Mekong Sun Cruise

Downstream: Golden Triangle (Chiang Rai) – Huay Xai – Pak Tha – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang

Relax aboard your exclusive river vessel and enjoy the unspoiled nature along the mighty upper Mekong. The upper Mekong is one of the most difficult rivers in the world to navigate, with fluctuating water levels. Your comfortable cruise vessel masters tight gorges, negotiates labyrinths of sandbanks, and clears churning rapids. Along this part of the Mekong, tranquil stretches of the river combine with striking shore scenery of lush green mountains, impressive rock formations, and secluded villages. The upper Mekong is considered one of the world’s most spectacular rivers navigable by a cruise vessel.

You are picked up from Chiang Rai Airport or at your hotel within city limits between 8 – 9 am and brought to the once-notorious Golden Triangle region. Your sightseeing tour today includes a visit to the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the Hall of Opium. This fascinating museum, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, provides an in-depth look at history and politics of the opium trade and health impact of opium use. Afterwards it is time to board your exclusive river vessel. The Mekong Pearl and Mekong Sun, under joint German-Laotian ownership, are unique boutique vessels. Settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for an 11-day cruise. In the evening enjoy the spacious decks, the onboard lounge, and attend a dinnertime welcome reception.
Overnight: All overnights aboard your boutique river cruise ship. Meals included: Dinner (D)

This morning your grand voyage on the mighty Mekong River really gets underway, with your de-parture from the Golden Triangle region, where Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Thailand meet. To-day’s destination is the nearby Laotian town of Huay Xay on the Laotian-Thai border, where you will officially enter the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos. Your voyage then takes you into northern Laos amid stunning scenery and on to the small village of Pak Tha. Here you take a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to visit a local village of the ethnic minority Khmu. You will visit a small village school sponsored by guests of Mekong River Cruises. You then continue downstream aboard your cruise ship and anchor at a sand or riverbank.
Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner (BLD).

The river traffic increases as you pass through a densely populated region accessible only by water. Here you will discover some of this still-untamed river’s most beautiful landscapes: hills covered with tropical vegetation, dramatic rock formations, and a fascinating mixture of fast currents and more placid stretches of river. The power of the mighty Mekong lends your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Relax on deck, in your cabin, or in the lounge as you absorb the remoteness of these spectacular surroundings. On the way you will visit a remote village.
Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD).

After a relaxing morning onboard, we stop at a small riverside village for a visit of the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. From here, you can optional-ly go on a short jungle trek through the forest to a local village to see their local distillery. Alterna-tively, you can reach the village comfortably by boat as well. Nearby you can see elephants in action (unless they are employed elsewhere at the time of your visit). This evening we enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises BBQ dinner in a beautiful riverside location.
Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD).

Today you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a city walk to the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple with its Golden tiled roofs will surely leave you in awe. Explore other highlights during this full day excursion through Luang Pra-bang. In the evening walk up Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular view over the Mekong as well as the Khan River and the surrounding mountains, enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. As Luang Prabang offers many oppor-tunities for fine dining, tonight you are free to choose from the numerous offerings in town or along the Mekong River.
Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast and lunch (BL).

In the early morning you can visit the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang and explore the traditional morning market. After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark. Your memorable river journey ends with your transfer to the airport or to your hotel (within city limits).
Meals included: breakfast (B).

Upstream: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Pak Tha – Huay Xai – Golden Triangle (Chiang Rai)

Relax aboard your exclusive river vessel and enjoy the unspoiled nature along the mighty upper Mekong. The upper Mekong is one of the most difficult rivers in the world to navigate, with fluctuating water levels. Your comfortable cruise vessel masters tight gorges, negotiates labyrinths of sandbanks, and clears churning rapids. Along this part of the Mekong, tranquil stretches of the river combine with striking shore scenery of lush green mountains, impressive rock formations, and secluded villages. The upper Mekong is considered one of the world’s most spectacular rivers navigable by a cruise vessel.

