Choose Your Activity
Choose Where You Sleep
- RV Mekong Explorer
- RV Mekong Islands
- RV Vat Phou
Laos Temples & Religion
Choose where you sleep
- RV Mekong Explorer
- RV Mekong Islands
- RV Vat Phou
The Mekong River is one of the world's mightiest rivers, and the most bidoverse of all of them. Flowing all the way from the Yunan-Tibet plateau in China, it winds its way south, first dividing Burma from Northern Laos, then North East Thailand from Southern Laos before plunging into Cambodia over a series of massive waterfalls and rushing rapids. Just above that border crossing, the river is puntuated with a series of islands, known in Laos as the "Si Pan Don" - or 4,000 Islands.
During the colonial period of the late 19th Century, the French attempted to make it possible to transport cargo all the way from the Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam to Vientiane by building a narrow gauge railway across 2 of the islands, with huge cranes to hoist the goods from boats on the lower Cambodian side. That has long gone, and the islands have returned to a state of delightful rural tranquility that epitomises the charm of Laos.
Sailing to the islands of Si Pan Don aboard a deluxe cabin cruise boat is a delightful way to experience this beautiful area of Southern Laos and the awe-inspiring Mekong River.
Not far from the shores of the Mekong River in the province of Champassak, Southern Laos, lie two of the regions most remarkable historical treasures, the mythical World Heritage site of Vat Phou and the Oun Moung Temple.
The pre-Angkorian Wat Phou dates back over a thousand years and is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding examples of Khmer 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.
Notes
3D Vat Phou
The Vat Phou Mekong Cruise is a journey that starts and finishes in Pakse, with two separate itineraries. Both cruise itineraries visit the majestic UNESCO World Heritage Vat Phou ruins at Champassak, the mysterious Oum Muong ruins at Huei Thamo, the 4,000 Islands with its winding waterways, and the Pha Pheng waterfall on the Laos - Cambodia border.
From 01 October to 31 March
Departures every Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday on a cruise down or cruise up river.
From 01 April to 30 September
Departures every Tuesday and Saturday
*NO OPERATION IN JUNE for MAINTENANCE.
CRUISE DOWNRIVER
Day 1: Pakse / Champassak / Vat Phou
After meeting at the Sinouk Coffee House in central Pakse at 9:30am, we transfer you to a longtail riverboat for your 2.5 hour journey to Champassak. Upon arrival at the Vat Phou boat, we help you to your cabins to unpack then serve lunch on deck. The highlight of the afternoon is the Vat Phou ruins - the majestic pre-Angkorian 10th century temple complex and boat's namesake. You have time to visit the museum at the ruins site, walk up to the highest temple and take as many photos as you would like. As dusk falls, we transfer you back to the Vat Phou boat for a chance to enjoy 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 Muong Temple / Khong Island
Breakfast is on board as we set sail for the village of Tomo. This is a small village a few minutes walk away from the mysterious hidden forest temple of Oum Muong. Afterwards we rejoin the boat to continue our cruise southwards. Lunch is on the deck, while leisurely sailing closer to the wild paradise of the "4,000 Islands". Late afternoon we disembark from the boat to walk through Ban Deua Tia, a small Laotian Village where the traditional way of life has not changed in centuries. Our day's cruise finishes at the most northern tip of Don Khong, the largest inhabited island in the river archipelego. After dinner, the evening is yours to relax and enjoy.
Day 3: Don Khone / Pha Pheng Waterfall / Pakse
While you breakfast on the deck, the Vat Phou boat cruises the Mekong to the small village of Ban Veuthong, where you board a small boat to meander among the 4,000 Islands to Khone Island. You will visit the old French railway and walk across the bridge that links Khone and Det Islands. We continue on the boat back to the mainland for lunch at a local restaurant on Don Khone Island along the banks of the river. A bus transfers you to the historically significant Khone Pha Pheng waterfall, "the Niagara of the East", close to the Cambodian border. We then bring you back to Pakse for the end of the cruise experience, arriving around 4.30pm.
CRUISE UPRIVER (the same tour but in reverse):
Day 1: Pakse / Pha Pheng Waterfall / Khone Island
After meeting at the Sinouk Coffee House in central Pakse at 9:30am, you will board a bus to travel Route 13 to the historically significant Pha Pheng waterfalls, the "Niagara of the East". You will then be driven by bus to the Nakasang pier, board a small wooden boat for a visit to Khone Island for lunch at local restaurant on the banks of the river. Then, you will visit the old French railway, the French colonial house and walk across the bridge that links Khone and Det Islands. The boat will continue cruising among the 4,000 islands before boarding the Vat Phou boat at the Khong Island village of Ban Veuthong. Check into your cabin, after settle in, enjoy the sunset and dinner on the Mekong river, docking riverside for the night.
