Mekong Sun & Mekong Pearl

Between 8 and 9 pm you transfer from Chiang Rai Airport or a local hotel to the famous Golden Triangle region. You enjoy a sightseeing city tour, which includes the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the Hall of Opium Museum. The Hall of Opium, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, provides an in-depth look at the history and politics of the opium trade and health impact of opium use. Later you board the Mekong Pearl, a boutique German–Laotian river ship, and settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for an 11-day cruise. In the evening, you enjoy the ship’s spacious decks and lounge before attending a welcome dinner and reception. Overnight on board.

This morning your exciting voyage on the mighty Mekong River really gets underway, with your departure from the Golden Triangle region, where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet. Today’s destination is the nearby Laotian town of Huay Xay on the Laos–Thailand border. Your ship then takes you through the stunning scenery of northern Laos to the small village of Pak Tha. From there you take a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to visit a Khmu village. You then continue downstream until your cruise ship anchors at a sandbank for the night. Overnight on board.

The river traffic increases as you pass through a densely populated region accessible only by water. Here you discover some of the wild Mekong’s most beautiful landscapes: hills covered with tropical vegetation, dramatic rock formations, and a fascinating mixture of rapid currents and slow rivulets. The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Relax on deck, in your cabin, or in the lounge as you enjoy the otherworldly atmosphere of these spectacular surroundings. A short while later you arrive in Oudomxay Province. Overnight on board.

After a relaxing morning on board, your boutique ship stops at a small riverside village to visit the famous Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of small Buddha statues dwell within. From there, you can go on a short jungle trek through the forest to a local village to see their traditional distillery. Alternatively, you can reach the village comfortably by boat. Nearby you can see elephants working, unless they are employed elsewhere at the time of your visit. You enjoy your dinner on board surrounded by impressive limestone mountains. Overnight on board.

Today you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your day begin with a city walk to the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple with its gold-trimmed tile roofs, which leave you in awe. Later you explore other highlights during this full-day excursion through Luang Prabang. In the evening, you walk up Mount Phou Si, which offers a spectacular view of the Mekong and Khan Rivers and the surrounding mountains. You enjoy a stroll along the Mekong promenade or visit the colorful Hmong night market. Luang Prabang offers many opportunities for fine dining, and tonight you are free to choose from the numerous offerings in town or along the Mekong River. Overnight on board.

In the early morning, you can observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang and explore the traditional morning market. After your breakfast on board, you join our guided city tour, which includes the National Museum of Luang Prabang, situated in the former royal palace, and a local handicraft village. After exploring the city center, the afternoon is yours to enjoy. You can choose from dozens of local restaurants and eateries. Before dinner on board, you attend a celebration featuring a traditional Lao dance performance and a Baci friendship ceremony. Overnight on board.

After breakfast on board, you enjoy the beautiful views and possibly spot local fishermen onshore as you cruise further downstream. After a few hours of cruising downriver, you stop and continue by tuk-tuks to visit the famous Kuang Si Falls, some of Laos’ most remarkable waterfalls. In the afternoon, don’t miss the Xayabouri Dam, the biggest hydroelectric power plant in Laos. That evening you enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises barbecue dinner in a beautiful riverside location. Overnight on board.

Today you visit a hidden cave and experience nature on some easy hiking trails. In the afternoon, you take in the beautiful views on the sun deck or attend presentations on the history and culture of Laos. Later you relax on board, enjoying the easy comfort and expert service of your boutique ship in an exclusive, yet casual atmosphere. Overnight on board.

Downstream you discover some of the most remarkable, impressive landscapes of the wild Mekong. The scenery becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the riverbanks, and a diverse array of rapid currents and slow rivulets. Later you visit the dreamy town of Salakham. The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. You enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbanks before your ship heads further downriver and stops for the night. Overnight on board.

You continue downstream on the Mekong, known locally as the “Mother of All Waters”. Today’s destination is the Laotian capital, Vientiane, where you see the Pha That Luang stupa—an architectural symbol of Laos—as well as the Patuxai, also known as the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane. You celebrate the last evening of your cruise with a farewell dinner on board, together with your friendly crew, cruise director, and captain. Overnight on board.

After breakfast you say goodbye to your Laotian crew, check out and disembark your boutique river ship. Your unforgettable journey comes to an end as you transfer to the airport or to your local hotel.

At 2 pm you check in and board the Mekong Pearl, a comfortable German–Laotian cruise ship. This unique river vessel is the first of its kind to offer cabins on the upper Mekong. First you settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for a 12-day cruise. In the afternoon, you join a guided city tour that includes highlights of the Laotian capital such as the Pha That Luang stupa and Patuxai, known as the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane. Back on board your river vessel, you enjoy its spacious decks and lounge before attending your welcome reception and dinner. A selection of Asian and European food is provided throughout the cruise. Overnight on board.

