Cruise Luang Prabang 6 day tour

Destination: Luang Prabang/Pak Ou Caves/Khuang Si 

Highlights: Enjoy the cruise tour on Mekong River to discover lovely UNESCO World Heritage Site Luang Prabang, an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Travel to hidden charms of Laos rural area as peaceful & exotic village as well as watch local Laos fishermen catching Mekong giant catfish along the shore.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, G=Guide

Day 1: Embarkation in Luang Prabang (D, G)

In the afternoon, you will embark on your Mekong Cruise vessel, a comfortable new boutique-cruise ship. (Check in is after 2 PM). 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 guided 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 colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend our welcome reception this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise. Overnight in your cabin aboard your river vessel.

Day 2: Departure from Luang Prabang (B, L, D, G)

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 the rest of the morning will be spent on a guided city tour with visits of the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple, Wat Khili and the Wat Sene temple as well. Your spectacular cruise begins with the departure from Luang Prabang after lunch from where you will cruise north through beautiful scenery. The night is spent on a secluded river bank or sandbank. Overnight onboard your river vessel.

Day 3: Pak Ou Caves (B, L, D, G)

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 down the Mekong River amidst beautiful landscapes. Overnight onboard your river vessel.

Day 4: Wild Nature Along The Mighty Mekong (B, L, D, G)

The ship will head south to the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua, connecting Luang Prabang Province with the Sayaboury province. 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. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition (due to sudden drops in water level on some days, it may be necessary to make the afternoon excursion down south and upstream again – the wildest and possibly most exciting part of the Mekong – in a local Lao slow boat before returning back onboard). You will visit a local village school, which is supported by guests of the Mekong River Cruises fleet. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before you head north again and stop at a sandbank for the night. Overnight onboard your river vessel.

Day 5: Khuang Si/Luang Prabang (B, L, D, G)

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 bus to visit the famous Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most remarkable waterfalls in Laos. On the way you will stroll through the small village of Tha Pan, where you can observe how the local communities live in Northern Laos. In the afternoon you will return to Luang Prabang. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner with a traditional Lao Baci-friendship ceremony.

Day 6: Disembarkation (B, G)

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

Price in US$ per person:

Our price includes:

• Breakfast and accommodation sharing twin or double room
• Transfers by private air-conditioned car as specified in the itinerary above
• Boats cruise as programme.
• Lunches and dinners, as specified in the programme
• Shore excursions with English-speaking ship manager or ship guide (shared)
• Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the programme
• Cold water and towel during the trip

Our price does not include:

• International flight tickets and airport tax
• Visas
• Other meals not mentioned
• Drinks, gratuities, tips and personal expenses
• Insurance