Travel along formerly inaccessible stretches of Southeast Asia's most exciting river. Discover Vientiane and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, stroll through colourful markets, and experience firsthand the Laotian people’s traditional way of life. Relax aboard your exclusive river vessel and enjoy the unspoiled nature along the mighty upper Mekong – one of the most difficult rivers in the world to navigate, with fluctuating water levels, tight gorges, labyrinths of sandbanks and churning rapids.

Journey highlights includes:

  • The wild upper Mekong aboard a boutique river vessel – one of the most spectacular river cruises in the world.
  • The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, a superb fusion of numerous temples, monasteries, and French colonial architecture. One of Asia’s most beautiful historical towns.
  • First-hand experience of the Thai and Lao peoples’ traditional lifestyles.
  • The waterfalls at Kuang Si, inviting you to swim in their lovely natural pools.
  • Unforgettable impressions of the mighty Mekong River, the “mother of waters”.
  • Professional onboard infotainment, including lectures and documentaries on the region.
  • Day 01

    Vientiane (Embarkation)

    In the afternoon, you will embark on the Mekong Sun, a comfortable Laotian cruise ship. These unique vessels are the first German-Laotian owned river ships with cabins on the upper Mekong. Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a five-nights cruise. (Check-in is at noon). Shortly after embarkation, your vessel starts for your spectacular river cruise upstream into formerly inaccessible parts of the Mekong river. The night is spent on a beautiful sandbank, surrounded by nothing but pure nature. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend your welcome reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise.

    Meals included: Dinner (D)

  • Day 02

    Wild Nature Along the Mighty Mekong 

    Further north, you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes of this still-untamed river. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the river banks, and a fascinating array of fast currents and slower river parts. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbanks before you head north again and stop at a remote sandbank for the night.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B,L,D)

  • Day 03

    Pak Lay

    Upstream you will stop at the small riverside community of Pak Lai, known for once possessing many colonial buildings. The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. Enjoy the comfort and service onboard: exclusive, yet casual, you’ll share the boat with no more than 26 fellow guests.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B,L,D)

  • Day 04 & Day 05

    Tha Deua

    During and after breakfast on board, enjoy the beautiful view and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore. You will see the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua, connecting Luang Prabang province with the Sayaboury province. After passing Xayaburi embankment dam, you will meet the inhabitants of a small village which is regularly visited by our guests and supported by donations.

    Meals included (x2): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B,L,D)

  • Day 06

    Kuang Si to Luang Prabang

    A shore excursion will take you to the Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most attractive waterfalls in Laos. This afternoon, you will reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Luang Prabang you will say goodbye to your Lao crew. Check out and disembarkation. 

    Your journey adventure may be over, but we know you will enjoy the memories you have made for years to come. 

    Meals included: Breakfast (B)

Details

Contact us about this itinerary

Cruise Line: Mekong River Cruises

Cruise Ship: The Mekong Sun

Cruise Line: Mekong River Cruises
Cruise ship: The Mekong Sun
One of the only ships capable of mastering the upper Mekong in Laos, the exclusive Mekong Sun provides a cruising experience that takes you on a unique journey to discover the untouched river landscapes of the region. Comfortable cabins, quality service and insightful shore excursions ensure an enjoyable exploration of the upper Mekong.
Crew: 16
Guests: 28
Built: 2006
Passenger Decks: 2

Route details
From Vientiane to Luang Prabang 

Travel dates (5 nights)
2018/20 departures are available from September, February, November and December​

Inclusion

  • 5 overnights in selected cabin type aboard your boutique river cruise vessel.
  • Local English speaking guides.
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Excursions as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Tours and transfers as mentioned, by air-conditioned vehicles.
  • Water in the vehicles and on the ship.
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, =Lunch, and D=Dinner).
  • Coffee, tea, and table water during meal times onboard your boutique river cruise vessel.
  • Presentations and lectures onboard by the cruise director.
  • Transfers from/to Vientiane and Luang Prabang airports or hotels within city limits (only guaranteed if information was correctly provided 4 weeks prior to embarkation, at the latest).

Not included

  • Flights
  • Meals and services other than those noted in the itinerary
  • Visas for Laos*
  • Laundry, telephone calls, and personal expenditures
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, boat crew, and personal, non-itinerary services
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks other than mentioned
  • Personal Insurance

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