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- RV Mekong Explorer
- RV Mekong Sun
Laos River Cruises
Choose where you sleep
- RV Mekong Explorer
- RV Mekong Sun
The Mekong Sun is the first river cruise boat designed to operate on the unpredictable waters of the upper Mekong between Chiang Saen in northern Thailand in the heart of the Golden Triangle, to the royal city of Luang Prabang and the Laotian capital, Vientiane.
On the Mekong Sun there will be no captain’s dinner or any entertaining games like bingo. Rather, guests may make land excursions to encounter the lives of the local people who live along the river banks with visits to villages and rural temples. On board there is an optional programme of educational talks and films, such as on the French Mekong Expedition of the 1860s, the daily life of a Buddhist novice or the plants and fruits of the Mekong region, to help you to enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of the local culture.
The exclusive river vessel Mekong Sun (built in 2006) enables you explore in comfort a region that has until now been hard to reach. She sails over 450 miles through fantastic river landscapes, passing by World Heritage Sites and aboriginal villages.
The upper Mekong is one of the most difficult rivers in the world to navigate. The Mekong Sun manages to master tight gorges, labyrinths of sandbanks and can ride safely through violent chutes. Water levels are prone to drop about 2 m overnight. On this part of the Mekong quiet and calm parts of the river alternate with most dramatic and exciting shore sceneries: Tropical lush green mountains, impressive rock formations and secluded villages along the river banks.
Your journey includes visits to the lovely UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang, one of the most beautiful towns in South-East Asia, travelling along the secluded and impressive landscapes in northern Laos and into the once notorious region of the Golden Triangle.
Kindly note: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to ever changing river conditions varying from flood waters to shallows. Therefore, changes to the itinerary or schedule are not unusual and each journey will be individually adapted to ensure that all highlights are included.
Notes
Luang Prabang/Vientiane
Cruise Route: Luang Prabang ~ Kuang Si ~ Xaiaburi ~ Ban Pak Yan ~ Sandakham ~ Vientiane
Day 1: Luang Prabang (D)
Embark the Mekong Sun, a comfortable new boutique-cruise ship, at around 2pm. This unique boutique vessel is a German-Laotian owned river ship with stylish, wood panelled cabins. Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a four-day cruise. Begin with a guided 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 colourful night market of the local Hmong minority. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend our welcome reception this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise. Overnight in your cabin aboard your river vessel.
Day 2: Kuang Si - Xaiaburi (B,L,D)
This morning your cruise begins. After breakfast and two hours cruising downriver, you continue by Tuktuk to the famous Kuang Si Falls. Enjoy the natural pools and pause in another small village before reboarding. Your ship then heads south and passes through the Keng-Luang rapids. Today you see the newly constructed bridge connecting Luang Prabang and Sayaboury provinces as it crosses the Mekong at Tha Deua and pass by the largest construction works in Laos at the future site of the Xaiaburi dam. Listen a presentation by your cruise director on hydropower projects on the mighty Mekong. You spend the night on board on a secluded sandbank near Pak Yang. Overnight in your cabin aboard your river vessel.
Day 3: Ban Pak Yan - Sanakham (B,L,D)
Enjoy the vistas and natural beauty along the river before your ship stops for a visit in Ban Phalaep. Here, the Mekong once again becomes the boundary separating two unequal brothers: the neighbouring countries of booming Thailand and sleepy Laos. The river banks become less steep and more suitable for agricultural, especially on the Thai side. This last evening of your cruise is celebrated with a farewell dinner on board, together with your ever-friendly crew, cruise director, and captain. Overnight in your cabin aboard your river vessel.
Day 4: The Lao capital of Vientiane (B,L)
You continue downstream along the “mother of all waters”, as the Mekong is known to the Thais and Laotians. Today’s destination is the Laotian capital of Vientiane, where your cruise ends at 2 PM. Disembarkation and transfer to your hotel in the city of Vientiane or to the airport.
