Package Info
Tour Highlights
- LUANG PRABANG
- KUANG SI
- PAK OU
- PAKBENG
- PAK THA
- HUAY XAY
- GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Tour Inclusions
Detailed inclusions are shown in the itinerary and will be confirmed in your personalised quotation.
Tour Exclusions
Exclusions and optional costs will be confirmed clearly in your personalised quotation.
Flights
Flights are included only when they are specifically stated in the tour itinerary or quotation. Our travel consultants can help arrange the most suitable connections on request.
Tour Route Map
Overview
On this route the river vessel takes you upstream the Mekong starting in Luang Prabang passing amongst others the famous caves of Pak Ou and the market town of Pakbeng. The tour ends in the Golden Triangle with a visit of the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the Hall of Opium - a fascinating museum.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: LAOS CRUISES: LUANG PRABANG CRUISING PACKAGE– EMBARKATION (-/-/D)
In the afternoon, you will embark at one of the German-Laotian owned river ships Mekong Sun and or Explorer. These are comfortable new cabin cruiser on the upper Mekong. (Check in is at 2:00 PM.) Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a four-day cruise. 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 aboard the Mekong Sun/ Explorer.
DAY 2: CRUISES IN LAOS WITH MEKONG SUN BOAT: LUANG PRABANG CITY TOUR – CRUISING ON NAM KHAN RIVER(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 aboard the Mekong Sun/ Explorer.
DAY 3: LAOS CRUISING TOUR WITH MEKONG SUN BOAT: CRUISING TRIP FROM LUANG PRABANG TO 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 aboard the Mekong Sun/ Explorer.
DAY 4: LAOS CRUISING TOUR WITH MEKONG SUN BOAT: ENJOY THE TAXUANG FANTASTIC LANDSCAPES ALONG RIVER 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 on the boat.
DAY 5: LAOS CRUISING TOUR WITH MEKONG SUN BOAT: VISIT THE MARKET TOWN OF 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 aboard the Mekong Sun/ Explorer.
DAY 6: LAOS CRUISING TOUR WITH MEKONG SUN BOAT: PROCEEDING TO THE THAI-LAOIAN BORDER AT 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 aboard the Mekong Sun/ Explorer.
DAY 7: LAOS CRUISING TOUR WITH MEKONG SUN BOAT: LUANG PRABANG CRUISING PACKAGE TO 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 aboard the Mekong Sun/ Explorer.
DAY 8: LAOS CRUISING TOUR WITH MEKONG SUN BOAT: DISEMBARK (B/-/-)
After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark.*
* 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.
Important Info
Pricing Table
Detailed pricing is available on request and will be confirmed in your personalised quotation.
Hotel & Note
Final hotel details and special notes will be confirmed with your personalised quotation before booking.
FAQs
How do I create a custom itinerary?
Tell DNQ Travel your preferred destinations, travel dates, group size, interests and budget. Our Hanoi-based consultants will tailor the route, hotels, transport and experiences into a personalised itinerary for you.
How do I book the trip?
Send an enquiry from the tour page or contact our team directly. We will check availability, refine the itinerary with you and send a clear quotation before you confirm the booking.
How do I pay for the trip?
After you confirm the proposal, your consultant will provide the deposit amount, balance due date and accepted payment methods. Payment details are shared securely during the booking process.
Is there any hidden cost? What about tipping?
There are no hidden costs in your confirmed quotation. Inclusions, exclusions and optional services are listed clearly. Tipping is usually discretionary unless your final proposal states otherwise.
How can I get Vietnam visa on arrival?
Vietnam visa rules depend on your passport, travel dates and entry point. DNQ Travel can share practical guidance, but you should always verify the latest requirements with official immigration sources before departure.
How safe is Vietnam?
Vietnam is generally a safe and welcoming destination for travellers. As in any country, keep valuables secure, follow local guidance and use trusted transport and services arranged through your itinerary.
What about medical insurance?
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, emergency assistance, cancellation, lost luggage and any activities included in your trip.
