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Peregrine Travel Centre

The Laos Mekong – Southeast Asia River Cruise

The Laos Mekong – Southeast Asia River Cruise

From AUD $8,532

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Description

Enjoy the splendour of Laos on Pandaw’s 10 night expedition on the Upper Mekong. Sailing between Chiang Khong on the Thai-Laos border, and through Laos toward Vientiane, the old French capital, you will witness stunning scenery, meet amazingly warm and friendly locals and learn about Laos’ national animal, the majestic elephant. We stop for three nights at the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang with its dazzling wood-carved monasteries before heading deep into the mountains, through rapids and gorges on our high-powered little Pandaw vessels.
Please note: During the months February to April there may be an increased risk of smog across Laos and northern Thailand. This is due to the annual crop burnings and whilst usually mild, can sometimes be quite severe. We would advise that any passengers with respiratory issues consult with their doctor before booking for this period. Most departures and travellers will be unaffected, however.

Trip Name
The Laos Mekong - Southeast Asia River Cruise
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury River Cruising Length: 44.5 m Passenger Capacity: 28 passengers Built: 2016 The Champa Pandaw, sister ship to the Laos Pandaw, began sailing the Upper Mekong in 2016 and offers an intimate cruising experience with just 14 staterooms accommodating 28 guests. Built with classic teak and brass finishes, the ship combines traditional charm with modern comforts. Staterooms feature panoramic French sliding doors, premium mattresses, imported linens, Nespresso machines, minibars with complimentary drinks, and thoughtful extras such as yoga mats, kimonos, and slippers. Guests can enjoy nightly turndown service, spa-branded amenities, and a selection of teas and tisanes, ensuring comfort both on and off the water. Life on board is designed for relaxation and enrichment, with open-air lounges, a bistro-style dining area, and a hospitality bar available at all times. Dining highlights include freshly baked breads, theme dinners, and a daily lean and light menu, all prepared by an experienced culinary team led by a local master chef. Cultural performances, cooking classes, and guided excursions enhance the journey, with attentive touches such as cold towels, bottled water, and shoe cleaning after shore trips. With its blend of elegant design, personalised service, and immersive experiences, the Champa Pandaw offers a refined yet adventurous way to explore the Mekong.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Vientiane - Pak Lay
Your journey begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Vientiane, the charming, old French capital of Laos known for its relaxed atmosphere and colonial architecture. You will board a traditional Laotian long-tail boat for an expedition upstream, a lovely introduction to river life before you even step on board your Pandaw vessel. As the city recedes, enjoy lunch and drinks served by our Pandaw chef and bar staff while watching the lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages unfold. In the afternoon, you will embark your ship, settle in, and join the crew for a welcome briefing and drinks as we moor for the night at Pak Lay.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Pha Laeb
Today is dedicated to pure river immersion as we sail upstream against the Mekong's powerful current. From the sundeck, meditate on the unfolding panorama of stunning mountain scenery and deep, verdant gorges where the river carves its path through the landscape. In the morning, join a presentation on the Lao language to learn more about the local culture. We also stop for a short, invigorating walk at Pha Laeb village to stretch our legs and meet some of the friendly locals in this remote region.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Ban Pak Bor - Xayaburi Dam
After a morning walk through the Khummu minority village of Ban Pak Bor, prepare for a fascinating encounter with modern engineering. You will experience passage through the Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam, getting an inside look at the workings of this massive structure as your ship expertly navigates the locks. In the afternoon, we visit Ban Na San, a Hmong minority village, offering a precious opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of one of Laos' most distinct ethnic groups, known for their vibrant textiles and silver jewelry.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Kuang Si Waterfalls - Luang Prabang
