End of service.
NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is
a pioneer experience and is subject to constantly changing river
conditions, including from floodwaters and shallows. Therefore
please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the
itinerary of this tour due to the logistical complexities
involved. Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes
necessary, depending on weather, local authorities and river
and/or road conditions. For safety reasons and according to
navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without
previous notice.
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