Day 2: Khong Island / Oum Muong Temple / Huei Thamo
Breakfast is on board the Vat Phou boat as we set sail to Ban Deua Tia. You willl walk through this small Village, seeing centuries old traditions still being used. The Vat Phou boat then continues to cruise north on the Mekong, past the island of Don Xai, and many other small islets in the river archipelego. After lunch, you visit the village of Huei Thamo and the mysterious Oum Muong forest temple, just a few minutes walk way. Dinner aboard Vat Phou then you have the rest of the evening to relax and enjoy the silence.
Day 3: Vat Phou / Champassak / Pakse
While enjoying breakfast on board, the Vat Phou continues its Mekong cruise to Champassak. The highlight this morning is the Vat Phou ruins - the majestic pre-Angkorian 10th century temple complex and boat's namesake. You have time to visit the museum at the ruins site, walk up to the highest temple and take as many photos as you would like. We return you to the boat for your final lunch on board. A small boat will then take you back to Pakse, arriving around 4.00pm.
Prices (in USD)
| Period | Per Person sharing |
| 01 April - 30 September | $518 |
| 01 October - 31 March | $739 |
PRICES INCLUDE:
- 3 days cruise with stops and visits as mentioned in the program with English speaking guide.
- 2 nights accommodation on board.
- Meal plan as mentioned in the tour program.
- Coffee, tea & drinking water on board and during meals.
- Admission fee at visiting points as mentioned in the program.
- Services of qualified crews during the cruise.
- Group insurance.
PRICES EXCLUDE:
- Visa approval and fees for Laos.
- Transfer from hotel / airport to pier in Pakxe or v.v.
- Other drinks and meals not mentioned in package.
- Immigration fees
- Personal Insurance
- Other personal expenses.
If you have more than 8 people in your group, please ask for special group rates.
4D Mekong Islands cruise
PAKSE – WAT PHOU – DON KHONG – 4000 ISLANDS – KHONE PHAPHENG FALLS – PAKSE
DAY 1: WELCOME TO SOUTHERN LAOS! [-/-/D]
Pick up from Pakse airport or your hotel in town ready for boarding in the afternoon (after 2pm) where you will be welcomed by the ever-friendly Lao crew with a cocktail. You will start your cruise experience with the departure southwards. When the sun has set and the Mekong Islands is moored safely at the river bank you will get a chance to learn more about Laos and her people, as well asthe nearly 5,000 km long Mekong river. with presentations and lectures held by the cruise director. During the next 3 days days, you canindulge in Southeast Asian delicacies dining on board or enjoying an atmospheric barbecue on the riverbank.
DAY 2: UNESCO-WORLD HERITAGE AND NATURE DELIGHT [B/L/D]
After cruising leisurely further downriver, you will stop to go on a shore excursion to the impressive pre-Angkorian temple complex of Wat Phou, relics of the great Khmer empire the ruled over the region from the 8th to 13th centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage site is located at the foot of the 1,500 m high Kao Mountain. With its mystical atmosphere these ruins are among the mostinspiring archaeological tour destinations of Laos. Returning aboard your can lean back and enjoy the beautiful sunsets from your cabin or from the sundeck while cruising deeper into the so-called region of the 4,000 Islands (Si Pan Don).
DAY 3: THE 4000 ISLANDS [B/L/D]
Here in the deep south of the country the Mekong has itswidest expansion of up to 16 km during the annual highwater period.Over thousands of years, nature created a landscape that seems almost surreal with thousands of islands appearing in the river bed when thehigh water declines annually. Some of these islands are bigger with a magnitude of a few square kilometres; other uninhabited ones are only a few square meters wide. Today you will go on an excursion partly by river cruise, local slow boat and bus to explore this remote nature escapes, and you will also see the mighty Khone waterfalls, the biggest falls in Asia. In the evening enjoy our farewell dinner aboard.
DAY 4: RETURN TO PAKSE[B/-/-]
Breakfast is served on board before disembarking for your return to Pakse by bus. (No flights earlier than 11:30 from Pakse or 14:30 from Ubon Ratchatani will be possible. If you plan an earlier flight, we’ll be happy to arrange an extra hotel night in Pakse for you.) A short city tour of Pakse can be arranged for those spending an extra night or leaving late afternoon/evening.*
* This cruise is also operated in the opposite direction starting with the city tour (arrivals up until 12 noon) and the bus transfer to embark the Mekong Islands down south on day 1. The same program will then be conducted from south to north. On day 4, no flights earlier than 11:30 from Pakse or 14:30 from Ubon will be possible. If you plan an earlier flight, we’ll be happy to add an extra hotel night in Pakse to your itinerary. A short excursion to the village of Sapai to get to know Lao textile manufacturing can be arranged for those spending an extra night or leaving late afternoon/evening.
