mekong river tours laos

• Heritage Line

Cruising the Upper Mekong River in Laos

Discover the picturesque and remote upper Mekong with Heritage Line’s compelling short and long cruise itineraries.

Cruise Highlights

River journeying to wander off in time

The upper Mekong slowly meanders through the captivating landscape of Laos, where local life remains unchanged for centuries. Our uniquely tailored itineraries offer an unequalled Laotian riverine experience filled with spectacular backdrops, untouched riverside villages, ethnic tribes, local culture paired with insightful lectures and a dash of adventure. The short cruise slowly wanders through the Golden Triangle, connecting northern Thailand with Luang Prabang. Our longer cruises extend this journey to Vientiane (inclusive of a full sightseeing of Luang Prabang) to discover other remote parts of the country whilst getting lost in Laotian serendipity.

Inclusion Highlights

Inclusions & exclusions.

Please find inclusions, exclusions and room benefits for all upper Mekong cruises below

Accommodation; daily (group) shore-excursions & entrance fees; sightseeing and transfers during the cruise; transfers from/to Heritage Line’s meeting point to/from the ship (please read details in the embarkation guide); English speaking tour guiding on-and offshore; entertainment/activities during the cruise as mentioned in the program; meals as mentioned in the program; welcome drink, brewed coffee, tea and mineral water; passenger liability insurance; internet on the ship (subject to cellular network signal); complimentary usage of ship facilities (exclusive of spa treatments); port or anchorage fees; river pilots; fuel; taxes.

Crew and guide gratuities; visa fees; private transfers; personal expenses; beverages other than those stated under inclusions; medical services; spa treatments; port and anchorage fees; all other services or items not listed under inclusions.

For more information, please check detailed Inclusions leaflet below

Memorable Sailing along the Upper Mekong

Serene voyages that leave an indelible impression on one’s soul

Available Upper Mekong Cruise Itineraries

Unhurried cruising brimming with local adventures and blissful encounters

• 3 Nights [Huay Xai - Luang Prabang (vice versa)]
• 7 Nights [Huay Xai - Vientiane]
• 9 Nights [Vientiane - Huay Xai]

3 Nights Huay Xai - Luang Prabang (vice versa)

Daily Adventures

Villagers craft handmade garments using techniques passed down for centuries

A traditional Laotian ceremony performed by local elders welcomes or bids farewells with a blessing

Learn about the the most fascinating national animal - the Laotian Elephant

Kok Aek is a charming village where the locals grow their produces organically (seasonal only)

Many local villages have their own homebrewed whiskey distillery

Very few locals still know how to play the ancient Laotian instrument known as the ‘khene’

The upper Mekong has plenty of sandbanks perfect for remote, open-air dining and cocktails

See remote, picture-perfect local villages in front of amazing backdrops

Many villages in the Golden Triangle are inhabited by a various local ethnic tribes

Enjoy wonderful views of the Mekong from the hill top temple (when time and weather permits only)

Overlooking the Mekong River are sacred caverns with 4,000 Buddha statues

Kayaking on gentle waters is a unique experience in Laos

Get to know the tricks of a traditional medication from a local ‘medicine man’

7 Nights Huay Xai - Vientiane

Get to know the charm of Luang Prabang with a leisurely walking tour

Take some time on your own to wander through one of Asia’s most beautiful cities

Rise early to witness the hundreds of saffron-robed monks on their morning alms

Take a dip in this jungle paradise’s crystal clear waters

A highlight of our long cruises –passage through the first hydroelectric dam in Laos

Hop on a long tail boat and embark on a real jungle adventure into the unknown

9 Nights Vientiane - Huay Xai

Additional information.

• Rates & Departures

Featured Journeys

Explore our available itineraries for your luxury cruise along the Upper Mekong in Laos

UPPER MEKONG

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Experience the treasures of the Mekong

Cast away your cares. embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of southeast asia., magical mekong cruises.

Experience one of the world’s most magnificent waterways in boundless comfort with Mekong Kingdoms. 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.

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VIENTIANE, LUANG PRABANG, JUNGLE AND VILLAGES

THE LAOS MEKONG

No Single Supplements on selected dates

Enjoy the splendour of Laos on Pandaw's 10 night expedition on the Upper Mekong. Sailing between Chiang Khong on the Thai-Laos border, and through Laos toward Vientiane, the old French capital, you will witness stunning scenery, meet amazingly warm and friendly locals and learn about Laos’ national animal, the majestic elephant. We stop for three nights at the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang with its dazzling wood-carved monasteries before heading deep into the mountains, through rapids and gorges on our high-powered little Pandaw vessels.

