Overview – Impressions of the Mekong Cruise

Mekong Cruise Itinerary: Vientiane – Luang Prabang (upstream)

Route: VIENTIANE – PAK LAY – XAYABOURI DAM – KUANG SI FALLS – LUANG PRABANG

Day 1. Vientiane – Embarkation

In the afternoon, you will embark on the MV Mekong Pearl a 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. (Check-in is at 2 pm).

In the afternoon you will participate in a guided city tour including all highlights of the Laotian capital: amongst others the That Luang Stupa and the Victory gate. Back onboard your river vessel, enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend your welcome reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise.

Overnight on board. (D)

Day 2. Wild Nature along the Mighty Mekong

Today your Mekong river cruise experience starts. During the day you will continuously cruise up-river, where you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes.

In the afternoon enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before you stop at a remote place to stay for the night.

Overnight on board. (B,L,D)

Day 3. Fascinating rapids & the district town Salakham

Further north you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes of this still-untamed river. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the river banks, and a fascinating array of fast currents and slower river parts. During the day you will visit the dreamy district town Salakham. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbanks before you head north again and stop for the night.

Overnight on board. (B,L,D)

Day 4. The farming village Ban Don Saingam

Upstream you will stop at the small farming village Ban Don Saingam, where you can participate in a 30 minutes trekking to explore a hidden cave visited exclusively by Mekong River Cruises guests. The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. This evening we enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises BBQ dinner in a beautiful riverside location.

Overnight on board. (B,L,D)

Day 5. Xayabouri Dam

During and after breakfast on board, enjoy the beautiful view and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore. Don’t miss passing the log of the Xayabouri dam, the biggest hydropower facility in the whole of Laos. In the afternoon you will meet the inhabitants of a small hill tribe village which is regularly visited by our guests and supported by donations. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner.

Overnight on board. (B,L,D)

Day 6. Kuang Si waterfall – Luang Prabang – Disembarkation

During the morning a guided shore excursion will take you to the Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most attractive waterfalls in Laos. This afternoon you will reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Luang Prabang you will say goodbye to your Lao crew and fellow passengers.
Check out and disembarkation.

Disembarkation (B,L)

Mekong Cruise Itinerary: Luang Prabang – Vientiane (downstream)

Route: LUANG PRABANG– KUANG SI FALLS – XAYABOURI DAM – PAK LAY – VIENTIANE 

Day 1. Luang Prabang – Embarkation (Laos)

“Vientiane is the capital of Laos. Steeped in history and legend, its a melting pot of French colonial architecture, 16th century Buddhist temples, street markets and Hindu shrines”

In the afternoon, 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 five-day cruise. (Check-in is at 2 pm). For today your cruise ship will remain in Luang Prabang, giving you the opportunity to explore this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage town. Before dinner you can, for example, explore the daily night market where local minorities sell their handicrafts. Back onboard enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend your welcome reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise.

Overnight on board. (D)

Day 2. Luang Prabang – Kuang Si – Xayabouri Dam

In the early morning you will able to visit the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Back onboard, during breakfast, your vessel starts for your spectacular river cruise downstream into formerly inaccessible parts of the Mekong River. Later, a guided shore excursion will take you to the Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most attractive waterfalls in Laos. In the afternoon don’t miss passing the log of the Xayabouri dam, the biggest hydropower facility in the whole of Laos. Today your cruise vessel will moor overnight at a remote sandbank.

Overnight on board. (B,L,D)

Day 3. The farming village Ban Don Saingam

On the way you will visit an almost forgotten cave and experience nature on some easy hiking trails. 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. This evening we enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises BBQ dinner in a beautiful riverside location.

Overnight on board. (B,L,D)

Day 4. Fascinating rapids & the district town Salakham

Further downstream you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes of this still-untamed river. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the river banks, and a fascinating array of fast currents and slower river parts. During the day you will visit the dreamy district town Salakham. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbanks before you head further downriver and stop for the night.

Overnight on board. (B,L,D)

Day 5. Wild Nature along the Mighty Mekong

During the day you will continuously cruise down-river, where you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes. In the afternoon enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before you stop at a remote place to stay for the night.

Overnight on board. (B,L,D)

Day 6. Vientiane – Disembarkation

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 and fellow passengers. Check out and disembarkation.
Disembarkation (B)

Route Map

Your Boutique Vessel

• Operating in Laos and Thailand since 2017
• 2 decks with 15 cabins
• 6 x Classic Cabins on the main deck (12 m²/129 sq ft), with wide, sliding windows and a French balcony for an excellent view of the passing landscape
• 6 x Superior Cabins: 2 x cabins (16 m²/194 sq ft) 4 on the main Deck, 2 on the upper deck with wide, sliding windows and a French balcony for an excellent view of the passing landscape
• 2 x Deluxe Cabins on the upper deck (22 m²), with private balcony
• All cabins with en-suite shower/WC (same en-suite in all cabin types), air conditioning, hair dryer, 220V outlet (European plug)
• Large sun deck with bar service and restaurant/bar area
• SPA area on the main deck
• All offshore excursions guided in English
• Staff ratio: 18 to 29 passengers (maximum)
• No WiFi onboard – available onshore in internet cafes

Deck Plan – Mekong Pearl

Mekong Pearl – Cabins

A selection of Asian and continental food is provided through-out the cruise. Special requirements can be catered for and wine, beer as well as spirituous beverages are available.