Before lunch, from 11 am, you will embark on your comfortable Laotian cruise ship. These unique vessels are the first German-Laotian owned river ships with cabins on the upper Mekong. Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a six-day cruise. After having lunch onboard, you explore the charming town of Luang Prabang. Back on board you are celebrating this evening with a local dancing performance and a traditional Lao Baci-friendship ceremony.
Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (LD)

During breakfast, your cruise takes you upstream until your boutique ship stops at the famous Pak Ou Caves, within which thousands of small Buddha statues dwell. From there, you can go on a short jungle trek through the forest to a small riverside village and visit their distillery. Alternatively, you can reach the village comfortably by boat. Nearby you can see work elephants in action unless they are employed elsewhere at the time of your visit. In the afternoon, your ship continues cruising upstream towards Oudomxay Province. Overnight on board.
Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD)

The river traffic thins out as you proceed upstream, and you can enjoy the fantastic landscapes surrounding you. You can relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin or in the lounge and soak up the sun as the gorgeous landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the riverbanks, and a diverse array of rapid cur-rents and slow rivulets. The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real ex-pedition. Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD)

Today you relax on deck, enjoying astonishingly diverse landscapes and the tranquility of northern Laos—a real retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life back home. As you cruise along the green hills, you start heading toward the small village of Pak Tha. You can join a long-tail boat excur-sion on the Namtha River, which takes you to a nearby Khmu village, whose school has been sup-ported by donations from Mekong River Cruises guests for many years. In the evening, you enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises barbecue dinner in a beautiful riverside location.
Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD)

Soak in the scenery and the purely natural landscape, which is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. In the afternoon, you proceed to the Thailand–Laos border at Chiang Khong, Thailand, and Ban Huay Xay, Laos. In the evening, you enjoy your last dinner on the Mekong.
Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD)

After breakfast you say goodbye to your Laotian crew. You check out and disembark your boutique ship before transferring to the airport or your local hotel. Depending on season and water level the check-out will either be at Chiang Saen or Chiang Khong.
Meals included: breakfast (B)

• Enjoy the grandeur of the mighty Mekong River aboard our boutique cruise vessel
• Soak up in the stunning scenery along the river as you pass through different landscapes
• Get to know more about local tradition and life style with visits to some riverside villages.
• Take in the pure nature in the Kuang Si Waterfalls - one of the most impressive falls in Laos

At 2:00PM, embark on Mekong Sun – an elegant Laotian ship which is known as the first German – Laotian vessel containing cabins cruising on the upper Mekong. Settle into your cabin and unpack your luggage for an amazing 5 – day cruise. 

After that, enjoy the warm welcome and dinner with an interesting menu of Western and Asian food while the ship starts cruising downstream Mekong River to the places where used to know as the inaccessible parts. 

Spend the night aboard Mekong Sun Cruise

To start our morning inland excursion, we will pay a visit one of the most famous falls in Laos – the Kuang Si waterfalls. Then, we will continue to cruise to the south of the mighty Mekong river where we will have an opportunity to visit a hidden Buddha cave and do some trekking to explore the nature here.

Overnight aboard Mekong Sun while we dock on the sandbank in between the beautiful nature

You will pass one of the largest construction projects in Laos, the Xayaburi–dam. Enjoy the beautiful view and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore. We also offer presentations on the history and culture of Laos that you are free to join or relax on deck. Enjoy the comfort and service onboard: exclusive, yet casual. Overnights on board.

You will spend another day in Tha Deua experiencing the daily life of the locals in the hidden villages along the mighty Mekong River. Overnights on board.

Downstream you will stop at the small riverside community of Pak Lai, known for once possessing many colonial buildings. The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. Overnight onboard..

Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbanks before you head towards Vientiane, the capital of Laos. In Vientiane you will say goodbye to your Lao crew. Check out and disembarkation. This is the end of the trip.

• Enjoy the grandeur of the mighty Mekong River aboard our boutique cruise vessel
• Soak up in the stunning scenery along the river as you pass through different landscapes
• Get to know more about local tradition and life style with visits to some riverside villages.
• Take in the pure nature in the Kuang Si Waterfalls - one of the most impressive falls in Laos

In the afternoon, board our boutique Mekong Sun for check in. After settling into your cabin, Mekong Sun Cruise starts cruising upstream into the parts of the Mekong River which used to be inaccessible.

The ship will drop anchor on a beautiful sand bank which is surrounded by pure nature. On board, take your time to relax in the spacious decks, in the lounge before having a welcome reception and dinner on board. The ship offers the selection of both Asian and European food throughout the cruise.