Please note : During the months February to April there may be an increased risk of smog across Laos and northern Thailand. This is due to the annual crop burnings and whilst usually mild, can sometimes be quite severe. We would advise that any passengers with respiratory issues consult with their doctor before booking for this period. Most departures and travellers will be unaffected, however.

CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ONLINE

EXPEDITION MAP

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

Exploring Vientiane 2 Night Pre Tour

The 4000 Islands of Southern Laos Pre Tour

The Rachamankha Hotel, Chiang Mai Post Tour

The Hill Tribes of North Thailand Post Tour

Private Dining

Pre-Bookable House Wine Package

Free Flow Drinks

Free Flow Drinks & Wine Package

Day 1 vientiane.

Pick up from your hotel in Vientiane at 08.00am, followed by a local long-tail boat expedition to your Pandaw vessel upstream. Lunch and drinks will be provided on the local boat by your Pandaw chef and bar staff. Embark your Pandaw in the afternoon for a welcome briefing and welcome drinks. We moor overnight at Pak Lay.

DAY 2 CRUISING THE MEKONG

Cruise upstream on the Mekong, passing lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages. Morning presentation on the Lao language after a short walk at Pha Laeb village. If time permits, we will also enjoy an afternoon walk at Ban Khok Fark.

DAY 3 XAYABOURI DAM

Morning walk at Ban Pak Bor Khummu village before passing through Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam, taking an inside look of the workings of this somewhat controversial attraction as we navigate the locks. Afternoon visit to Ban Na San village, a Hmong minority village.

DAY 4 KUANG SI WATERFALLS

In the morning we moor at the village of Ban Mouang Khai and visit the dramatic Kaung Si waterfall. On the way back to the ship, we stop at the Laos Buffalo Farm, a social enterprise utilizing the abundant buffalo in Laos. Arrive in the heart of the temple city of Luang Prabang mid-afternoon where there is a buzzing night market and many great cafes and local restaurants. Traditional Laos Bacci ceremony and dancing on the upper deck during happy hour. Moor overnight in central Luang Prabang.

DAY 5 LUANG PRABANG CRAFTS & CULTURE

Today we explore the various handicrafts of Laos in more detail. We start with Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise providing sustainable employment and training for the women of local weaving villages. We then head to TAEC (Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre) to understand more about Laos musical instruments. After lunch aboard the ship, we sail toward Ban Chan and take part in a pottery demonstration at the local pottery workshop. We finish the day with a sunset cruise on the Mekong alongside Luang Prabang, returning to moor overnight in the centre of town.

DAY 6 LUANG PRABANG

Early morning walking tour to observe the alms offerings to the hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. We continue after breakfast to the morning market before taking tuktuks for a city tour of this well preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. The afternoon is free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang.

DAY 7 PAK OU CAVES

Morning at leisure in Luang Prabang before setting sail at midday upstream. Afternoon sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. See the production of local Laos whisky at the Whisky village and shop for locally produced handicrafts.

DAY 8 BAN TON AND SANDBANK BBQ

Day of sailing upstream along the Mekong with morning walk through Ban Ton village. In the evening, we moor alongside a sandbank for a special riverside barbecue and cocktail party. Light paper lanterns with the crew and enjoy a dance in remote Laos.

DAY 9 PAK BENG ELEPHANT SANCTUARY

Laos is known as ‘The land of a million elephants’ and today we will visit a rescue sanctuary that is helping to preserve the elephants of Laos and provide sustainable alternative employment for Mahouts who once trained and rode these beautiful creatures. Afternoon walk at Ban Pak Sith Khummu village.

DAY 10 PAK SITH - CHIANG KHONG

Today we sail the final leg of our journey upstream toward Huayxay. Cross over into Thailand via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge before rejoining your ship in Chiang Khong. Enjoy a ship tour of your Pandaw vessel and fruit carving demonstration from your Pandaw Chef. Farewell cocktails and Thai traditional dance on board for your last evening.

DAY 11 CHIANG KHONG

Disembark by 8.30 in Chiang Khong and group transfer to hotel/airport. En route, explore the Golden Triangle including a visit to the opium museum. Continue to airports or city hotels in Chiang Rai (2 hours) and Chiang Mai (6 hours).

