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A Luxury River Cruise Down the Mekong Is the Best Way to See Laos

The Mekong River is the lifeline of Southeast Asia, and the best way to explore it is via a traditional teak boat that sails through the bewitching landscapes of Laos.

Simon Willis is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. For the magazine he has crisscrossed Europe, Asia and Latin America. Particularly drawn to remote places, he has filed features from Patagonia, Laos and the Southern Ocean among other destinations.

As dusk fell over the Mekong, the crew of the Gypsy prepared dinner on the riverbank. Sue Yang, our guide, heaped together a driftwood fire on the foreshore, splashed it with gasoline from a small bottle, and threw on a match. Meanwhile, Singkham Soudachan, the boat captain, emerged from the forest carrying lengths of bamboo. Squatting on his haunches, he transformed them into skewers. When the flames died down and the wood was white-hot, we were ready to cook.

I was three days into a four-day river journey with my wife, Charlie; Chris Wise, a photographer; and the seven-strong crew of our vessel, a 135-foot teak longboat that plies the river between Luang Prabang, in the heart of northern Laos, and Huay Xai, on the country's western border with Thailand . The Gypsy, which carries a maximum of four passengers in two handsomely appointed cabins, is one of the only upscale ways to travel through Laos via the Mekong. With dark polished decks, a reed roof, and walls hung with artfully distressed maps and sepia photographs of people in traditional attire, the vessel wraps passengers in a fantasy of travel in the slow lane .

From Luang Prabang, our route had taken us northeast until the Mekong curled back on itself and headed west toward Thailand, meandering beneath mountains thick with teak and tamarind trees. Each evening we moored up at a beach where our small group could swim before dinner while the crew brought out director's chairs, wooden tables, and an array of bottles to make martinis and negronis on the sand.

But this was a journey through the depths of rural Laos, a chance to see the village life that flourishes in bamboo houses along the river. So it felt only fitting that at the end of our last day the bottles of gin and Campari were put away in favor of the local rice whiskey , Lao Lao, which we had seen being distilled in plastic barrels in a village downriver; that the folding chairs with their brass hinges were replaced by logs around the fire; and that the decorous formality of hotel service was supplanted by an easy conviviality. The mechanic had emerged from the engine room, and the first mate had come down from the bridge. It was a night off and everyone was gathered on the beach together.

All week the boat's chef, Thanvarath Sayasomroth, who goes by Tee, had produced delicate dishes from his kitchen at the back of the vessel: papaya salad served on banana flowers; a stew called or lam, aromatic with dill and a woody root called sakan. On this night, he emerged carrying a tray of buffalo steaks for the barbecue. While they sizzled over the flames, Sue prepared some local snacks. That afternoon, at a village market, he had bought buffalo skins, a delicacy that comes in long strips bundled together with an elastic band. He threw one of the skins onto the fire and cooked it until it was charred, then pulled it out with a pair of tongs and chipped away the blackened exterior to reveal the crunchy, toasted core.

The feeling of being in a time warp begins the moment you step off the plane in Luang Prabang.

With our boat secured to the shore by a metal stake and insect noises emanating from the forest behind us, the modern world felt far away. The nostalgic mood was interrupted only by Tee's playlist. Scrolling through his phone, he lamented the fact that his favorite singers, Britney Spears and Celine Dion, had never come to perform in his homeland. "It is my dream to see them live!" he said. When the buffalo was ready, we began our meal, just as Britney's "I'm a Slave 4 U" echoed down the valley.

The feeling of being in a time warp begins the moment you step off the plane in Luang Prabang, where we had boarded the boat three days earlier. Once a royal capital and now Laos's most-visited city, Luang Prabang is laid out on a long peninsula that juts into the Mekong. Its serenity and geography led the British travel writer Norman Lewis to liken it, in the 1950s, to "a small, somnolent, sanctified Manhattan Island." Today, although its outskirts have spread and the traffic on its thoroughfares has increased, its center remains a sleepy warren of tree-shaded lanes, low houses, and old monasteries that is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage site .

One sunny afternoon, I rented a bicycle and headed down Khem Kong, the waterfront street that runs behind the Royal Palace—home to the kings of Laos until 1975, when the monarchy was overthrown by Communists. The lavish scale of the building, which has ornate golden doors and a roof decorated with nagas, or mythical Mekong serpents, makes it an oddity in Luang Prabang. This is a city that prizes modesty over magnificence. "Compared to the other World Heritage sites, there is little of grandeur in Luang Prabang," Francis Engelmann, an avuncular Frenchman who came to the city to work with UNESCO in 2002, told me. "In Laos, three small things are considered much better than one big thing."

I saw what he meant when I turned onto a lane lined with old wooden houses, beautifully restored and framed by gardens of hibiscus and frangipani. Some were traditional homes standing on stilts among the trees. Others were plastered white and had blue louvered shutters: stylistic flourishes imported by the French in the late 19th century, when they colonized the country. (Laos remained a French protectorate until 1953.)

At the end of the street I stopped at a monastery called Wat Xieng Mouane. Like all of Luang Prabang's monasteries, it is small and approachable, with a diminutive central temple surrounded by ever smaller chapels. An old man was sitting on the steps with his three pet cats, who were nuzzling their faces against his legs. Nearby a boy sat in the shade of an Indian cork tree while a monk swept white flowers from the sidewalk. If it wasn't for the fact that the boy was playing a game on his phone, the scene could have taken place a century ago.

The following morning, before boarding the boat and heading upriver, we walked back to the monastery through the morning market. It was still dark, and the vendors were lighting their fires, their figures silhouetted against the flames as they butchered meat and laid out vegetables. We were on our way to observe one of the city's oldest rituals. For centuries, the monks have walked through the streets each morning to gather the donated food they live on. As dawn broke and the cockerels began crowing in the yards, the monks, many of them novices still in their teens, emerged from the monastery in their orange robes. They quietly passed the people lining the roadside, opening the lids of their baskets to collect small handfuls of sticky rice. A little blond dog accompanied them, sniffing for scraps.

A few hours later we settled into the deep rattan sofas in the Gypsy 's open-sided lounge between the two cabins. Chris, the photographer, had bought bags of street food from the market—sticky rice, miniature mushroom omelettes, and pork patties with chiles, garlic, and dill. As we ate an early lunch, the last traces of the city disappeared and the baskets of orchids suspended from the roof swung in the breeze.

Soon we began to see villages nestled among the stands of bamboo on the hillsides. Below them, near the waterline, were neat rows of crops—peanuts, long beans, corn—growing in the fertile soil left as the river receded in the dry season. The timelessness of the scene was deceptive. In recent years the flow of the Mekong has begun to shift. This is partly due to climate change: we were in the middle of the dry season, and because of a weak monsoon the river was low, even by the standards of the rainless months.

But there is another force at play, too. The water's path through Laos is governed by dams in southern China, and in dry periods the Chinese have been known to close those dams to protect their supply, effectively turning off the tap to their southern neighbor. Now the government of Laos, with the aid of Chinese investment, is hoping to convert the Mekong into a giant hydroelectric resource. There is already a dam south of Luang Prabang, and others are planned along the stretch we were traveling. This would transform the Mekong into a series of lakes and could, in places, elevate the water level by as much as 50 yards. If the dams are built, the people in the bankside villages will be moved out to make way for the rising tides.

We headed toward our first stop, passing concrete pylons across the river—built for the high-speed rail line from China that is scheduled to open in 2021. After a few hours we pulled over to see one of Laos's most curious historic monuments. The Pak Ou caves form dark slashes in a series of high cliffs that erupt out of the waterway. We took a narrow speedboat from the Gypsy to the foot of the white staircase that climbs up to the caves. After passing the white stone lions that guard the entrance, we had to adjust our eyes to the darkness inside. In the recesses of the caves stood 4,000 golden statues of the Buddha below a towering golden stupa.

They were moved to this spot in a hurry in 1887, as a group of Chinese bandits called the Black Flag Army headed toward the city intent on pillaging its famous riches. To protect the Buddhas, the monks brought them from the monasteries to this niche high above the river. These relics of the country's violent past bear the scars of their chaotic evacuation: among their golden ranks, dusty and covered with cobwebs, are several statues that are missing arms and heads.

Our four-day journey quickly sank into an easy rhythm. After cruising in the morning, when the most pressing question was which surface looked most comfortable to lie on, we would moor up around lunchtime and step ashore to visit a village. Later, in early evening, we would stop again for drinks and dinner. If you had had enough of sunbathing on the front deck and were feeling resilient, you could ask Khampuvhan Philavan, the housekeeper, to give you a massage, an intense but exhilarating exercise in bending, pulling, and pummeling.

