Overview – Highlights of Northern Laos

Day 1. Embarkation in Luang Prabang for Mekong River Cruise Laos

In Luang Prabang we transfer you around 13.00 hrs from your hotel in town or upon your arrival at Luang Prabang airport to embark your comfortable boutique-cruise vessel for check-in at 13.30 hrs. This unique boutique vessel is a German-Laotian owned river ship with stylish cabins. Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a six-day 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.

Overnight on board. (D)

Day 2. Departure from Luang Prabang

In the early morning you will able to observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast is on board and half day sightseeing guided city tour with visits of the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple among others. Afterwards your spectacular cruise begins with the departure from Luang Prabang southbound through beautiful scenery. Tonight is spent on a secluded river bank or sandbank.

Overnight on board. (B,L, D)

Day 3. Wild Nature along the Mighty Mekong

Further downstream you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes along the Mekong River. Enjoy your morning on board before we turn around and head back upstream to visit a traditional Hmong Hill tribe village in the afternoon.

Here you will visit a local village school, which is supported by guests of Mekong River Cruises. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before finding a place to moor the night.

Overnight on board. (B,L,D)

Day 4. Kuang Si Waterfalls

After breakfast on board, enjoy the beautiful view and spot local fishermen onshore as you cruise upstream again. After a few hours of cruising up the river, you will stop and continue by local Tuk Tuk-Trucks to visit the famous Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most remarkable waterfalls in Laos. After passing Luang Prabang you will stop again at a sand- or river bank for the night. This evening we enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises BBQ dinner in a beautiful riverside location.

Overnight on board. (B,L,D)

Day 5. Pak Ou Caves

After breakfast on board you will explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. After a short walk through the jungle (optional) you visit a Laotian village. In the village you can observe how the local liqueur Lao-Lao is being distilled traditionally. Before returning to your Mekong vessel, you will see elephants in action (unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit). After re-embarkation you will enjoy a few hours of cruising the Mekong River amidst beautiful landscapes before reaching again Luang Prabang, where you enjoy the afternoon at leisure. You are celebrating this last evening on board with a farewell dinner and a traditional Lao Baci-friendship ceremony.

Overnight on board. (B,L,D)

Day 6. Disembarkation in Luang Prabang

After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark (by 10am).
End of service with the transfer to the airport.

(B)

NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including floodwaters and shallows. Therefore, please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the itinerary of this tour due to the logistical complexities involved. Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather and river conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.

This journey is generally not for guests with limited mobility or who depend on CPAP machines. Please contact us for more information about your specific requirements before booking.

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 – 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

Highlights of Northern Laos December 2023 / 2024

Prices per person (EUR) Highlights of Northern Laos

Sailing Dates and EUR Net Rates 2023 / 2024

Notes

NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including floodwaters and shallows. Therefore, please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the itinerary of this tour due to the logistical complexities involved. Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather and river conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.

• 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
• Important – Check current health requirements by looking at the official travel advice website of your own country, or ask your doctor
• This journey is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or who depend on CPAP machines.
• You can reach Luang Prabang by air from Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Hanoi, and Siem Reap
• Airport information Luang Prabang (LPQ)

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

Important Notes

• 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.
• Please check medical requirements, including malaria risk with your Doctor or online WHO

Documents Required

• Passport and visas* 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: 30-42 US$ in cash, depending on nationality + one passport sized photo). Subject to change without prior notice.
  ATTENTION: Visas on arrival cost 1 US$ /person extra on Saturday and Sunday- Thailand: most nationalities do not need a visa to enter Thailand.PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL EMBASSIES