2015 Rates
| Cabin Type | Twin Share | Single Surcharge |
| Classic | 595 | 235 |
| Superior | 800 | 375 |
Rates per person in USD
Notes
Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneer experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions including flood waters 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, river and/or road conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.Luang Prabang/Golden Triangle
ROUTE: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU – PAKBENG – PAK THA – HUAY XAY – GOLDEN TRIANGLE (or vice versa)
DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG – EMBARKATION [-/-/D]
In the afternoon, board the boat. These are comfortable new cabin cruiser on the upper Mekong. (Check in is at 2:00 PM.) Settle into your cabin and unpack. Your program begins with a walk and visit at the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple, Wat Khili and Wat Sene as well. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend our welcome reception, bazi ceremony, Lao Dances performance and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the evening. Overnight onboard.
DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG CITY TOUR [B/L/-]
During a full day visit you will get to know some of the highlights of this beautiful city, the National Museum in the morning include. After Lunch trip by minivan for a visit Wat Visoun, Wat Manorom and Sa-Paper-Village at the Nam Khan River outside town. In the late afternoon walk up Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular sunset view over the Mekong as well as the Khan river and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy the unique atmosphere provided by the abundance of well-preserved French colonial architecture mingling with traditional Buddhist temples. In the evening enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. For Dinner on your own our Cruisedirector and/ or Lao Staff will recommend you some of the best local and international restaurants in town. Overnight onboard.
DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU [B/L/D]
In the early morning you will able to visit the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Today your spectacular cruise begins with the departure from 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 onboard.
DAY 4: TAXUANG [B/L/D]
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. In the afternoon, you will visit a small village school sponsored by guests of the Mekong Sun/ Explorer. Overnight onboard.
DAY 5: PAKBENG [B/L/D]
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 onboard.
DAY 6: PAK THA - HUAY XAY / CHIANG KHONG [B/L/D]
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/ Explorer. 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 onboard.
DAY 7: THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE [B/L/D]
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 onboard.
DAY 8: DISEMBARK [B/-/-]
After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark.*
Notes
* Depending on season and water level the check-out will either be at Chiang Saen or Chiang Khong. (Regularly until early December the check-out will be at Chiang Saen, afterwards until May it will be Chiang Khong.) NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including from flood waters 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 navigation conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.Luang Prabang Round Trip
Cruise Route: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU – THA DEUA – KUANG SI – LUANG PRABANG
Day 1: EMBARKATION IN LUANG PRABANG [-/-/D]
After lunch, embark on your Mekong Cruise vessel, a comfortable new boutique-cruise ship. (Check in is after 02pm). This unique boutique vessel is a German-Laotian owned river ship with stylish cabins. After settled in and freshen-up, begin with a guided 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. After, attend the welcome reception this evening, and enjoy your dinner with a selection of Asian and European food. Overnight onboard.
Day 2: DEPARTURE FROM LUANG PRABANG [B/L/D]
In the early morning, you will be able to observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast is on board and the rest of the morning will be spent on a guided city tour with visits of the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple, Wat Khili and the Wat Sene temple as well. The cruise begins with the departure from Luang Prabang after lunch from where you will cruise north through beautiful scenery. The night is spent on a secluded river bank or sandbank. Overnight onboard.
Day 3: PAK OU CAVES [B/L/D]
After breakfast, explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. After a short walk through the jungle (optional) and visit a Laotian village. In the village, you can observe how the local liqueur Lao-Lao is being distilled traditionally. Before returning to the boat, you will see elephants in action (unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit). After re-embarkation, relax and enjoy a few hours of cruising down the Mekong River amidst beautiful landscapes. Overnight onboard.
Day 4: WILD NATURE ALONG THE MIGHTY MEKONG [B/L/D]
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 slow boat before returning back onboard). You will also get to visit a local village school, which is supported by guests of the Mekong River Cruises fleet. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before heading north again and stop at a sandbank for the night. Overnight onboard.
Day 5: KUANG SI – LUANG PRABANG [B/L/D]
After breakfast onboard, enjoy the beautiful view and spot local fishermen onshore as you cruise upstream again. After a few hours of cruising up the river, there will be a stop where you will continue by bus to visit the famous Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most remarkable waterfalls in Laos. On the way, you will stroll through the small village of Tha Pan, where you can observe how the local communities live in Northern Laos. In the afternoon, return to Luang Prabang. This last evening onboard will be celebrated with a farewell dinner with a traditional Lao Baci-friendship ceremony.
