Enjoy a three-country expedition of Laos Pandaw Downstream: we’ll cross Laos to touch Thailand and Burma in the once infamous Golden Triangle. Departing from Vientiane, the former French capital, reminiscent of Indochina, Pandaw will be the first river expedition since before the war to cross all of Laos. We stop for two nights in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its dazzling wood-carved monasteries, then we head deep into the mountains, through rapids and gorges on our super-powered little Pandaw. We will visit tribal villages and explore the jungle and countryside.
PLEASE NOTE: The route of this expedition is indicative only and is subject to change. As we travel through remote areas, changes to the itinerary will inevitably be made. It is highly recommended to be flexible if you book this cruise.
Transfers from the 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. Board your boat at 4:00 pm and sail upriver to the Burmese border for sunset.
Go through immigration formalities at the Thai-Laos border and join the boat. Depart downstream on the beautiful Upper Mekong River. After lunch, if time permits, take a walking tour of a Lao jungle village.
Morning walk in a Khamo village. Cruise downstream on the beautiful Mekong then relax with evening cocktails on a sandbar.
Continue the cruise downstream to Pak Ou, transfer to a local boat and enter the Nam Ou River to visit the extraordinary Pak Ou Buddha Caves. Admire the dramatic limestone cliff faces at the Buddhist shrine.
In the morning, explore by tuktuk this unique and well-preserved World Heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. Visit the National Museum and enjoy the afternoon to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang. Traditional Laotian dance on the upper deck in the late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Morning walk to observe the morning alms given by local people to the hundreds of monks who roam the town every morning. Drive to see the deep jungle pools at Kuang Si Waterfall, the teak forest trails and the butterfly farm.
Passage from the Mekong water control lock to the Xayaburi hydroelectric power station (itself an interesting and perhaps controversial tourist attraction). In the late afternoon, walking tour of a local village.
Morning visit of Ban Pha Leab with its beautiful limestone mountain. Continuation to the Pak Houng-Thai Lao border for an excursion to a plantation village and meeting with the local population.
Drive through a spectacular jungle and mountain landscape where the river flows fast and wild. Amazing rock formations span the banks of the river. We then enter the cultivated plains of the province of Vientiane. Arrival in the middle of the afternoon in Vientiane to spend the night there. Opportunity for independent exploration of this charming French-influenced town.
Morning exploration of the charming French city, with a visit to Pha That Luang Stupa, Sisaket Temple, President’s Hall, Wat Prakeo Temple and Phatouxay Monument. Opportunity for free exploration and discovering the many cafes and bistros of this charming little corner of Indochina. Farewell cocktails and dinner.
Disembark in Vientiane after breakfast and transfer to airports or hotel in Vientiane or Udon Thani in Thailand (1.5hrs, just across the river).
– There may be cancellation fees charged by suppliers (hotels, airlines, boats, trains…) once these bookings are made and paid. These fee shall by paid by travelers.
– These are maximum cancellation fees to be flexible applied:
Are you interested in this tour or would you like to customize your own trip?
Call our local experts: +84913.000.858