Laos Mekong Cruise

FLY TO BANGKOK

Fly from Auckland to Singapore with Singapore Airlines. (Other options are available).

Fly from Singapore to Bangkok with Singapore Airlines.

On arrival in Bangkok you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private car.

BANGKOK

Enjoy the day at leisure in Bangkok.

FLY TO VIENTIANE

After breakfast you will be collected and transferred to the airport for your flight to Vientiane.

Fly from Bangkok to Vientiane with Thai Airways.

On arrival in Vientiane you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private car.

VIENTIANE - FULL DAY TOUR

Vientiane is one of Southeast Asia’s most misunderstood cities. While many tourists dismiss it as a modern, dusty capital, it has a unique charm that unveils itself to the intrepid traveller. Spend today getting to know the true lure of Vientiane.

Start with a visit to Wat Sisaket, a serene temple whose teak hallways are filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues.

Nearby is Wat Phra Keo where ancient Lao and Khmer art works are on display and the Presidential Palace, a beautiful colonial-style building once used as the French governor’s residence.

Next it’s on to Wat Simuang to partake in a unique Laos’ tradition. This is the city’s most venerated temple and the locals believe that any wish will be granted by walking around its main pillar three times.

Continue through the centre of the city to explore the contrast of old and new. Stop at That Dam, an old stupa whose gold covering was stolen by the Thai army during their 1828 invasion. Nearby is Nam Phou Fountain, built by the French, where a plethora of fine-dining and fusion restaurants have appeared in recent years. The area is home to modern buildings but also many small, family-run tailor shops.

Take a break at midday for lunch at Local.

This afternoon visit COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. The centre provides in-depth information about the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) dropped during the Vietnam-American war.

Then it is on to two of the most recognizable landmarks in Laos: Patuxay and That Luang. Built to resemble Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, Patuxay offers fabulous views over the capital. That Luang is equally impressive, a 16th-century gilded temple that is one of the country’s holiest sites.

As evening approaches, join the locals on the banks of the Mekong River. Stroll along the riverside, stopping to enjoy a cold drink or to sample a snack from one of the many food stalls.

This area is very popular with locals and is a good chance to rub shoulders with Vientiane’s residents. Wrap up this full day Vientiane tour with a full stomach and better understanding of the sleepy, charming capital.

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.

CRUISING THE MEKONG

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.

XAYABOURI 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.

KUANG SI WATERFALLS

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.

LUANG PRABANG CRAFTS & CULTURE

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.

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.

PAK OU CAVE

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.

BAN TON AND SANDBANK BBQ

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.

PAK BENG ELEPHANT SANCTUARY

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.

PAK SITH - 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.

CHIANG KHONG - CHIANG RAI

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.

Continue to airports or city hotels in Chiang Rai (2 hours) and Chiang Mai (6 hours).

DAY AT LEISURE

Enjoy the day at leisure in Chiang Rai.

FLY TO AUCKLAND

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport by private car for your onward flight.

Fly from  to Chaing Rai to Bangkok with Thai Airways.

Fly from Bangkok to Singapore with Singapore Airlines.

Fly from Singapore to Auckland with Singapore Airlines.

ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND

Arrive back in New Zealand.