Notes
Every river cruise in Southern Laos 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 due to the logistical complexities involved. Small deviations in the 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.
8D Mekong Explorer Cruise
Cruise Route: NONG KHAI - PHU WUA NATIONAL PARK - THAT PHANOM - NAKHON PHANOM - MUKDAHAN - UBON RATCHATHANI (OR VV.)
DAY 1: Welcome aboard – embarkation (-/-/D)
The cruise director and crew await you this afternoon (after 2pm) with a warm welcome upon embarkation near the town of Nong Khai. (Nong Khai can be reached by a short flight or by train from Bangkok to Udon Thani (UTH) as well as onland with a transfer from the Lao capitol of Vientiane across the friendship bridge. Enjoy a welcome reception and Southeast Asian specialties served during your dinner menu on board. Overnight onboard.
DAY 2: Your cruise experience begins today (B/L/D)
Breakfast is served on board. In the morning, enjoy an excursion to the historical park of Phu Prabat, impressed with natural rocks shaped almost mushroom like. Phu Phrabat has also been a sacred place for centuries and has recently enlisted to become a UNESCO world heritage site. From a temple close by you can enjoy one of the most impressive Mekong-views along the river in this region. Upon returning aboard your cruise experience begins. Lunch is served aboard while cruising leisurely in a few hours from the small town of Sri Chiangmai downriver towards Nong Khai. In the evening you can stroll along the river promenade or bargain at the colorful Indochina market in town. Dinner and overnight aboard your cruise vessel.
DAY 3: Bizarre sculptures in Nong Khai (B/L/D)
In the morning, a guided tour will get you acquainted with the bizarre, yet interesting Buddhist-Hindu sculpture park. Upon your return aboard, your cruise experience continues. Along both sides of the quiet river banks you may spot every once in a while small golden temple spires, while a presentation on tropical fruits grown in this region provides with possibly surprising insight benefits used in traditional local medicine. At night your vessel is moored at a secluded sandbank or at a small village pier. After dinner, a documentary shows the river flow of the Mekong from the Tibetan highlands all the way to the South China Sea. Overnight onboard your river vessel.
DAY 4-5: Pioneering cruise expedition through remote North-East Thailand (B/L/D)
While enjoying your breakfast on board you will reach the starting point for your next shore excursion. A short drive brings you to an impressive cliff monastery, which stands seven levels high above local rice paddies. Western visitors are welcomed very seldom – just like most of the times during your entire tour. On the fifth day you will go on a short and easy trek (approx. 1 hour) through the tropical environment of Phu Wua National Park. In the afternoon you will cross the river into Laos (as the next immigration office is several driving hours away, the crew will arrange for a special permit by the provincial Lao government that guests can enter Laos today without having to pass immigration). Continue to the small village of Pak Khading where we join a long-tail boat for a trip up the Nam Khading River to visit a remote village. Returning back to Thailand and your cruise vessel; continue your cruise further south. Overnight onboard your river vessel.
DAY 6: Nakhon Phanom (B/L/D)
In this region picturesque karst-mountains pass by on the Lao side of the river. After a few hours cruise along the mighty Mekong – “the mother of all waters” as the locals call the river here – you will reach the provincial town of Nakhon Phanom. You will get acquainted with the town during a short city tour on a motor-rikscha/TukTuk or by foot. The governor’s palace was formerly the residence of the Thai kings while visiting this part of the country, today it serves as a local museum. In the late 1920s Ho Chi Minh planned and organized the Vietnamese communist movement from his exile in Nakhon Phanom. You will visit the house where he lived during these years. In Nakhon Phanom we recommend to join your tour guide to have a drink in a local bar – menus with latin characters will probably be not available anywhere, though. Overnight onboard your river vessel.
DAY 7: Thailand and Laos - two worlds apart yet so close (B/L/D)
This morning you will cross the river into Laos (see below for visa requirements for Laos). In the town of Thakhek you will find many remaining buildings from the French colonial era. Once planned to become the capitol of Laos under French rule, today’s Thakhek is a typical charming and sleepy Lao provincial town that you get acquainted with during a guided stroll. In the surroundings of the city at the foot of a karst mountain panorama a Buddhist-grotto was discovered only a few years ago in 2004 and will also be part of your visit. After returning back to Thailand you will reach the holy pilgrim center of That Phanom. Legend has it that Buddha himself came here to command that after his death one of his breastbones be treasured in That Phanom as a reliquary. The devoutness of the local pilgrims which you will notice during your visit of the temple and its Buddhist mural-walls and well kept garden is quite impressive. At night you will celebrate your farewell dinner together with your crew and captain! Overnight onboard your river vessel.
DAY 8: Farewell to Isaan! (B/L/-)
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Ubon Ratchathani (UBP) from where frequent flights to Bangkok are offered.
