The tour price of this itinerary would vary depending on date of departure and number of participant. Please contact us contact us @ info@luxurymekongcruisers.com for best available rate.
IMPORTANT: The itinerary for this expedition is indicative only and subject to reconnaissance. As we travel to remote areas, changes to the itinerary will inevitably occur. A flexible approach is required if you book this cruise.
DAY 1: VIENTIANE
Transfer from airports or hotel in Vientiane or from Udon Thani (1.5hrs) in Thailand just across the river. Embarkation 11.30am, followed by lunch and afternoon explorations of the delightful French city including visits to Sisaket Temple, the President’s Hall, Wat Prakeo Temple and the Phatouxay monument. Set sail late afternoon, enjoy a welcome dinner on board and overnight near Vientiane.
Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Cruise
DAY 2: CRUISING THE MEKONG
Today we cruise upstream on the Mekong, passing lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages. Morning presentation on the Lao language. Afternoon cooking demonstration on the upper deck. Arrive in Ban Xanakham where we more overnight.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Cruise
DAY 3: PAK LAI
Afternoon visit to the French administrative town of Pak Lai with many colonial buildings and a bustling local market. This town boasts the largest elephant festival in South East Asia, usually in February. We return to the ship at Ban Muang where we overnight.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Cruise
DAY 4: BAN PARK BOR VILLAGE
Afternoon visit and walking tour of Ban Park Bor (Kmu Tribal) Village, a typical village, set on the banks of the Mekong amidst lush jungle.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Cruise
Day 5: BAN MOUANG KHAI VILLAGE
In the morning we pass the newly constructed lock that forms part of the Xanyaburi Hydro Electric Power Plant. Continue upstream to the village of Ban Mouang Khai.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Cruise
Day 6: LUANG PRABANG
Morning sightseeing by mini coach to visit the jungle pools and dramatic Khaung Si waterfall. We also visit a butterfly garden and elephant camp. Arrive in the heart of the temple city of Luang Prabang. After lunch, explore by tuktuk this well-preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. There is a buzzing night market and many delightful cafes and some quite good restaurants ashore.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Cruise
Day 7: LUANG PRABANG
Early morning walking tour to see the alms offering by the local people to hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. Passengers are invited to join in with offerings we provide for the alms giving. Morning walking tour visiting the National Museum and morning market. Afternoon free to enjoy the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang on your own explorations ashore. Enjoy traditional Laos dancing on the upper deck late afternoon. We moor overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Cruise
Day 8: PAK OU BUDDHA CAVES
Morning sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. Sail upstream on the beautiful Mekong towards Ban Bo. After lunch, enjoy a cooking demonstration on the upper deck.
Your cruise includes a flight from Homalin to Mandalay or Yangon. Please note the flight times for your flight from Homalin to Mandalay or Rangoon are currently as follows:
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Cruise
Day 9: PAK BENG
Morning walking tour of the market town of Pak Beng. After lunch, if time permits, we explore Ban Pak Sip, a traditional riverside village full of charm and life.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Cruise
Day 10: CHIANG KHONG
Scenic cruising to the border between Laos and Thailand at Huay Say. Here we cross into Thailand where our waiting transport takes you to re-join the ship at the bustling and pretty Thai port town of Chiang Khong. Enjoy farewell cocktails and dinner on board the Laos Pandaw tonight.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Cruise
Day 11: GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Disembark by 8.30am in Chiang Sean and explore the Golden Triangle including a visit to the opium museum. Continue to airports or city hotels in Chiang Rai (3 hours) and Chiang Mai (6 hours).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Departures
Pandaw Cruise Departures
Note*: rates and departures would change without prior notice. Please contact us @ info@luxurymekongcruisers.com for our updated rates and departures for your proposed trip on Pandaw Cruise.
Pandaw Cruise departures details. Tripadvisor Forum
Cruise Price Includes: Entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, locally made soft drinks, local beer and local spirits, jugged coffee and selection of teas and tisanes, mineral water. Transfers Chiang Rai / Chiang Mai to ship v.v. and ship to Vientiane / Udon Thani v.v.
Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), imported beverages such as wines, premium spirits and liqueurs, fancy soft drinks like Perrier, espressos and cappuccinos at bar and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.
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