One sunny morning, while we were eating a breakfast of melon and dragon fruit around the Gypsy 's large circular dining table, a man paddled from the beach to the boat with a catfish dangling from a line. The Mekong is spotted with fish traps, their locations marked by plastic bottles floating on the surface. The catfish had sharp fins on its flanks and back, and long whiskers hanging from its mouth. The captain, spying the man from the front deck, didn't hesitate. He jumped down into the water, cash in hand, and bought the haul for his supper. "Very tasty!" he said as he clambered back on board.

After breakfast we walked up the beach to the fisherman's village, one of the scheduled stops on our itinerary. It was home to a mixture of Khmu and Lao people, two of the country's 49 ethnicities. (Laos is a country where minorities make up the majority.) On the dirt lane between the stilt houses, chickens, ducks, and geese pecked and waddled, and little black pigs lazed in the morning sun. A man sitting on an upturned pink bucket was getting a haircut outside his front door.

With us was Bountai Manyvong, who, like Sue, was a server on the boat and a guide off it. Bountai grew up in a village much like this one, and, like many boys in Laos, was sent to a monastery in Luang Prabang when he was 10 years old to train to be a monk. He remained there for 12 years, receiving a better education than he would have at home. He led us to the temple, built less than a decade ago and painted in pink and gold. Its gaudy splendor was an eye-popping contrast to the simplicity of the rough-and-ready houses, but it suggested something of the promise of monastic life in the city for boys in the countryside.

We cruised farther upstream to a Khmu village, where we were invited ashore for a baci ceremony, a ritual performed all over Laos as a way of imparting good luck. We gathered in a small house, around a table decorated with a miniature stupa made of marigolds. In the corner, a boy played with his plastic trucks. The villagers enrobed Charlie in a beautiful shirt jacket made of coarse blue cotton and decorated with old French centimes. Then they enacted the ceremony, which involved tying white ribbons around our wrists, before we all drank shots of Lao Lao in turn.

Singkham is a wiry man with a gold watch, tattoos on his forearms, and a laugh thick with tar from his neatly rolled cigarettes. He has been captaining boats on the Mekong since 1977; when I visited him on the bridge one afternoon he pointed proudly to his captain's certificate on the wall. The controls in front of him were rudimentary: just a wheel and two levers to operate the rudder and the engines. Ahead of us the route was studded with shallows and jagged rocks. Navigating between them was a skill he had developed over 40 years spent scanning the surface for the dark patches that signal deep water and safe passage.

We had traveled some 90 miles from Luang Prabang when we reached the village of Pak Beng. There, on the shore, a Frenchwoman named Wendy Leggat was waiting to greet us. She runs the Mekong Elephant Park , a small sanctuary in the forest. When she arrived in 2018 the park, which was chronically underfunded, was more or less derelict. She began to rebuild it with the help of a French donor and the local mahouts, the elephant keepers who spend their entire lives living and working with these animals. Sanctuaries like these have never been more necessary. The logging industry, which is powered by elephants who drag away the severed trees, has destroyed 60 percent of the country's forest—and the elephants' habitat along with it. There are just 700 of these animals left in the country, half of them in the wild and half in captivity.

The logging industry, which is powered by elephants who drag away the severed trees, has destroyed 60 percent of the country's forest—and the elephants' habitat along with it.

Wendy led us down a forest path beside a stream. Looking up we saw a pinkish-gray ear flapping in the greenery, followed by a loud trumpet. It was one of the sanctuary's three resident female Asian elephants, who were hiding in the bushes. The mahouts called them down. The first to emerge was Mae Kham, who is 60. Because her knees were ruined by decades in the logging industry, she uses her trunk as additional support, like a cane. Next came Mae Ping, who is 19 and referred to as "the vacuum cleaner" because of her indiscriminate eating habits. Last was Mae Bounma, a 30-year-old who cannot trumpet because of a broken trunk, which she holds in her mouth as though sucking her thumb.

Logging has produced a behavioral obstacle to elephant conservation. "The loggers separate males from females because pregnant females, who cannot work, are a waste of money," Wendy explained. "The result is that they have no idea how to interact and reproduce." Female Asian elephants are only fertile for three days out of every three months, and there is no obvious way of knowing which are the right days. So Wendy takes blood from Mae Bounma and Mae Ping every week and has it analyzed to help her better understand their reproductive cycles.

In a clearing she extracted samples from the elephants' ears as the mahouts fed them bananas to keep them calm. Then the animals sauntered down to the river where they drank and swam. Mae Ping, a true water baby, waded in and splashed around while the mahouts threw buckets of water over her from the rocks—elephant bliss on a dusty afternoon in the dry season.

At a certain point, the Mekong separates Laos, on the right bank, from Thailand, on the left. The difference between the two countries was stark. In Thailand there were large warehouses, gleaming new temples, and large, ornate homes, whereas in Laos the settlements were few and the dwellings simple.

The exception came when we passed under the Friendship Bridge, which crosses the border between Laos and Thailand. On the right side, two huge glass towers were under construction. They will eventually house a Chinese hotel for visitors to the special economic zone a few miles upriver—an area of several thousand acres that the Chinese have leased from Laos and are turning into a gambling town. Its centerpiece is already there: a shiny casino topped with a golden crown.

Our cruise ended in the town of Huay Xai, where we crossed the bridge into Thailand and got a high-speed boat up the river to the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle , a collection of luxurious tents and pavilions erected high in the forest. The hotel is drenched in Bill Bensley's signature nostalgic design: the rooms are furnished with old traveling chests and copper bathtubs. We were just a couple of miles away from the casino and the cranes. But, as we strolled along the boardwalk up in the forest canopy, all of that disappeared, and we were left to look out over the grounds. There, all we could see was a dense tangle of foliage, and, beyond it, elephants flapping their ears as egrets came in to land on their backs.

How to Sail the Mekong

Getting there.

To fly to Luang Prabang from the U.S., you need to transfer through one of Asia's hubs. A number of carriers offer flights from Bangkok, Singapore, and Taipei.

Luang Prabang

Housed in a building designed to look like French-colonial barracks, the Avani+ (doubles from $150) is ideally located in the center of the city. It's close to the morning market, the Royal Palace, and many monasteries. Wat Xieng Thong, built in 1560, is among the most spectacular temples in Luang Prabang—and the most popular with tourists. You'll find fewer visitors, but no less architectural splendor, at Wat Xieng Mouane. To see these monasteries and learn more about the city's history and architecture, book a walking tour with Francis Engelmann, who worked for many years with UNESCO, through About Asia .

The Gypsy (doubles from $7,000 for three nights, all-inclusive) sails from Luang Prabang to Thailand's Golden Triangle. With only two cabins, it's ideal for couples or a small family. The boat has Wi-Fi, but don't expect it to be fast. You can buy local crafts in the villages and at the Mekong Elephant Park in Pak Beng, so it's wise to bring cash.

The Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle (tents from $5,000 for two nights, all-inclusive) is a short speedboat ride from where the Gypsy stops. Rescued and adopted elephants roam the property. Chiang Rai, 45 minutes away by taxi, is the nearest airport.

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Why Cruise The Mekong?

The mighty Mekong is one of the planet’s most spectacular waterways and southeast Asia’s longest river, coursing 2,700 miles through six countries. From the Tibetan Plateau source to the Mekong Delta , the timeless Mekong River reveals incredible contrasts of landscapes and biodiversity, along with riverside destinations rich in culture, ethnicity, and history – best experienced on one of our curated portfolio of overnight Mekong River cruises.

Explore the Lower Mekong River on the best river cruises to Vietnam and Cambodia, featuring converted rice barges and traditional-style sampans, enthralling voyages that both cruise the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and meander across the border into captivating Cambodia . Alternatively, adventure seekers can now cruise the Upper Mekong River , a relatively uncharted, pristine, stunning region of northern Laos, where an unhurried riverine life transports passengers back in time.

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Our custom Mekong River tours seamlessly combine expedition cruises with bespoke land tours featuring private expert-led excursions and curated accommodations. Browse our best-sellers below and begin an unforgettable journey tailored uniquely to you.

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Want to know more about cruising the Mekong River? Our destination specialists have compiled the definitive Mekong River travel guide to help you plan your cruise. Find out when and where to go, what to see and do, where to eat and sleep, and more below.

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19 Best Places To Visit In The Mekong Delta

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Floating Markets of the Mekong River

Sunrise over the Mekong

Upper Vs Lower Mekong – What’s The Difference?

Upper Mekong

When Is The Best Time To Do A Mekong River Cruise?

Aerial view of the Mekong in Laos

7 Interesting Facts About The Mekong River You Never Knew

Mekong aerial view

Where Is The Mekong River?

