Laos Revealed
Green tea farm
Pak Ou Caves
Your ship stops for visits to small riverside villages.
Green tea farm
Pak Ou Caves
Your ship stops for visits to small riverside villages.
| Start | End | Ship | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14. Mar 2025 | 19. Mar 2025 | Mekong Pearl | check rate & cabin |
| 17. Dec 2025 | 22. Dec 2025 | Mekong Pearl | check rate & cabin |
| Start | End | Ship | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16. Sep 2025 | 21. Sep 2025 | Mekong Pearl | check rate & cabin |
| 12. Nov 2025 | 17. Nov 2025 | Mekong Sun | check rate & cabin |
| 4. Feb 2026 | 9. Feb 2026 | Mekong Sun | check rate & cabin |
Our route: Golden Triangle – Huay Xai – Pak Tha – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang
Relax aboard your exclusive river vessel and enjoy the unspoiled nature along the mighty upper Mekong. The upper Mekong is one of the most difficult rivers in the world to navigate, with fluctuating water levels. Your comfortable cruise vessel masters tight gorges, negotiates labyrinths of sandbanks, and clears churning rapids. Along this part of the Mekong, tranquil stretches of the river combine with striking shore scenery of lush green mountains, impressive rock formations, and secluded villages. The upper Mekong is considered one of the world’s most spectacular rivers navigable by a cruise vessel.
You will be picked up from Chiang Rai Airport or your city hotel between 8–9 am, embarking on an unforgettable journey to the legendary Golden Triangle, once infamous but now celebrated for its intrigue and beauty. Your adventure begins with a visit to the majestic Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak, followed by the captivating Hall of Opium, a museum with royal ties that delves into the complex history of the opium trade and its impact on health.
Afterward, you’ll board your exclusive boutique river vessel, owned through a joint venture be-tween German and Laotian partners. Settle into your comfortable cabin, your home for the next 6 days, and let the excitement of your journey begin.
As evening falls, unwind on the spacious decks, relax in the cozy onboard lounge, and enjoy a de-lightful welcome dinner, setting the perfect tone for the unforgettable journey ahead.
Overnight on board.
This morning begins with your final breakfast on Thai soil, marking the start of your adventure as you cross the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and step into Laos. Your journey continues with a visit to the bustling border town of Huay Xay, a lively trade hub in the Bokeo province, where ‘Bokeo’ means ‘sapphire,’ a nod to the region’s rich heritage.
Afterward, your grand voyage on the mighty Mekong River truly begins as we set sail. You’ll be cap-tivated by the breathtaking landscapes of northern Laos —lush greenery, mist-covered mountains, and peaceful riverside villages. We journey toward Pak Tha, a significant estuary of the Mekong, where we will anchor for the night, surrounded by the tranquillity of this remarkable region.
Overnight on board.
After breakfast, set off on a journey to visit one of the local hill tribe villages in the Pak Tha area, where you’ll have the chance to experience their unique way of life. Upon your return to the ves-sel, you’ll be greeted with refreshing drinks on the upper deck, offering a perfect moment to relax and enjoy the peaceful river atmosphere before lunch is served.
As we continue downstream, we pass through remote and untouched regions of Laos, accessible only by water. Here, the Mekong unveils some of its most stunning landscapes: lush hills draped in tropical vegetation, dramatic rock formations, and a mesmerizing mix of fast currents and calm wa-ters.
Whether you choose to unwind on deck, retreat to the comfort of your cabin, or relax in the lounge, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of these breathtaking surroundings.
Overnight on board.
After a peaceful morning, we arrive at a charming riverside village around midday. Here, we explore the legendary Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of small Buddha statues lovingly placed by pilgrims over the centuries. From this sacred site, you have the option to embark on a jungle trek through lush greenery, leading to the local village of Ban Muang Keo. For a more relaxed pace, a short boat ride will also take you to the village.
In Ban Muang Keo, you’ll witness the ancient art of distilling Lao-Lao, the traditional rice whiskey of Laos, under the guidance of Miss Somechan Khonpachith, who has dedicated her life to mastering this craft. She’ll not only share the secrets of this time-honored technique but also invite you to enjoy a tasting.
As the day draws to a close, our ship remains anchored, surrounded by majestic limestone moun-tains, offering a picturesque backdrop for your evening.
Overnight on board.
Today, you will arrive in Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Herit-age site. Your adventure begins with a guided walk through the city, taking you to the famous Wat Xieng Thong Temple, a stunning example of Laotian architecture and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
As evening approaches, you’ll ascend Mount Phou Si, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Mekong and Khan rivers, a perfect way to close the day. Afterward, you can take a leisurely stroll along the serene Mekong promenade or immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the colorful Hmong Night Market.
Back on board, a special farewell dinner awaits, celebrating the final night of your cruise. This occa-sion offers a chance to say goodbye to the Laotian crew, cruise director, and captain, marking the close of an unforgettable journey.
