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Peregrine Travel Centre

The Laos Mekong – Southeast Asia River Cruise

The Laos Mekong – Southeast Asia River Cruise

From USD $4,749

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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.

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 Champa Pandaw is a K-class ship. The K-class dated back to the 1880s and were comprised of stern wheelers designed to reduce draft, their boilers placed in the bow to improve trim. Smaller than the great line steamers of the age, the K-class ships were used on the Chindwin and upper reaches of the Irrawaddy. Where possible we have reused the old IFC names and many of these original K-class ships had fascinating histories, through times of war and peace. ACCOMMODATION 12 main deck & 2 upper deck staterooms - Staterooms are 14 square meter (150 sqf), finished in teak and brass - Panoramic french sliding doors - Convertible bed configuration - 24hr laundry service WINING & DINING Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team - Personalized meal services - Daily lean & light menu options - Complimentary coffee, water, tea, soft drinks, local beer, local spirits, juices - Extensive wine list with premium wines - Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes, and ship tour - Welcome drink on arrival - Welcome cocktail - Farewell reception - Theme dinners - Open air lounge and bar - Bistro style al fresco dining - 24hrs hospitality bar - Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls ON EXCURSIONS Admissions - Shoe cleaning after excursions - Bottled drinking water - Cold towel service after excursions - Refreshing drink following excursions SAFETY & SECURITY All onboard crew is trained and certified as per international marine standards - Fire alarm system in all cabins, public areas and back areas - Firefighting system in all ship areas - Expert marine superintendant - 24 hrs watch on duty

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 VIENTIANE
Pick up from your hotel in Vientiane at 08.00am, followed by a local long-tail boat expedition to your Pandaw vessel upstream. Lunch and drinks will be provided on the local boat by your Pandaw chef and bar staff. Embark your Pandaw in the afternoon for a welcome briefing and welcome drinks. We moor overnight at Pak Lay.
Day 2 - DAY 2 CRUISING THE MEKONG
Cruise upstream on the Mekong, passing lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages. Morning presentation on the Lao language after a short walk at Pha Laeb village. If time permits, we will also enjoy an afternoon walk at Ban Khok Fark.
Day 3 - DAY 3 XAYABOURI DAM
Morning walk at Ban Pak Bor Khummu village before passing through Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam, taking an inside look of the workings of this somewhat controversial attraction as we navigate the locks. Afternoon visit to Ban Na San village, a Hmong minority village.
Day 4 - DAY 4 KUANG SI WATERFALLS
In the morning we moor at the village of Ban Mouang Khai and visit the dramatic Kaung Si waterfall. On the way back to the ship, we stop at the Laos Buffalo Farm, a social enterprise utilizing the abundant buffalo in Laos. Arrive in the heart of the temple city of Luang Prabang mid-afternoon where there is a buzzing night market and many great cafes and local restaurants. Traditional Laos Bacci ceremony and dancing on the upper deck during happy hour. Moor overnight in central Luang Prabang.
Day 5 - DAY 5 LUANG PRABANG CRAFTS & CULTURE
Today we explore the various handicrafts of Laos in more detail. We start with Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise providing sustainable employment and training for the women of local weaving villages. We then head to TAEC (Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre) to understand more about Laos musical instruments. After lunch aboard the ship, we sail toward Ban Chan and take part in a pottery demonstration at the local pottery workshop. We finish the day with a sunset cruise on the Mekong alongside Luang Prabang, returning to moor overnight in the centre of town.
Day 6 - DAY 6 LUANG PRABANG
Early morning walking tour to observe the alms offerings to the hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. We continue after breakfast to the morning market before taking tuktuks for a city tour of this well preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. The afternoon is free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang.
Day 7 - DAY 7 PAK OU CAVES
Morning at leisure in Luang Prabang before setting sail at midday upstream. Afternoon sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. See the production of local Laos whisky at the Whisky village and shop for locally produced handicrafts.
Day 8 - DAY 8 BAN TON AND SANDBANK BBQ
Day of sailing upstream along the Mekong with morning walk through Ban Ton village. In the evening, we moor alongside a sandbank for a special riverside barbecue and cocktail party. Light paper lanterns with the crew and enjoy a dance in remote Laos.
Day 9 - DAY 9 PAK BENG ELEPHANT SANCTUARY
Laos is known as ‘The land of a million elephants’ and today we will visit a rescue sanctuary that is helping to preserve the elephants of Laos and provide sustainable alternative employment for Mahouts who once trained and rode these beautiful creatures. Afternoon walk at Ban Pak Sith Khummu village.
Day 10 - DAY 10 PAK SITH - CHIANG KHONG
Today we sail the final leg of our journey upstream toward Huayxay. Cross over into Thailand via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge before rejoining your ship in Chiang Khong. Enjoy a ship tour of your Pandaw vessel and fruit carving demonstration from your Pandaw Chef. Farewell cocktails and Thai traditional dance on board for your last evening.
Day 11 - DAY 11 CHIANG KHONG
Disembark by 8.30 in Chiang Khong and group transfer to hotel/airport. En route, explore the Golden Triangle including a visit to the opium museum. Continue to airports or city hotels in Chiang Rai (2 hours) and Chiang Mai (6 hours).
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
30-09-202410-10-2024USD $4,796Main Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
30-09-202410-10-2024USD $5,940Upper Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
11-10-202421-10-2024USD $4,796Main Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
11-10-202421-10-2024USD $5,940Upper Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
22-10-202401-11-2024USD $4,796Main Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
22-10-202401-11-2024USD $5,940Upper Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
02-11-202412-11-2024USD $5,276Main Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
02-11-202412-11-2024USD $6,534Upper Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
07-11-202417-11-2024USD $4,749Main Deck Stateroom. From
07-11-202417-11-2024USD $5,881Upper Deck Stateroom. From
24-11-202404-12-2024USD $5,276Main Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
24-11-202404-12-2024USD $6,534Upper Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
20-12-202430-12-2024USD $4,749Main Deck Stateroom. From
20-12-202430-12-2024USD $5,881Upper Deck Stateroom. From
15-01-202525-01-2025USD $5,756Main Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
15-01-202525-01-2025USD $7,128Upper Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
23-01-202502-02-2025USD $4,749Main Deck Stateroom. From
23-01-202502-02-2025USD $5,881Upper Deck Stateroom. From
26-01-202505-02-2025USD $4,796Main Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
26-01-202505-02-2025USD $5,940Upper Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
11-03-202521-03-2025USD $5,276Main Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
11-03-202521-03-2025USD $6,534Upper Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From

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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