Day 6: DISEMBARKATION [B/-/-]
After breakfast, say goodbye to your crew. Check-out and disembark. End of service with the transfer to the airport.
Notes
Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including flood waters 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 and river conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.Vientiane/Golden Triangle
ROUTE: VIENTIANE ~ PAKLAY ~ THA DEUA ~ KUANG SI ~ LUANG PRABANG ~ PAK OU ~ PAKBENG ~ PAK THA ~ HUAY XAY~ GOLDEN TRIANGLE
DAY 1: VIENTIANE: EMBARKATION
In Vientiane we await you at the airport or pick you up from your hotel in town around 2pm. After a short sightseeing program to the highlights of the Lao capital, such as the That Luang temple or Wat Sisaket monastery, you will embark on your Mekong Cruise ship (embarkation is after 4pm). This unique boutique vessel is a German-Laotian owned river ship with comfortable and stylish cabins. Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a twelve-day cruise. 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 your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 2 and 3: WILD NATURE ALONG THE MIGHTY MEKONG
This morning you start your spectacular river cruise upstream into formerly inaccessible parts of the Mekong river. Enjoy the comfort and service onboard: exclusive, yet casual, you’ll share the boat with only few fellow guests. During the next days of your river cruise you will go on exciting offshore excursions and enjoy a programme with profound travel information in form of presentations, speeches or documentaries on relevant topics. Among others, the French Mekong Expedition of the 1860s, the daily life of a Buddhist novice or the plants and fruits of the Mekong region might be possible subjects. A visit of a small riverside community this afternoon gets you acquainted with the life of the local Lao Lum minority. Overnight aboard your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 4: PAK LAY
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 and slower river parts. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Your boutique river vessel enables you to go on a comfortable journey, which seemed impossible for ages: about 800 km of travelling along fantastic river landscapes, passing by aboriginal villages and reaching World Heritage Sites. You will discover some of the last unknown regions of South-East Asia. Upstream you will stop at the small riverside community of Pak Lai, known for once possessing many colonial buildings. The local market with its many exotic offerings is quite a sight. Safe and comfortable travelling on board of your exclusive river vessel is guaranteed, while you watch the incredible landscapes of the river pass by. At night, enjoy once again the comforts on board. You will spend the night close to the Thai-Laotian border. Overnight aboard your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 5: THA DEUA
During and after breakfast on board, enjoy the beautiful view and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore. You travel further on the “mother of all waters”, as the Lao call the Mekong River. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbank. You meet the people of the small village of Hua Hip, which is regularly supported by guests of your Mekong cruise. Today you will also see the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua, connecting Luang Prabang Province with the Sayaboury province. Overnight aboard your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 6: KUANG SI – LUANG PRABANG
A shore excursion will take you to the Kuang Si-falls, some of the most attractive waterfalls in Laos. This afternoon you will reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from numerous temples, the atmosphere is enriched by neighbouring French colonial architecture. 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 colourful night market of the local Hmong minority. Overnight aboard your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 7: UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE TOWN OF LUANG PRABANG
Breakfast on board. Today the ship stays in Luang Prabang, while we take you on a full day of sightseeing to get to know the beauties of this UNESCO World Heritage town. Apart from numerous temples, the atmosphere is enriched by neighbouring 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 your Mekong river vessel.