We moor at the small village of Ban Mouang Khai to visit one of Laos’ most spectacular natural wonders: the Kuang Si Waterfalls. These falls cascade down multiple tiers into a series of stunningly beautiful, turquoise-blue pools where you are welcome to take a refreshing swim. On the way back, we stop at the Laos Buffalo Farm, a social enterprise working to improve the local farming community through sustainable dairy production. In the afternoon, we arrive in the heart of the enchanting, UNESCO-protected city of Luang Prabang, where we will moor for the next three nights. We then climb the 328 steps to Mount Phou Si Temple, where the best views of Luang Prabang can be found, followed by an orientation tour before returning to the ship.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Luang Prabang
Today is dedicated to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Luang Prabang. We begin at Ock Pop Tok, a wonderful social enterprise that provides sustainable employment and training for women from local weaving villages, preserving traditional Lao textile techniques. We then visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) to understand more about the diverse ethnic cultures and musical instruments of Laos. After lunch back on board, we take a short trip to the village of Ban Chan for a pottery demonstration at a local workshop. The day concludes with a serene sunset cruise on the Mekong alongside the city before returning to our central mooring.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Luang Prabang
Your day begins before dawn with a truly unforgettable experience: a walking tour to witness the sacred and silent morning alms-giving ceremony (Tak Bat), where hundreds of saffron-robed monks walk through the streets to collect offerings from the local people. After breakfast, we visit the bustling morning market before taking tuk-tuks for a tour of this incredibly well-preserved heritage city, exploring its many dazzling Buddhist temples, historic libraries, and the former Royal Palace (now the National Museum). In the afternoon, we take a tuk-tuk to visit Ban Xang Khong, a village famous for its traditional paper making. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the unique, peaceful atmosphere of Luang Prabang at your own leisure.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves
After a final morning at leisure in Luang Prabang, we set sail at midday, continuing our journey upstream. In the afternoon, we board a local boat to explore the unique Pak Ou Caves. Set in a dramatic limestone cliff face at the confluence of the Mekong and Ou rivers, these two caves are a Buddhist sanctuary filled with thousands of Buddha images of all shapes and sizes, left by pilgrims over hundreds of years. Afterward, we visit the nearby "Whisky Village" (Ban Xang Hai) to see the production of the local lao-lao rice spirit and browse for local handicrafts.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Ban Ton And Sandbank BBQ
This day is spent sailing through some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the Upper Mekong. We'll take a morning walk through Ban Ton village to experience life in a place that few outsiders get to see, observing the daily rhythms of the local community. In the evening, a special Pandaw experience awaits, we moor alongside a secluded sandbank for a riverside barbecue and cocktail party. As darkness falls, you will light and release paper lanterns with the crew, their soft glow floating into the night sky over the river—a truly magical moment.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Pak Beng Elephant Sanctuary - Ban Pak Sith
Laos is famously known as ‘The Land of a Million Elephants’, and today we visit a sanctuary that is helping to preserve these majestic animals. The Pak Beng Elephant Sanctuary is a rescue center that provides a sustainable and ethical alternative for elephants and their mahouts who once worked in the logging industry. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see these gentle giants in a more natural environment. In the afternoon, we take a walk through the Khummu village of Ban Pak Sith to learn about the traditions of this ethnic group.
Day 10 - Day 10 - Into Thailand - Chiang Khong