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY Upstream

Whats included.

Cruise Price Includes : Entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes. Transfers Chiang Rai / Chiang Mai to ship v.v. and ship to Vientiane v.v.

Cruise Price Excludes : International flights, port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), all beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.

TRANSFERS & JOINING

Transfers included from your hotel in Vientiane to the ship in Pak Lay via Pandaw's local long-tail boat . Pick up will be at 08:00am so we advise to stay in VTE at least 1 night pre cruise. Please ensure your hotel information is provided to Pandaw so that pick-ups can be arranged.

Disembark by 8.30 in Chiang Khong and group transfer to hotel/airport. En route, we will visit the Halls of Opium and the Golden Triangle before we transfers you to Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai hotel or airport. You will reach Chiang Rai at 15.30 and Chiang Mai at 17.30.

Private transfers will need to be arranged at an extra cost. We suggest to book a hotel in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai after your cruise.

VISA INFORMATION

Downstream Visa on arrival for Laos can be acquired easily at the border crossing and requires 1 passport photo plus USD40 - USD55 in cash for processing. Alternatively, an E-visa can be obtained prior to travel for a fee of $50 USD. Please use the official Laos E-visa website only - https://laoevisa.gov.la .

Upstream Most nationalities are eligible for visa waiver in Thailand meaning no visa is required for stays of 15 days. Please check your local embassy for up to date information about your personal requirements.

Click here for further visa information.

TESTIMONIALS

I hope I've wet the appetite of my friends to take one of your cruises - posted by Jeanette Forrest and Carl Brook

The journey on the smaller longtail boat was just as exciting and spectacular - posted by Simon and Jackie

Yet another amazing experience under our belts - posted by Richard

This was an outstanding trip and we enjoyed the longtail boat segment as well; all part of the adventure spirit of Pandaw! - posted by Bruce Johnson

The Pandaw was fabulous, and the journey was exceptional - posted by Gary Walsh

There is nothing to say other than positives about the staff, the food, the ship and the experience generally - posted by Janette Grierson

The facilities on the RV Laos Pandaw are first class. From morning coffee to the cocktail hour and dinner the service was impossible to fault - posted by Stephen Horsfield

There is absolutely nothing that I can imagine to improve upon our experience. The delights of exploring the quiet country of Laos, the superb boat, the wonderful crew - posted by Frank and Barbara Almond

We just departed the Laos Pandaw yesterday here in Vientiane and want you to know that the trip was fantastic - posted by Captain Gerald Salvo and James Graf

New Year was celebrated in great style with special food and later all the crew joined with us - posted by Maxine Godley and Vicki Stannard

Pandaw has again impressed us, fully meeting and often exceeding our expecations - posted by Steve Bousfield

This was my 5th river cruise with Pandaw and I wasn't disappointed - posted by Penelope Cooke

Our third Pandaw expedition met the high expectations that had been set by our two previous journeys - posted by Solveig, Krishna and Lindsay Isaac Lalla

We could not think of travelling with any other company if we want to continue to explore Asian and other river systems - posted by Val Gribble

Four cruises down and a few more to go. Everyone a great trip. - posted by Gavin and Joan Carpenter

It is my second experience of travelling with the Pandaw and both trips have been excellent - posted by MH

Altogether a wonderful and relaxing holiday - posted by Andrew Featherstone and Rosemary Doey

The most magical days I have ever experienced - posted by Irene Clarke

The cruise itself and the timing in November were perfect - posted by Axel Ciossek

This was a fabulous cruise, a real highlight and totally different to the lower Mekong - posted by Stuart Betlem

This was the third trip, having previously enjoyed seeing Cambodia/Vietnam and Burma with Pandaw - posted by Hans and Brita Nauman

My only concern now at our age is how much longer we can go on enjoying such treats! - posted by Tim & Diana Goetz

Unspoilt by other tourists, so relaxing, so peaceful, we all loved it - posted by Narelle & Trevor Petith

TRAVEL BLOGS

Land of one million elephants, tale of an early morning on the misty upper mekong, sailing up the mekong from vientiane to the thai border 2016, french colonial vestiges in laos, laos tribes we visit along the way and other attractions, laos, the final frontier, extra, extra pandaw adds more dates as laos becomes firm favourite, media mentions, the mekong's magical secret, retraced grandmother's mekong trip, pandaw’s pursuit of laos, cultural immersion on laos river cruise, exploring laos by boat, king of the mekong, just back from pandaw: 7 reasons to take a river cruise in laos, queen kong: a trip down the mekong in laos is an eye-opening marvel, an exciting pandaw river cruise through south east asia’s least-known destination, lao and now: mekong river, vientiane, thailand.