Today your Mekong river cruise experience starts. During the day, you cruise upriver, where you discover some of the most remarkable, impressive landscapes. In the afternoon, you enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the Mekong’s shores before your boutique ship stops at a quiet place to stay for the night. Overnight on board.

Further north the landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the riverbanks, and a diverse array of rapid currents and slow rivulets. During the day, you visit the dreamy town of Salakham. The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. You enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbanks before your ships heads north again and stops for the night. Overnight on board.

Upstream you stop at the small farming village Ban Don Saingam, where you can participate in a 30-minute trek to explore a hidden cave visited exclusively by Mekong River Cruises guests. The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle.
Overnight on board.

During and after breakfast on board, you enjoy the beautiful view and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore. On the way, don’t miss the Xayabouri Dam, the biggest hydroelectric power plant in Laos. In the afternoon, you meet the inhabitants of a small hill tribe village regularly visited by our guests and supported by donations. Overnight on board.

In the morning, you join a guided shore excursion that takes you to the Kuang Si Falls, some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Laos. In the afternoon, you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, you walk up Mount Phou Si, which offers a spectacular view of the Mekong and Khan Rivers and the surrounding mountains. You enjoy a stroll along the Mekong promenade and visit the colorful Hmong night market before having dinner on board and attending a traditional Lao dance performance and a Baci friendship ceremony. Overnight on board.

In the early morning, you can observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang and explore the traditional morning market. After breakfast on board, you join a guided city tour, which includes the National Museum of Luang Prabang, situated in the former royal palace, and a local handicraft village. In the afternoon, you are free to explore the city on your own. Luang Prabang offers many opportunities for fine dining. Tonight you can choose from the numerous restaurants in town or along the Mekong River. Overnight on board.

During breakfast, your cruise takes you upstream until your boutique ship stops at the famous Pak Ou Caves, within which thousands of small Buddha statues dwell. From there, you can go on a short jungle trek through the forest to a small riverside village and visit their distillery. Alternatively, you can reach the village comfortably by boat. Nearby you can see work elephants in action unless they are employed elsewhere at the time of your visit. That afternoon, your ship continues cruising upstream towards Oudomxay Province. Overnight on board.

The river traffic thins out as you proceed upstream, and you can enjoy the fantastic landscapes surrounding you. You can relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin or in the lounge and soak up the sun as the gorgeous landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the riverbanks, and a diverse array of rapid currents and slow rivulets. The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Overnight on board.

Today you relax on deck, enjoying astonishingly diverse landscapes and the tranquility of northern Laos—a real retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life back home. As you cruise along the green hills, you start heading toward Pak Tha. That evening, you enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises barbecue dinner in a beautiful riverside location. Overnight on board.

Enjoy your last breakfast onboard and say goodbye to your Laotian crew.

Before noon you reach Ban Huay Xay and disembark your boutique ship.

After visiting the temple and traditional market you will pass the Thailand–Laos border at Friendship Bridge before transferring to the airport or your local hotel at Chiang Rai city limits.

Ends the journey.

You are picked up from Chiang Rai Airport or at your hotel within city limits between 8 – 9 am and brought to the once-notorious Golden Triangle region.

Your sightseeing tour today includes a visit to the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the Hall of Opium. This fascinating museum, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, provides an in-depth look at history and politics of the opium trade and health impact of opium use.

Afterwards it is time to board your exclusive river vessel. The Mekong Pearl and Mekong Sun, under joint German-Laotian ownership, are unique boutique vessels. Settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for an 11-day cruise.

In the evening enjoy the spacious decks, the onboard lounge, and attend a dinnertime welcome reception.

Overnight: All overnights aboard your boutique river cruise ship.

Meals included: Dinner (D)

This morning your grand voyage on the mighty Mekong River really gets underway, with your de-parture from the Golden Triangle region, where Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Thailand meet.

To-day’s destination is the nearby Laotian town of Huay Xay on the Laotian-Thai border, where you will officially enter the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos.

Your voyage then takes you into northern Laos amid stunning scenery and on to the small village of Pak Tha. Here you take a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to visit a local village of the ethnic minority Khmu.

You will visit a small village school sponsored by guests of Mekong River Cruises. You then continue downstream aboard your cruise ship and anchor at a sand or riverbank.

Overnight on board.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner (BLD).

The river traffic increases as you pass through a densely populated region accessible only by water. Here you will discover some of this still-untamed river’s most beautiful landscapes: hills covered with tropical vegetation, dramatic rock formations, and a fascinating mixture of fast currents and more placid stretches of river.