Rates for 8-day-cruise through North-Eastern Thailand: High Season
DBL Classic Cabin: 1690 EUR/per person
DBL Superior: 2230 EUR/per person
DBL Suite with Balcony: 2670 EUR/per person
SGL surcharge in Classic: 550 EUR
SGL surcharge in Superior: 825 EUR
SGL surcharge in Suite with Balcony: 1130 EUR
Surcharge per person for those guests arriving/leaving to/from Udon Thani (UTH, approx. 1 hr car ride from Nong Khai)
instead of Nong Khai: 50 EUR for 2 person traveling together / 100 EUR for single traveler
* Rates for season 2012/2013 are subject to change without prior notice with the exception of confirmed booking with deposit payment
Services included in the cruise rate:
• 7 overnights aboard your Boutique river vessel
• All meals and tour program as per above itinerary
• Coffee, tea and water during meal times (juice for breakfast)
• All excursions and necessary entry fees
• Presentations and lectures by your cruise director
• Transfer to/from Nong Khai or Ubon (depending on cruise direction)
Services NOT included in the cruise rate:
• Visa fees (Lao visa needed if wanting to join the excursion to Laos), most nationalities can
obtain Lao visa on arrival (VOA) in Thakhek for approx. 30 USD, please inquire with your next
Lao embassy if you are eligible for VOA. For VOA please bring along a passport sized photo
and USD in cash!
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Flights
• Tips
• Transfers between the Mekong Explorer and Udon Thani (UTH) can be arranged on request for
a small extra charge as mentioned above
• Video or photography-fees (if requested during excursions)
• Personal expenditures or not mentioned services of any kind
Notes
NOTE: Every river cruise on the 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. *The cruise is also operated in the opposite direction starting with the bus transfer from Ubon Ratchathani airport in the morning and ending with the transfer out to Nong Khai. All services are identical and the same program will then be conducted from south to north!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 Islands
A new arrival on the scene since the end of 2009 is the Meking Islands, a luxury river cruise boat offering 4 day cruises to the stunning Si Pan Don (4,000 Islands) of Southern Laos.
Cruises start from Pakse, the capital of Champasak province, which is easily accessible by flight from Vientiane and Luang Prabang, or from Siem Reap (Angkor) in Cambodia, and by crossing the Thai border from Ubon Ratchathani.
During the 7-day cruise guests will also get a chance to enjoy a day trip to the beauty of the Bolovens Plateau with its many waterfalls and panoramic views of the surrounding plains of South Laos.
The Mekong Islands - Facts
- Built in Laos in 2008/2009
- Starting operations in September 2009
- Two decks with 11 cabins in two categories
- All cabins twin bedded, with en suite shower/WC and air conditioning
Eight Classic cabins (approx. 11 m²) on the main deck with a big window providing fantastic views of the surpassing landscapes- Three Superior cabins (approx. 12 m²) on the upper deck all with wide sliding panoramic windows and a French balcony
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 Vat Phou
Originally a ferry that carried teak wood between Vientiane and the south of Laos, the Vat Phou boat was lovingly converted in 1993 into a luxurious floating hotel cruising the Mekong river.
The Vat Phou boat is a 34 metre long, 7.5 metre wide steel hulled teak barge, equipped with two 260 HP Isuzu diesel engine.
The design retains a character that is unmistakably oriental and enables you to relax in comfort while you cruise the Mekong, you enjoy the ever-changing pageant of river scenery and life as you pass smoothly by.
The Vat Phou has 15 staff on each Mekong cruise departure. This includes 2 full time captains, 2 mechanics, 2 cooks, 3 cleaning staff and 5 bar or waiting staff. We also have on board an English, French and Thai speaking guide who can help answer any questions and point out any interesting sights along the way.
There are two decks on the Vat Phou boat. The lower deck has 10 cabins, the kitchen/galley and our evening air conditioned dining room. The upper deck has 2 cabins, the bar and a two large open air shaded decks - one at each end of the boat. The ship is fully equipped with safety equipment meeting the international standards.
The front upper deck has rattan armchairs, sofas, coffee tables and loungers. This area is perfect for lying reading a book, taking photographs of life along the Mekong river or having an afternoon nap.
The rear upper deck has chairs, sofas and coffee tables. We also have the bar area here where our staff can serve you tea, coffee or drinking water, which are all included free during the cruise. You are also able to purchase beer, soft drinks, wine and spirits. Breakfast and lunch are usually served here, watching the sun twinkling on the waters surface.
The Vat Phou has 12 comfortable, twin share cabins, each equipped with air conditioning, fan and a private bathroom with western style toilet and hot shower.
The galley offers a set menu with Lao, Vietnamese and Thai dishes. All meals are included in the price of the cruise.
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.