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. Breakfast is on board. Today you will cruise north again and visit a Laotian village where you observe the traditional production of Lao-Lao, the local liqueur. After a short walk through the jungle (optionally) you will explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. The night is spent on a beautiful sandbank, surrounded by nothing but pure nature. Overnight aboard your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 9: PAKBENG
The river traffic thins out as you proceed upstream, and you can enjoy the fantastic landscapes along the river. The scenery along the river is incredible... With a little luck you will be able to see working elephants in action today (unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit). Later, that day you will have a short stop in the market town of Pakbeng. Here we go ashore to enjoy a coffee Lao in a beautiful lodge with Mekong panorama or visit the local market, small stalls and shops along the one main street. Overnight aboard your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 10: PAK THA
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 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. As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha. Overnight aboard your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 11: PAK THA – HUAY XAY
At Pak Tha, a small village, you will take off on a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to visit a local Khmu village. The small village school is often sponsored by guests of your Mekong cruise. Upon reboarding your boutique river vessel, you will proceed to the Thai-Laotian border at Chiang Khong (Thailand) and Ban Huay Xay (Laos). The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. You then will spend a last relaxing dinner and evening on board, celebrated with a farewell dinner. Overnight aboard your Mekong river vessel.
DAY 12: THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE - FAREWELL* (B/L/-)
After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark. 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 old temple remains of the town. Chiang Saen once served as the crowing location for the kings of Lanna or Chiang Mai, and history is well preserved here. In the afternoon transfer to Chiang Rai hotel (within city limits) or to the airport Chiang Rai, from where frequent flights to Bangkok are offered.
* Depending on season and water level the check-out will either be at Chiang Saen or Chiang Khong. (Typically, from June until early November at Chiang Saen, thereafter Chiang Khong.)
Notes
Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneer experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions including flood waters 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.The RV Mekong Explorer
Relive the pioneering experience of the French Mekong-Expedition of 1866 during your cruise aboard the spacious cruise vessel Mekong Explorer.
Passengers of the exclusive Mekong Explorer can enjoy unique cruises through mainly unexplored regions of central Laos in the most comfortable way. Be one of the first travelers to get to know a truly unspoiled nature along the banks of the Mekong as well as during fascinating shore excursions to local villages on the route between The Golden Triangle and Luang Prabang in the north, the Lao capital of Vientiane and the lively market town of Savannakhet in the south.
Cruising without a fixed schedule, guests of the boutique cruise vessel Mekong Explorer can expect stunning and sometimes surprising excursions to remote villages and off the beaten track colonial towns like Thakhek and Savannakhet Natural wonders such as the 7 km long cave of Konglo, which you will traverse on small long tail boats are also parts of the unique experience. The cruise is available upstream from Savannakhet to Vientiane and vice versa. Apart from being located just across a bridge over the Mekong River from the Thai town of Mukdahan, flights between Savannakhet and Vientiane as well as to Bangkok and Pakse open numerous possibilities to include this unique cruise in tour itineraries to Laos or Southeast Asia in general.
SPECIFICATION:
- Built in Laos in 2008/2009
- Starting operations in December 2009
- Two decks with 16 cabins in three different categories
- All cabins twin bedded, with en suite shower/WC and air conditioning
- Eight Classic cabins (approx. 12,5 m²) and four Junior Suites (approx. 15,5 m²) on the main deck as well as two Junior Suites (approx. 15,5 m²) on the upper deck, all with wide sliding panoramic windows and a French balcony providing a fantastic view of the surrounding landscapes
- Two Suites (approx. 21 m²) with a private balcony on the upper deck
- Large sun deck on the top deck
- Restaurant/bar area on the upper deck
- All offshore excursions guided in English
- European Cruise director on board (English and German speaking)
The RV Mekong Sun
The river vessel Mekong Sun is the most comfortable ship capable of mastering the wild sections of the upper Mekong between Vientiane, Luang Prabang and the Golden Triangle - and, indeed, she is the only cabin cruiser presently operating. Here the water levels can vary dramatically and only a vessel of shallow draft can sail during dry season.
Accommodation and service is top level and guests may enjoy a very exclusive yet casual cruising experience.
The boat was built in 2006, has 2 decks with 11 classic cabins on the main deck (12 m²), each facing out onto the river with wide sliding windows and a French balcony providing a fantastic views of the passing landscapes.
In addition there are 3 superior cabins, one in the bow of the main deck (20 m²), and two on the upper deck (21 m²). The two cabins on the upper deck have their own small private balconies; the one in the bow has a superb panoramic view to the front. All cabins have en-suite shower/WC and air-conditioning
The Mekong Sun is also equipped with a large sun deck with bar service and restaurant/bar area.