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• Testimonials

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

by Seni World Aug 28, 2023

Laos is regarded as one of the most attractive destinations of Southeast Asia, an ethnically diverse country in the region with a collection of green-covered landscapes, French colonial-style buildings, and Buddhist sanctuaries. This lotus-eaters's land is also well-known as a member of the Greater Mekong Subregion, where a part of the mighty Mekong flows through for thousands of years.

There are many ways for you to explore the hidden beauty of Laos, however, Mekong river cruises in Laos is considered the best option of all. Different from the on-shore journey, travel by waterway will bring you unique and extraordinary experiences. If this subject is new to you, don't worry, below is our special list of the best river cruises in Laos for you. Depending on your budget and preference, you can choose the cruise ship that is most appropriate for your dream trip.

1. Mekong Pearl Cruise

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 the main deck that ensure gracious and attentive services for a maximum of 29 guests.

The RV Mekong Pearl is the ideal way to discover the splendid Mekong panoramas, witness the stunning beauty of the untouched tropical jungles, mountain peaks and gain insight into the rustic life here.

>> Book Mekong Pearl Cruise Now

2. Laos Pandaw Cruise

The next highly - recommended river cruises in Laos is RV Laos Pandaw . With interior and exterior amenities meeting international quality and a flexible itinerary from Vientiane – Lao capital to Luang Prabang or vice versa, this ship is really a high - class option for your off - shore adventure.

Embarking Laos Pandaw Cruise ship enables you to have a relaxing moment while traveling on the majestic Mekong, enjoy the ever - changing river scenery, take part in some exciting activities onboard or experience onshore cultural treasures as well as local life in some idyllic villages in the surrounding area.

>> See our Best Offers of Laos Pandaw here :  https://topmekongcruises.com/rv-laos-pandaw-cruise

Suggested Read : What You Need to Pack for A Cruise on Mekong River?

3. Vat Phou Cruise

Another glamorous vessel for your luxury cruising in Laos is Vat Phou Cruise . With a characterized oriental design, this Pakse Laos river cruise is a luxurious floating hotel including two large open-air decks, 12 well-appointed twins shared cabins and other five-star standard safety equipment.

As the name suggests, Vat Phou cruise Mekong will also give you a great opportunity to visit the awe-inspiring 10th Century Khmer temple - Vat Phou Temple at Champassak, the Oum Muong ruins on the east bank of the Mekong River, the Phapheng waterfall, the 4,000 Islands as well as other highlights in this landlocked Southeast Asian country.

>> Book Vat Phou Cruise Now <<

4. Champa Pandaw Cruise

It is no coincidence that Champa Pandaw Cruise is presented on our list of Mekong River cruises in Lao. The ship is another pride of Pandaw's Family that was built in September 2016 in Thailand with 12 main guestrooms and 2 staterooms inspired by the French colonial style for a maximum capacity of 28 guests.

Enjoy an enjoyable expedition with Champa Pandaw Boat Cruise as you will traverse Laos to touch the most attractive destinations in this extraordinary country. Apart from luxurious services on board, this boutique river vessel also offers special mountain bikes for your independent on - land journey.

>> Book Champa Pandaw Cruises now <<

5. Mekong Smile Cruise

If the luxury cruises from Luang Prabang above are too much for your budget, Mekong Smile Cruise is here to solve the problem. This boat is considered the top selection of slow boats Laos from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai .

With a characterized Lao design, Mekong Smile Cruise is truly a spacious boat that ensures a maximum of 50 passengers per voyage. The vessel is not only an opulence alternative to the public slow boat but also promises to offer you a wonderful and satisfying experience while cruising along the rich, colorful and historic regions of the legendary Mekong River.

Suggested Read : Top 8 Fascinating Things to Do in Laos

6. Luang Say Cruise

An additional budget option for your Mekong River cruise holidays in Laos is Luang Say Cruise . This luxury cruise from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang was built in 1999 with 34 meters long and a capacity for 40 people per cruise.

