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.
 

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.
 

 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.
 

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
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.
 

After breakfast, a shore excursion leads 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). Later you will reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
 

Day 7: Luang Prabang
Today your boat will anchor centrally in Luang Prabang. On a full day visit you will get to know some highlights of this beautiful city like the 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 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 river promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
 

Day 8: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou
In the early morning you will able to visit the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. After departing Luang Prabang you will cruise north and visit a Laotian village, observe the traditional production of Lao-Lao, the local liqueur. After a short walk through the jungle you will explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. The night is spent on a secluded river bank or sandbank. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
 

Today is a day to take it all in – relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin or in the lounge and soak up the untouched scenery. The river traffic thins out as you proceed upstream, and you can enjoy the fantastic landscapes along the river. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
 

The diversity of the landscape is astonishing, now shifting to tropical hills in the background. Enjoy the tranquility of northern Laos, a real retreat from the hustle-and-bustle of daily life. Later, that day you will have a short stop in the market town of Pakbeng. As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
 

As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha. At Pak Tha, a small village, you will take off on a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to visit a Khmu village. You will also visit a small village school sponsored by guests of the Mekong Sun. The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. Enjoy the comfort and service onboard: exclusive, yet casual, you’ll share the boat with no more than 26 fellow guests. Today you proceed to the Thai-Laotian border at Chiang Khong (Thailand) and Ban Huay Xay (Laos). You will then spend a last relaxing dinner and evening in Laos.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
 

Today is spent on an excursion to the Golden Triangle area at Chiang Saen, where you will visit 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 background on the history and politics of the opium trade and the health effects of opium abuse. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
 

Day 13: Disembark
After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark.*

 

MEKONG RIVER CRUISING BY RV MEKONG SUN

 

(Per person based on twin share)

Accommodation Category	Prices per person (Valid until Sep 2010)
Standard	Upon request
Deluxe	Upon request
Luxury	Upon request