Overnight on board.
In the early morning you can visit or attend the Tak Bat – a traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang, where dozens of orange robed monks and novices walk through the streets and alleys of Luang Prabangs’ old town. Afterward, your guide will lead you through the bustling local morning market, where the air is filled with the fragrant aromas of exotic spices, locally grown teas, and freshly brewed Laotian coffee.
After breakfast, you’ll check out and disembark, carrying with you the unforgettable memories of your journey along the Mighty Mekong. Our shared adventure concludes with a transfer to the airport or a city hotel in Luang Prabang.
From 1 PM it’s time to board your exclusive boutique river vessel, uniquely owned through a joint venture between German and Laotian partners. Settle into your inviting cabin, your home for the next 6 days.
Your first evening promises cultural enchantment: enjoy a traditional Lao dance performance and a heartwarming Baci well-wishing ceremony, followed by our Mekong River Cruises Welcome Dinner. Throughout the cruise, you’ll be treated to a delightful selection of both Asian and European dishes, offering a culinary journey as rich and varied as the sights you’ll encounter along the way.
Overnight on board.
During breakfast, your cruise takes you upstream where we explore the legendary Pak Ou Caves, inhabited by thousands of small Buddha statues lovingly placed by pilgrims over the centuries. From this sacred site, you have the option to embark on a jungle trek through lush greenery, leading you to the local village of Ban Muang Keo. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, a short boat ride will take you to the village. You can witness the ancient art of distilling Lao-Lao, the local rice whiskey of Laos, guided by Miss Somechan Khonpachith, who has dedicated her life to mastering this craft. She will not only reveal the secrets of this ancient technique but also invite you to a tasting.
In the afternoon, your ship continues cruising upstream towards Oudomxay Province, passing by the construction site of the Pak Ou Dam. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax at your leisure, whether you choose to unwind on deck or join our Cruise Director for an engaging infotainment program.
Overnight on board.
As you continue upstream, the river traffic thins out, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning landscapes that surround you. You can unwind on deck, in your comfortable cabin, or in the lounge, soaking up the sun as the landscape transforms into a breathtaking panorama: hills blanketed in lush tropical vegetation, striking rock formations along the riverbanks, and a captivating mix of swift currents and calm waters. The vibrant life along the river and the majestic power of the Mekong creates a true sense of adventure and discovery.
Overnight on board.
Today, unwind on deck as you soak in the diverse landscapes and the serene beauty of northern Laos, offering a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. As the lush green hills pass by, your ship cruises toward the Nam Tha, one of the Mekong’s most significant estuaries. In the even-ing, savour our renowned Mekong River Cruises barbecue dinner, set in a picturesque riverside location.
Overnight on board.
After breakfast, embark on a journey to one of the local hill tribe villages in the Pak Tha area, where you’ll have the chance to experience their unique way of life. Following your visit, return to the ship for the final leg of your river cruise, soaking in the stunning landscapes as you sail toward the Thailand–Laos border. The journey concludes in the bustling border town of Huay Xay, a vibrant trade hub in Bokeo province, where ‘Bokeo’ means ‘sapphire,’ reflecting the region’s rich heritage. Ex-plore the lively town market and visit the peaceful temple overlooking the Mekong. If time per-mits, we’ll cross into Thailand via the Thai/Lao Friendship Bridge. In the evening, we’ll celebrate the memories and adventures shared during this unforgettable voyage with a special farewell dinner on the Mekong.
Overnight on board.
After breakfast, say your goodbyes to the Laotian crew as you complete the checkout process and disembark from your boutique ship in Chiang Khong. From there, you’ll be transported to the leg-endary Golden Triangle region, once infamous but now steeped in intrigue and history. During your guided tour, you’ll visit the majestic Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and explore the captivating Hall of Opium, a museum with royal ties that offers a profound exploration of the opium trade’s complex history and its impact on health. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to either the airport or your hotel in Chiang Rai, bringing your journey to a close.
Tour Prices Include
Not Included
NOTE: The water level of the Mekong is constantly shifting over the year. That’s why every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and subject to these changing river conditions, including floods, low water levels, and morning fog. Our vessels were built to cope with this erraticism, making it possible to safely negotiate even low water levels.
However, there are times when operating as planned will not be viable. We ask for your understanding that the itinerary of this tour may be altered because of the logistical complexities mentioned. For safety reasons, modifications of the tour program will sometimes become necessary, depending on the weather, the river conditions, or orders by local authorities. In such cases, we provide transportation by slowboat and a hotel overnight if needed. Thanks to our high flexibility and our excellent local partners, we’re able to organize exciting alternative programs whenever necessary—even on short notice
This journey is generally not for guests with limited mobility or who depend on CPAP machines. Please contact us for more information about your specific requirements before booking.
+856 20 55660402
lukas@cruisemekong.com
22/2 Sakkarine Rd, Ban Xieng Thong,
Luang Prabang, Lao P.D.R.