Mekong Sun Cruise today will cruise further north offering a great opportunity to take in the impressive and remarkable scenery of the mighty river. The changing landscape seems to be more and more breathtaking with the tropical vegetation, spectacular rock formations along the river banks. Cruising along the “mother of waters” may bring you the feeling of a real expedition. 

Take in a natural beauty along the shores and then continues cruising north again. Overnight on board at a remote sandbank.

Make a stop for a visit of the small riverside village of Pak Lai which is famous for its stunning colonial buildings. You will be impressed with the natural landscapes dotted with the sights of small villages and local cattle. 

Head back to the board to enjoy the comfort and fine service on board.

Enjoy breakfast on Mekong Sun Cruise while taking in the beautiful views. Along the way, you may see the rustic scene of fishermen along the shore.

You will spend another day in Tha Deua experiencing the daily life of the locals in the hidden villages along the mighty Mekong River. 

Today, take a short excursion to the Kuang Si waterfalls – one of the most impressive waterfalls in Laos. 

In the afternoon, continue onto the town of Luang Prabang - the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, it’s time to say goodbye to the crew. Check out your cabin and disembark the Mekong Sun Cruise. End of trip.

• Enjoy the wild beauty of the Mekong River aboard the boutique river vessel
• Get a real taste of the traditional lifestyles of Lao people with visits to small riverside villages.
• Explore some of the best of Luang Prabang – one of the most important destinations in Laos.
• Visit Kuang Si waterfall – one of the most impressive falls in Laos.
• Discover the unique Pak Ou caves filled with numerous small Buddha statues

Once in Luang Prabang, you will embark the boutique vessel of Mekong Sun Cruise to check in. After settling your cabin, set off your afternoon exploration with a guided city tour to some famous sites in the city including the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong temple.

Afterwards, take your time to relax in the spacious decks or in the lounge before taking part in a welcome reception on board. Mekong Sun Cruise offers the selection of both Asian and European food throughout the cruise. Overnight on board.

In this early morning, there is a great chance for you to observe firsthand the stunning traditional alms giving ceremony along the streets of Luang Prabang. Back to board for breakfast followed by a cruise south through the charming scenery. Overnight on board at a secluded river bank or sand bank.

Mekong Sun Cruise today will cruise further downstream offering a great opportunity to take in the impressive and remarkable scenery of the mighty river. The changing landscape seems to be more and more breathtaking with the tropical vegetation, spectacular rock formations along the river banks. Cruising along the “mother of waters” may bring you the feeling of a real expedition. 

You will then visit a local community which is often sponsored by the guests of the Mekong River Cruises. Take in the natural beauty along the shores and then continues cruising north. Overnight on board.

After breakfast, Mekong Sun Cruise continues cruising upstream again. Along the way, you may see the rustic sights of fishermen on shore. After a few hours of cruising upriver, make a stop to visit the famous Kuang Si Falls by local tuk- tuk. This is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Laos. 

Back to the Mekong Sun Cruise and pass through Luang Prabang. Overnight on board at a sand bank or riverbank. This evening, enjoy a BBQ dinner onboard in the beautiful setting of the riverside location.

Today, you will have some time to explore the famous Pak Ou Caves – home to thousands of Buddha statues at different sizes and shapes. Then, take a short walk through the jungle (optional) to visit a local village where you can observe the traditional technique to produce Lao-Lao, the local liqueur. On the way back to board, you may see the elephants in action. Re-embark Mekong Sun Cruise to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Mekong River before reaching Luang Prabang again. 

Your afternoon is at your leisure. You could take a walk up Phou Si hill to enjoy the stunning views over the river and the surrounding mountains. 

In the evening, relax with a stroll along the Mekong promenade or visit the colorful market of Hmong ethnic minority before having a farewell dinner on board with the traditional Baci – ceremony. 

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the crew. Check out your cabin and disembark Mekong Sun Cruise. You will be then transferred to the airport or your hotel.

• Explore the Golden Triangle region where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet
• Visit the wonderful Heritage Site of Luang Prabang with its famous highlights
• Learn more about local culture and tradition with visits to small riverside villages
• Take in the fascinating landscapes along the mighty Mekong River aboard our boutique vessel
• Enjoy the natural beauty of the attractive Kuang Si Water Falls

Our guide will meet you in Chiang Rai city and transfer you to the Golden Triangle area at Chiang Saen. After lunch in a local restaurant, set off your exploration by visiting the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the Hall of Opium. With the sponsor of the royal Thai family, this fabulous museum is a great introduction to the history and politics of the opium trade.

