The Magic of Laos - 2007:
The Upper Mekong River Cruise & Tour
The Lao People's Democratic Republic is located at the centre of the Mekong region, and is the only nation to share a border with all other countries in the region: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and China.
Since the early '90s, while starting to encourage economic reform and private enterprise, Laos has also opened up to travel and is promoting itself as a new tourist destination. Travel to the country is therefore exciting and extremely rewarding.
The exotic, mountainous and heavily forested country is home to colourful hill tribes who retain much of their ancient culture and lifestyles. Laos is also a devoutly Buddhist country with an impressive number of temples and shrines dotting the landscape. The Mekong river is a central part of life in Laos, providing irrigation for the country's agriculture and a major means transport for both goods and people.
While the country is slowly emerging from the cocoon of its past isolationism, infrastructure and services remain for the most part at a fairly basic level. However, there are pockets of luxury and indulgence in the capital Vientiane and other major towns and cities including Luang Prabang, and newer and better operations are being developed all the time.
We maintain that a river cruise aboard the
RV Mekong Sun
is the most enjoyable way to see Laos.
For reservations call:
1 (800) 578 - 7742
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Bangkok (1) - Golden Triangle- The Upper Mekong River Cruise (8) - Vientiane (2)
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Day 01
Day 02
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USA - BANGKOK:
Overnight flights to Asia. On board services as per airline policy.
BANGKOK:
Upon arrival to Thailand, spend a night in Bangkok. Accommodations at a first class airport hotel with shuttle transfers. Due to various arrival times of passengers, the balance of the day is free from activities
and meals are on your own.
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Day 03
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BANGKOK - CHIANG SAEN - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - HUAY XAY - EMBARKATION:
Depart from the Thai capital and fly northbound (cost of airline tickes is icluded in your cruise/tour price) to Chiang Rai from where you are transferred to Chiang Saen, located in the heart of the Golden Triangle. In the afternoon, embark the new and comfortable Lao cruise ship RV Mekong Sun. After completing the Thai immigration formalities, set sailing to the nearby Lao town of Huay Xay on the Laotioan - Thai border. Enjoy the Welcome Reception and dinner on board. (B, D)
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Day 04
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CRUISE / HUAY XAY - PAK THA:
Today's time at sail is full with scenic highlights. Apart from the gorgeous views from the sundeck, enjoy a visit to the local Wats and a market in Huay Xay, from where you continue to the small village Pak Tha. Then, embark on a shore excursion by long tail boats on the Namtha River to visit a Khmu village. On the way back to the RV Mekong Sun, stop by a local minority village of the Hmong hill tribe. Once you are back on board, continue sailing downstream. (B, L, D)
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Day 05
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CRUISE / PAK THA - PAKBENG:
Arrive in Pakbeng where you will enjoy a small coffee break at a lodge. If time permits, visit a local market before continuing to an elephant camp, where yo can see logging elephants at work. Laos harbors one of the largest remaining populations of Asian elephants in Indochina. Elephants are smart walkers in all terrains of the tropical forest ground, even in the water. They can afford to pull a large log in any ground. Their trunk, tusks and feet are useful to make a neat pile of logs. These animals are also used for transportation oin the forest. (B, L, D)
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Day 06
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CRUISE / PAKBENG - BAN XANG HAY - LUANG PRABANG:
Journey to a very popular tourist attraction, the Pak Ou Caves. The caves display thousands of small Buddha statues inside deep caverns. The citizens of Luang Prabang believe that many good-natured spirits have their homes in the caves. Thus they undertake short pilgrimages there on special occasions, especially traditional New Year's Day. After your visit to the caves, continue to the local liquor distillery at Ban Xang Hay. End your day in Luang Prabang, former royal capital of Laos and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B, L, D)
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Day 07
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CRUISE / LUANG PRABANG:
Today your comfortable floating hotel is docked in Luang Prabang and you will see the highlights of the city. Apart from numerous temples, you can enjoy the atmosphere with many preserved French style colonial buildings as well as a great sunset view over the Mekong, the Khan river, and the surrounding mountains. Afterwords, stroll along the Mekong promenade or visit the night market of the Hmong people. (B, L, D)
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Day 08
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CRUISE / LUANG PRABANG - KUANG SI:
After a few hours of morning cruising down the river, stop at Ban Muang Khai and continue by motor coach to visit the famous Kuang Si waterfalls. The falls tumble around 60 metres and form a scenic series of several pools, filled with crystal blue water in a lovely jungle setting. It is possible to swim in some of the larger pools, although the water can be cold! Spend a couple of hours swimming and relaxing at the falls before returning to the RV Mekong Sun. (B, L, D)
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Day 09
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CRUISE / KUANG SI - BAN PAK YAN:
After a few hours of morning cruising down the river, stop at Ban Muang Khai and continue by motor coach to visit the famous Kuang Si waterfalls. The falls tumble around 60 metres and form a scenic series of several pools, filled with crystal blue water in a lovely jungle setting. It is possible to swim in some of the larger pools, although the water can be cold! Spend a couple of hours swimming and relaxing at the falls before returning to the RV Mekong Sun. (B, L, D)
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Day 10
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CRUISE / BAN PAK YAN - HAT THIENG:
The village of Ban Phaleap, close to Ban Pak Yan, offers a magnificient display of steep rock formations called Phaleap. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit tp the small riverside community of Pak Lai, once famous for its many colonial style houses. Moor onernight close to the border between Thailand and Laos oppisite Hat Thieng. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
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Day 11
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CRUISE / HAT THIENG - VIENTIANE / DISEMBARKATION:
Cruise past a landscape, which becomes more and more spectacular with hills and impressive rock formations along the river banks. Also pass the NBCA (National Biodiversity Conservation Area) Phou Phanang that is not frequently visited by tourists but has the worthy attraction of a herd of wild elephants. Disembark at Vientiane and transfer to your first class hotel: Settha Palace Hotel or similar. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
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Day 12
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VIENTIANE:
Vientiane, capital of Laos is "Asia's biggest village". Busy and hectic in comparison to the rest of the country, it is quiet compared with any other city in Asia. The city has a population of 450,000, about 10% of the country
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Embark on a morning sightseeing tour, which features Thong Khan Kham market, Vat Sisaket, the Royal temple at Vat Phra Keo, and the silk weaving villgae of Nong Bua Thong. The afternoon is at leaisure. Tonight enjoy your last dinner in Laos. (B, D)
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Subject to change without notice
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