Your Boutique Vessel

• Operating in Laos and Thailand since 2006
• 2 decks with 14 cabins
• 10 classic cabins on the main deck (12 m²/129 sq ft), all facing out onto the water, with wide, sliding windows and a French balcony for an excellent view of the passing landscape
• 3 superior cabins, 2 cabins (18 m²/194 sq ft) on the upper deck with small private balcony; one cabin (16 m²/172 sq ft) on the bow of the Sun with panoramic view to the front
• 1 economy cabin on the main deck (12 m²/129 sq ft), facing out onto the water, with wide, sliding windows and a French balcony for an excellent view of the passing landscape, close to stairway/generator
• All cabins with en-suite shower/WC and air conditioning
• Large sun deck with bar service and restaurant/bar area
• All offshore excursions guided in English (some departures are French-speaking)

Deck Plan – Mekong Sun

Mekong Sun – Cabins

10 Classic Cabins

• (12 m²/129 sq ft) on the main deck
  All facing out onto the water, with wide, sliding windows and a French balcony for an excellent view of the passing landscape

3 Superior Cabins

• 2 cabins (18 m²/194 sq ft) on the upper deck with small private balcony
• 1 cabin (16 m²/172 sq ft) on the bow of the Sun with panoramic view to the front

1 Economy Cabin

• (12 m²/129 sq ft) on the main deck
  Facing out onto the water, with wide, sliding windows and a French balcony for an excellent view of the passing landscape
  Close to stairway/generator

Impressions of the Mekong (Mekong Sun):

2023, 2024 & 2025 Price per person in Euros

Dates marked with * are onboard Mekong Pearl.   
Deluxe Cabins are not available on all other dates onboard Mekong Sun

Journey Highlights

• The wild upper Mekong aboard a boutique river vessel – one of the most spectacular river cruises in the world.
• First-hand experience of the Thai and Lao peoples’ traditional lifestyles
• Pha That Luang Buddhist Temple in Vientiane – the Laotian national landmark
• The waterfalls at Kuang Si, inviting you to swim in their lovely natural pools
• Unforgettable impressions of the mighty Mekong River, the “mother of waters”
• Professional onboard infotainment, including lectures and documentaries on the region
• Small groups limited to 29 fellow passengers

Notes

• The itinerary may vary and places visited may be changed locally due to local conditions
• Your arrival and departure details are required at least 4 weeks prior to arrival if you wish to use the included transfer services
• *Important – Remember to check entry requirements, a visa is required and must be obtained in advance of arrival
• Check current health requirements by looking at the official travel advice website of your own country, or ask your doctor
• All prices, offers, itineraries are subject to change without notice. The operator reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions, and to cancel any offered product or service in the event of such error or omission.
• This journey is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or who depend on CPAP machines. Please contact us for more information about your specific requirements before booking.
• Airports:
  Vientiane Wattay Airport Laos (VTE)
  Luang Prabang Airport, Laos (LPQ)

Travel documents: 

• Passport and visa* required
• No vaccinations are prescribed
• *Depending on your nationality, you will need visas for the following countries (passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date from Southeast Asia):
  Laos: Visas can be obtained on arrival for entry in Huay Xay (downstream cruises) or Vientiane (upstream cruises).
  Each visa purchased on arrival, valid 30 days: USD 30 – 42 in cash, depending on nationality + one passport sized photo.
  Subject to change without prior notice.
  ATTENTION: Visas on arrival cost USD 1  p.p. extra on Saturday and Sunday
  Thailand: most nationalities do not need a visa to enter Thailand.
• PLEASE CHECK for up to date entry and visa information with your local Consulates

How to Book and Pay

Please complete the booking form adding your credit card details via out secure system

We will respond by email with confirmation of your tour
Upon confirmation we will collect the non-refundable deposit of 25% of the tour price from the credit card provided
The balance payment will be collected 120 days prior to departure date
If you book within 120 days of the departure date we will collect the full amount due from the credit card provided
If your selected date is not available we will offer you an alternative
Your card will not be charged until you accept the alternative offered
If you have any special requirements please add details in the notes section
After you have paid in full, you will receive a voucher and joining details for the tour