Do i need a visa to travel to the mekong river.

The Mekong River traverses multiple countries, so your visa requirements will depend on the cruise you want to take and your point of entry into the countries you will visit.

If you are taking a cruise from Vietnam to Cambodia, you will only need to acquire a Vietnam visa on arrival – your Cambodian visa will be stamped in your passport during the cruise.

However, if you are taking the downstream cruise and entering Vietnam on the river from Cambodia, most likely you will need to get your Vietnam visa before your cruise,  while the Cambodian visa can be easily acquired on arrival at the airport.

If you are cruising the Upper Mekong, you can get the Laos visa upon arrival at the airport or at the Thai border crossing, if your cruise starts in Huay Xai.

Do I Need To Get Any Vaccinations Or Malaria Tablets Ahead Of Travel?

Some travelers start taking malaria tablets before traveling to the Mekong River, but it is not a requirement. Your doctor may recommend that you get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, and yellow fever. You may also want to take precautions to protect yourself against mosquito bites.

What Is One Thing I Shouldn’t Miss Near The Mekong River?

There are countless sites and attractions along the Mekong River , one of the reasons it is such a popular spot for river cruises. On the Lower Mekong, the floating markets in the Delta  are a must-see. In the Upper Mekong, make sure to visit the Pak Ou Caves near Luang Prabang.

What Is The Local Cuisine Like?

Traveling along the Mekong River gives you the chance to try all different kinds of local cuisines. Southeast Asian countries are famous for their noodles and rice in many variations, and – along the Mekong – the local fish.

Dishes aren’t spicy and there are many vegetarian options. You can expect freshly made dishes using local vegetables, herbs, and soy or fish sauce to accompany them.

Mekong food specialities to try include the elephant ear fish and local rice pancakes popular in the Mekong Delta, in Cambodia its Khmer cuisine, and in Laos the lard and sticky rice.

Is The Mekong River Safe?

The Mekong River is a safe location. The only thing of which to be aware is that parts of it may be polluted. However, this should not be an issue if you are on a Mekong cruise. Practice good water safety and common sense and there is no reason you shouldn’t have a safe trip.

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Go To The Mekong River?

The most pleasant time of year for a Mekong River trip is between November and February. During these months, the weather is cooler and drier (especially in the evening) with no rainfall.

Although, if you are interested in entering Tonlé Sap Lake by riverboat, you should aim for the end of the rainy season (August – mid November) when the water in the river is naturally higher making the lake accessible.

Is The Mekong River a Good Family Destination?

Taking a Mekong River cruise with kids is possible but most Mekong boats don’t allow kids younger than 7 years old on board. The Mekong Delta is an exciting destination for the whole family , with activities such as cycling, agricultural and cultural experiences, school visits, and ancient temple exploration.

Is The Mekong River a Good Honeymoon Destination?

The Mekong River can be a great honeymoon destination depending on your tastes, especially around its delta . With breathtaking sights, unique cultural experiences, romantic accommodations aboard luxurious riverboats, and serene riverine vistas, the Mekong is ideal for newlyweds who want a remote and adventurous honeymoon.

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Our spectacular Laos river cruises allow you to discover the undiscovered as you travel on the Upper Mekong River.

The mighty Mekong River makes its way through six countries and a Pandaw river cruise allows you to explore remote parts of these countries that the average traveller ordinarily wouldn't get to see.

Our exciting cruise travels to or from Vientiane in Laos to Chiang Khong in Thailand. Passengers need to bring with them a real sense of adventure and flexibility as the itinerary of such a monumental cruise can change at any time.

Travelling between these South-East Asian countries can be logistically difficult, embarking on a Laos River Cruise takes away these stresses and takes you into the heart of these beautiful and fascinating countries. The native people are warm and welcoming and waiting to meet and educate you to their way of life. As well as immersing yourself in the culture you will be awe-inspired by the varying, stunning landscapes from lush jungle scenery to mountains, forests, gorges and rapids.

Visit working villages, local markets and experience the difference between the French colonial Laos capital of Vientiane, the temple city of Luang Prabang and the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar border.

Step aboard a specifically designed Pandaw ship for our Laos cruise, purpose-built for sailing on the Upper Mekong with low draft and extra powerful engines. Your staterooms are spacious and come with fresh fruits and flowers on arrival. Our staff go above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable as it can be.

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A pioneering Mekong marvel

As imposing as the upper Mekong River in Laos, Anouvong enchants as a small boutique luxury ship that seamlessly blends traditional Laotian ambiance and artwork with French-Colonial finesse. Passengers aboard this exclusive vessel discover the most beautiful, remote areas of Laos along the meandering river in utmost luxury. The large staterooms and lavish suites welcome guests with an inventive room layout while emphasizing laid-back coziness The intimate restaurant, the tucked-away spa, the cozy and light-flooded Café-Bar & Lounge with its adjacent wooden terrace deck have all its stake in the singular savoir-vivre lifestyle aboard Heritage Line's latest marvel Anouvong . The ship sails the river on different itineraries between the Thai-Lao border, Luang Prabang and Vientiane (vice versa).

The Courageous Monarch

When he was a little boy, Prince Chao Anouvong and his two brothers, Nanthasen and Inthavong, were taken from the court of their father, King Siribounyasan, to keep them safe from the king’s enemies. They were brought to a small hidden village on the Mekong riverbank close to the capital of Vientiane, living simply and playing with the other children in the village.

Read the full story

AT A GLANCE

Anouvong’s delightful & enjoyable amenities – welcoming at all times

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Café-Bar & Lounge

Not only chic and cosy, this light-flooded lounge opening onto the terrace deck hosts a bar and also functions as a laid back Café.

river cruise mekong laos

The Lounge is also a public venue offering a small library, sofas and chairs to unwind with a good read.

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  • Terrace Deck

“The” outdoor place to be aboard Anouvong , with comfortable sun loungers and al-fresco dining.

river cruise mekong laos

The spa at the stern of the upper deck offers scenic river views whilst enjoying relaxing reflexology massage.

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The spa area also has two single spa rooms which can be combined for couple treatments.

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'Delaporte' Dining Lounge

Anouvong’s restaurant, framed by full-size windows, evokes the beauty of an ancient Laotian temple blended with timeless French-colonial elegance.

DECKS & FACILITIES

Accommodation.

Anouvong has just ten wonderful staterooms and suites

20 sqm/ 215 sqft

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30 sqm/ 323 sqft

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  • Ship booklet
  • Image brochure

LIFE ON BOARD

Enjoy your stay aboard Anouvong to the fullest

river cruise mekong laos

Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times. – Asian Proverb

Available Itineraries

Discover the treasures of the Upper Mekong river with our exceptional cruise itineraries

river cruise mekong laos

Huay Xai – Luang Prabang or vice versa

A slow voyage along the timeless upper Mekong offering captivating landscapes, remote native communities and unique cultural insights coupled with interesting lectures and wonderful alfresco-dining experiences.

7 or 9 nights

Huay Xai – Vientiane or vice versa

This longer cruise (7-Nights downstream, 9-Nights upstream) offers a blissful journey through beautiful Laos at a leisurely pace. Perfect to experience the unhurried riverine life with naturally stunning backdrops, paired with mesmerizing excursions and charming local rendezvous.

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  • Testimonials

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  • Jahan Cruise
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Anouvong Cruise

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Laos River Cruises

Cruise Finder

  • Vietnam to Cambodia
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Uncover the hidden elegance of the laid back Laos with our wide selection of elite Laos River Cruises . Navigating along the mighty Mekong River, our luxury Laos Mekong cruises unfold the charming tapestry of some of the best in Laos, from vibrant cities to riverside communities, bustling markets to peaceful temples and pagodas.

Treat yourself with a Laos luxury vacation on one of our Laos Mekong River Cruises and immerse in the signature world of all-inclusive luxury and the timeless charm of one of the most dramatic reaches of the Mekong River. No matter what your choice is, our Laos cruises ensures to deliver you the ultimate Mekong River cruising experience and unrivalled excursions that fulfill every moment of the day. Just travel with Top Mekong Cruises and experience the distinction!

anouvong cruise 19

Cabins : 10   |   Launched : 2020

10 Days [Upstream] Vientiane to Huay Xai 7 Nights

anouvong cruise 17

8 Days [Downstream] Huay Xai to Vientiane 7 Nights

anouvong cruise 20

4 Days [Upstream] Luang Prabang to Huay Xai 3 Nights

anouvong cruise 22

4 Days [Downstream] Huay Xai to Luang Prabang 3 Nights

laos river cruises

Mekong Pearl Cruise

Cabins : 15   |   Launched : 2017

5 Days Luang Prabang to Vientiane 4 Nights

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RV Mekong Sun Cruise

Cabins : 14   |   Launched : 2005

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6 Days Vientiane - Luang Prabang 5 Nights

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8 Days Golden Triangle - Luang Prabang 7 Nights

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6 Days Northern Laos Cruise 5 Nights

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11 Days Vientiane - Golden Triangle 10 Nights

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11 Days Golden Triangle - Vientiane 10 Nights

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Could not find a suitable cruise in Mekong? Just tell us your travel plan: departure date, favourite cruise itinerary, number of pax, budget and your special request (if any) and we will reply to you within 1-12 hours with the best option of cruise.

