Not far from the shores of the Mekong River in Southern Laos lie two of the regions most remarkable treasures, the mythical World Heritage site of Vat Phou and the Oun Moung Temple. The awe-inspiring pre-Angkorian Vat Phou dates back over a thousand years and is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding examples of Khemer architecture, while the Oun Moung exudes an atmosphere of a city lost in the jungle for centuries.
Embracing the beauty and power of the Mekong and the exotic mystique of ancient Khemer ruins, this 3-day river journey combines the highlights of the region for an unforgettable experience.
A boutique river-borne hotel is the setting for this journey through the timeless landscapes of Southern Laos. Here, the serenity of this vast and smooth expanse of water is accentuated by the stunning Si Phan Don the "4,000 Islands" and further down, Southeast Asia's largest waterfalls at Pha Pheng.
This leisurely cruise along the fascinating Mekong is as relaxing as it is historic and gives extraordinary insight into the ancient civilization that once shared your path down this mighty waterway.
HOW CRUISING WITH THE VAT PHOU HELPS THE LOCAL PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
1. The Vat Phou cruises stop in several villages on the journey. At each village we encourage our guests to contribute money towards the construction of schools, the purchase of school books and pencils, and also the purchase of sporting equipment for the children of the villages. The Vat Phou Company also donates money for these causes.
2. In Laos, there is a tradition to feed the monks every morning. This has the two fold purpose of ‘making merit’ and also providing the monastery with food for the day. The Vat Phou Company offers meals for the temples in the areas that she sails through.
3. Where possible, the Vat Phou chefs will buy local produce from the communities for the meals on board the boat.
4. In Wat Ban Dong, the Vat Phou Company has donated pipes to help in the road construction in this area.
5. All leftover food from Vat Phou cruises is given to local villagers to help feed their livestock, while all cans, bottles and plastic are recycled.
3 Days, 2 Nights
Vat Phou Cruise - 3 Days / 2 Nights
Leisurely Cruise Along The Fascinating Mekong River in Southern Laos
Cruise the “Mother of Waters” to the wild paradise of the “4,000 islands” on the Vat Phou, your comfortable floating air-conditioned teak hotel, with twelve cabins, each with twin beds and private hot and cold running water bathrooms. Shaded upper deck for lounging, restaurant on board serving the finest Laotian, Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. Beers, wines and spirits are also available on board.
Cruise Down River:
From 01 May 08 to 31 Oct 08: departures every Saturday for cruise down and Tuesday for cruise up.
From 01 Nov 08 to 30 Apr 09: departures every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday on a cruise down or cruise up.
From 01 May 09 to 31 Oct 09: departures every Saturday for cruise down and Tuesday for cruise up.
* no operation from 01 to 30 June for annual maintenance.
From Pakse to the “Niagara of the East”, the discovery of one of the wonders of the world, the treasures of Khmer architecture.
Day 1: Pakse/Champassak/Vat Phou (L, D)
Early morning 10h30 departure from Pakse to Champassak, heading south aboard a local longtail riverboat, zigzagging through mild rapids and sand banks, arriving at Champassak in time for a riverside lunch, followed by a guided tour of the mysterious pre-Angkorian 10th century temple of Vat Phou, the boat’s namesake. As dusk falls board the Vat Phou for a relaxing cruise down-river, enjoying the tropical sunset on the deck, dinner is served on board, while the boat docks for the night alongside a remote Laotian village.
Day 2: Huei Thamo / Oum Moung Temple / Don Khong (B, L, D)
Breakfast on board as we set sail for the village of Huei Thamo, only a few minutes walk away from the spectacular hidden forest temple of Oum Moung. Afterwards rejoin the boat for a cruise southwards and lunch on the deck, while we continue our leisurely sail further south to the wild paradise of the “4,000 islands”, arrived in the afternoon closed to Khong Island (the birthplace of the President of the Peoples republic of Laos) at Ban Dua Tae, and visit this traditional Laotian Village where the traditional way of life has not changed in centuries. Back on board for quiet dinner, under the stars, serenaded by the songs of the buffalo toads.
Day 3: Ban Veuthong/ the “Niagara of the East/ Xieng Di/ Pakse (B, L)
Breakfast on the deck, while cruising to the small village of Ban Veuthong where we will board a small long-tail boat to Khone Island. After visit, take a long tail boat back to the main land for lunch amid the by-gone splendid of another age; colorful French colonial houses and an old customs post, alongside a stone quay. Take a minivan to amazingly scenic splendor of the Khong Pha Peng waterfall, “the Niagara of the East“, close to the Cambodian border. Back to “civilization, for the two hours ride to Pakse, arriving in the afternoon, about 15h50.
Cruise Up River (the same tour but in reverse):
From 01 May 08 to 31 Oct 08: departures every Tuesday for cruise up (and Saturday cruise down).
From 01 Nov 08 to 30 Apr 09: departures every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday on a cruise down or cruise up.
From 01 May 09 to 31 Oct 09: departures every Tuesday for cruise up (and Saturday cruise down).
* no operation from 01 to 30 June for annual maintenance.
From Pakse to the “Niagara of the East” the discovery of one of the wonders of the world, the treasures of Khmer architecture.
Day 1: Pakse/ Xieng Di / Khone Island (L, D)
On arrival at Pakse, drive to the spectacular roaring waterfalls of Khone Pha Pheng, the “Niagara of the East” and the fishing village of Xieng Di for lunch at local restaurant and where you will board a long tail boat for a visit to Khone Island. After visit, take long tail boat to the Khong Island village of Ban Veuthong, where you will board the waiting Vat Phou for a sunset cruise and dinner, docked riverside for the night.
Day 2: Khong Island / Oum Moung Temple / Huei Thamo (B, L, D)
Breakfast on board Vat Phou as we set sail to Ban Dua Tae, and visit this traditional Laotian Village after the visit we sail North, past the island of Don Xai, and into a myriad of islands of all shapes and sizes, the wild paradise of ‘4,000 islands.’ Enjoy the lunch during cruising North to the island of Don Daeng, to visit the village of Huei Thamo and the mysterious Oum Moung forest temple, just a few minutes walk way. Dinner “Under the stars”, aboard Vat Phou.
Day 3: Ban Wat Luang Kao / Vat Phou / Champassak / Pakse (B, L)
While enjoying breakfast on board, the Vat Phou continues its cruise to Ban Wat Luang Kao, where you will join a guided tour by bus to the tenth century pre-Angkorian temple of Vat Phou, after which you will return by bus to Champassak in time for lunch, and the final cruise to Pakse, with arrival in the afternoon.
