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Peregrine Travel Centre

The Laos Mekong – Southeast Asia River Cruise

The Laos Mekong – Southeast Asia River Cruise

From AUD $8,357

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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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 $9,651Main Deck Twin Sharing
01-10-202611-10-2026AUD $12,064Upper Deck Twin Sharing
01-10-202611-10-2026AUD $14,477Main Deck Twin Single Use
01-10-202611-10-2026AUD $18,097Upper Deck Twin Single Use
09-10-202617-10-2026AUD $9,651Main Deck Twin Sharing
09-10-202617-10-2026AUD $12,064Upper Deck Twin Sharing
09-10-202617-10-2026AUD $14,477Main Deck Twin Single Use
09-10-202617-10-2026AUD $18,097Upper Deck Twin Single Use
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $10,968Upper Deck Twin Sharing
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $10,968Upper Deck Twin Single Use
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $9,651Main Deck Twin Sharing
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $11,577Upper Deck Twin Sharing
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $13,893Upper Deck Twin Single Use
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $14,477Main Deck Twin Single Use
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $8,774Main Deck Twin Single Use
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $8,774Main Deck Twin Sharing
18-10-202626-10-2026AUD $10,529Main Deck Twin Sharing
18-10-202626-10-2026AUD $12,635Main Deck Twin Single Use
18-10-202626-10-2026AUD $13,161Upper Deck Twin Sharing
18-10-202626-10-2026AUD $15,794Upper Deck Twin Single Use
23-10-202602-11-2026AUD $9,651Main Deck Twin Sharing
23-10-202602-11-2026AUD $11,582Main Deck Twin Single Use
23-10-202602-11-2026AUD $12,064Upper Deck Twin Sharing
23-10-202602-11-2026AUD $14,478Upper Deck Twin Single Use
03-11-202613-11-2026AUD $9,651Main Deck Twin Sharing
03-11-202613-11-2026AUD $12,064Upper Deck Twin Sharing
03-11-202613-11-2026AUD $14,477Main Deck Twin Single Use
03-11-202613-11-2026AUD $18,097Upper Deck Twin Single Use
14-11-202624-11-2026AUD $11,577Upper Deck Twin Sharing
14-11-202624-11-2026AUD $11,581Main Deck Twin Sharing
14-11-202624-11-2026AUD $13,893Upper Deck Twin Single Use
14-11-202624-11-2026AUD $13,898Main Deck Twin Single Use
25-11-202605-12-2026AUD $9,651Main Deck Twin Sharing
25-11-202605-12-2026AUD $12,064Upper Deck Twin Sharing
25-11-202605-12-2026AUD $14,477Main Deck Twin Single Use
25-11-202605-12-2026AUD $18,097Upper Deck Twin Single Use
06-12-202616-12-2026AUD $9,651Main Deck Twin Sharing
06-12-202616-12-2026AUD $12,064Upper Deck Twin Sharing
06-12-202616-12-2026AUD $14,477Main Deck Twin Single Use
06-12-202616-12-2026AUD $18,097Upper Deck Twin Single Use
17-12-202627-12-2026AUD $9,651Main 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 $14,477Main Deck Twin Single Use
17-12-202627-12-2026AUD $10,529Main Deck Twin Sharing
17-12-202627-12-2026AUD $12,635Main Deck Twin Single Use
17-12-202627-12-2026AUD $13,161Upper Deck Twin Sharing
17-12-202627-12-2026AUD $15,794Upper Deck Twin Single Use
28-12-202607-01-2027AUD $8,774Main Deck Twin Sharing
28-12-202607-01-2027AUD $10,968Upper Deck Twin Sharing
28-12-202607-01-2027AUD $13,161Main Deck Twin Single Use
28-12-202607-01-2027AUD $16,451Upper Deck Twin Single Use
08-01-202718-01-2027AUD $8,774Main Deck Twin Sharing
08-01-202718-01-2027AUD $10,968Upper Deck Twin Sharing
08-01-202718-01-2027AUD $13,161Main Deck Twin Single Use
08-01-202718-01-2027AUD $16,451Upper Deck Twin Single Use
08-01-202718-01-2027AUD $9,651Main 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 $14,477Main Deck Twin Single Use
19-01-202729-01-2027AUD $10,529Main Deck Twin Sharing
19-01-202729-01-2027AUD $11,577Upper Deck Twin Sharing
19-01-202729-01-2027AUD $12,635Main Deck Twin Single Use
19-01-202729-01-2027AUD $13,893Upper Deck Twin Single Use
30-01-202709-02-2027AUD $10,529Main Deck Twin Sharing
30-01-202709-02-2027AUD $11,577Upper Deck Twin Sharing
30-01-202709-02-2027AUD $12,635Main Deck Twin Single Use
30-01-202709-02-2027AUD $13,893Upper Deck Twin Single Use
30-01-202709-02-2027AUD $9,651Main Deck Twin Sharing
30-01-202709-02-2027AUD $11,582Main Deck Twin Single Use
30-01-202709-02-2027AUD $12,064Upper Deck Twin Sharing
30-01-202709-02-2027AUD $14,478Upper Deck Twin Single Use
11-02-202721-02-2027AUD $9,651Main Deck Twin Sharing
11-02-202721-02-2027AUD $11,577Upper Deck Twin Sharing
11-02-202721-02-2027AUD $13,893Upper Deck Twin Single Use
11-02-202721-02-2027AUD $14,477Main Deck Twin Single Use
21-02-202703-03-2027AUD $11,581Main Deck Twin Sharing
21-02-202703-03-2027AUD $13,898Main Deck Twin Single Use
21-02-202703-03-2027AUD $14,477Upper Deck Twin Sharing
21-02-202703-03-2027AUD $17,373Upper Deck Twin Single Use
22-02-202704-03-2027AUD $10,616Main 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 $15,924Main Deck Twin Single Use
27-03-202706-04-2027AUD $10,529Main Deck Twin Sharing
27-03-202706-04-2027AUD $12,635Main Deck Twin Single Use
27-03-202706-04-2027AUD $13,161Upper Deck Twin Sharing
27-03-202706-04-2027AUD $15,794Upper Deck Twin Single Use
01-10-202711-10-2027AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
01-10-202711-10-2027AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
06-10-202716-10-2027AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
06-10-202716-10-2027AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
06-10-202716-10-2027AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
06-10-202716-10-2027AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
10-10-202720-10-2027AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
10-10-202720-10-2027AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
10-10-202720-10-2027AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
10-10-202720-10-2027AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
12-10-202722-10-2027AUD $11,987Upper Deck Twin Single Use
12-10-202722-10-2027AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
12-10-202722-10-2027AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
12-10-202722-10-2027AUD $9,990Upper Deck Twin Sharing
21-10-202731-10-2027AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
21-10-202731-10-2027AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
21-10-202731-10-2027AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
21-10-202731-10-2027AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
23-10-202702-11-2027AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
23-10-202702-11-2027AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
01-11-202711-11-2027AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