Suggested Read : Top Luxury Mekong Cruises to Vietnam and Cambodia

Different from all the vessel above, the riverboat is only used for the day-tour trip, not for a long journey overnight cruise. Therefore, instead of staying on board, you will spend the night at Luang Say Lodge (or Luang Say Hotels), and have a great chance to admire the stunning sunset along the majestic Mekong from your luxury bungalow.

>> We have just suggested you some of the best river cruises in Laos from budget to luxury. Contact us today to reserve your luxury Mekong river cruises and get the best deals for your cruise trips in Indochina.

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Classic Laos: Luang Prabang & Vientiane

Customizable private tour with flexible start date

• 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS

• 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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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 .

A wondrous glimpse into Luang Prabang, Laos.

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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Mekong River Tours & Trips

The mighty Mekong is one of the planet’s most spectacular waterways and Southeast Asia ’s longest river, coursing 2,700 miles through six nations. This legendary river reveals incredible contrasts in stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity and affords unparalleled access to the region’s unique culture, ethnic peoples and history – all experienced on enthralling Mekong River tours.

Journeys along the relatively uncharted Upper Mekong River meander through unspoiled rural parts of northern  Laos , where the unhurried riverine life remains little-changed over time. From Ho Chi Minh City , Mekong River cruises take you on another memorable voyage, through southern Vietnam’s lush, intensely cultivated Mekong Delta and upstream to Cambodia and its vibrant capital, Phnom Penh . En route, there are amazing opportunities to explore vibrant floating markets , majestic Khmer ruins and stilt-house villages.

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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

Cruise company: Pandaw

Cruise type: Luxury, Sharing, 10 cabins

Cruise company: Shompoo cruise

Cruise type: Cheap, Sharing

From: $643 /pax

Company: Mekong Cruise

Type: Cheap, Sharing, 12 cabins

From: $397 /pax

From: $598 /pax

Company: Mekong River Cruise

Type: Midrange, Sharing

From: $3,924 /pax

Company: Pandaw

Type: Luxury, Sharing, 10 cabins

From: $250 /pax

Company: Shompoo cruise

Type: Cheap, Sharing

From: $115 /pax

Company: Bounmi

Type: Cheap, Private

From: $1,904 /pax

Type: Midrange, Sharing, 15 cabins

Company: Mekong Kingdoms

Type: Luxury, Sharing

Type: Midrange, Private

Type: Midrange, Sharing, 13 cabins

Type: Luxury, Private

Company: Heritage Line

From: $307 /pax

Company: Le Grand Pakbeng Sole Company

Type: Midrange, Sharing, 18 cabins

Company: Nagi of Mekong

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Mekong Pearl 5 Nights: Impressions of the Mekong (Upstream)

Trip length.

Mekong Pearl

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Classic Cabin Inquire this cruise

 7 Cabin(s)

 |    12m²

 |    Double/twin

Classic cabins all are located on the main deck of the cruise with the space of 12 square meter each. The cabins give a warm and inviting feeling for all the guests on board.

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 Air Conditioning

 Mini Bar

 Toiletries

 Shower

 Bathrobes

 Bottled Water

 In Room Safe

 Hair Dryer

 Slippers

Superior Cabin Inquire this cruise

 6 Cabin(s)

 |    16m²

The superior cabins are on both main and upper deck. Four on the main and two on the upper deck. All of the rooms are fully equipped with modern facilities.

Deluxe Cabin Inquire this cruise

 2 Cabin(s)

 |    22m²

Only two deluxe room on board and each one of them has 22 square meter of space. All are on the upper deck and have their own private balconies and wide window looking out the river.

• Full Itinerary

Welcome to the Mekong Pearl Cruise , with the perfect combination of traditional and modern beauty on the charming Mekong River. 

The ship's spacious space, 15 cabins spread over 2 floors, gives you a comfortable feeling when resting and playing. The ship was only built in 2017, so it has a modern design, engine and materials to bring you the safest and smoothest travel. You will experience great amenities on the cruise during the journeys such as 10 nights from Chiang Rai - Vientiane , Luang Prabang - Vientiane , Northern Laos or explore the mysterious Golden Triangle area from Luang Prabang .

At Mekong Pearl night cruise on Laos river , you will be able to chill on a large sun deck, relax in the spa room, immerse yourself in the vibrant bar and enjoy delicious food at the restaurant. 

Join Lao River Cruises to experience these top amenities now! For more private tours, contact us to tailor your own trip !

