Cruise Luang Prabang – Vientiane 8 day tour

Destination: Luang Prabang/Pak Ou/Khuang Si/Tha Deua/Paklay/Vientiane

Highlights: Experience the stunning Mekong River scenery landscapes of mountains, waterfalls, forests…and learn Culture & History of Laos People in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites in Luang Prabang, visit Ventiane Capital as well as explore the unique beauty of hidden remote rural area of Laos. Enjoy The boutique Mekong Sun Cruise with delicious food, drinks and tastefully spacious cabins….

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

Day 1: Luang Prabang Embarkation (D, G)

In the afternoon, you will embark at one of the German-Laotian owned river ships Mekong Sun and/or Explorer. These are comfortable new cabin cruiser on the upper Mekong. (Check in is at 2:00 PM.) Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a four-day cruise. Your program begins with a walk and visit at the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple, Wat Khili and Wat Sene as well. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend our welcome reception, bazi ceremony, Lao Dances performance and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the evening. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

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

Breakfast is on board. During a full day visit you will get to know some of the highlights of this beautiful city, the National Museum in the morning include. After Lunch trip by minivan for a visit Wat Visoun, Wat Manorom and Sa-Paper-Village at the Nam Khan River outside town. In the late afternoon walk up Phou Si-hill which offers a spectacular sunset view over the Mekong as well as the Khan river and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy the unique atmosphere provided by the abundance of well-preserved French colonial architecture mingling with traditional Buddhist temples. In the evening enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

Day 3: Luang Prabang/Pak Ou (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. Today your spectacular cruise begins with the departure from Luang Prabang from where you will cruise north and visit a Laotian village. In the village you can observe how the local liqueur Lao-Lao is being distilled traditionally. 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.

Day 4: Khuang Si (B, L, D, G)

After a few hours of cruising down the river, you will stop and continue by bus to visit the famous Kuang Si-waterfalls, followed by a visit to an elephant camp, where you will be able to see the big creatures in action (Unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit). Upon returning to your vessel, the ship heads on southwards. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

Day 5: Tha Deua/Paklay (B, L, D, G)

Today you will see the Mekong ferry crossing at Thadeua, connecting Luang Prabang Province with the Sayaboury province. In the afternoon you will have a short visit at the small riverside community of Pak Lay, known for its abundance of colonial architecture. At night you will enjoy again the comfort of your cruise ship. You will spend the night close to the border between Thailand and Laos. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

Day 6: Wild Nature along The Mighty Mekong (B, L, D, G)

Further south you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes of this partly 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 and slow currents on the river. 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 shores before you head north again and stop at a sandbank for the night. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

Day 7: Vientiane (B, L, D, G)

You cruise takes you further downstream along the “mother of all waters”, as the Laotians call the Mekong. Today’s destination is Vientiane, the capital of Laos. In Vientiane you will visit the That Luang temple, which is the national symbol, and the picturesque Arc de Triomphe. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

Day 8: Disembark Vientiane (B, G)

After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew, followed by checkout and disembarkation. End of services.