After the visit, embark on our luxurious river cruise - the Mekong Sun Cruise. Take your time to check into your cabin and relax. In the evening, enjoy your time in the comfortable and spacious deck and join a welcome dinner on board. Overnight on board.

In the morning, set off your stunning cruise along the mighty Mekong River from the Golden Triangle region. Your stop today is the bustling town of Huay Xai on the border of Laos and Thailand. Upon venturing into the land of Laos, Mekong Sun Cruise continues sailing further into the amid scenery of northern Laos and the small village of Pak Tha.  From the village, board a long tail boat to cruise along the Namtha River to get to the village of Khmu ethnic group. You will have some time to visit a small village school.

This morning, Mekong Sun Cruise passes through a populated region which just can be accessed by water. As Mekong Sun Cruise takes you through the spectacular landscapes, take your time to soak up the tranquility of the river from your cabin or in the lounge. You will then arrive in the market town of Pakbeng. If lucky, you could see elephants in a nearby camp.

Back to the board for a cruise downstream to the anchorage area at a sand bank.

Spend this morning relaxing on Mekong Sun Cruise. Continue your excursion with a stop at a small riverside village where you get a real insight into the local way of life. From the village, there are two options for you to choose.  You could take a short trek through the jungle to the fascinating Pak Ou caves – home to thousands of Buddha statues at different sizes and shapes.  If you wish a leisurely way to reach the cave, take a boat trip to get to the cave.

In the evening, a BBQ dinner is served at a beautiful location in the riverside.

Your destination of your voyage today is the former capital of Laos - Luang Prabang. Set off your excursion with a short walk up the mountain of Phou Si where you can see the panoramic views of the Mekong River and the surroundings. You will visit one of the highlights of the fascinating Luang Prabang including the well known Wat Xieng Thong temple which will bring you an interesting experience. 

In the evening, enjoy a stroll along the Mekong promenade or get a closer look at the daily life of Hmong minority by visiting the bustling night market. This evening, you are offered many options for fine dining in the town of Luang Prabang or along the Mekong River.

In this early morning, there is a great chance for you to observe firsthand the stunning traditional alms giving ceremony along the streets of Luang Prabang. Back to the board for breakfast. Today you will explore in depth the hidden charm of this fascinating city in the unique atmosphere provided by the mixture of French architecture and the traditional style.

Head back to the Mekong Sun Cruise for lunch followed by a further downriver offering a great opportunity to take in the impressive and remarkable scenery of the mighty river. The changing landscape seems to be more and more breathtaking with the tropical vegetation, spectacular rock formations along the river banks. Cruising along the “mother of waters” may bring you the feeling of a real expedition. 

This morning, take a local tuk tuk to visit Kuang Si Falls - one of the most beautiful falls in Laos. Back to Mekong Sun Cruise and cruise north to reach Luang Prabang. Lunch will be served on board. 

In the afternoon, you are free to explore further the town on your own. You could rent an E - bike to visit some lively spots or take time to shop for souvenirs or presents for your friends and family. 

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Baci Ceremony and some local dances before having a farewell dinner with your crew on board. Overnight on board.

After breakfast, check out your cabin and disembark Mekong Sun Cruise. You will then be transferred to the hotel in Luang Prabang or to the airport for your departure flight. End of service.

• Explore the Golden Triangle region where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet
• Visit the wonderful Heritage Site of Luang Prabang with its famous highlights
• Learn more about local culture and tradition with visits to small riverside villages
• Take in the fascinating landscapes along the mighty Mekong River aboard our boutique vessel
• Enjoy the natural beauty of the attractive Kuang Si Water Falls

Upon your arrival at Luang Prabang airport you will be picked up and transferred to town. In the afternoon, you will embark on the Mekong Sun, a comfortable new Laotian cruise ship (Check in is after 4 PM). Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for an eightday cruise. Begin with a walk up Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular sunset view over the Mekong as well as the Khan river and the surrounding mountains. In the evening, enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colourful night market of the local Hmong minority. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend our welcome reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise. 

