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DAY 1: VIENTIANE – EMBARKATION
(-/-/D)
In the afternoon, you will embark on the Mekong Sun, a
comfortable new Laotian cruise ship. This unique vessel
is the first German-Laotian owned river ship with cabins
on the upper Mekong. In the afternoon you will visit the
national symbol of Laos, the That Luang temple, and the
picturesque Arc de Triomphe. Return on board and settle
into your accommodating cabin and unpack for an
eight-day cruise. (Check-in is after the excursion at
4:00 PM). 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. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
DAY 2: DEPART VIENTIANE (B/L/D)
This morning you will start 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. Cherish
the tranquility of Laos, a real retreat from the
hustle-and-bustle of daily life. Overnight aboard the
Mekong Sun.
DAY 3: WILD NATURE ALONG THE MIGHTY MEKONG (B/L/D)
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 aand 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. Overnight aboard the
Mekong Sun.
DAY 4: PAK LAY (B/L/D)
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. Time permitting, a market visit will follow
before continuing. Enjoy the comfort and service
onboard: exclusive, yet casual, you’ll share the boat
with no more than 26 fellow guests. Overnight aboard the
Mekong Sun.
DAY 5: THA DEUA (B/L/D)
During and after breakfast on board, enjoy the beautiful
view and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore.
Today you will see the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha
Deua, connecting Luang Prabang Province with the
Sayaboury province. Your voyage then leads into northern
Laos amid stunning scenery. Overnight aboard the Mekong
Sun.
DAY 6: KUANG SI – PAK OU (B/L/D)
A shore excursion will take you to the Kuang Si-falls,
some of the most attractive waterfalls in Laos. Your
program also includes a visit to an elephant camp, where
you can see the big creatures in action (Unless they are
busy with an off-site contract by the time of your
visit). Your spectacular river cruise will head north to
visit a Lao village, where you be able to observe how
the local Lao-Lao liqueur is being distilled
traditionally. After a short jungle walk you will
continue to the famous Pak Ou-caves, with thousands of
small Buddha statues inside the caverns. After turning
south again you will reach Luang Prabang, the former
royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
DAY 7: LUANG PRABANG (B/L/D)
Today your boat will anchor centrally in Luang Prabang
while you experience the town during a full day visit.
You will get to know some 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. A short climb up Phou
Si-hill you will be rewarded with a panoramic 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. This last
evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell
dinner. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
DAY 8: DISEMBARK LUANG PRABANG (B/-/-)
After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Lao crew.
Check out and disembarkation.
This is the end of the trip.
NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a
pioneer 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
navigating conditions, these programs may be amended
without previous notice.
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