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Mekong Cruises offers two unique cruises on the mekong river in Laos.

The luang say lodge & cruises.

Embark on a 2 day discovery journey along the course of inaccessible jungle & mountains of the mighty Northern Mekong, the lifeblood of Laos, and spend the night in the Luang Say Lodge. Cruise departure from Luang Prabang or Houei Say.

The Vat Phou Cruises

Embark on a 3 days – 2 nights journey expedition from Pakse abroad our luxurious ship and explore the splendor of the mighty Southern Mekong River and the mystical UNESCO Vat Phou temple, Cruises departs from Pakse.

DISCOVER OUR BLOG

river cruise mekong laos

  • Destinations

Laos Mekong river cruise

Laos is known for its serene natural beauty and charming cultural heritage, and what better way to explore this country than by a river cruise on the mighty Mekong River. While some of the popular cruises are still closed due to the pandemic, there are still many options available for a memorable cruise experience.

For those with limited time, there are two-day cruises between Houeixay and Luang Prabang, which offer a one-night stopover in the picturesque town of Pakbeng. Some popular cruise options for this itinerary include Shompoo, Le Grand, and Nava.

For those who wish to explore more of northern Laos, there are five-night or ten-night cruises offered by Mekong Sun and Mekong Pearl, respectively. These cruises take you from the border town of Houexay to Vientiane, stopping at various charming towns and villages along the way.

Luxury cruise options include the RV Pandaw and Anouvong cruises, offering three-night or nine-night itineraries between Houeixay and Luang Prabang or Vietiane. For a more private and intimate experience, you can opt for a two-night cruise on the Gypsy, a small private cruise boat. Get ready to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Laos and immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage on a river cruise.

Laos Mekong River Cruises

river cruise mekong laos

Cruise company: Pandaw

Cruise type: Luxury, Sharing, 10 cabins

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Cruise company: Shompoo cruise

Cruise type: Cheap, Sharing

From: $643 /pax

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Company: Mekong Cruise

Type: Cheap, Sharing, 12 cabins

From: $397 /pax

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From: $598 /pax

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Company: Mekong River Cruise

Type: Midrange, Sharing

From: $3,924 /pax

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Company: Pandaw

Type: Luxury, Sharing, 10 cabins

From: $250 /pax

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Company: Shompoo cruise

Type: Cheap, Sharing

From: $115 /pax

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Company: Bounmi

Type: Cheap, Private

From: $1,904 /pax

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Type: Midrange, Sharing, 15 cabins

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Company: Mekong Kingdoms

Type: Luxury, Sharing

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Type: Midrange, Private

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Type: Midrange, Sharing, 13 cabins

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Type: Luxury, Private

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Company: Heritage Line

From: $307 /pax

Company: Le Grand Pakbeng Sole Company

Type: Midrange, Sharing, 18 cabins

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Company: Nagi of Mekong

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Mekong Cruise Luang Prabang

  • RV Mekong Princess Cruise
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  • Hoa An Village
  • Binh Thanh Island
  • Con Phuoc Island
  • Cu Lao Gieng
  • Con Dao Island
  • Kampong Cham
  • Kampong Chhnang
  • OBT Chiro Village
  • Kampong Tralach
  • Tonle River
  • Koh Oknha Tey
  • Wat Nokor Bachey
  • Wat Hanchey
  • Luang Prabang
  • Kuang Si Falls
  • Pak Ou Caves
  • Ban Mouang Khai Village
  • Ban Houayxay
  • Khamo Village
  • Ban Park Bor Village
  • Xayaburi Dam

Luang Prabang, Laos

A sleepy peninsula at the heart of northern Lao mountains where time stands still, Luang Prabang will slow your pulse and make your holiday unhurried with its easygoing vibe and world-class comfort. If this historic town is on your bucket list, make sure you give it more a couple of days to experience all of its incredible charm, from cultural gems to natural wonders and fun outdoors. Set at the sacred confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan River that almost surround the city, Luang Prabang is the former capital of Laos and becomes world-famous when its ancient town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The whole townscape is a delight for taking a stroll and traveling back in time to uncover much of the town’s history past. As a visitor, you cannot help but get amazed by the exceptional fusion of Lao traditional urban architecture and 19th century European colonial style buildings, which is all co-existing in a perfect harmony with the verdant greenery and rugged mountains of the sacred Mount Phousi.  Let’s start your cultural trip in Luang Prabang with an early wake up to witness Tak Bat or the Alms Giving Ceremony. Every morning before the sun rises, the monks in saffron robes will walk barefoot with their alms bowls to silently collect almsgiving from the faithful Theravada Buddhists, from the main street of the town spreading out to all the side streets. The tranquil scene is one of the most meaningful experiences in Laos, and tourists are expected to watch the old tradition respectfully from a distance. Continue your journey towards a collection of historical structures in this beautiful town. The most famous site is Wat Xieng Thong, the oldest monastery in the city built in 1560. The temple is noted for its typical roofs in Lao style and a stunning 'tree of life' mosaic on the western exterior wall. Other noteworthy attractions are Royal Palace Museum, Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, Wat Pa Phai, and Wat Mahathat. While in the town, you can also spend time exploring local centers like Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center or Big Brother Mouse to learn more about the culture of Luang Prabang residents and how they try to make the life better. For foodies, participating a cooking class is an excellent option to sample authentic Lao cuisine as well as take home some great recipes. If you get enough discovery on culture and heritage, venture out of town to the nature. You can choose a host of outdoor activities with varied levels of difficulty, such as taking a swim in the spectacular Kuang Si Falls, river cruising to Pak Ou Caves, trekking with elephants through lush jungle, getting off the beaten path along meandering mountain-bike trails, kayaking or rafting along the river of Nam Xuang.

river cruise mekong laos

All Mekong Cruises including Luang Prabang

The best Mekong Cruises in Luang Prabang: duration, routes, detailed itineraries, departure dates... with Best Offers + Best Price Guarantee recommended for you

 Being romantic cruise on Mekong River cruise in Laos

 The cruise is the blend of traditional Laotian artwork with French-colonial accents.

 Meeting friends at Café-Bar & Lounge, relaxing on terrace deck with sun loungers and cabanas and experiencing Bodhi Spa on board. 

 Your luxurious room feels like home from the very first moment.

 Preparing the rich and flavourful cuisine of Laos and Southeast Asia with the best and freshest ingredients.

 Interesting activities on board: Local dance & music performances, sandbank barbecue and cocktail events,cooking class, evening cinema, kayaking, traditional welcome ceremony.

river cruise mekong laos

Upstream Golden Triangle Traverse

Downstream golden triangle traverse, upstream laotian serendipity.

 Have chance to admire the natural beauty of Laos and Thai Land on luxurious cruise. 

 Enjoy 5 -star services during 11-day cruise with affordable price

 Ideal cruise for visitors who would like to discover the life on Mekong river along Thailand and Laos. 

 Visit to the opium museum in the Golden Triangle

 Have chance to take part in the largest elephant festival in South East Asia, usually in February

 Visit the jungle pools and dramatic Khaung Si waterfall, a butterfly garden and elephant camp

 Explore of the delightful French city in Laos.

 Be the first river expedition since pre war days to cross all Laos.

river cruise mekong laos

Chiang Saen to Vientiane

Vientiane to chiang saen.

 Have chance to admire the natural beauty of Laos and Thai Land on luxurious cruise. 

 Enjoy 5 -star services during cruise journey with affordable price

 Ideal cruise for visitors who would like to discover the life on Mekong river along Thailand and Laos. 

 Visit tribal villages and explore into jungle and countryside

 Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang

 Be the first river expedition since pre war days to cross all Laos

 Enjoy traditional Laos dancing on the upper deck late afternoon

 Exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces

river cruise mekong laos

Other Mekong Cruise Destinations in Laos

All Laos Mekong Cruise Destinations: full information, google map, photos, cruise routes...