Spacious cabins with luxurious wooden design

Possessing 2 floors with 15 cabins, Mekong Pearl Cruise gives you a comfortable living and playing space. The large wooden design makes the ship more luxurious, classic and warmer. You will feel comfortable at home when resting on the Mekong Pearl Cruise. The highlight of the ship is the bar area and spa room for you to relax and the spacious sun deck to capture every moment of the breathtaking nature on the Mekong River.

Laos culinary specialties

During the journey on the Mekong Pearl Cruise, visitors will enjoy typical Lao dishes meticulously prepared by chefs with unforgettable flavors such as Laap, Tam Mak Hoong, Or Lam, Khao soi... You will also enjoy sumptuous BBQ parties with European and Asian dishes.

Laos dance performance and Baci friendship celebration

It will be a wonderful experience when you see artists from many different ethnic groups performing traditional dances. Artists here have used graceful dance and music to portray a picture of the nation's cultural and spiritual life. During the Baci friendship celebration, your friendship will be bonded by fun dances and beautiful smiles. This is also a good opportunity to make new friends on this exciting journey.

 Restaurants

 Tours

 Smoking Area

 Rooftop Sundeck

 En-suite Bathroom

  Mekong Pearl 5 Nights: Impressions of the Mekong (Upstream)

  Destination:  Vientiane, Salakham, Ban Don Saingam, Xayaburi Dam, Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang

  Departure date of itinerary:   View Departure Dates

Highlights of Itinerary

• Visit valuable historical sites in the capital Vientiane
• Discover the wild beauty and cool atmosphere of the Mekong River
• Enjoy delicious food amidst peaceful nature
• Explore the ancient town of Luang Prabang
• Admire one of Laos' largest dams providing electricity - Xayaburi Dam

Day 1 VIENTIANE EMBARKATION (D)

This afternoon, Laos River Cruises gives you a chance to explore the embarkation point in Vientiane on your own. Check-in your cabin and have some rest from the heat as the ship commences its journey.

Along the way, there are endless precious opportunities for you to capture these breathtaking sights by the river with untouched nature at its fullest. The peace and calmness it brings also are a good setting for you to meditate, enjoy a book, or simply just be for a while.

Later in the evening, join in with other passengers in the restaurant to feast on the Asia / European cuisine prepared by experienced staff.

  Meals:  Dinner

Day 2 WILD NATURE ALONG THE MIGHTY MEKONG (B, L, D)

As the Mekong Pearl Cruise  makes its way on the river, there are many opportunities to admire the unique sights of the surroundings and the people living by the shore. The further the sail the more incredible the scenery is. Take in the true green jungle on the towering landscape as you escape from the concrete ones.

Overnight on board.

  Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 CRUSING - SALAKHAM (B, L, D)

Continue north toward the town of Luang Prabang . Admire the spectacular rock formations and the green wild forest covering the grounds. Have a chance to see and participate in life at the village of Salakham. Return back on board then we resume the journey up north against the age-old current of Mekong River.

Day 4 BAN DON SAINGAM (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we start the day at Ban Dom Saingam. Leaving the ship and by foot, we will hike to the secluded cave which is reserved only for the passengers on board. On the way, get yourself lost in the tranquil atmosphere with some callings from cattle and the herders as they navigate them toward the feeding ground.

Enjoy a BBQ dinner on a spot by the river. Overnight on board.

Day 5 XAYABOURI DAM (B, L, D)

While enjoying the breakfast, you can take in the gorgeous sights by the river and maybe catch a village doing laundry. Today’s highlight is one of Laos’ biggest dams that provide electricity all around the country – Xayabouri Dam.

Then an afternoon visit to a hill tribe that is supported by the cruise. Enjoy the final dinner on board this evening. 

To explore more Mekong Pearl Cruise itineraries we have 10 nights from Huay Xay to Vientiane tour , check now!

Day 6 KUANG SI – LUANG PRABANG (B, L)

Today excursion is for all nature lover with a journey to the sapphire waterfall of Kuang Si. Start with a short tuk tuk ride to the entrance. Start a short hike up to reach the fall and by the trail, you can find all kind of plants and insects. Admire the fall, and if you are so inclined, take a short dip in the lagoon before going back on board for lunch.

Afternoon today, we make the way to the bank of Luang Prabang . Check-out of the cruise and you will be transferred to your hotel or the airport in Luang Prabang.

  Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

What's Included/Excluded

• 5 overnights aboard your boutique river vessel Mekong Pearl.
• All meals and tour program as per above itinerary.
• Coffee, tea and water during meal times on board.
• All excursions and necessary entry fees.
• Presentations and lectures by your cruise director.
• Transfers from/to Vientiane / Luang Prabang airport or your hotel in town.
• Meals and services other than those noted in the itinerary.
• Visas for 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.

MEKONG PEARL CRUISE POLICY

General conditions

• For group bookings, passengers must provide us a rooming list 2 weeks before the begin date.
• Rates are subject to change without prior notice. The total cost is calculated based on the fuel’s price and other factors like exchange rates, etc. In case of these price exceeds over 10% of the original cost, we retain the right to impose a supplement to the rate that we agreed upon confirmation.
• We reserve the right to cancel a departure 30 days prior to the embarkation date if the amount of confirmed passengers is insufficient for operation. In such case, we will suggest an alternative option for cruising or land package. If none of the option suits with your schedule, then we can give you the refund. 
• Mekong River Cruises reserves the right to cancel a cruise departure until at latest 4 weeks before embarkation if less reservation than the applicable minimum number of passengers are made. In such a case all payments are refunded by Mekong River Cruises.

Individual and small group bookings payment conditions

• To make a booking, a 30% deposit is required. The remaining payment must be paid 60 days prior to the beginning date of the cruise.
• We reserve the right to charge interest of 5 % per month on overdue bills.
• We are not responsible for extra charges like bank fees for international transactions or 3-4% of processing fee for payments by credit cards.

Individual and small group bookings cancellation policies

• Cancellation before 130 days prior to the start of the cruise: 30 % of the total rate
• Between 70 and 129 days prior to the start of the cruise: 50 % of the total rate
• Between 40 and 69 days prior to the start of the cruise: 75 % of the total rate
• Less than 39 days prior to the start of the cruise: 100 % of the total rate

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Cambodia & Laos Mekong River Tour – 12 Days

Tour Route: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh – Kratie – Don Kong –  Don Deng  – Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng – Vientiane

Tour Highlights

• Take a tethered helium balloon ride for spectacular views.
• Discover Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng, West Baray, and surrounding ruins.
• Explore the National Museum with ancient Khmer artifacts.
• Take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• Board a local boat, see submerged houses, and enjoy the scenery.
• Discover Don Deng Island’s local life, temples, and community forest.
• Description
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From Angkor Wat to remote river towns, Indochina Tours gives you 12–day journey down the Mekong River and into the heart and soul of Indochina. Our local guide will share with you the region’s cultural treasures and natural splendors. Explore the numerous temples and spot a rare Irrawaddy dolphin. Experience the outstanding sites with a chance to get off the beaten track and explore the remote islands of Don Khong. With local transportation and authentic accommodation, like a rural homestay, this adventure offers an intriguing blend of included activities and free time for personal exploration.

General Information

Duration: 12 days/11 nights Start/End: Siem Reap/ Vientiane Tour Route: Cambodia: Siem Reap, Laos: Vientiane Highlights: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh – Kratie – Don Kong –  Don Deng  – Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng – Vientiane Tour Categories: Laos Cambodia tours Tour Type: Explore and Experience Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form) Guides: Local Guide (English Speaking Guide, Other Languages upon Request) Transportation: Private first-class air-conditioned vehicles Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

Brief Itinerary

Day 01: Siem Reap Arrival – Half-day City Tour Day 02: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh – Full-day City Tour Day 03: Phnom Penh – Tonle Sap Boat Trip Day 04: Phnom Penh – Kratie Day 05: Kratie – Don Khong Day 06: Don Khong – Don Deng Day 07: Don Deng – Luang Prabang – Full-day City Tour Day 08: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall Day 09: Luang Prabang – Free Day Day 10: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng Day 11: Vang Vieng – Vientiane – Full-day City Tour Day 12: Vientiane Departure

Full Itinerary

Day 01: siem reap arrival – half-day city tour.

Welcome to Cambodia! Upon arrival, you will meet your local tour guide and check in the hotel. The rest of the time if your own leisure. In the afternoon, start your journey to the magnificent Angkor Wat temple . Our local guide will give you a delighted insight into one of the largest and undoubtedly the breathtaking of the monuments of Angkor Archeological Park . Angkor Wat, built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Explore inside the temple, you will see the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Enjoy the spectacular views from above and get an idea of the sheer size of the temple as you ride in a tethered helium balloon that takes you 120m up in the air! Explore Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng, West Baray and other ruins amongst the surrounding jungles and rice paddies glimmering in the best evening light.