01-11-202711-11-2027AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
01-11-202711-11-2027AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
01-11-202711-11-2027AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
03-11-202713-11-2027AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
03-11-202713-11-2027AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
12-11-202722-11-2027AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
12-11-202722-11-2027AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
12-11-202722-11-2027AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
12-11-202722-11-2027AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
14-11-202724-11-2027AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
14-11-202724-11-2027AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
19-11-202729-11-2027AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
19-11-202729-11-2027AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
19-11-202729-11-2027AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
19-11-202729-11-2027AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
23-11-202703-12-2027AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
23-11-202703-12-2027AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
23-11-202703-12-2027AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
23-11-202703-12-2027AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
23-12-202702-01-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
23-12-202702-01-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
23-12-202702-01-2028AUD $9,193Main Deck Twin Sharing
23-12-202702-01-2028AUD $11,047Main Deck Twin Single Use
23-12-202702-01-2028AUD $11,385Upper Deck Twin Sharing
23-12-202702-01-2028AUD $13,660Upper Deck Twin Single Use
24-12-202703-01-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
24-12-202703-01-2028AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
24-12-202703-01-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
24-12-202703-01-2028AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
03-01-202813-01-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
03-01-202813-01-2028AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
03-01-202813-01-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
03-01-202813-01-2028AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
03-01-202813-01-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
03-01-202813-01-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
05-01-202815-01-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Single Use
05-01-202815-01-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
05-01-202815-01-2028AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
05-01-202815-01-2028AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Single Use
14-01-202824-01-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
14-01-202824-01-2028AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
14-01-202824-01-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
14-01-202824-01-2028AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
16-01-202826-01-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
16-01-202826-01-2028AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
16-01-202826-01-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
16-01-202826-01-2028AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
25-01-202804-02-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
25-01-202804-02-2028AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
25-01-202804-02-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
25-01-202804-02-2028AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
25-01-202804-02-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
25-01-202804-02-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
27-01-202806-02-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
27-01-202806-02-2028AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
27-01-202806-02-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
27-01-202806-02-2028AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
05-02-202815-02-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
05-02-202815-02-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
07-02-202817-02-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
07-02-202817-02-2028AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
07-02-202817-02-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
07-02-202817-02-2028AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
16-02-202826-02-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
16-02-202826-02-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
16-02-202826-02-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
16-02-202826-02-2028AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
16-02-202826-02-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
16-02-202826-02-2028AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
18-02-202828-02-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Single Use
18-02-202828-02-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
18-02-202828-02-2028AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Single Use
18-02-202828-02-2028AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
27-02-202808-03-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
27-02-202808-03-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
29-02-202810-03-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
29-02-202810-03-2028AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
29-02-202810-03-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
29-02-202810-03-2028AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
09-03-202819-03-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
09-03-202819-03-2028AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
09-03-202819-03-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
09-03-202819-03-2028AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
09-03-202819-03-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
09-03-202819-03-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
11-03-202821-03-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
11-03-202821-03-2028AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
11-03-202821-03-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
11-03-202821-03-2028AUD $15,525Upper Deck Twin Single Use
20-03-202830-03-2028AUD $8,357Main Deck Twin Sharing
20-03-202830-03-2028AUD $10,350Upper Deck Twin Sharing
20-03-202830-03-2028AUD $12,536Main Deck Twin Single Use
20-03-202830-03-2028AUD $15,525Upper 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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