Breakfast on board. Today the ship stays in Luang Prabang, while we take you on a full day of sightseeing to get to know the beauties of this UNESCO World Heritage town. Apart from numerous temples, the atmosphere is enriched by neighbouring French colonial architecture. As Luang Prabang offers many opportunities for fine dining, tonight you are free to choose from the numerous offerings in town or along the Mekong River.

Breakfast is on board. Today your spectacular cruise begins with the departure from Luang Prabang from where you will cruise north and visit a Laotian village and observe the traditional production of Lao-Lao, the local liqueur. After a short walk through the jungle you will explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. The night is spent on a secluded river bank or sandbank. 

The river traffic thins out as you proceed upstream, and you can enjoy the fantastic landscapes along the river. The scenery along the river is incredible… With a little luck you will be able to see working elephants in action today (unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit). Later, that day you will have a short stop in the market town of Pakbeng. 

Today is a day to take it all in – relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin or in the lounge and soak up the untouched scenery. The diversity of the landscape is astonishing, now shifting to tropical hills in the background. Enjoy the tranquility of northern Laos, a real retreat from the hustle-and-bustle of daily life. As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha. 

As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha. At Pak Tha, a small village, you will take off on a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to visit a Khmu village. You will also visit a small village school sponsored by guests of the Mekong Sun. The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. Enjoy the comfort and service onboard: exclusive, yet casual, you’ll share the boat with no more than 30 fellow guests. Today you proceed to the Thai-Laotian border at Chiang Khong (Thailand) and Ban Huay Xay (Laos). You will then spend a last relaxing dinner and evening in Laos. 

Today is spent on an excursion to the Golden Triangle area at Chiang Saen, where you will visit the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the new Hall of Opium. This fascinating museum, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, gives a deep background on the history and politics of the opium trade and the health effects of opium abuse. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner. 

After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark. 

• The wild upper Mekong aboard a boutique river vessel: one of the most spectacular river cruises in the world.
• The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, a superb fusion of numerous temples, monasteries, and French colonial architecture. One of Asia’s most beautiful historical towns
• First-hand experience of the Thai and Lao peoples’ traditional lifestyles
• Small groups limited to 26 fellow passengers
• Pha That Luang Buddhist Temple in Vientiane – the Laotian national landmark
• The Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong – containing thousands of Buddha statues
• The waterfalls at Kuang Si, inviting you to swim in their lovely natural pools
• The Golden Triangle region, with its infamous past, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet
• Sunset over Luang Prabang
• Unforgettable impressions of the mighty Mekong River, the “mother of waters”
• Professional onboard infotainment, including lectures and documentaries on the region

You are picked up from Chiang Rai Airport or at your hotel within city limits between 8 – 9 am and brought to the once-notorious Golden Triangle region. Your sightseeing tour today includes a visit to the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the new Hall of Opium. This fascinating museum, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, provides an in-depth look at history and politics of the opium trade and health impact of opium use. Afterwards it is time to board your exclusive river vessel. The Mekong Sun, under joint German-Laotian ownership, is a unique boutique vessel. Settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for a ten-day cruise. In the evening enjoy the spacious decks, the onboard lounge, and attend a dinnertime welcome reception. 
All overnights aboard your boutique river cruise ship.

This morning your grand voyage on the mighty Mekong River really gets underway, with your departure from the Golden Triangle region, where Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Thailand meet. Today’s destination is the nearby Laotian town of Huay Xay on the Laotian-Thai border, where you will officially enter the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos. Your voyage then takes you into northern Laos amid stunning scenery and on to the small village of Pak Tha. Here you take a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to visit a local village of the ethnic minority Khmu. You then continue downstream aboard your cruise ship and anchor at a sand or river bank.

The river traffic increases as you pass through a densely populated region accessible only by water. Here you will discover some of this still-untamed river’s most beautiful landscapes: hills covered with tropical vegetation, dramatic rock formations, and a fascinating mixture of fast currents and more placid stretches of river. The power of the mighty Mekong lends your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Relax on deck, in your cabin, or in the lounge as you absorb the remoteness of these spectacular surroundings. A short while later you arrive in Pakbeng, a local market town serving the region. Nearby you are able to see elephants in action 

After a relaxing morning onboard we stop at a small riverside village for a visit and to see their local distillery. From here, you can optionally go on a short jungle trek through the forest to the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. Alternatively you can reach the caves comfortably by boat as well. This evening we enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises BBQ dinner in a beautiful riverside location.

