Asia, Southeast Asia

The Laos Mekong (Downstream)

I'd like to cruise

leaving in

for approximately days.

Budget wise I'm looking around the range.

Looking for a cruise to a particular country?

Looking for a particular ship?

The type of ship I'm interested in is called

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.

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.

DAY 1 CHIANG SAEN

Transfers from airports or any city hotel in Chiang Rai (2 hours) and Chiang Mai (6 hours) including a visit to the Golden Triangle and the now infamous opium museum. Embark your ship by 16.00 and cruise up river towards the Burma border for sunset.

DAY 2 INTO LAOS

Pass through immigration formalities at the Thai/Laos border and re-join the ship. Set sail downstream on the beautiful Upper Mekong River. After lunch, if time allows, sightseeing on foot in a Laos jungle village.

DAY 3 KHAMO VILLAGE

Morning walk in a Khamo village. Sail downstream on the beautiful Mekong then relax with evening cocktails on a sandbank.

DAY 4 PAK OU CAVES & LUANG PRABANG

Continue cruising downstream to Pak Ou, transfer to a local boat and enter the Nam Ou River to visit the extraordinary Pak Ou Buddha Caves. Admire spectacular limestone cliff faces in the Buddhist sanctuary.

DAY 5 LUANG PRABANG

In the morning explore by tuktuk this well preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. Visit the National Museum and have the afternoon free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang. Traditional Laos dancing on the upper deck late afternoon. Moor overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 6 KHAUNG SI WATERFALL

Early morning walking tour to observe the morning alms offering by local people to the hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. Drive to see the deep jungle pools at the Khaung Si Waterfall, the teak forest trails and butterfly farm.

DAY 7 XAYABURI DAM

Pass through the Mekong water control lock at Xayaburi Hydro Electric Power Plant (itself an interesting and perhaps controversial tourist attraction). Late afternoon walking tour of a local village.

DAY 8 XANAKHAM

Morning visit to Ban Pha Leab with its beautiful limestone mountain. Continue to Pak Houng-Thai Lao Border for an excursion to a plantation village and meet the local people.

DAY 9 VIENTIANE

Pass through a dramatic landscape of jungle and mountain where the river flows fast and wild. Amazing rock formations straddle the river banks. Here we enter the cultivated plains of Vientiane province. Arrive mid-afternoon in Vientiane to moor overnight. Opportunity for independent exploration of this delightful, French influenced city.

DAY 10 VIENTIANE

Morning exploration of the delightful French city including visits to the golden Pha That Luang Stupa, Sisaket Temple, the President’s Hall, Watt Prakeo Temple and the Phatouxay monument. Opportunity for independent exploration and experience the many cafes and bistros in this charming little corner of L’Indochine. Farewell cocktails and dinner.

DAY 11 VIENTIANE

Disembark in Vientiane after breakfast and transfer to airports or hotel in Vientiane or Udon Thani in Thailand (1.5hrs, just across the river).

PLEASE NOTE:

The itinerary for this expedition is indicative only and subject to reconnaissance. As we travel to remote areas, changes to the itinerary will inevitably occur. A flexible approach is required if you book this cruise.

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

09 November, 2022 to 19 November, 2022 Save up to $436 USD Book now

Upper Deck Single Use. From

2 upper deck staterooms - Staterooms are 14 square meter (150 sqf), finished in teak and brass - Panoramic french sliding doors - Kimonos and slippers - Spa-branded amenities - Unlimited mineral water - Electric mini safe - Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows - Premium mattresses - Convertible bed configuration - Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift - Mirror - Multi-configuration plugs - Generous closet space and under-bed storage - Hair dryer - Daily nightly turndown service - 24hr laundry service - Complimentary evening canapés

Upper Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From

Main Deck Single Use. From

12 main deck staterooms - Staterooms are 14 square meter (150 sqf), finished in teak and brass - Panoramic french sliding doors - Kimonos and slippers - Spa-branded amenities - Unlimited mineral water - Electric mini safe - Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows - Premium mattresses - Convertible bed configuration - Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift - Mirror - Multi-configuration plugs - Generous closet space and under-bed storage - Hair dryer - Daily nightly turndown service - 24hr laundry service - Complimentary evening canapés

Main Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From

~~$4,360~~
$3,924 USD pp

Additional charges:

Port Charges. From: 90 USD pp

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.

Save Up to 10% on Southeast Asia & India Voyages

SAVE UP TO 10% AND NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON SELECTED DATES. Terms and Conditions apply, special offer is subject to availability, please contact us for more details.

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

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