Mekong Cruise Pak Lai

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Mekong Vietnam

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Mekong River Cruise – Amazing Tours & Outstanding Customer Service

Classic Laos: Luang Prabang & Vientiane

Customizable private tour with flexible start date

  • 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS

14D-Cambodia-Laos-Bear-Nature-KuangSi-Waterfalls-Highlights-325x325

  • Experience the very best of Laos on a classic route through Luang Prabang and Vientiane
  • Cruise Laos' serene stretch of the upper Mekong aboard a French-colonial style riverboat
  • Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang
  • Bond with the elephants at Mandalao Reserve Elephant Sanctuary
  • Visit the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfall and Bear Rescue Centre
  • Help change the life of locals in the Mekong Delta by donating a sampan
  • Explore the famous Buddha park in the capital Vientiane
  • Activities and accommodations can be tailored to suit your taste and budge
  • Private guided excursions and transfers to enrich your experience

This Laos classic tour to Luang Prabang and Vientiane is perfect for active families. Explore Luang Prabang and the countryside by bike and by boat down the Mekong River. Enjoy jungle walking tours and waterfall explorations and meet ethnic tribes and the rescued elephants and bears on this unforgettable vacation.

Your Mekong River Cruise

Step aboard a sumptuous French-colonial-styled riverboat for a leisurely Mekong River cruise through Laos to Luang Prabang. While discovering the most beautiful, remote, areas of Laos in utmost luxury, you will see serene nature, isolated villages and magnificent temples. Hang out with the elephants at an elephant preservation sanctuary. Meet the local ethnic Lao, Khmu, and Hmong residents at the tiny village of Kop Aek, and dive into centuries-old traditions and practices. Observe the local weavers honoring their timeworn traditional crafts at the village of Muang Keo, and take a short and easy trek to the famous Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong’s rocky shore.

  • Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a tiny city, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995; it is one of Laos’ best-loved destinations. Enjoy a captivating evening of traditional storytelling and music in an intimate theatre. Spend a day biking through the surrounding areas, marvel at Wat Pa Phon Phao, a golden temple with a great view of Luang Prabang. Cycle through villages, past jungle-covered mountains, through teakwood forests and rice fields along the banks of the Nam Khan River. Board a boat for a cruise upriver to the Tad Sae Waterfall for lunch and a swim.

Waterfalls, Farming, Elephants and Bears

Visit the vibrant Phou Si Market, and then take a leisurely hike to the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre. Observe one of the country’s most endangered species; learn about the threats to bears and what can be done to protect the precious wildlife of Laos, and help out with the bears’ midday scatter feed. Afterward, walk to the beautiful cascading Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can swim if you wish. Spend an enjoyable half-day on a community-based rice farm situated in the idyllic countryside, experience the life of a farmer by trying your hand at some farm activities. You will also have the opportunity to learn about bamboo weaving, blacksmith work, and sugar cane processing. Tour the organic garden and learn how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine. Visit the Mandalao Reserve Elephant Sanctuary, meet and bond with the elephants and then accompany them on a 2-hour trek through the beautiful Lao jungle, passing traditional Lao farms and the Huay Nok stream, where the elephants may frolic in its cool waters.

In the Laotian capital of Vientiane, visit the famous Buddha Park, a quirky concrete sculpture garden that is home to over 200 statues depicting Buddhist and Hindu figures, as well as animals, humans, and demons. Enter through the mouth of a 10-foot-tall demon head and climb staircases from Hell to Heaven. View sculptures at each level with a panoramic viewpoint at the top level.

Please note this itinerary is just a sample that can be tailored in accordance with your personal wishes. All excursions and transfers are on a private basis, with the exception of the cruise portion, which is shared with other passengers.

Itinerary & Prices

river cruise mekong laos

AVAILABILITY

PLACES VISITED

  • Laos Mekong
  • Animal Rescue Centers
  • Breathtaking Natural Scenery
  • Colonial Era History
  • Cultural Performances
  • Folklore and Traditions
  • Practice Tai Chi
  • Ride Traditional Ox Carts
  • Temples & Spirituality
  • Sustainability Practices
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Unique Photo Opportunities

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • 3 Night Mekong Cruise
  • 6 Nights Hotel Accommodation
  • Private Transfers
  • Meals as Specified in the Itinerary
  • Private English Speaking Guides
  • All Entrance Fees

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

  • Travel Insurance incl. medical evacuation
  • Anything not stated in Itinerary
  • International Flights
  • Mekong Port Fee

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Welcome onboard Anouvong!

AM: Good morning! Your Laos adventure starts early with a beautiful cruise. We will pick you up from the hotel in Chiang Rai, Thailand, and give you a lift to the immigration office – an entry point to Laos and your cruise meeting point. Anouvong’s team will meet you to assist you with all immigration procedures on both the Thai and Laotian sides. After all formalities, we transfer you to the vessel, which is moored at Huay Xai pier. Settle in your room as we start the downstream journey.

The first stop today is Huay Palang village, home to the Khmu minority. The locals’ lifestyle here depends fully on the Mekong as a means of transportation and a primary food source.

PM: As the sun sets over the Mekong River, we will hold a Baci Ceremony, traditionally performed by the village elders as a Laotian welcome. It’s a ceremony of spirit-calling practiced at special occasions in life.

After dinner, there is a famous Laotian “comedy” movie scheduled in our nightly “on-board cinema”. The movie, called “Chang” (Laotian for“elephant”), was shot not far away from our current location in 1927 and was made by the same producer as the first King Kong movie.

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Elephants and Ethnic Communities

AM: Early birds are welcome to join the daily morning exercise on the terrace deck (Tai Chi or Yoga). As we cruise along in the morning, our local expert hosts a lecture about Asian elephants, particularly the Laotian species, their cultural importance in the past, and the current threats which have brought them to the brink of extinction.  PM: After lunchtime, we arrive in the small town of Pakbeng. We pass by the local market scene and visit a beautiful hilltop temple with amazing views of the gently flowing Mekong below. We then have the chance to expand on the knowledge from our morning lecture when visiting an elephant preservation sanctuary. The elephants here used to work as logging elephants and can live in peace and safety here as they cannot now survive in the wild.  Back on board, the journey continues for a few more hours – lay back and enjoy the scenic views as the Anouvong proceeds towards her next destination. At a secluded sandbank, the local ethnic Lao, Khmu, and Hmong residents welcome us to the tiny village of Kop Aek. Dive into centuries-old traditions and practices as you immerse yourself in a unique Laotian experience. As we remain at the sandbank into early evening, kick back with an aperitif accompanied by a classical dance performance by the local people. After the show, we have another highlight in store for our guests – a barbecue dinner on the terrace deck as we take in the sights and soothing sounds of nature.

D8-Pak-Ou (1)

Pak Ou Caves and a Lao Culture Expert

AM: After breakfast, join the lecture about the Laotian culture of the diverse tribes living along the upper Mekong. Next up – the cooking class. The rest of the morning is at your disposal as Anouvong sails through lush vegetation and gently rolling verdant hills. PM: In the afternoon, we arrive at another little village named Muang Keo. Here you can observe the local weavers honoring their timeworn traditional crafts.  From Muang Keo, we take a short and easy trek to the famous Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong’s rocky shore. There are two spacious grottoes with approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues.  Back on board, you can the peaceful waters of this part of the Mekong. Get refreshed before the evening, where we get to meet Mr Francis Engelmann, a writer and retired consultant to UNESCO on heritage preservation projects since 1994. He will share some insights into the country’s rich cultural heritage, the turbulent history, and the day-to-day life of Lao people. Our culinary team is pleased to spoil you on your last evening as our chefs have prepared some delectable dishes for dinner. Have a grand time together with your newly made friends and join our staff to celebrate this wonderful journey and dance the night away. The ship moors this evening near Pak Ou.

D4-Luang-Prabang

Disembark Anouvong and Evening Stories

The last sunrise aboard paired with a morning activity is the perfect way to commence your final day. After breakfast buffet, we arrive in central Luang Prabang. You will disembark at 10:30 AM and meet your local guide at the pier. Transfer to your hotel by private car and enjoy some free time to walk around this splendidly charming town.

Your guide will see you again tonight for an evening of traditional storytelling and local dinner. In an intimate theatre in Luang Prabang’s historic old town, listen as a Lao storyteller presents stories in English, with the live accompaniment of the khene, a Lao folk mouth instrument. After the performance, transfer to a local restaurant.

After dinner, return to your hotel by private car.

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Cycling Around Luang Prabang and Picnic by the Waterfall

Enjoy a day biking through the surrounding areas of Luang Prabang.

