This expedition of Laos Pandaw Upstream 11 days is actually a three-country adventure, as we will cross Laos to touch Thailand and Burma in the once infamous Golden Triangle. Departing from Vientiane, the former French capital, which evokes Indochina, we will be the first river expedition since before the war to cross all of Laos. We’ll stop for two nights in UNESCO World Heritage Site Luang Prabang with its dazzling wood-carved monasteries, then we’ll ride deep into the mountains, through rapids and gorges, on our super-powered little Pandaw. We will visit tribal villages and explore the jungle and countryside.
PLEASE NOTE: The route of this expedition is only indicative and subject to reconnaissance. Since we are traveling in remote areas, changes to the itinerary will inevitably be made. Some flexibility is required if you book this cruise.
Boarding at 12:30 p.m, followed by lunch and an afternoon of exploration of the charming French city, with a visit to Pha That Luang stupa, Sisaket temple, President’s hall, Wat Prakeo temple and Phatouxay monument. Departure in the late afternoon, welcome dinner on board and overnight near Vientiane.
Pha That Luang
Cruise upstream on the Mekong, passing lush jungle landscapes and small riverside villages. In the morning, presentation of the Lao language. In the afternoon, cooking demonstration on the upper deck. Arrival in Ban Xanakham to spend the night.
Cooking Class on cruise
In the afternoon, visit the French administrative town of Pak Lai with many colonial buildings and a lively local market. This city boasts the largest elephant festival in Southeast Asia, which usually takes place in February.
In the morning, visit and walk in the tribal village of Khamo, a typical village, located on the banks of the Mekong in the middle of a luxuriant jungle. In the afternoon, passage by Xanyaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant.
Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant
In the morning, you will visit a Hmong village and continue upstream to the village of Ban Mouang Khai. In the afternoon, visit by minibus to the jungle pools and the spectacular Khaung Si waterfall, then to a butterfly garden. Arrive in the heart of the temple town of Luang Prabang, where there is a bustling night market, plenty of cafes and good local restaurants.
Kuang Si waterfall
In the morning, explore by tuktuk this unique and well-preserved World Heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. Visit the National Museum and enjoy the afternoon to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang on your own. Enjoy traditional Lao dances on the upper deck in the late afternoon. Anchor for the night in Luang Prabang.
Royal Palace Museum – Luang Prabang
Early morning walking tour to see the alms offered by the local people to the hundreds of monks who walk through the town each morning. Passengers are welcome to join in the offerings we provide for alms. Morning tour by local boat to explore the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist shrine with dramatic limestone cliffs. Evening cocktails on a sandbar. Sail upstream on the beautiful Mekong to Ban Bo.
Pak Ou Caves
Morning visit to a local Khamo village. Sailing upstream on the Mekong passing through Pak Beng to Pak Sit.
Pak Beng
Morning hike in a Khamo village, then cruise through breathtaking landscapes to the border of Laos and Thailand. The night is spent on the Laotian side in the region of Huay Xay where we take a walk in a village at the end of the afternoon.
Cross into Thailand via the Thailand-Laos Friendship Bridge before rejoining your ship in Chiang Khong. Farewell cocktails and traditional Thai dancing on board for your last evening.
Thailand-Laos Friendship Bridge
Disembark in Chiang Khong at 8:30 am and transfer the group to the hotel/airport. En route, explore the Golden Triangle and visit the Opium Museum. Continue to the airports or city hotels in Chiang Rai (2 hours) and Chiang Mai (6 hours).
– There may be cancellation fees charged by suppliers (hotels, airlines, boats, trains…) once these bookings are made and paid. These fee shall by paid by travelers.
– These are maximum cancellation fees to be flexible applied:
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