In the afternoon, you will embark on the Mekong Sun, a comfortable new Laotian cruise ship. (Check in is at 2: 00 PM) This unique vessel is the first German-Laotian owned river ship with cabins on the upper Mekong. Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a seven-day cruise. 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. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend our 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: Luang Prabang
Breakfast on board. Today the ship stays in Luang Prabang, while you have the full day to get to know the beauties of this UNESCO World Heritage town. Apart from numerous temples, the atmosphere is enriched by neighboring French colonial architecture. As Luang Prabang offers many opportunities for fine dining, tonight you are free to choose from the numerous offerings in town or along the Mekong River. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

 

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou
In the early morning you will able to observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast is on board. In the afternoon your spectacular cruise begins with the departure from Luang Prabang from where you will cruise north and visit a Laotian village. In the village you can observe how the local liqueur Lao-Lao is being distilled traditionally. 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. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend our welcome reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

 

After breakfast on board you will go on an excursion by local slowboat up the Ou-River to visit rice paddies cultivated by the local Khmu minority. Before returning to the Mekong Sun, you will see working elephants in action near (unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit). After reembarkation you will enjoy a few hours of cruising down the Mekong River amidst beautiful landscapes. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

 

Day 5: Wild Nature Along The Mighty Mekong
The ship will head south to the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua, connecting Luang Prabang Province with the Sayaboury province. Further downstream 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 and slower river parts. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. (Due to sudden drops in water level on some days, it may be necessary to make the afternoon excursion down south and upstream again – the wildest and possibly most exciting part of the Mekong – in a local Lao slowboat before returning back to the Mekong Sun) You will visit a local village school, which is supported by guests of the Mekong Sun. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before you head north again and stop at a sandbank for the night. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

 

After breakfast on board, enjoy the beautiful view and spot local fishermen onshore as you cruise upstream again. After a few hours of cruising up the river, you will stop and continue by bus to visit the famous Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most remarkable waterfalls in Laos. On the way stroll through the small village of Tha Pan, where you can observe how the local communities live in norther Laos. In the afternoon you will return to Luang Prabang.

 

Breakfast on board. Today the ship stays in Luang Prabang, while you can enjoy once again the wonderful town and the atmosphere in Luang Prabang. You have the day free to explore on your own. (For charter groups we can arrange an exciting program upon request) This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

 

After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark.

End of service.

NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneer experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including from floodwaters 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 and river and/or road conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.

 

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