You will meet your guide early in the morning to get fitted on one of Tiger Trail’s quality mountain bikes. We will ride from the city center to the first stop at Wat Pa Phon Phao, a golden temple with a great view of Luang Prabang. Follow the paved road further through teakwood forests and rice fields along the Nam Khan River to visit the resting spot of Henry Mouhot.

We then continue biking through villages and past jungle-covered mountains until arriving at the Tiger Trail Adventure Camp terrace on the banks of the Nam Khan River.

Park the bikes and board a boat for a cruise upriver to the Tad Sae waterfall where we will enjoy lunch and the beautiful landscape, maybe even a swim. There are also elephants in the area you can watch and photograph or you can buy some bananas and feed them.

Return by boat to our bikes and cycle through beautiful scenery back to Luang Prabang City.

D6-Picnic (1)

Bears and Waterfall Picnic

Bears and Waterfa

Spend a half-day exploring the area around Kuang Si Waterfall, highlighted by a private tour of the Asian Bear Rescue Centre.

Depart on a 1hr drive south of Luang Prabang, with a stop at the vibrant Phou Si Market. Continue to the waterfalls, and take a leisurely hike through the natural park to the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre. Enjoy a 1 hour private guided tour of the center, established by the Free The Bears Fund Inc. in 2003 to look after bears destined for use in the traditional medicine trade, including the Asiatic Black Bear (moon bears). Observe one of Laos’s most endangered species and learn about the threats to bears and what can be done to protect Laos’s precious wildlife. Arrive before 11:00 to help out with the bears’ midday scatter feed by hiding food around the enclosure to stimulate the animals and get them to work for their food.

Afterward, walk to the beautiful cascading Kuang Si Waterfall. Swimming in the refreshing turquoise waters is possible, although the water temperature is very cool between November and January. Back to Luang Prabang for late lunch.

The remainder of the day at leisure.

D7-Farm (1)

Serene Rice Farm Hand-On Experience

Spend an enjoyable half-day on a community-based rice farm situated in the idyllic countryside, surrounded by mountains and rice paddies. Experience the life of a farmer by trying your hand at some farm activities. All can join in and there are great photo opportunities. Alternatively, watch life on the farm unfold from the comfort of a traditional Lao rice house balcony surrounded by rice terraces and an organic vegetable farm. During the experience, you will also have the opportunity to learn about bamboo weaving, blacksmith work, and sugar cane processing. After, tour the organic garden and learn how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine.

D8-Elephants (1)

Jungle Walk with the Elephants

Explore the mysterious beauty of the Lao jungle with our recently rescued elephants as your companions. This journey is the perfect way for these happy elephants to enjoy a walk in their natural habitat after decades of hard labor in logging camps, and also offers you a once-in-a-lifetime experience to connect with these wonderful animals. MandaLao’s guides and mahouts will teach you how elephants and humans can communicate with one another – once this connection is made it’s almost impossible not to empathize with these giant beasts, our own emotions reflected clearly in their behavior; a life-changing experience with animals that at first appear vastly different. After picking you up from your hotel in town, we will leave Luang Prabang for the nearby village of Xieng Lom and enjoy a coffee or tea as your guide for the day provides an in-depth introduction to elephant behavior. Then we will embark on a short boat ride across the Nam Khan River to meet the waiting elephants, bearing special treats to feed them – a surefire way to begin an instant friendship! Following behind, start walking with your new gigantic companions on a 2-hour trek through the beautiful Lao jungle, passing traditional Lao farms and the Huay Nok stream, where the elephants may frolic in its cool waters. As you walk alongside the elephants, listening to their gentle footsteps on the small dirt trail, experience a profound sense of understanding, respect, and caring for these magnificent creatures. Prepare to start your return trek to MandaLao and bid farewell to your new friends with a few last hugs, and of course, treats! Following lunch, you will take a short ride back into Luang Prabang and have one more chance to ask your guides any final questions.

D9-Buddha-Park

Transfer to Vientiane and Visit Buddha Park

After breakfast, your driver will take you to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. There you will be pick up by private car and transfer to your hotel.

After lunch, your guide will meet you for a relaxing half-day exploring Vientiane’s Buddha Park.

It is a fanciful sculpture garden containing more than 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues including a quirky giant concrete pumpkin with a three-level interior representing Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Enter through the mouth of a 3m (10ft) tall demon head and climb staircases from Hell to Heaven. View sculptures at each level with a panoramic viewpoint at the top level. Stroll around the park to observe the many concrete sculptures scattered throughout including characters from Hindu mythology, as well as animals, humans, and demons.

Return to your hotel in the early evening.

D10-Vientiane

Your driver will meet you in time for your transfer to the airport.

Accommodations

Cruises & lodges.

The first boutique ship to cruise the Upper Mekong, blends Laotian art with French-Colonial style.

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Settha Palace

VIENTIANE 5 STAR

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Nam Khan Ecolodge

LUANG PRABANG BOUTIQUE

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Exquisite river journeys

Come to where ancient kingdoms meet. experience the wonders of northern thailand and laos on an unforgettable mekong river cruise., overnight mekong cruises.

Discover a land of spellbinding beauty with our multi-day luxury Mekong River cruise. Embark on a unique journey of dreams and discovery on Southeast Asia’s most beguiling waterway. From Luang Prabang to northern Thailand, and back again, our overnight Mekong cruises take you to the true heart of a lush and charming land, in boundless luxury.

Thailand - Laos Cruise

Exclusive private gypsy: golden triangle – luang prabang.

Journey between the ancient Lanna and Lan Xang kingdoms on a magical three-day voyage.

Laos -Thailand Cruise

Exclusive private gypsy: luang prabang – golden triangle.

Embark on a magical journey from the spiritual heart of Laos to the hills of northern Thailand.

Mekong River Cruise

Laos revealed 2024.

Pak Ou Caves

Pak Ou Caves

  • The Journey

6-Day Mekong River Cruise Through Northern Laos Between Golden Triangle and Luang Prabang

Departure dates, golden triangle - luang prabang (downstream), luang prabang - golden triangle (upstream).

river cruise mekong laos

Downstream: Golden Triangle – Huay Xai – Pak Tha – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang Upstream: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Pak Tha – Huay Xai – Golden Triangle

Relax aboard your exclusive river vessel and enjoy the unspoiled nature along the mighty upper Mekong. The upper Mekong is one of the most difficult rivers in the world to navigate, with fluctuating water levels. Your comfortable cruise vessel masters tight gorges, negotiates labyrinths of sandbanks, and clears churning rapids. Along this part of the Mekong, tranquil stretches of the river combine with striking shore scenery of lush green mountains, impressive rock formations, and secluded villages. The upper Mekong is considered one of the world’s most spectacular rivers navigable by a cruise vessel.

Golden Triangle – Huay Xai – Pak Tha – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang (Downstream)

Luang prabang – pak ou – pak tha – huay xai – golden triangle (upstream), day 1: chiang rai – the golden triangle - embarkation.

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)

DAY 2: Welcome to Laos

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 ).

DAY 3: Astonishing Landscapes & remote Villages

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 ).

DAY 4: The Pak Ou Caves

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. Alterna-tively, 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 ).

DAY 5: UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang

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 oppor-tunities 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).

DAY 6: Disembarkation in Luang Prabang

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).

DAY 1: Luang Prabang - Boarding

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)

DAY 2: Pak Ou Caves

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 )

DAY 3: The Mighty Mekong

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 )

DAY 4: Relaxing and Village Life

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 )

DAY 5: Pak Tha and Huay Xay

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 )

DAY 6: Farewell, Mekong!

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)

  • The wild upper Mekong aboard a boutique river vessel – one of the most spectacular river cruises in the world.
  • The Golden Triangle region, with its infamous past, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet
  • The Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong – containing thousands of Buddha statues
  • The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, one of Asia’s most beautiful historical towns
  • First-hand experience of the Thai and Lao peoples’ traditional lifestyles
  • Small groups limited to 29 fellow passengers
  • Sunset over Luang Prabang
  • Unforgettable impressions of the mighty Mekong River, the “mother of waters”
  • Professional onboard infotainment, including lectures and documentaries on the region
  • 5 nights aboard your boutique river vessel
  • Meals according to itinerary (B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, and D=Dinner)
  • Coffee, tea and water during meal times on board
  • All excursions and necessary entry fees according to itinerary
  • Presentations and lectures by your cruise director
  • Transfers between airports and hotels within city limits
  • Meals and services other than those noted in the itinerary
  • Visas for Thailand and Laos
  • Laundry, telephone calls and personal expenditures
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, boat crew, and personal, non-itinerary services
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks other than mentioned
  • Personal insurance
  • Video or photography fees (if requested during excursions)

Office Germany/Berlin

Your contact

Katja Peschel (English, German)

+49 30 786 000 607 [email protected]

Office Laos/Luang Prabang

Your contact

Lukas van Schagen (English, German)

+856 20 55660402 [email protected]

Onh Chanpasirt (Lao, English)

+856 20 55547899 [email protected]

Tour Organizer

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Mekong River Cruises

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Bassac Cruise 2 days

Bassac Cruise 2 days

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Rv Mekong Princess Cruise 8 days

Mekong Eyes Cruise 2 days

Mekong Eyes Cruise 2 days

Discover mekong river cruises by travel styles.

