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Peregrine Travel Centre

The Mekong: From Laos to China (Upstream)

The Mekong: From Laos to China (Upstream)

From USD $9,078

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Description

For the first time it is possible for travellers to sail on the mighty Upper Mekong River from Laos to China or vice versa. This will be an incredible, pioneering 14-night river expedition discovering charming villages, stunning scenery, pristine jungle, the Golden Triangle and the very different emerald green Mekong in China’s Yunnan province. Our journey also includes overnight stops in Luang Prabang, Chiang Saen and Jinghong.

The river recces sail aboard a Pandaw, specifically designed and built for sailing on the Upper Mekong with low draft and extra powerful engines.

Pandaw’s founder, Paul Strachan, said: “it has been a long held dream to sail the length of the navigable sections of the Mekong River; now we can. There is much to explore in this undiscovered region; travellers need to be up for a real adventure as the daily itinerary might change, but with a flexible attitude will have the adventure of a lifetime”.

Please note this expedition is NOT suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

We are also offering pre and post cruise extensions visiting Kunming, Dali and Lijiang in Yunnan Province and the Plain of Jars in Laos.

IMPORTANT NOTE: These are reconnaissance voyages and the itinerary is indicational only subject to daily revisions and many a change. Travellers should be up for a real adventure and be prepared for such uncertainties. This will be the first time a river expedition ship will have made this expedition and there may be delays at border crossing points when dealing with formalities. Travellers who might find sudden changes of plan or delays stressful should not book this trip. Our guides will do their best to ensure that we cover as much of this indicational itinerary as possible but some excursions may be changed for others. We can assure we will see and do as much as we can, hopefully more than indicated in the itinerary below.

LOW WATER SEASON DECEMBER – APRIL (Upstream)

Passengers booking in the low water season months of December to April are advised in the event that the ship’s master decides that the water is too low it will be necessary to transfer passengers from as close to the China border as the ship can reach to Jinghong by speed boat and stay at the InterContinental or similar for two nights in order to complete the Yunnan sightseeing.

LOW WATER SEASON DECEMBER – APRIL (Downstream)

Passengers booking in the low water season months of December to April are advised in the event that the ship’s master decides that the water is too low it will be necessary to stay at the InterContinental or similar for two nights in order to complete the Yunnan sightseeing and then join ship by speed boat transfer from Jinghong to a position as close to the Laos – China border as the ship can safely reach.

Trip Name
The Mekong: From Laos to China (Upstream)
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury River Cruising Passenger Capacity: 28 passengers Built: 2018 ACCOMMODATION 6 upper deck, 8 main deck staterooms - 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass - AC with individual control - Premium mattresses WINING & DINING Bistro style dining room with outside seating and air-conditioning inside - Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team - Semi-buffet breakfast, semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners - Daily lean & light menu options - Complimentary coffee, water, tea, local soft drinks, local beer, local spirits - 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 - 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 - Full-size motor coach on all excursions - 1st aid trained assistant guide to follow all tours and 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 - Fire fighting system in all ship areas - Expert marine superintendant - 24 hrs watch on duty ONBOARD STAFF Captain - River Pilot - First Officer - Chief Engineer - 1st Engineer - Electrician - Bosun & nautical crew - Ship manager - Housekeeping - Dining - Bar keeper - Chefs - Local tour guides PUBLIC SPACES Guest relation desk - Library with contemporary and classic literature