The power of the mighty Mekong lends your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Relax on deck, in your cabin, or in the lounge as you absorb the remoteness of these spectacular surroundings. On the way you will visit a remote village.

Overnight on board.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD).

After a relaxing morning onboard, we stop at a small riverside village for a visit of the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns.

From here, you can optional-ly go on a short jungle trek through the forest to a local village to see their local distillery. Alternatively, you can reach the village comfortably by boat as well. Nearby you can see elephants in action (unless they are employed elsewhere at the time of your visit).

This evening we enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises BBQ dinner in a beautiful riverside location.

Overnight on board.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD)

Today you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Begin with a city walk to the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple with its Golden tiled roofs will surely leave you in awe. Explore other highlights during this full day excursion through Luang Pra-bang.

In the evening walk up Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular view over the Mekong as well as the Khan River and the surrounding mountains, enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority.

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 on board.

Meals included: breakfast and lunch (BL).

In the early morning you can visit the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang and explore the traditional morning market.

After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew.

Check-out and disembark. Your memorable river journey ends with your transfer to the airport or to your hotel (within city limits).

Meals included: breakfast (B).

Before lunch, from 11 am, you will embark on your comfortable Laotian cruise ship.

These unique vessels are the first German-Laotian owned river ships with cabins on the upper Mekong. Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a six-day cruise.

After having lunch onboard, you explore the charming town of Luang Prabang.

Back on board you are celebrating this evening with a local dancing performance and a traditional Lao Baci-friendship ceremony.

Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (LD)

During breakfast, your cruise takes you upstream until your boutique ship stops at the famous Pak Ou Caves, within which thousands of small Buddha statues dwell. From there, you can go on a short jungle trek through the forest to a small riverside village and visit their distillery.

Alternatively, you can reach the village comfortably by boat. Nearby you can see work elephants in action unless they are employed elsewhere at the time of your visit.

In the afternoon, your ship continues cruising upstream towards Oudomxay Province. Overnight on board.

Overnight on board.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD)

The river traffic thins out as you proceed upstream, and you can enjoy the fantastic landscapes surrounding you.

You can relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin or in the lounge and soak up the sun as the gorgeous landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the riverbanks, and a diverse array of rapid cur-rents and slow rivulets.

The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real ex-pedition.

Overnight on board.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD)

Today you relax on deck, enjoying astonishingly diverse landscapes and the tranquility of northern Laos—a real retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life back home.

As you cruise along the green hills, you start heading toward the small village of Pak Tha. You can join a long-tail boat excur-sion on the Namtha River, which takes you to a nearby Khmu village, whose school has been sup-ported by donations from Mekong River Cruises guests for many years.

In the evening, you enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises barbecue dinner in a beautiful riverside location.

Overnight on board.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD)

Soak in the scenery and the purely natural landscape, which is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle.

In the afternoon, you proceed to the Thailand–Laos border at Chiang Khong, Thailand, and Ban Huay Xay, Laos.

In the evening, you enjoy your last dinner on the Mekong.

Overnight on board.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD)

After breakfast you say goodbye to your Laotian crew.

You check out and disembark your boutique ship before transferring to the airport or your local hotel.

Depending on season and water level the check-out will either be at Chiang Saen or Chiang Khong.

Meals included: breakfast (B)

At 2 pm you check in and board the Mekong Sun or Mekong Pearl, our comfortable Laotian cruise ships. These unique vessels are the first German–Laotian owned cruise ships with cabins that navigate the upper Mekong. You settle into your comfortable cabin, and unpack for a six-day cruise.

Later you participate in a guided city tour including all highlights of the Laotian capital: including the Pha That Luang stupa and the Patuxai, also known as the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane. That evening, you enjoy the ship’s spacious decks and comfortable lounge before attending your welcome reception and dinner. A selection of Asian and European food is provided throughout the cruise. Overnight on board.

Today your Mekong River cruise experience starts. During the day you continuously cruise upriver, where you discover some of the most remarkable, impressive landscapes. In the afternoon, you enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbanks before stopping at a peaceful spot to moor for the night. Overnight on board.

Further north you discover more gorgeous scenery of the wild Mekong. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations, and a diverse array of rapid currents and slow rivulets. During the day, you visit the dreamy town of Salakham. The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. You enjoy beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders then head north, where you stop again for the night. Overnight on board.

Upstream you stop at the small farming village of Ban Don Saingam, where you can participate in a 30-minute trek to explore a hidden cave visited exclusively by our guests. The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. In the evening, you enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises barbecue dinner in a beautiful riverside location. Overnight on board.

During breakfast on board you enjoy the beautiful view, and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore. Don’t miss the Xayabouri Dam, the biggest hydroelectric power plant in Laos. In the afternoon, you meet the inhabitants of a small hill tribe village which is regularly visited by our guests and supported by donations. That evening, you celebrate your last night on board with a farewell dinner. Overnight on board.