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Song Xanh Sampan

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Mekong Pearl Cruise

A great travel experience!.

A great travel experience!

Excellent Tour Operator in All Respects

Excellent Tour Operator in All Respects

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Well organized Vietnam Cambodia Tour

Great Southeast Asia Tour with Vietasia Travel

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Laos River Cruises - Top Ships & Luxury Cruising in Laos

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Gypsy Cruise

Gypsy Cruise

Escape the ordinary on a private Laos River Cruise aboard the Gypsy. This luxurious 41-meter riverboat, your haven for just four guests, whisks you away on a voyage of discovery along the untamed Mekong, starting in Luang Prabang. Uncover hidden temples, bathe in emerald pools, and lose yoursel...

Launched: 2018

Length: 41 M

Crew Members: 5

Bohēme Cruise

Bohēme Cruise

Imagine a cruise that combines the luxury of a five-star hotel with the excitement of exploring a new and exotic destination. Bohēme Cruise takes you to the heart of Indochina, a land of ancient temples, bustling markets, and tranquil villages. Spend 3 - 4 days from Luang Prabang to Chiang Khon...

Launched: 2020

13 Cabin(s)

Length: 42 M

Nomad Cruise

Nomad Cruise

It is the majesty of the Mekong alongside Laos River Cruises that attracts countless tourists from all over the world. And now you can even navigate beyond pandemic limitations, offering unforgettable journeys to local heritage and history - the best thing is that you don’t have to spend...

Launched: 2017

Length: 16.5 M

Crew Members: 2

Play Cruise

Play Cruise

Welcome aboard the enchanting Play Cruise on Laos river, where your journey transcends the ordinary and invites you to experience a Laos day cruise like no other in the heart of Laos! This spectacular voyage is worth trying for a perfect holiday on the Play Cruise, promising an unforgettable...

Launched: 2015

Monsoon Cruise

Monsoon Cruise

Forget rigid schedules and crowded decks. Laos River Cruises invites you aboard the Monsoon, a cool cat gliding the Mekong with a joie de vivre unlike any other. This 40-meter stunner, with its intimate capacity of 25 guests, promises not just sightseeing but an experience. You may wonder wh...

Length: 40 M

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Experience the Magic: Luxury Mekong River Cruises for Unforgettable Vacations

Last Updated on February 22, 2024

Experience the Magic with our Luxury Mekong River Cruises. An unforgettable vacation awaits!

The Mekong River, one of the world’s major rivers, originates from the Tibet Plateau and travels through six Asian countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and pivotal role in local economies and cultures.

Importance and Popularity of Mekong River Cruises

The Mekong River Cruises have gained significant popularity due to their diverse and rich experience. Mekong river cruises offer a unique opportunity for tourists to explore the vibrant ecology, cultural heritage, and little-visited communities along the world’s twelfth-largest river, the Mekong.

Different Types of Luxury Mekong River Cruises

High-end cruise ships.

High-end cruise ships offer an unparalleled luxury travel experience. They often feature exceptional service, gourmet dining, lavish accommodations, and a vast range of top-tier amenities. These ships provide an opulent floating vacation, punctuated by stunning global destinations.

Private Cruise Boats

Private cruise boats provide an exclusive, luxurious experience on the water. Ideal for relaxation, adventure, and celebration, they offer tailored services to meet individual needs. These boats often include amenities like dining facilities, bedrooms, and entertainment options for a memorable journey.

Overnight Cruises

Overnight cruises offer a unique experience to travelers, providing a chance to admire breathtaking sunsets and sunrises at sea. Luxurious accommodations, fine dining options, entertainment shows, and various onboard activities make for an unforgettable journey.

Features of Luxury Mekong River Cruises

Luxurious and comfortable accommodations.

Luxurious and comfortable accommodations provide a delightful experience for travelers. They offer amenities like plush bedding, spa services, gourmet dining, stunning views, and attentive staff. Such accommodations prioritize guest satisfaction and create unforgettable vacation memories.

Gastronomy – Taste of Local and International Delicacies

Gastronomy is a delightful exploration of local and international delicacies. Experiencing various cuisines enhances cultural understanding while tantalizing your taste buds. Unique ingredients, preparation methods, and flavor combinations come together, revealing a destination’s culinary heritage and innovations.

On-board Entertainment and Activities

On-board entertainment and activities make every travel experience exciting and memorable. They vary from live music, magic shows, and dance classes to spa treatments. Activities such as board games and quizzes encourage social interaction while ensuring guests are never bored.

Highlighted Destinations along the Mekong River

Phenomenal historic sites.

Phenomenal historic sites transport us back in time, offering glimpses into past civilizations. From the majestic pyramids of Egypt to Rome’s timeless Colosseum, these awe-inspiring landmarks stand as a testament to human ingenuity and architectural prowess across the centuries.

Beautiful Natural Sceneries

Gazing at beautiful natural sceneries is uniquely calming. Majestic mountains, sprawling forests, eloquent rivers, and serene deserts personify tranquility and grandeur. These landscapes are a testament to Earth’s splendor, reminding us of the delicate balance between humans and nature.

Vibrant Local Markets and Villages

Vibrant local markets and villages are bursting with life and culture. Each stall offers unique products, from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Meanwhile, the village showcases the traditions and daily routines of the local people, inviting visitors into their authentic lifestyle.

Unique Experiences Offered by Luxury Mekong River Cruises

Cultural immersion experiences.

Cultural immersion experiences involve delving into a foreign culture, and living among and interacting with the locals. It’s not just about sightseeing, but understanding lifestyles, traditions, and values. It fosters respect, awareness, and global understanding, broadening personal and intellectual horizons.

Exclusive Tours to Unspoiled Regions

Exclusive tours to unspoiled regions offer a unique opportunity to explore the untouched beauty of nature. These fascinating ventures cater to adventure seekers, providing small, intimate groups unparalleled access to pristine landscapes, rare wildlife, and the rich local culture hidden in these offbeat destinations.

Interaction with Local Communities

Interacting with local communities enhances cultural understanding and fosters mutual respect. It encourages learning new perspectives, sharing knowledge, and creating lasting bonds. This engagement is crucial not only for societal harmony but also for personal growth and development.

Reasons to Choose Luxury Mekong River Cruises for Unforgettable Vacations

Excellent services.

Excellent services are an integral part of any successful business. They entail providing outstanding customer care that exceeds expectations. This includes prompt communication, friendly interactions, and efficient problem-solving. Undeniably, excellent service translates to customer satisfaction and business growth.

Unique Experiences

Unique experiences help shape our perspectives and our understanding of the world. They challenge our norms, expand our horizons, and enhance our empathy. Such experiences often involve navigating new cultures, environments, or activities that push us beyond our comfort zones.

Chance to Discover the Heart of Southeast Asia

Enjoy the opportunity to discover the heart of Southeast Asia on an immersive cultural journey. From bustling markets, ancient temples, and pristine beaches, to gastronomical delights – this region offers a diverse blend of history, traditions, and unparalleled natural beauty.

How to Plan for a Luxury Mekong River Cruise Vacation

Choosing the right cruise package.

Choosing the right cruise package requires research and consideration. Look for an option that meets your budget and offers a rich experience. Consider dining and on-board activities, and the destinations on the itinerary. Ensure customer service meets your standards too.

Preparing for the Trip: What to Pack, Visa Requirements

Packing for a trip requires careful planning; ensure to carry essential items, including travel documents. Check the visa requirements of your destination country beforehand to avoid last-minute issues. Consider packing tips online for efficiency and to anticipate potential trip necessities.

Tips to Enhance the Experience

Maximizing your experience involves actively engaging, being open to new ideas, asking questions, and reflecting on changes. Maintain a positive mindset, communicate effectively, set clear objectives, and seize opportunities. Also, incorporate personal interests, build relationships, and take constructive criticism seriously.