Today we sail the final leg of our journey, continuing upstream towards the Thai border. The scenery remains just as spectacular as the river carves its way through the mountains. You'll have time for a ship tour to see the inner workings of the vessel and a fruit carving demonstration from your talented Pandaw Chef. As we approach our final mooring in Chiang Khong, Thailand, you'll cross over the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge. Tonight, we celebrate our incredible journey with farewell cocktails and a traditional Thai dance performance on board.
Day 11 - Day 11 - Disembark in Chiang Khong
After a final breakfast, you will disembark in Chiang Khong. Before your transfer, you will explore the historic Golden Triangle region, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. This includes a fascinating visit to the Hall of Opium Museum, which details the area's notorious past and the history of the opium trade. Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel or the airport in either Chiang Rai (a 2-hour drive) or Chiang Mai (a 6-hour drive).
Day 12 - 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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-10-202611-10-2026AUD $8,957Main Deck Twin Sharing
01-10-202611-10-2026AUD $11,196Upper Deck Twin Sharing
01-10-202611-10-2026AUD $13,435Main Deck Twin Single Use
01-10-202611-10-2026AUD $16,794Upper Deck Twin Single Use
09-10-202617-10-2026AUD $8,957Main Deck Twin Sharing
09-10-202617-10-2026AUD $11,196Upper Deck Twin Sharing
09-10-202617-10-2026AUD $13,435Main Deck Twin Single Use
09-10-202617-10-2026AUD $16,794Upper Deck Twin Single Use
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $13,893Upper Deck Twin Single Use
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $13,435Main Deck Twin Single Use
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $8,957Main Deck Twin Sharing
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $8,957Main Deck Twin Single Use
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $11,196Upper Deck Twin Single Use
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $11,196Upper Deck Twin Sharing
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $8,957Main Deck Twin Sharing
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $11,577Upper Deck Twin Sharing
18-10-202626-10-2026AUD $10,236Main Deck Twin Sharing
18-10-202626-10-2026AUD $12,284Main Deck Twin Single Use
18-10-202626-10-2026AUD $12,796Upper Deck Twin Sharing
18-10-202626-10-2026AUD $15,355Upper Deck Twin Single Use
23-10-202602-11-2026AUD $8,957Main Deck Twin Sharing
23-10-202602-11-2026AUD $11,196Upper Deck Twin Sharing
23-10-202602-11-2026AUD $13,435Main Deck Twin Single Use
23-10-202602-11-2026AUD $16,794Upper Deck Twin Single Use
03-11-202613-11-2026AUD $10,838Main Deck Twin Sharing
03-11-202613-11-2026AUD $12,315Upper Deck Twin Sharing
03-11-202613-11-2026AUD $16,256Main Deck Twin Single Use
03-11-202613-11-2026AUD $18,474Upper Deck Twin Single Use
14-11-202624-11-2026AUD $9,852Main Deck Twin Sharing
14-11-202624-11-2026AUD $11,577Upper Deck Twin Sharing
14-11-202624-11-2026AUD $13,893Upper Deck Twin Single Use
14-11-202624-11-2026AUD $14,778Main Deck Twin Single Use
25-11-202605-12-2026AUD $9,852Main Deck Twin Sharing
25-11-202605-12-2026AUD $12,315Upper Deck Twin Sharing
25-11-202605-12-2026AUD $14,778Main Deck Twin Single Use
25-11-202605-12-2026AUD $18,474Upper Deck Twin Single Use
06-12-202616-12-2026AUD $8,957Main Deck Twin Sharing
06-12-202616-12-2026AUD $11,196Upper Deck Twin Sharing
06-12-202616-12-2026AUD $13,435Main Deck Twin Single Use
06-12-202616-12-2026AUD $16,794Upper Deck Twin Single Use
17-12-202627-12-2026AUD $8,957Main Deck Twin Sharing
17-12-202627-12-2026AUD $11,577Upper Deck Twin Sharing
17-12-202627-12-2026AUD $13,893Upper Deck Twin Single Use
17-12-202627-12-2026AUD $13,435Main Deck Twin Single Use
17-12-202627-12-2026AUD $10,236Main Deck Twin Sharing
17-12-202627-12-2026AUD $12,284Main Deck Twin Single Use
17-12-202627-12-2026AUD $12,796Upper Deck Twin Sharing
17-12-202627-12-2026AUD $15,355Upper Deck Twin Single Use
28-12-202607-01-2027AUD $8,957Main Deck Twin Sharing
28-12-202607-01-2027AUD $11,196Upper Deck Twin Sharing
28-12-202607-01-2027AUD $13,435Main Deck Twin Single Use
28-12-202607-01-2027AUD $16,794Upper Deck Twin Single Use
08-01-202718-01-2027AUD $8,957Main Deck Twin Sharing
08-01-202718-01-2027AUD $11,196Upper Deck Twin Sharing
08-01-202718-01-2027AUD $13,435Main Deck Twin Single Use
08-01-202718-01-2027AUD $16,794Upper Deck Twin Single Use
08-01-202718-01-2027AUD $8,957Main Deck Twin Sharing
08-01-202718-01-2027AUD $11,577Upper Deck Twin Sharing
08-01-202718-01-2027AUD $13,893Upper Deck Twin Single Use
08-01-202718-01-2027AUD $13,435Main Deck Twin Single Use
