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Mekong River Cruises Cruise the Upper Mekong
Luang Prabang to the Golden Triangle

Savour the fantastic scenery of the Mekong River on your spectacular and unique cruise from Luang Prabang (Laos) to the Golden Triangle on the Thai side. These unique Mekong river cruises let you discover some of the last unknown regions of South-East Asia.

Safe and comfortable traveling is guaranteed; while you watch the incredible landscapes of this partly untamed river pass by.

The upper Mekong is one of the most difficult rivers in the world to navigate. Your comfortable cruise ship “Mekong Sun” masters tight gorges, labyrinths of sandbanks and mounts violent chutes. Water levels are prone to drop about 2 m overnight.


		TYPE OF TRIP: CULTURE & EXPERIENCE CRUISE TRAVELLING TO: LUANG PRABANG LAOS TO THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE THAILAND ROUTE: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU – TAXUANG – PAKBENG – HOUEY SAY – GOLDEN TRIANGLE RIVER VESSELS: MEKONG SUN OR MEKONG EXPLORER
FACT: Built in Laos in 2006 Operating since 2006 2 Decks with 14 Cabins 11 cabins on the main deck (12 m²), all facing out onto the water; with wide sliding windows French balcony providing a fantastic view of the passing landscapes 3 superior cabins, 2 cabins (21 m²) on the upper deck with own small private balcony One cabin (20 m²) in the bow with panoramic view to the front All cabins twin bedded, with en-suite shower/WC and air conditioning Large Sun Deck; Restaurant/Bar Area on the Upper Deck All offshore excursions guided in English; meals on board included

Laos

On this part of the Mekong quiet and calm parts of the river alternate with most dramatic and exciting shore sceneries: Tropical lush green mountains, impressive rock formations and secluded villages along the river banks.

Your journey includes visits to the lovely UNESCO World Heritage Site Luang Prabang, one of the most beautiful towns in South-East Asia, traveling along the secluded and impressive landscapes in northern Laos and into the once notorious region of the Golden Triangle.

Guests can lean back and indulge themselves unworried during this extraordinary trip. With 14 exclusive passenger cabins and high quality full board service, the Mekong Sun is perfectly suited for traveling in small groups with a most unique character.

Routes & Seasons: Between July and December the river vessel operates on the long routes between the Golden Triangle via Luang Prabang to Vientiane and vv. These long cruises are offered as exclusive full charters. From January onwards the vessel cruises around Luang Prabang on shorter cruises and is available for exclusive charters as well as FIT bookings. For a customized proposal and rates, please contact our Travel Agent

Route for exclusive charters
10/13-day cruises: Golden Triangle – Huay Xay – Pak Tha – Pakbeng – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang – Kuang Si – Tha Deua – PakLay – Vientiane (8-day part-routes available as well)

Route for FITs and exclusive charters
4/8-day cruises: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou –Tha Deua – Kuang Si – Luang Prabang
Route Mekong SunDeckplan Mekong Sun gross englischDeck layout

ITINERARY

Day 1: Luang Prabang - embarkation

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 a seven-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 aboard the Mekong Sun. (D)

Day 2: UNESCO World heritage town of Luang Prabang

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. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun. (B/L/-)

Day 3: Departure from Luang Prabang

Breakfast is on board. After lunch your spectacular cruise begins with the departure from Luang Prabang around 2 PM from where you will cruise north and visit a Laotian village and observe the traditional production of Lao-Lao, the local liqueur (beginning of the 6-day cruise program). 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. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun (B/L/D)

Day 4: Cruise through Northern Laos

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. 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). 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... Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun. (B/L/D)

Day 5: Pakbeng

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. Later, that day you will have a short stop in the market town of Pakbeng. As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun. (B/L/D)

Day 6: Pak Tha – Houey Say

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 26 fellow guests. Today you proceed to the Thai-Laotian border at Chiang Khong (Thailand) and Ban Houey Say (Laos). You will then spend a last relaxing dinner and evening in Laos. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun. (B/L/D)

Day 7: The Golden Triangle

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. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun. (B/L/D)

Day 8: Farewell

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

* Depending on season and water level the check-out will either be at Chiang Saen or Chiang Khong. (Regularly until early December the check-out will be at Chiang Saen, afterwards until May it will be Chiang Khong.)

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, local authorities and river and/or road conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.