Laos Mekong Explorer

Laos Mekong Explorer Overview

Take in the best of life on the water in Laos, starting in northern Thailand, begin the Laos adventures with a scenic two-day river boat cruise to Luang Prabang. After a few days here we will fly you to Vientiane, and then down to south to cruise the sleepy 4,000 islands and admire life from the water once more.

DAY 1 - BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY IN CHIANG RAI
We expect that you will begin this journey in Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand, near the border to Laos. Spend tonight at a lovely little hotel, which is something of an oasis in this popular border town. Nothing has been planned for you today but we can organise an excursion or give you more ideas on how to spend your time (like visiting this stunning White Temple). Overnight at The Legend Hotel.

DAY 2 - ENJOY A DAY CRUISE INTO PAKBENG, LAOS
We transfer early this morning to the border town of Huay Xai where you board the lovely Luang Say Cruise boat from Huay Xai pier for a cruise down the Mekong to Pakbeng. En route one stop is made to observe rural life along the Mekong and visit minority ethnic groups; then, a buffet lunch on board. Arrive at Pakbeng before sunset and check‐in at Luang Say Lodge. You can then enjoy dinner on the terrace overlooking the Mekong River.

DAY 3 - CRUISE TO LUANG PRABANG
Start your morning with a visit to the local market this morning if you wish before boarding the boat for the second leg of the cruise. Take a short stop to discover a Hmong village before having a buffet lunch on board and continuing to Pak‐ Ou village at the mouth of the Nam Ou River, and then visit Pak Ou Caves “Cave of a thousand Buddha’s”. Upon reaching Luang Prabang check into the fabulous Burasari Heritage.

DAY 4 - HALF DAY TOUR OF LUANG PRABANG
This morning we will show you the key sites that have made Luang Prabang the cultural capital of Laos including the quaint Royal Palace Museum, the picturesque temple of Wat Visoun and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its roof sweeping low to the ground. We also visit the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre before you enjoy the afternoon at leisure to soak up this idyllic town.

DAY 5 - SEE THE MOST STUNNING WATERFALLS OF LAOS
After breakfast, we visit the local Phosi Market, where all the locals shop, and Ock Pop Tock, a silk weaving centre before driving to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pool or walk along the forest trails. Next to the falls is a Bear Rescue Centre, that does a great job in protecting and rehabilitating the rare Asiatic Black Bear. We then return to Luang Prabang by lunchtime.

DAY 6 - ENJOY A FREE DAY
After all this exploring we think you deserve a ‘day off’ and we can’t think of a nicer place to have one! Luang Prabang, is a beautiful UNESCO-protected town, and it’s the kind of place people come for a couple of days and wish they had a week! We have planned nothing for you today so you can soak up this pretty riverside town at your own pace.

DAY 7 - SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF VIENTIANE
Today we will fly you to Vientiane and show you the cultural highlights of the city including Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, today a museum of arts and antiques. Admire the Patuxai Monument, which resembles its Parisian inspiration, the Arc de Triomphe and the golden stupa of That Luang. Finally, visit the excellent COPE exhibition centre, which shows the terror caused by by bombs dropped in the Vietnam War. Check into the Ansara Hotel.

DAY 8 - BEGIN YOUR CRUISE OF SOUTH LAOS
Take an early flight to Pakse this morning, where you will board the Vat Phou Cruise, which south, arriving at Champassak in time for a riverside lunch, followed by a guided tour of the mysterious pre‐Angkorian 10th century temple of Wat Phou. As dusk falls, we board the Vat Phou for a relaxing cruise down‐river, enjoying the tropical sunset on the deck. Dinner is served on board, while the boat docks for the night alongside a remote Laotian village.

DAY 9 - CRUISE TO THE 4,000 ISLANDS
After a leisurely breakfast on board, we set sail for the village of Huei Thamo, only a few minutes walk away from the spectacular hidden ancient forest temple of Oum Moung. After, cruise to the “4,000 islands” region where you will observe unadulterated village life. This evening enjoy a quiet dinner on board, under the stars, serenaded by the songs by the songs of the buffalo toads. (Overnight on board).

DAY 10 - EXPLORE THE ISLANDS AND WATERFALLS IN THE SOUTH
Today you will cruise to the small village of Ban Ve Thong and board a small longtail boat to Khong Island, the largest island in the 4,000 islands region. After visiting the island, we take a long tail boat back to the mainland for lunch before being driven to the Khone Phapheng waterfall, “the Niagara of the East“, close to the Cambodian border. We return to Pakse where you can check into the Athena Hotel.

DAY 11 - BON VOYAGE!
This morning we will escort you to Pakse Airport to catch your onward flight home. This tour would also work very well with either a beach break in Thailand or a three night Angkor Wat tour in Siem Reap at the end, please contact us if you need assistance with this.