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The Laos Mekong

Cruise the upper Mekong river through the mountains and forests of Laos on this 10-night cruise, with visits to the Laos capital Vientiane and two nights in historic Luang Prabang

Cruise Only
10 nights from £3781pp

River Adventures Holiday
Laos Mekong Sunset

Call us now on 01756 706500

Enjoy the splendour of Laos on Pandaw's 10 night expedition on the Upper Mekong.

Sailing between Chiang Khong on the Thai-Laos border, and through Laos toward Vientiane, the old French capital, you will witness stunning scenery, meet amazingly warm and friendly locals and learn about Laos’ national animal, the majestic elephant. We stop for three nights at the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang with its dazzling wood-carved monasteries before heading deep into the mountains, through rapids and gorges on our high-powered little Pandaw vessels.

PD254 Operated by Pandaw River Adventures

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The Laos Mekong Itinerary

Day 1 - Vientiane

Pick up from your hotel in Vientiane at 08.00am, followed by a local long-tail boat expedition to your Pandaw vessel upstream. Lunch and drinks will be provided on the local boat by your Pandaw chef and bar staff. Embark your Pandaw in the afternoon for a welcome briefing and welcome drinks. We moor overnight at Pak Lay.

Day 2 - Mekong River Vietnam/Cambodia

Cruise upstream on the Mekong, passing lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages. Morning presentation on the Lao language after a short walk at Pha Laeb village. If time permits, we will also enjoy an afternoon walk at Ban Khok Fark.

Day 3 - Xayaburi Dam

Morning walk at Ban Pak Bor Khummu village before passing through Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam, taking an inside look of the workings of this somewhat controversial attraction as we navigate the locks. Afternoon visit to Ban Na San village, a Hmong minority village.

Day 4 - Kuang Si Falls

In the morning we moor at the village of Ban Mouang Khai and visit the dramatic Kaung Si waterfall. On the way back to the ship, we stop at the Laos Buffalo Farm, a social enterprise utilizing the abundant buffalo in Laos. Arrive in the heart of the temple city of Luang Prabang mid-afternoon where there is a buzzing night market and many great cafes and local restaurants. Traditional Laos Bacci ceremony and dancing on the upper deck during happy hour. Moor overnight in central Luang Prabang.

Day 5 - Luang Prabang

Today we explore the various handicrafts of Laos in more detail. We start with Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise providing sustainable employment and training for the women of local weaving villages. We then head to TAEC (Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre) to understand more about Laos musical instruments. After lunch aboard the ship, we sail toward Ban Chan and take part in a pottery demonstration at the local pottery workshop. We finish the day with a sunset cruise on the Mekong alongside Luang Prabang, returning to moor overnight in the centre of town.

Day 6 - Luang Prabang

Early morning walking tour to observe the alms offerings to the hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. We continue after breakfast to the morning market before taking tuktuks for a city tour of this well preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. The afternoon is free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang.

Day 7 - Pak Ou Caves

Morning at leisure in Luang Prabang before setting sail at midday upstream. Afternoon sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. See the production of local Laos whisky at the Whisky village and shop for locally produced handicrafts.

Day 8 - Ban Ton

Day of sailing upstream along the Mekong with morning walk through Ban Ton village. In the evening, we moor alongside a sandbank for a special riverside barbecue and cocktail party. Light paper lanterns with the crew and enjoy a dance in remote Laos.

Day 9 - Pak Beng

Laos is known as ‘The land of a million elephants’ and today we will visit a rescue sanctuary that is helping to preserve the elephants of Laos and provide sustainable alternative employment for Mahouts who once trained and rode these beautiful creatures. Afternoon walk at Ban Pak Sith Khummu village.

Day 10 - Chiang Khong

Today we sail the final leg of our journey upstream toward Huayxay. Cross over into Thailand via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge before rejoining your ship in Chiang Khong. Enjoy a ship tour of your Pandaw vessel and fruit carving demonstration from your Pandaw Chef. Farewell cocktails and Thai traditional dance on board for your last evening.

Day 11 - Chiang Khong

Disembark by 8.30 in Chiang Khong and group transfer to hotel/airport. En route, explore the Golden Triangle including a visit to the opium museum.

Price Includes

  • 10-night full board cruise
  • All taxes and port charges
  • All gratuities
  • Selected drinks
  • Cultural performances and all scheduled excursions
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2024 Departures £ price per person based on 2 people sharing

  • October
    • Oct 11th - Vientiane to Chiang Khong - Sailing on: Champa Pandaw From: £3781
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3781 Blue Water Price from: £4683
    • Oct 13th - Vientiane to Chiang Khong - Sailing on: Laos Pandaw From: £4124
      Main Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £4124
    • Oct 16th - Vientiane to Chiang Khong - Sailing on: Sabaidee Pandaw From: £4159
      Main Deck Twin Upper Deck Twin
      Blue Water Price from: £4159 Blue Water Price from: £5151
    • Oct 22nd - Sailing on: Champa Pandaw From: £3781
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3781 Blue Water Price from: £4683
    • Oct 24th - Sailing on: Laos Pandaw From: £4159
      Main Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £4159
  • November
    • Nov 2nd - Vientiane to Chiang Khong - Sailing on: Champa Pandaw From: £4159
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £4159 Blue Water Price from: £5151
    • Nov 7th - Vientiane to Chiang Khong - Sailing on: Sabaidee Pandaw From: £4159
      Main Deck Twin Upper Deck Twin
      Blue Water Price from: £4159 Blue Water Price from: £5151
    • Nov 15th - Sailing on: Laos Pandaw From: £4159
      Main Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £4159
    • Nov 24th - Vientiane to Chiang Khong - Sailing on: Champa Pandaw From: £4159
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £4159 Blue Water Price from: £5151
    • Nov 26th - Vientiane to Chiang Khong - Sailing on: Laos Pandaw From: £4159
      Main Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £4159
  • December
    • Dec 18th - Sailing on: Laos Pandaw From: £3781
      Main Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3781
    • Dec 20th - Vientiane to Chiang Khong - Sailing on: Sabaidee Pandaw From: £3781
      Main Deck Twin Upper Deck Twin
      Blue Water Price from: £3781 Blue Water Price from: £4683

2025 Departures £ price per person based on 2 people sharing

  • January
    • Jan 23rd - Vientiane to Chiang Khong - Sailing on: Sabaidee Pandaw From: £4537
      Main Deck Twin Upper Deck Twin
      Blue Water Price from: £4537 Blue Water Price from: £5619
    • Jan 31st - Sailing on: Laos Pandaw From: £4537
      Main Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £4537
  • February
    • Feb 11th - Vientiane to Chiang Khong - Sailing on: Laos Pandaw From: £4159
      Main Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £4159
    • Feb 17th - Vientiane to Chiang Khong - Sailing on: Champa Pandaw From: £3781
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3781 Blue Water Price from: £4683
    • Feb 22nd - Sailing on: Laos Pandaw From: £3781
      Main Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3781
  • March
    • Mar 5th - Vientiane to Chiang Khong - Sailing on: Laos Pandaw From: £3781
      Main Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3781
    • Mar 11th - Vientiane to Chiang Khong - Sailing on: Champa Pandaw From: £4159
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £4159 Blue Water Price from: £5151
  • November
    • Nov 4th - Vientiane to Chiang Khong - Sailing on: Laos Pandaw From: £3970
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3970 Blue Water Price from: £4962

Price Information

  • Please note prices are updated regularly from a third party price feed and may fluctuate from those shown. Please contact us for latest prices
  • Prices shown usually include all available discounts
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