Today you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a walk up Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular view over the Mekong as well as the Khan river and the surrounding mountains. Among other highlights during this full day excursion through Luang Prabang, the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple with its Golden tiled roofs will surely leave you in awe. In the evening, enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. As Luang Prabang offers many opportunities for fine dining, tonight you are free to choose from the numerous offerings in town or along the Mekong River. After these extensive visits you have a full day to explore the city on your own, stroll the lovely old town or relax aboard or in one of the many riverside cafés. Rent an E-Bike to explore the surrounding villages or visit a nearby elephant camp (optionally, can be booked against supplement on the spot).

Today, you are free to explore the city on your own. You could take a leisurely stroll through the lovely old town, relax on Mekong Sun Cruise or visit one of many riverside cafés. If you wish, you could also rent an E- bike to explore the surroundings or pay a visit to the nearby elephant camp.

In the early morning you are able to observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast is served on board. After a several hours cruising downriver, you continue by bus to the famous Kuang Si Falls. Enjoy the natural pools and pause in another small village before reboarding. Your ship then heads south and passes through the Keng-Luang rapids.

This morning you start your spectacular river cruise upstream to formerly inaccessible parts of the Mekong. Enjoy the comfort onboard the boat, with its fine service and exclusive, yet casual setting, which you share with a limited number of fellow guests. During the next days you will take exciting excursions, both on water and on land, and enjoy an onboard programme of presentations, talks, and film documentaries on relevant topics, such as the French Mekong Expedition of the 1860s, the daily life of a Buddhist novice monk, or the flora and fauna of the Mekong region. A visit to a small riverside community acquaints you with the life of the local Lao people. At night you anchor at a secluded sand or river bank.

Enjoy the vistas and natural beauty along the river before your ship anchors at a remote sandbank for the night. Here, the Mekong once again becomes the boundary separating two unequal brothers: the neighbouring countries of booming Thailand and sleepy Laos. The river banks become less steep and more suitable for agricultural, especially on the Thai side.

You continue downstream along the “mother of all waters”, as the Mekong is known to the Thais and Laotians. Today’s destination is the Laotian capital of Vientiane, where you will see Pha That Luang Temple, the Lao national symbol, as well as the picturesque Arc de Triomphe. This last evening of your cruise is celebrated with a farewell dinner on board, together with your ever-friendly crew, cruise director, and captain.

After breakfast you say goodbye to your Laotian crew as you check out and disembark (until 10am). Your memorable river journey ends with your transfer to the airport or to your hotel (within city limits).

• The wild upper Mekong aboard a boutique river vessel: one of the most spectacular river cruises in the world.
• The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, a superb fusion of numerous temples, monasteries, and French colonial architecture. One of Asia’s most beautiful historical towns
• First-hand experience of the Thai and Lao peoples’ traditional lifestyles
• Small groups limited to 26 fellow passengers
• Pha That Luang Buddhist Temple in Vientiane – the Laotian national landmark
• The Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong – containing thousands of Buddha statues
• The waterfalls at Kuang Si, inviting you to swim in their lovely natural pools
• The Golden Triangle region, with its infamous past, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet
• Sunset over Luang Prabang
• Unforgettable impressions of the mighty Mekong River, the “mother of waters”
• Professional onboard infotainment, including lectures and documentaries on the region

In Vientiane we meet you at the airport or pick you up in your hotel in town between 1 – 2 pm. After a short sightseeing program to highlights of the Lao capital such as the Pha That Luang temple and the Wat Sisaket Monastery, you board the Mekong Sun, a comfortable new cruise vessel, in the evening. This unique vessel is German-Laotian owned and outfitted with stylish cabins. Settle into your accommodations and unpack for a twelve-day cruise. Enjoy the spacious decks or onboard lounge, and join this evening’s welcome reception and dinner. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise.
All overnights are spent aboard your boutique cruise ship.

