16 Days/ 15 Nights
16 Days/ 15 Nights
Enjoy a three country expedition as we will traverse Laos to touch Thailand and Burma at the once notorious Golden Triangle. From Vientiane, the old French capital, and so redolent of L’Indochine, Pandaw will be the first river expedition since pre-war days to cross all Laos. We stop two nights at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang with its dazzling wood-carved monasteries and then on deep into the mountains, through rapids and gorges on our high-powered little Pandaw. Visit tribal villages and explore into jungle and countryside.
Arrive Vientiane. You will receive a warm welcome from your guide. Private transfer to hotel.
After check out, transfer to the meeting point for your embarkation at 12.30 PM, followed by lunch and afternoon exploration of the delightful French city including visits to the golden Pha That Luang Stupa, 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.
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
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 to moor overnight.
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
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.
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Morning visit and walking tour to Khamo tribal village, a typical village, set on the banks of the Mekong amidst lush jungle. In the afternoon pass through the Xanyaburi Hydro Electric Power Plant.
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
In the morning visit a Hmong village and continue upstream to the village of Ban Mouang Khai. Afternoon sightseeing by minibus visiting the jungle pools and dramatic Khaung Si waterfall then on to a butterfly garden. Arrive in the heart of the temple city of Luang Prabang where there is a buzzing night market and many great cafes and some good local restaurants.
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
In the morning explore by tuktuk this well-preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries, and royal palace. Visit the National Museum and have the afternoon free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang on your own. Enjoy traditional Laos dancing on the upper deck late afternoon. Moor overnight in Luang Prabang.
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
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 almsgiving. Morning sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. Evening cocktails on a sandbank. Sail upstream on the beautiful Mekong towards Ban Bo.
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Morning visit to a local Khamo village. Sail upstream on the Mekong passing Pak Beng towards Pak Sit.
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Early morning walking tour in a Khamo village then cruise through stunning scenery to the border of Laos and Thailand. The night is spent on the Lao side in the Huay xay area where we take a late afternoon village walk.
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Cruise upriver to the Town of Chiang Sean for the border crossing at the Golden Triangle. Farewell cocktails and Thai traditional dance on board for your last evening.
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Disembark by 8.30 in Chiang Sean and transfer to hotel in Chiang Rai. En route, explore the Golden Triangle including a visit to the opium museum. You will reach Chiang Rai at 15.30. Check-in hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
In the morning, take a private tour to the Baan Nang Lae where you can visit the Long Neck Karen Hiilltribe, who are known for boating spiral brass coils around their necks. Next stop at Doi Tung – a site of major importance to Thai people. Her Royal Highness, The Princess Mother, initiated and developed numerous socio-environmental projects including reforestation and helping the hill tribes to grow various crops. Visit The Mae Fah Luang Garden, and The Royal Villa, the residence of The Princess Mother. Return to the hotel and the rest of the evening is free.
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
In the morning, check out the hotel and head off to Chiang Mai. En route, visit the unique Wat Rong Khun known as The White Temple. Have lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Chiang Mai. Check into your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure. (Driving time approx. 4 hours)
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Today, visit the most famous temple in Chiang Mai, located at the top of Doi Suthep Mountain. Once you have reached the temple, you can enjoy the best views of Chiang Mai city, from 3,000ft above the ground. Learn about the history of this temple and how it came to be constructed so high up the mountain. Then take a trip to visit the area of Thailand’s famous handicrafts at Sankampaeng Road Village. You can discuss specific handicrafts of your interest such as silk, teak wood, silver, umbrella making, and sa paper making, etc., with your guide. Return to hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure or your own activities.
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Private transfer to the airport for flight departure.
Breakfast
PLEASE NOTE: 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.