19-01-202729-01-2027AUD $10,236Main Deck Twin Sharing
19-01-202729-01-2027AUD $11,577Upper Deck Twin Sharing
19-01-202729-01-2027AUD $12,284Main Deck Twin Single Use
19-01-202729-01-2027AUD $13,893Upper Deck Twin Single Use
30-01-202709-02-2027AUD $10,236Main Deck Twin Sharing
30-01-202709-02-2027AUD $11,577Upper Deck Twin Sharing
30-01-202709-02-2027AUD $12,284Main Deck Twin Single Use
30-01-202709-02-2027AUD $13,893Upper Deck Twin Single Use
30-01-202709-02-2027AUD $8,957Main Deck Twin Sharing
30-01-202709-02-2027AUD $11,196Upper Deck Twin Sharing
30-01-202709-02-2027AUD $13,435Main Deck Twin Single Use
30-01-202709-02-2027AUD $16,794Upper Deck Twin Single Use
11-02-202721-02-2027AUD $11,577Upper Deck Twin Sharing
11-02-202721-02-2027AUD $10,838Main Deck Twin Sharing
11-02-202721-02-2027AUD $13,893Upper Deck Twin Single Use
11-02-202721-02-2027AUD $16,256Main Deck Twin Single Use
21-02-202703-03-2027AUD $11,260Main Deck Twin Sharing
21-02-202703-03-2027AUD $13,512Main Deck Twin Single Use
21-02-202703-03-2027AUD $14,075Upper Deck Twin Sharing
21-02-202703-03-2027AUD $16,891Upper Deck Twin Single Use
22-02-202704-03-2027AUD $9,852Main Deck Twin Sharing
22-02-202704-03-2027AUD $11,577Upper Deck Twin Sharing
22-02-202704-03-2027AUD $13,893Upper Deck Twin Single Use
22-02-202704-03-2027AUD $14,778Main Deck Twin Single Use
27-03-202706-04-2027AUD $10,236Main Deck Twin Sharing
27-03-202706-04-2027AUD $12,284Main Deck Twin Single Use
27-03-202706-04-2027AUD $12,796Upper Deck Twin Sharing
27-03-202706-04-2027AUD $15,355Upper Deck Twin Single Use
29-09-202709-10-2027AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
29-09-202709-10-2027AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
29-09-202709-10-2027AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
29-09-202709-10-2027AUD $15,848Upper Deck Twin Single Use
01-10-202711-10-2027AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
01-10-202711-10-2027AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
06-10-202716-10-2027AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
06-10-202716-10-2027AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
06-10-202716-10-2027AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
06-10-202716-10-2027AUD $15,848Upper Deck Twin Single Use
10-10-202720-10-2027AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
10-10-202720-10-2027AUD $15,848Upper Deck Twin Single Use
10-10-202720-10-2027AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
10-10-202720-10-2027AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
12-10-202722-10-2027AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
12-10-202722-10-2027AUD $9,990Upper Deck Twin Sharing
12-10-202722-10-2027AUD $11,987Upper Deck Twin Single Use
12-10-202722-10-2027AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
21-10-202731-10-2027AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
21-10-202731-10-2027AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
21-10-202731-10-2027AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
21-10-202731-10-2027AUD $15,848Upper Deck Twin Single Use
23-10-202702-11-2027AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
23-10-202702-11-2027AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
01-11-202711-11-2027AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
01-11-202711-11-2027AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
01-11-202711-11-2027AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
01-11-202711-11-2027AUD $15,848Upper Deck Twin Single Use
03-11-202713-11-2027AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
03-11-202713-11-2027AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
12-11-202722-11-2027AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
12-11-202722-11-2027AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
12-11-202722-11-2027AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
12-11-202722-11-2027AUD $15,848Upper Deck Twin Single Use
14-11-202724-11-2027AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
14-11-202724-11-2027AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
23-11-202703-12-2027AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
23-11-202703-12-2027AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
23-11-202703-12-2027AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
23-11-202703-12-2027AUD $15,848Upper Deck Twin Single Use
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
23-12-202702-01-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
23-12-202702-01-2028AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