This morning you start your spectacular river cruise upstream to formerly inaccessible parts of the Mekong. Enjoy the comfort onboard the boat, with its fine service and exclusive, yet casual setting, which you share with a limited number of fellow guests. During the next days you will take exciting excursions, both on water and on land, and enjoy an onboard programme of presentations, talks, and film documentaries on relevant topics, such as the French Mekong Expedition of the 1860s, the daily life of a Buddhist novice monk, or the flora and fauna of the Mekong region. A visit to a small riverside community acquaints you with the life of the local Lao people. 
At night you anchor at a secluded sand or river bank.

Your exploration today will include both on-water and on-land excursions with a number of on board programs such as lectures, talks or film documentaries with different interesting topics. There will be a visit to a small riverside village offering you a special chance to acquaint with the local life of Laotian.

Your specially designed river vessel allows you to go on this remarkable voyage quite comfortably, something that previously was unthinkable. You travel some 800 km through delightful riverscapes, passing aboriginal villages and visiting World Heritage Sites. You discover some of Southeast Asia’s last unknown regions. Upstream you stop at the small riverside community of Pak Lai, where the local market with its many exotic offerings is quite a sight. Back aboard, you take in the passing river scenery from the safety and comfort of your exclusive river vessel. 
You spend the night aboard the vessel close to the Thai-Laotian border.

During and after breakfast on board, you enjoy the view and will perhaps see local fishermen along the shore while continuing along the “mother of all waters”, as the locals call the Mekong River. You meet the residents of a small riverside village, which guests on Mekong cruises have often chosen to sponsor. Today you also pass the much-discussed Sayaboury hydropower dam project. An afternoon presentation about the Mekong River and its future by your cruise director supplies background information on this huge construction site and the differing opinions about it held by the countries along the river, the Mekong River Commission, and the local residents. You also see the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua, connecting the provinces of Luang Prabang and Sayaboury.

Another shore excursion takes you to the Kuang Si Falls, one of the most scenic waterfalls in Laos. This afternoon you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town’s unique atmosphere stems from its unusual mixture of numerous temples and French colonial architecture. Begin with a walk up Phou Si Hill, which offers a spectacular sunset view over the Mekong and Khan rivers and the surrounding mountains. In the evening, enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colourful night market of the local Hmong minority. Watch a traditional Bazi Ceremony and local dances during and after dinner.

Breakfast is served on board. Today the ship remains in Luang Prabang, where we take you on a full day of sightseeing, so you can truly experience the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage town with its wonderful mix of architectural styles. Luang Prabang offers many opportunities for fine dining, so tonight you are free to choose from the numerous offerings in town or along the Mekong River.

In the early morning, you are able to observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast is served on board. Today you cruise further north and visit a Laotian village, where you see the traditional production of Lao-Lao, the local liqueur. After a short walk through the jungle (optional) you explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. The night is spent anchored at a beautiful sandbank, surrounded by nothing but pure nature.

The river traffic thins out as you proceed upstream, looking out over the river and its scenic beauty. With a little luck you will be able to see working elephants in action today (unless they are employed elsewhere at the time of your visit). Later in the day, you pause briefly for a look at the market town of Pakbeng.

Today is a day to just bask in this unique environment – relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin, or in the lounge as you absorb the grandeur of this mighty river and its unspoiled natural surroundings. The landscape now shifts to lush tropical hills. Enjoy the tranquillity of northern Laos, a real retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life back home. Cruising upsteam past this verdant backdrop, your boat now turns north, heading towards Pak Tha. At the small village of Pak Tha you go on a long-tail boat excursion along the Namtha River to visit a local Khmu village. The small village school enjoys frequent sponsorship by Mekong cruise guests. After reboarding your cruise vessel, you continue towards the Thai-Laotian border at Chiang Khong (Thailand) and Ban Huay Xay (Laos). The unspoiled landscape is accented by the occasional sight of small villages and local herds of cattle. You spend a last relaxing dinner and evening aboard, celebrating with a farewell dinner.

Today you say goodbye to your Laotian crew, check out, and transfer across the Thai-Lao Mekong friendship bridge, where you also pass immigration and brought to the once-notorious Golden Triangle region. Your sightseeing tour today includes a visit to the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the new Hall of Opium. This fascinating museum, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, provides an in-depth look at history and politics of the opium trade and health impact of opium use.