Laos Mekong Explorer

Fly overnight from London (via Bangkok) to Chiang Rai.

The 13th century Mangrai Dynasty capital, Chiang Rai town is a historic, if leisurely, hub. On arrival, transfer to the 4-star Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa (Nov 2024 - The Riverie by Katathani) for an overnight stay. Dinner at the hotel.
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A ‘Golden Triangle’ province bordering Myanmar and Laos, Chiang Rai is a remote region of tranquil hills, tribal villages, and trekking trails. Travel through it today, stopping enroute for lunch at the Ban Rai Sabaidee Farm, and to visit the Hall of Opium Museum, with an exhibition of the region’s former infamous opium trade. Continue to Chang Khong to embark on the RV Champa Pandaw, your vessel for the ten-night cruise, and enjoy Welcome drinks on the sundeck, with a display of traditional Thai dancing.
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Cross the Thai/Laos border to sail downstream on the Upper Mekong, with a presentation on the Lao language this morning and, if time allows, a walk through the jungle village of Pak Sith this afternoon.
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A day of diversity begins at Ban Luang Tong Lao Lowland Village, a living museum of the lifestyles of several hill tribes; with an afternoon visit to an elephant rescue sanctuary, where mahouts, who once worked these amazing animals in the forest, are now re-trained to care for them in their retirement. This evening we moor at a sandbank for a remote, lantern-lit, riverside barbecue and cocktail party.
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We visit two remote villages today, for an insight of the culture and daily life of the Lao and Khmu people. At Ban Bor this morning you have the opportunity to admire and buy local handicrafts, supporting the community; and this afternoon we enjoy an insightful walk through the Khmu village of Yoi Haoi.
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Cruise to Pak Ou and switch to a local boat to explore the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist holy site, tucked into spectacular limestone cliffs, and famed for its hundreds of Buddha statues; followed by a visit to nearby Whisky Village, to witness the production of the local tipple, and to shop for handcrafted souvenirs. Continue your journey to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city, with faded French architecture, former palaces, and thirty-three gleaming temples filling its historic, long-hidden heart. Our mooring is central in the city.
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Sightseeing in Luang Prabang starts with an overview of the city, as we climb the 228 steps of Phousy Hill to the temple and look out to fabulous panoramic views. The rest of the day is focused on local crafts and culture, including Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise supporting the women of local weaving villages; the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, a museum of the heritage of diverse ethnic groups, with exhibits of the country’s musical instruments; and, back onboard this evening, a ‘Bacci’ ceremony, a celebration of life events, with traditional music and dance.
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Witness the early morning ritual of the Tagbat, when 2,000 monks walk around the old royal capital in a daily ceremony embraced by the local people, who come out to give them food; return to the ship for breakfast, then stroll through the souvenir and street-food stalls of Hmong market, before taking a tuk-tuk tour of the enchanting city, with its Royal Palace and many Buddhist shrines. Afternoon at leisure for independent exploration.
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Leave Luang Prabang and sail to Ban Chan Pottery Village, continuing the traditional methods of making clay pots which have been used since the 16th century. A demo of creating the typical jars shows you how they are hand-thrown and fired. After lunch aboard, we moor at Ban Mouang Khai and take a short drive to the beautiful, three-tiered, Kuang Si Waterfall, with the chance to swim in its pool; and visit the Laos Buffalo Farm on our return journey to the ship, enjoying a sunset cruise to the overnight mooring at Ban Na San.
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A morning walk through Ban Na San village introduces you to the Hmong people, originally hailing from the highlands but long resettled by the river. Return to the vessel to sail through the Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam, a controversial construction, considered to have adversely affected local ecosystems and agriculture. Take a look at the workings of the dam as the ship navigates the locks. Continue to colourful Ban Khok Fark for an afternoon walk and overnight mooring.
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This morning, visit the rural village of Ban Pak Yun, a mixed-minority community of Lao lowlanders, Khmu, and Hmong tribes, each bringing their own culture and traditions. Return to the vessel to sail to its final destination, Pak Lay, with activities including a tour of your Pandaw ship, and a fruit-carving demo on the sundeck, before Farewell cocktails and dinner this evening.
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Disembark the ship this morning and take a local long-tail boat expedition downstream to the country’s capital, Vientiane; a full day of eye-catching riverbank views, with lunch aboard provided by Pandaw, arriving at the city in the late afternoon. Transfer to the 5-star Souphattra Heritage Hotel for an overnight stay.
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Vientiane exudes an easy tempo, its character stylish and amiable, its modern malls complementing colonial buildings, its broad boulevards redolent of Paris. A tour of the city this morning includes a visit to the Patuxai memorial (aka Victory Monument), where a climb to the top is rewarded with a panoramic cityscape; and to the 45metre-tall Pha That Luang golden stupa, the most revered shrine in Laos, said to contain a relic of Lord Buddha. Transfer to the airport for the overnight return flight, via Bangkok, to London.
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Arrival in London.