In the morning, a guided shore excursion takes you to the Kuang Si Falls, some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Laos. That afternoon, you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Luang Prabang you say goodbye to your Lao crew. Later you check out and disembark from your Mekong River cruise ship, your comfortable home on an unforgettable journey.

In the afternoon, you board your comfortable Laotian cruise ship. These unique vessels are the first German-Laotian owned river ships with cabins on the upper Mekong. You settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for a five-day cruise. Today your cruise ship remains in Luang Prabang, giving you the opportunity to explore this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. That evening, you can explore the nightly market where locals sell their handicrafts. Later you enjoy the spacious decks and lounge of your river ship, and attend your welcome reception and dinner. A selection of Asian and European food is provided throughout the cruise. Overnight on board.

In the early morning, you can view the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Back on board during breakfast, your ship starts out for your spectacular river cruise downstream into formerly inaccessible parts of the Mekong River. Later a guided shore excursion takes you to the Kuang Si Falls, some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Laos. In the afternoon, don’t miss the Xayabouri Dam, the biggest hydroelectric power plant in Laos. Today your cruise ship moors overnight at a peaceful sandbank. Overnight on board.

Today you visit an almost forgotten cave and experience nature on some easy hiking trails. You take in the beautiful views, and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore. Later you can enjoy a presentation about the history and culture of Laos or simply relax on deck. The comfort and service on board provides an exclusive, yet casual atmosphere. That evening, you enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises barbecue dinner in a beautiful riverside location. Overnight on board.

Further downstream you discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes of the wild Mekong. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations, and a diverse array of rapid currents and slow rivulets. During the day, you visit the dreamy town Salakham. The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. You enjoy beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbanks before you head further downriver and stop for the night. Overnight on board.

During the day, you continuously cruise down-river, where you discover remarkable, impressive landscapes. In the afternoon, you enjoy more amazing landscapes and sights from the comfort of your boutique ship before stopping at a peaceful spot for the night. Overnight on board.

Today you head towards Vientiane, the capital of Laos. In Vientiane, you say goodbye to your Lao crew. Later you check out and disembark from your Mekong River cruise ship, ending your unforgettable journey through this wondrous region.

At 1 pm you transfer from your centrally located hotel or from Luang Prabang Airport to your boutique German–Laotian cruise ship, where you check-in at 1:30 pm and settle into your comfortable, stylish cabin and unpack for a six-day cruise. Your adventure begins with a walk up Mount Phou Si, which offers a spectacular sunset view of the Mekong and Khan Rivers and surrounding mountains. In the evening, you enjoy a stroll along the Mekong promenade or visit the colorful Hmong night market. You enjoy the ship’s spacious decks and lounge before attending your welcome reception and dinner. A selection of Asian and European food is provided throughout the cruise. Overnight on board.

In the early morning, you can observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. After breakfast on board, you enjoy a half-day guided sightseeing tour, which includes the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple. Later your spectacular cruise begins with your departure from Luang Prabang, taking you downstream through beautiful scenery. Your boutique ship moors at a secluded sandbank, where you spend the night. Overnight on board.

Further downstream you discover more remarkable, impressive Mekong River landscapes. You enjoy your morning on board before your ship turns around and heads back upstream to visit a traditional Hmong hill tribe village in the afternoon. There you visit a local village school, which is supported by donations from guests of Mekong River Cruises. Later you continue to enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the banks of the Mekong before finding a place to moor the night. Overnight on board.

After breakfast on board, you can relax on board and possibly spot local fishermen as your cruise continues upstream. After a few hours, you go ashore and continue by tuk-tuk to the famous Kuang Si Falls, some of Laos’ most remarkable waterfalls. After passing Luang Prabang, your ship stops again at a sandbank for the night. That evening, you enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises barbecue dinner on the breathtaking banks of the Mekong. Overnight on board.

After breakfast on board, you explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, inhabited by thousands of small Buddha statues. Today you can take a short walk through the jungle and visit a Laotian village where you can observe how Lao-Lao, a Laotian spirit, is traditionally distilled. Before returning to your boutique Mekong ship, you can see elephants at work, unless they are busy with an off-site job at the time of your visit. Later you enjoy a few hours of cruising the Mekong River amidst beautiful landscapes before returning to Luang Prabang, where you enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. You celebrate your last evening on board with a farewell dinner and a beautiful Baci ceremony, a traditional Lao friendship ritual. Overnight on board.

After breakfast, you say goodbye to your Laotian crew. You check out before 10 am, disembark your boutique ship and transfer to the airport, bringing an end to your unforgettable Mekong River cruise.