RV Pandaw Laos Cruise: 11-Day Upstream Mekong Journey from Vientiane

Your journey begins in Vientiane with an approximate 08:00 transfer from your hotel to Paylak. From there, a local long-tail boat will take you upstream to meet the RV Pandaw Laos Cruise, where the captain and crew will greet you. Settle in and enjoy a delicious lunch on board as you begin your river adventure.

In the afternoon, a special welcome reception awaits, featuring an assortment of food and drinks. This is a perfect opportunity for passengers to socialize with the friendly staff and fellow travelers, setting a warm tone for the expedition ahead. The vessel will remain overnight at Pak Lay, offering a peaceful start to your cruise.

After a relaxed morning meal, the RV Pandaw Laos will set sail upstream along the expansive Mekong. Guests can admire the picturesque scenery unfolding on both sides of the river from the deck, passing by verdant orchards and tranquil riverside communities. The morning includes a demonstration of the Lao language, followed by a short walk to Pha Laeb village, offering a glimpse into local life.

Following a delightful lunch on board, an afternoon excursion involves a leisurely stroll through Ban Khok Fark. Here, you'll have the chance to observe the rich cultural tapestry of daily life in Laos and appreciate the natural splendor of the Mekong region. As evening approaches, the ship will anchor for the night, providing a serene environment for a restful sleep.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast on board before disembarking to visit Ban Pak Bor Khummu Village. Here, you can explore traditional wooden stilt houses and appreciate their unique architectural style. The journey then continues past the Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam, a significant structure harnessing the Mekong’s power for electricity generation in the region. Guests will re-board the cruise for lunch, featuring a selection of local dishes prepared by the ship's chefs.

The afternoon brings an excursion to Ban Na San Village, home to Hmong minority communities. Participate in cultural activities such as craft workshops or cooking classes, allowing for a deeper understanding of the village's way of life. After sightseeing, return to the cruise to prepare for dinner while enjoying the magnificent sunset views from the deck. The ship will anchor at the river shore overnight.

The RV Pandaw Laos Cruise proceeds towards Ban Mouang Khai Village, which serves as the gateway to the renowned Kuang Si Waterfall. This spectacular waterfall features stunning turquoise pools and multiple cascading tiers of water over limestone formations. Guests will have the opportunity to swim, hike, and enjoy the beautiful forest surroundings. On the return journey to the ship, a stop is made at the Laos Buffalo Farm, an interesting project utilizing Laos's abundant buffalo resources for agriculture.

Later, embark on the cruise and continue the voyage to the ancient city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its blend of traditional and colonial wooden architecture. The afternoon includes attending a Baci Ceremony, a traditional Lao ritual where participants offer blessings and good wishes to those being honored. Dinner will be served on board, with the ship anchoring overnight in Luang Prabang.

After a healthy breakfast on deck, the day begins with an exploration of Luang Prabang's cultural heart. The first visit is to Ock Pop Tok, an organization that translates to “East Meets West” in Lao, dedicated to preserving and promoting Lao weaving traditions through a blend of Eastern artistry and Western innovation. Next, explore the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Lao traditional music and instruments. Return to the cruise for lunch while the ship navigates towards Ban Chan.

In the afternoon, experience a captivating pottery demonstration at Ban Chan's renowned pottery workshop. As evening approaches, enjoy a scenic sunset cruise on the Mekong River, offering beautiful views alongside Luang Prabang. The ship then returns to the dock for the night, anchored in the bustling center of town.

Start the early morning by observing the traditional almsgiving ceremony, a sacred ritual where monks collect offerings from local residents. Following breakfast, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the morning market, experiencing the vibrant sights and sounds of this local commercial hub. Afterward, embark on an exciting tuk-tuk ride to visit ancient Buddhist temples, intricate libraries, and the magnificent royal palace, all testaments to Luang Prabang's rich cultural heritage.

The afternoon is free for passengers to discover Luang Prabang's unique attractions independently. Explore the city's ancient stone streets, browse local artisan souvenir shops, or sample authentic local cuisine. Return to the cruise in the late afternoon for some rest on the ship's deck. Dinner will be served on board, and the vessel will remain anchored for the night.

The morning is dedicated to a scenic upstream sail to the Pak Ou Caves, allowing guests to relax on board. During this time, you may choose to enjoy the health care services available, such as the spa, massage, and fitness center. Lunch, featuring local delicacies, will be served on board as the cruise continues.

In the afternoon, embark on a sightseeing excursion by local boat to explore the extraordinary Pak Ou Caves. These 16th-century caves are adorned with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, left by pilgrims over centuries. Following the cave visit, witness the craft of local Lao whisky production in a nearby village and browse for locally made handicrafts, which make for exquisite souvenirs. Dinner will be served on board, with the ship docked at the shore for the night.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the cruise before sailing towards Ban Ton Village. The day is dedicated to immersing ourselves in the authentic rural lifestyle of northern Laos. Guests can participate in engaging activities and interact with local villagers, observing craftsmanship such as weaving, biking through the surroundings, and taking part in cultural exchanges like traditional dance performances or cooking classes.

As night falls, the vessel will dock by a picturesque sandbank for a special barbecue and cocktail party right by the riverside. Join the crew in lighting paper lanterns and enjoy traditional dancing on the deck under the stars. The ship will remain anchored overnight, providing a unique and memorable evening.

After a healthy breakfast on board, prepare for an excursion to Pakbeng. The highlight of the morning is a visit to the Pak Beng Elephant Sanctuary. Here, you'll have the unforgettable opportunity to interact with elephants, participating in activities such as feeding and bathing them, while also learning about crucial elephant conservation efforts in Laos, often referred to as 'The land of a million elephants.'

In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the charming Ban Pak Sith Khummu Village. Observe the daily activities of the residents and engage with them to gain insights into their way of life. Return to the cruise to prepare for dinner, admiring the majestic sunset views over the Mekong River near the shore. A sumptuous dinner will be served on board, followed by a tranquil night's sleep.

Following breakfast on board, the cruise embarks on the final leg of the journey to Houayxay. Upon completing necessary immigration procedures, guests will continue by coach to the Thai-Lao border, crossing the Friendship Bridge that connects the two countries. You will then board a boat to reach Chiang Khong, where you will rejoin the ship.

Passengers can continue to explore the Mekong River aboard the vessel and witness a captivating fruit carving performance. As the journey draws to a close, gather on board for a farewell cocktail evening, accompanied by enchanting Thai traditional dance performances. The ship will anchor overnight at the river shore in Chiang Khong.

After a leisurely breakfast on the deck, guests will prepare their luggage for check-out from their rooms around 8:30 in Chiang Khong. The journey continues with a visit to the Halls of Opium and the Golden Triangle, offering insights into the rich history of this significant region.

Following these visits, transportation will be provided to Chiang Rai (approximately 2 hours drive) or Chiang Mai (approximately 6 hours drive) airports or city hotels, marking the conclusion of your memorable Mekong River cruise expedition.