The Laos Mekong (Downstream)

Enjoy a three country expedition as we will traverse Laos to touch Thailand and Burma at the once notorious Golden Triangle. From Vientiane, the old French capital, and so redolent of L’Indochine Pandaw will be the first river expedition since pre war days to cross all Laos. We stop two nights at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang with its dazzling wood carved monasteries and then on deep into the mountains, through rapids and gorges on our high powered little Pandaw. Visit tribal villages and explore into jungle and countryside.

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Highlights

• Discover Vientiane - the capital and largest city of Laos, situated on the Mekong near the border with Thailand.

• Visit Pak Ou Caves that are noted for their miniature Buddha sculptures. Hundreds of very small and mostly damaged wooden Buddhist figures are laid out over the wall shelves. They take many different positions, including meditation, teaching, peace, rain, and reclining (nirvana).

• Explore Luang Prabang which is known for its many Buddhist temples, including the gilded Wat Xieng Thong, dating to the 16th century, and Wat Mai, once the residence of the head of Laotian Buddhism.

This itinerary is also available in reverse. Click here for additional dates.

This itinerary is also available in reverse. Click here for additional dates.

Champa Pandaw

Vessel Type: Luxury River Cruising

Length: 44.5 m

Passenger Capacity: 28 passengers

Built: 2016

Champa Pandaw is a K-class ship. The K-class dated back to the 1880s and were comprised of stern wheelers designed to reduce draft, their boilers placed in the bow to improve trim. Smaller than the great line steamers of the age, the K-class ships were used on the Chindwin and upper reaches of the Irrawaddy. Where possible we have reused the old IFC names and many of these original K-class ships had fascinating histories, through times of war and peace.

ACCOMMODATION

12 main deck & 2 upper deck staterooms - Staterooms are 14 square meter (150 sqf), finished in teak and brass - Panoramic french sliding doors - Convertible bed configuration - 24hr laundry service

WINING & DINING

Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team - Personalized meal services - Daily lean & light menu options - Complimentary coffee, water, tea, soft drinks, local beer, local spirits, juices - Extensive wine list with premium wines - Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes, and ship tour - Welcome drink on arrival - Welcome cocktail - Farewell reception - Theme dinners - Open air lounge and bar - Bistro style al fresco dining - 24hrs hospitality bar - Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls

ON EXCURSIONS

Admissions - Shoe cleaning after excursions - Bottled drinking water - Cold towel service after excursions - Refreshing drink following excursions

SAFETY & SECURITY

All onboard crew is trained and certified as per international marine standards - Fire alarm system in all cabins, public areas and back areas - Firefighting system in all ship areas - Expert marine superintendant - 24 hrs watch on duty

PRE-BOOKABLE HOUSE WINE PACKAGE (155.00 USD)

Local soft drinks, local beer and local spirits are included on every Pandaw owned ship. However, in response to requests from clients, we are pleased to introduce new, pre-bookable unlimited house wine with lunch and dinner packages.

THE PLAIN OF JARS - POST CRUISE DOWNSTREAM LAOS. From (849.00 USD)

4 Days. The Plain of Jars offers fascinating insights into Phuan, Hmong, Khmu and Tai Dam culture. Very little is known about the civilization that created The Plain of Jars, but you can only imagine the greatness of the ruler who constructed these unusual and enormous storage jars.

THE HILL TRIBES OF NORTH THAILAND PRE TOUR. From (1030.00 USD)

5 Days. Travel off the beaten track with your English speaking guide and discover the hilltribes, beautiful scenery and history of the land of opium, in our exclusive pre cruise arrangement.

THE RACHAMANKHA HOTEL, CHIANG MAI PRE TOUR. From (395.00 USD)

Enjoy the comfort and charm of the deluxe Rachamankha Hotel and explore Chiang Mai on our included full day excursion.

Inclusions

• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• Welcome cocktail party
• Signature hors d’oeuvres at cocktails each evening
• Cookery demonstrations and classes using local produce
• All scheduled excursions
• At least two cultural performances per cruise
• Tour of the engine rooms, galley and working parts of the ship
• Film presentations on local culture and history
• Local mineral water
• Jugged coffee, tea and tisanes on deck from sunrise till sunset
• Crew gratuities

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Exclusions

• International and domestic flights
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs
• Port taxes where applicable
• Gratuities for land guides/drivers
• Beverages other than those in inclusions
• Any item of a personal nature including onboard spa treatments