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 VIENTIANE
Please note this cruise is not suitable for those with walking difficulties.Embarkation 11.30am, followed by lunch and afternoon explorations of the delightful French city including visits to Sisaket Temple, the President’s Hall, Wat Prakeo Temple and the Phatouxay monument. Set sail late afternoon, enjoy a welcome dinner on board and overnight near Vientiane.
Day 2 - DAY 2 CRUISING THE MEKONG
Today we cruise upstream on the Mekong, passing lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages. Morning presentation on the Lao language. Afternoon cooking demonstration on the upper deck. Arrive in Ban Xanakham where we more overnight.
Day 3 - DAY 3 PAK LAI
Afternoon visit to the French administrative town of Pak Lai with many colonial buildings and a bustling local market. This town boasts the largest elephant festival in South East Asia, usually in February. We return to the ship at Ban Muang where we overnight.
Day 4 - DAY 4 BAN PARK BOR VILLAGE
Afternoon visit and walking tour of Ban Park Bor (Kmu Tribal) Village, a typical village, set on the banks of the Mekong amidst lush jungle.
Day 5 - DAY 5 BAN MOUANG KHAI VILLAGE
In the morning we pass the newly constructed lock that forms part of the Xanyaburi Hydro Electric Power Plant. Continue upstream to the village of Ban Mouang Khai.
Day 6 - DAY 6 LUANG PRABANG
Morning sightseeing by mini coach to visit the jungle pools and dramatic Khaung Si waterfall. We also visit a butterfly garden and elephant camp. Arrive in the heart of the temple city of Luang Prabang. After lunch, explore by tuktuk this well-preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. There is a buzzing night market and many delightful cafes and some quite good restaurants ashore.
Day 7 - DAY 7 LUANG PRABANG
Early morning walking tour to see the alms offering by the local people to hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. Passengers are invited to join in with offerings we provide for the alms giving. Morning walking tour visiting the National Museum and morning market. Afternoon free to enjoy the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang on your own explorations ashore. Enjoy traditional Laos dancing on the upper deck late afternoon. We moor overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 8 - DAY 8 PAK OU BUDDHA CAVES
Morning sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. Sail upstream on the beautiful Mekong towards Ban Bo. After lunch, enjoy a cooking demonstration on the upper deck.
Day 9 - DAY 9 PAK BENG
Morning walking tour of the market town of Pak Beng. After lunch, if time permits, we explore Ban Pak Sip, a traditional riverside village full of charm and life.
Day 10 - DAY 10 CHIANG KHONG
Scenic cruising to the border between Laos and Thailand at Huay Say. Here we cross into Thailand where our waiting transport takes you to re-join the ship at the bustling and pretty Thai port town of Chiang Khong. Afternoon visit the Golden Triangle and Opium Museum. Enjoy farewell cocktails and dinner on board the Champa Pandaw tonight.
Day 11 - DAY 11 BAN DOM MOON
Sailing on the dramatic upper Mekong arriving at Ban Pha Khao. Afternoon village walk up steep track up a hill with a small temple and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and valleys. Continue to Ban Don Moon where we overnight.
Day 12 - DAY 12 CRUISING THE MEKONG
Continue up the Mekong with Burma on our left and Laos on our right. Arrive at Ban Na Kor (Sob Luoy Port) for sail on to a remote sand bank where we moor for the night. Tonight experience sandbank canapés and cocktails followed by local Laos folklore stories and traditional floating fire lanterns.
Day 13 - DAY 13 GUAN LEI
Arrive in China at Guan Lei Port, take a walking tour and pass immigration. We are now in Yunnan Province, China - the only luxury ship to make this incredible journey. Continue on the Mekong in China past magnificent scenery of dramatic, scenic hillsides.
Day 14 - DAY 14 JINGHONG
Arrive in Jinghong, founded in 1180 by Tai King Phanya Coeng. Its turbulent history has been influenced by Thai, Burmese and Chinese occupations, which can be seen in the buildings and the local language. After lunch, visit the Tropical Plants Research Institute and Manting Park. On our final evening in Jinghong, experience an evening cultural show at Maxmumbani, where dancers from 38 different ethnic groups display their traditions with acrobatics and fascinating story of China and its people.
Day 15 - DAY 15 JINGHONG
Disembark after breakfast.
Day 16 - 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
15-09-201929-09-2019USD $9,078Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
15-09-201929-09-2019USD $10,758Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
13-10-201927-10-2019USD $9,078Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
13-10-201927-10-2019USD $10,758Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
10-11-201924-11-2019USD $9,078Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
10-11-201924-11-2019USD $10,758Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
22-12-201905-01-2020USD $9,078Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
22-12-201905-01-2020USD $10,758Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
19-01-202002-02-2020USD $9,078Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
19-01-202002-02-2020USD $10,758Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
22-08-202005-09-2020USD $9,078Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
22-08-202005-09-2020USD $10,758Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
12-10-202026-10-2020USD $9,078Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
12-10-202026-10-2020USD $10,758Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
10-11-202024-11-2020USD $9,078Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
10-11-202024-11-2020USD $10,758Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
17-01-202131-01-2021USD $9,078Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
17-01-202131-01-2021USD $10,758Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From

Inclusions

    • Visit the jungle pools and dramatic Khaung Si waterfall
    • In Luang Prabang enjoy morning walking tour to see the alms offering by the local people to hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. Passengers are invited to join in with offerings we provide for the alms giving
    • Explore the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces
    • In Jinghong, experience an evening cultural show at Maxmumbani, where dancers from 38 different ethnic groups display their traditions with acrobatics and fascinating story of China and its people

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