Mekong Sun 5 Nights: Laos Revealed (Downstream)
Destination: Golden Triangle, Pak Ou Caves, Luang Prabang
Departure date of itinerary: Contact us for details
Highlights of Itinerary
- Visiting Opium Hall provides insight into the harmful effects of opium
- Learn about traditional culture when visiting the Khmu ethnic village
- Embark on a thrilling expedition along the Mekong River
- Immerse in the poetic beauty of the sunset in Luang Prabang
- Explore the Pak Ou Caves with thousands of Buddha statues
- Enjoy local specialties and BBQ by the river in the evening
Day 1 CHIANG RAI – THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE - EMBARKATION (D)
From 8-9 am, you will visit the Golden Triangle area which is a serene landscape after being picked up at your hotel or the Chiang Rai Airport.
After transportation, you will arrive at the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the Hall of Opium. The royal of Thailand sponsored this museum, which presents a profound look at history and politics in opium business with the health effect when using it.
Then it is time to board your exclusive river vessel. Mekong Sun is fascinating luxury ships, which are jointly owned by German and Laotians. Set up your cozy stateroom and unpack your belongings for an 6-day voyage.
During evening time, you can savor the large decks, onboard lounge, and have a welcoming greeting at dinnertime.
Overnight: All overnight aboard your boutique river cruise ship.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 WELCOME TO LAOS (B, L, D)
The trip on the Mekong River begins this morning with the starting point in the Golden Triangle representing the region coinciding with the rural mountains of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand.
You will officially come to the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos after stopping near the Laotian town of Huay Xai on the borders of Laos and Thailand.
Then you can visit northern Laos with fabulous views and head to Pak Tha village. The long-tail boat will take you across Namtha River to see ethnic minority Khmu village.
The next destination is a small school funded by the travelers of Mekong River Cruises. Afterward, the cruise ship keeps downstream and anchors the riverbank or at the sand.
Overnight on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 ASTONISHING LANDSCAPES & REMOTE VILLAGES (B, L, D)
During the time of passing the populated area reached only by water, you will experience the untamed river’s most fascinating scenery: hills overlaid with tropical plants, breathtakingly unique rock formations, and a stunning mixture of slow and fast water. Mekong makes you feel the expedition in reality. On the way to visit the local village, enjoy the remoteness of the breathtaking landscape on deck, cabin or the lounge.
Overnight on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 THE PAK OU CAVES (B, L, D)
After morning time on board, we will visit the well-known Pak Ou Caves with thousands of small Buddha statues located at a small riverside village. There are two routes to get there. The first option is a short trek across the forest to see their local distillery. The second one is to reach the village by boat and see the elephants in action nearby (They can be employed elsewhere so you might not see them). In the evening, we have a famous Mekong River Cruises BBQ dinner by the riverside. Overnight on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE TOWN OF LUANG PRABANG (B, L, D)
You will visit the former royal capital of Laos, named Luang Prabang, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. First, we take a city walk to Wat Xieng Thong temple with its Golden tiled roofs that surely impress you. During the day, we will explore other must-see points. This evening we walk up Phou Si-hill, where you can see over the Mekong as well as the Khan River and the nearby mountains, stroll along the Mekong promenade, or enter the lively night market of the Hmong minority. The Luang Prabang offers several chances for great dining, you can select freely to have dinner in town or along the Mekong River. Overnight on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 DISEMBARK IN LUANG PRABANG (B)
You can visit the common giving of alms in Luang Prabang’s street or discover the habitual morning market in the early morning. After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark. The journey with many great memories ends after the Laos River Cruises guide takes you to your hotel or the airport (Limits among the city).
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included/Excluded
- 5 nights aboard your boutique river vessel.
- Meals according to itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
- Coffee, tea and water during meal times on board.
- All excursions and necessary entry fees according to itinerary.
- Presentations and lectures by your cruise director.
- Transfers between airports and hotels within city limits.
- Meals and services other than those noted in the itinerary.
- Flights, Visas for Thailand and Laos.
- Laundry, telephone calls and personal expenditures.
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, boat crew, and personal, non-itinerary services.
- Alcoholic and soft drinks other than mentioned.
- Personal insurance.
- Video or photography fees (if requested during excursions).