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Experience the Magic with our Luxury Mekong River Cruises. An unforgettable vacation awaits! The Mekong River, one of the world’s major rivers, originates from the Tibet Plateau and travels through six Asian countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and pivotal role in local economies and cultures. Importance and Popularity of Mekong River Cruises The Mekong River Cruises have gained significant popularity due to their diverse and rich experience. Mekong river cruises offer a unique opportunity for tourists to explore the vibrant ecology, cultural heritage, and little-visited communities along the world’s twelfth-largest …

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  1. Laos Cruise Tours from Thailand, Laos Mekong River cruise

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  2. The Best Mekong River Cruises in Laos, from Budget to Luxury

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  3. Slow Boat Cruise on the Mekong River from Thailand to Laos

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  4. Top 7 Luxury Mekong River Cruises 2024

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  5. The Best Mekong River Cruises in Laos, from Budget to Luxury

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  6. Mekong River Cruises

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VIDEO

  1. Mekong Tour

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  3. Mekong River Day Tour 🛶🇻🇳 #vietnam #mekongdelta

  4. The trip on Mekong river

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  6. Mekong River, Laos ແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງ, ລາວ

COMMENTS

  1. Laos Mekong River Cruise

    Vientiane - Huay Xai. FROM 4,572 USD per person. Booking Period: 180 Days prior cruise date. Early Bird Offer. Detailed Itinerary. Cruise the upper Mekong River in Laos aboard a luxurious boutique ship to experience captivating landscapes and cultural insights (2022 & 2023)

  2. Mekong River Cruises in Laos

    Style: Launched: 2016 Rooms: 14. Have chance to admire the natural beauty of Laos and Thai Land on luxurious cruise. Enjoy 5 -star services during 11-day cruise with affordable price. Ideal cruise for visitors who would like to discover the life on Mekong river along Thailand and Laos. Visit to the opium museum in the Golden Triangle.

  3. Laos Mekong River Cruises & Trips

    Laos Mekong river cruises take travelers on a truly unforgettable journey along the Upper Mekong, a lesser-travelled, pristine stretch of the river in its mountainous northern regions. In luxurious comfort, leisurely cruise past swathes of untouched riverside scenery, discovering remote communities and a tranquil way of life that has remained ...

  4. A Luxury River Cruise Down the Mekong Is the Best Way to See Laos

    From left: The Mekong River, which runs for more than 2,700 miles from China's Tibetan Plateau to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, passes by Luang Prabang, Laos; the Gypsy, a luxury charter boat ...

  5. Laos River Cruises

    Laos River Cruises offer you the best chances to explore the mighty Mekong river as well as its spectacular landscapes and rustic life along the banks. Check out the top collections of Laos cruise ships and best deals for cruising in Laos. ... We spent 2 special and magical days during this cruise on the Mekong! Very gently we can enjoy the ...

  6. The Best Mekong River Cruises in Laos, from Budget to Luxury

    The first Laos river cruise on today's list is Mekong Pearl Cruise. Launched in 2017, this vessel provides 15 elegant cabins on two decks furnished with air conditioning, sliding windows, private or French balcony, and public areas comprising the indoor bar, luxurious restaurant, a stunning sun deck with retractable roof, as well as the spa on ...

  7. Mekong River Cruises (Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos) 2024/25

    Colonial-style riverboat cruising the Upper Mekong and embracing the beauty & culture of Laos. 11 - 22 Days. From. $4,795 USD. Deals. Vietnam. Cambodia.

  8. River Cruise Itinerary for The Laos Mekong

    King of the Mekong 11 Oct 2018 - article by Cruise Adviser . Just Back From Pandaw: 7 Reasons to Take a River Cruise in Laos 09 Oct 2018 - article by Chris Gray Faust, Managing Editor for CruiseCritic . Queen Kong: A trip down the Mekong in Laos is an eye-opening marvel 09 May 2018 - article by Jeannine Williamson, World of Cruising

  9. Laos River Cruises

    The Full Mekong, Four Country 21 Night Combo Cruise. 21 NIGHTS. For the first time, join Pandaw on an in-depth exploration of the Mekong River from South to North. Combining our two 10 night Mekong expeditions through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam in this special four country expedition. Sailing all of the navigable stretches of this ...

  10. Heritage Line I Luxury Upper Mekong Cruise with 'Anouvong'

    As imposing as the upper Mekong River in Laos, ... Discover the treasures of the Upper Mekong river with our exceptional cruise itineraries . 3 nights. Huay Xai - Luang Prabang or vice versa. A slow voyage along the timeless upper Mekong offering captivating landscapes, remote native communities and unique cultural insights coupled with ...

  11. Laos River Cruises

    Laos River Cruises - Best Luxury Cruising in Laos 2024. Uncover the hidden elegance of the laid back Laos with our wide selection of elite Laos River Cruises. Navigating along the mighty Mekong River, our luxury Laos Mekong cruises unfold the charming tapestry of some of the best in Laos, from vibrant cities to riverside communities, bustling ...

  12. Mekong Cruises

    The Vat Phou Cruises. Embark on a 3 days - 2 nights journey expedition from Pakse abroad our luxurious ship and explore the splendor of the mighty Southern Mekong River and the mystical UNESCO Vat Phou temple, Cruises departs from Pakse. Mekong Cruises offers two comfortable cruises on the Mekong River in Laos and one privileged boutique ...

  13. Mekong River Cruise

    Discover the spellbinding beauty of the famed Mekong River. Cruise from Laos to Thailand, or back again. Join us on luxury Mekong river tours for unforgettable adventures. GO WITH THE FLOW. Luang Prabang - Chiang Khong. Embark on a magical journey from the spiritual heart of Laos to the hills of northern Thailand.

  14. Mekong Smile Cruise on Laos River

    Overview. Embark on an intimate 1-day journey down the mighty Mekong River with Mekong Smile Cruise, a locally owned and operated experience known for its warm hospitality and authentic Laos charm. Our spacious yet cozy day cruise on Laos river welcomes up to 50 passengers aboard, ensuring personalized service while still offering ample room to ...

  15. Laos cruises, Laos River Cruise 2023-2024

    Laos Mekong river cruise. Laos is known for its serene natural beauty and charming cultural heritage, and what better way to explore this country than by a river cruise on the mighty Mekong River. While some of the popular cruises are still closed due to the pandemic, there are still many options available for a memorable cruise experience. ...

  16. Mekong River Cruise Laos, Luxury Mekong Cruise Laos 2024/2025

    The Mekong is the artery of life in Laos: a trading route, a source of food and water, and a social center for the settlements along its banks. Known locally as The Mother of Waters, the Mekong river has been venerated and worshiped for thousands of years.Join us on a luxury Mekong river cruise in Laos, a vibrant tapestry of spectacular scenery ...

  17. Mekong Cruise Luang Prabang in Laos

    Heritage Line Anouvong Cruise. Style: Heritage Launched: 2020 Rooms: 10. Being romantic cruise on Mekong River cruise in Laos. The cruise is the blend of traditional Laotian artwork with French-colonial accents. Meeting friends at Café-Bar & Lounge, relaxing on terrace deck with sun loungers and cabanas and experiencing Bodhi Spa on board.

  18. Classic Laos: Luang Prabang & Vientiane

    Step aboard a sumptuous French-colonial-styled riverboat for a leisurely Mekong River cruise through Laos to Luang Prabang. While discovering the most beautiful, remote, areas of Laos in utmost luxury, you will see serene nature, isolated villages and magnificent temples. Hang out with the elephants at an elephant preservation sanctuary.

  19. Luxury Mekong River Cruise

    Discover a land of spellbinding beauty with our multi-day luxury Mekong River cruise. Embark on a unique journey of dreams and discovery on Southeast Asia's most beguiling waterway. From Luang Prabang to northern Thailand, and back again, our overnight Mekong cruises take you to the true heart of a lush and charming land, in boundless luxury.

  20. Laos Revealed

    Upstream: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou - Pak Tha - Huay Xai - Golden Triangle. Relax aboard your exclusive river vessel and enjoy the unspoiled nature along the mighty upper Mekong. The upper Mekong is one of the most difficult rivers in the world to navigate, with fluctuating water levels. Your comfortable cruise vessel masters tight gorges ...

  21. Mekong River Cruises in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar 2024/25

    Rv Mekong Princess Cruise 8 days. Excellent 5.0 | 2 reviews. Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap. Big Summer Promotion from May to September. 12 cabins - Launched in 2015.

  22. Mekong Kingdoms

    Nomad Cruise. It is the majesty of the Mekong alongside Laos River Cruises that attracts countless tourists from all over the world. And now you can even navigate beyond pandemic limitations, offering unforgettable journeys to local heritage and history - the best thing is that you don't have to spend...

  23. Experience the Magic: Luxury Mekong River Cruises for ...

    The Mekong River, one of the world's major rivers, originates from the Tibet Plateau and travels through six Asian countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.