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DAY 1: GOLDEN TRIANGLE - EMBARKATION
(-/-/D)
In the afternoon, you will embark on the Mekong Sun, a
new and comfortable Laotian Cruise ship. (Check-in is at
4:00 PM) This unique vessel is the first German-Laotian
river ship with cabins on the upper Mekong. Settle into
your comfortable cabin and unpack for an eight-day
cruise. A sightseeing tour gets you acquainted with this
once-notorious region, including visits to the Golden
Buddha of Sop Ruak and the new Hall of Opium. This
fascinating museum, sponsored by the royal family of
Thailand, gives a deep insight into the history and
politics of the opium trade, as well as its health
effects. In the evening you can enjoy the spacious
decks, lounge on board and attend your evening welcome
reception.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
DAY 2: THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE (B/L/D)
Breakfast on board, as will be the case every morning.
The morning starts with an excursion to Mae Sai, where
you can stroll along the local market and enjoy a great
view across the border to Burma. Afterwards you will be
visiting the Doi Tung Royal Orchid Botanical Gardens,
one of the most beautiful botanical gardens of Southeast
Asia. You will also go on a city tour of Chiang Saen
with its temples and old city wall. Overnight aboard the
Mekong Sun
DAY 3: GOLDEN TRIANGLE – HUAY XAY (B/L/D)
This morning your cruise will take you from the Golden
Triangle region between Burma, Laos and Thailand deeper
into Laos. Today’s destination is the nearby town of
Huay Xay on the Laotian - Thai border, where you will
officially enter the People’s Democratic Republic of
Laos. From here on, your voyage leads into northern Laos
amidst beautiful scenery. Overnight aboard the Mekong
Sun.
DAY 4: HUAY XAY – PAK THA (B/L/D)
The river traffic increases as you pass through a
densely populated region accessible only by water. Relax
on deck, in your comfortable cabin or in the lounge and
soak up the remote scenery. Today is full of scenic
highlights, including the small village of Pak Tha,
where you will disembark for a long-tail boat excursion
on the Namtha River to visit a Khmu village. You will
visit a small village school sponsored by guests of the
Mekong Sun. Once back on the Mekong Sun you will
continue downstream and anchor at a sand bank. Overnight
aboard the Mekong Sun.
DAY 5: PAK THA – PAKBENG – PAK OU (B/L/D)
Just a short while after leaving the sandbank, you will
arrive in Pakbeng, where you will have a small coffee
break at a lodge. Time permitting, you will visit the
market before you continue your cruise. The famous Pak
Ou Caves are next, with thousands of small Buddha
statues inside deep caverns. A short walk through the
forest leads to a small village, where you can see the
traditional production of the local liquor Lao-Lao. You
will spend the night again on a beautiful sandbank.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
DAY 6: PAK OU – KUANG SI – LUANG PRABANG (B/L/D)
This morning, you cruise further into the south. An
excursion will take you to the Kuang Si-falls, one of
the most attractive waterfalls in Laos, followed by a
visit to an elephant camp, where you will be able to see
the big creatures in action(Unless they are busy with an
off-site contract by the time of your visit). Today you
reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos,
now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a walk up
Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular sunset view
over the Mekong as well as the Khan river and the
surrounding mountains. In the evening, enjoy strolling
along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful
night market of the local Hmong minority. Overnight
aboard the Mekong Sun.
DAY 7: LUANG PRABANG (B/L/D)
In the early morning you will able to visit the
traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang
Prabang. Breakfast is on board. Today you will
experience the town during a full day visit. You will
get to know some of the many highlights of this
beautiful city, incl. the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple
and enjoy the unique atmosphere provided by the
abundance of well-preserved French colonial architecture
mingling with traditional Buddhist temples. You will
celebrate this last evening on board with a farewell
dinner.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
DAY 8: DISEMBARK LUANG PRABANG (B/-/-)
After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian
crew. Check-out and disembark.
End of services.
NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a
pioneering experience and is subject to constantly
changing river conditions, including flood waters and
shallows. Therefore, please understand that we must
reserve the right to alter the itinerary of this tour
due to the logistical complexities involved. Small
deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary,
depending on weather, local authorities, river and/or
road conditions. For safety reasons and according to
navigation conditions, these programs may be amended
without previous notice.
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