23-12-202702-01-2028AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
23-12-202702-01-2028AUD $15,848Upper Deck Twin Single Use
23-12-202702-01-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
23-12-202702-01-2028AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
03-01-202813-01-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
03-01-202813-01-2028AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
03-01-202813-01-2028AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
03-01-202813-01-2028AUD $15,848Upper Deck Twin Single Use
03-01-202813-01-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
03-01-202813-01-2028AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
14-01-202824-01-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
14-01-202824-01-2028AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
14-01-202824-01-2028AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
14-01-202824-01-2028AUD $15,848Upper Deck Twin Single Use
16-01-202826-01-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
16-01-202826-01-2028AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
16-01-202826-01-2028AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
16-01-202826-01-2028AUD $15,848Upper Deck Twin Single Use
25-01-202804-02-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
25-01-202804-02-2028AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
25-01-202804-02-2028AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
25-01-202804-02-2028AUD $15,848Upper Deck Twin Single Use
25-01-202804-02-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
25-01-202804-02-2028AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
27-01-202806-02-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
27-01-202806-02-2028AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
27-01-202806-02-2028AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
27-01-202806-02-2028AUD $15,848Upper Deck Twin Single Use
05-02-202815-02-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
05-02-202815-02-2028AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
07-02-202817-02-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
07-02-202817-02-2028AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
07-02-202817-02-2028AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
07-02-202817-02-2028AUD $15,848Upper Deck Twin Single Use
16-02-202826-02-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
16-02-202826-02-2028AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
16-02-202826-02-2028AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
16-02-202826-02-2028AUD $15,848Upper Deck Twin Single Use
16-02-202826-02-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
16-02-202826-02-2028AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
18-02-202828-02-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
18-02-202828-02-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Single Use
18-02-202828-02-2028AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
18-02-202828-02-2028AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Single Use
27-02-202808-03-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
27-02-202808-03-2028AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
09-03-202819-03-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
09-03-202819-03-2028AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
09-03-202819-03-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
09-03-202819-03-2028AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
09-03-202819-03-2028AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
09-03-202819-03-2028AUD $15,848Upper Deck Twin Single Use
20-03-202830-03-2028AUD $8,532Main Deck Twin Sharing
20-03-202830-03-2028AUD $10,565Upper Deck Twin Sharing
20-03-202830-03-2028AUD $12,797Main Deck Twin Single Use
20-03-202830-03-2028AUD $15,848Upper Deck Twin Single Use

Inclusions

    • Discover Vientiane
    • the capital and largest city of Laos, situated on the Mekong near the border with Thailand.
    • Visit Pak Ou Caves that are noted for their miniature Buddha sculptures. Hundreds of very small and mostly damaged wooden Buddhist figures are laid out over the wall shelves. They take many different positions, including meditation, teaching, peace, rain, and reclining (nirvana).
    • Explore Luang Prabang which is known for its many Buddhist temples, including the gilded Wat Xieng Thong, dating to the 16th century, and Wat Mai, once the residence of the head of Laotian Buddhism.

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