Day 02: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh – Full-day City Tour (B)

After breakfast, you will be driven to Phom Penh and taken on an amazing tour around the central city as Indochina Tours takes you around many of its colonial structures together with modern, post-independence architecture, and have memorable experiences when communicating with the locals. Firstly, you will begin your tour with a Tuk-tuk ride to the historic French Quarter of Phnom Penh. Continue with the Royal Palace , built in 1866, is home of the King of Cambodia and his family and served as a venue for the performance of court ceremony and ritual. The vast compound houses the Silver Pagoda , named for the 5,000 heavy silver tiles that adorn its floors. You will also admire the collection of Buddhas, crafted in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze. Continue your trip to the National Museum , which was built in traditional Khmer style and surrounded by lush gardens, houses the world’s foremost collection of ancient Khmer artifacts dating back to the 4th century. Your full-day city tour will not be completed without a visit to Russian Market – a must–see for any tourists to Phnom Penh. Here, test your bargaining skills as you wander through the heaving stalls filled with souvenirs, local handicrafts, and branded goods. Also, there are some attractive food stalls if you keen on a snack after your day sightseeing.

Day 03: Phnom Penh – Tonle Sap Boat Trip (B, L)

Start your early morning by a drive to the countryside and take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake , which is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and officially designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It’s also a place of one of the strangest events in the world. You will be watching some of the migratory birds that can often be seen at the edge of the water.

Travel out to Kampong Phluk , a village quite further away but which receives very fewer tourists. Therefore, this stilted village is the best place to see the authentic life of the local fisherman and their families who live among the flooded mangrove forest. At Kampong Phluk, board a local boat for a ride on the lake. On the way, you will see houses on stilts that are submerged with the lake extends, pass by floating houses and impressive flooded forests and relax on the water. At noon, a delicious lunch will be prepared for you in one of the floating houses. Soak up the beautiful scenery dominated by the tranquillity of the lake. Then, return to the city and take your free time to explore.

Day 04: Phnom Penh – Kratie (B)

After breakfast, Indochina will take you to a peaceful and beautiful Kratie. It genuinely is an ideal place to stop off at when doing a combined tour of Cambodia and Laos. Because of its peace, there’s not much to do here, so you just need to simply spend your time leisurely wandering along the Mekong. The life taking place on and around the river provides a spectacle you simply do not want to miss. Additionally, other activities you can experience in Kratie are hiring a scooter and head off to meet local people. They always have a warm welcome to offer, and you get a chance to enjoy richly rewarding encounters with genuine local people.

Day 05: Kratie – Don Khong (B)

Following your breakfast, continue your Cambodia & Laos Mekong Adventure Tour by a trip to the Cambodia/Laos border. After completing necessary border formalities, head to Don Khong Island which is the largest island, part of the 4000 islands that include the Sii Pan Don area. Mostly local people live on fishing but the biggest business here is palm sugar production due to a large number of palm trees. What can you do on this island? Khonephapheng waterfall on the island is a highlight for a trekking day tour. A lot of fishing village along the river bank are waiting for your exploration such as Muang Saen or visit and learn more about the daily life of locals.

Indochina Tours recommends you a good way to explore is hiring a boat and sailing around. In addition, there are also a number of pretty temples and monasteries to discover in this island, among them is Wat Phu Khao Kaew , where tourists can visit and communicate with the monks to learn about their life. Thus, with its lovely fishing villages, serene monasteries, and lush vegetation, Khong Island offers a unique opportunity for visitors to discover the lifestyle of Laotian.

Day 06: Don Khong – Don Deng (D)

Today is another day for you to marvel at the beautiful scenery along the Mekong River. Start your morning by soaking up Don Deng, a small and idyllic island on the Mekong, not far from historic Champasak town , gateway to the Wat Phou World Heritage Site. Tourists can stop off on the island to relax and enjoy Lao rural life before or after visiting the Vat Phou temple complex or en route to the 4,000 river islands in the Deep South. Accommodation is offered in a community lodge or with local families and tourists can spend their day billing or walking around the island’s tree-shaded paths and sandy beaches, exploring the variety of cultural sites and sampling its abundant fruits and fresh fish.

Day 07: Don Deng – Luang Prabang – Full-day City Tour (B)

In the early morning, you will be driven to Pakse to take a short flight to Luang Prabang and continue to explore Laotian Buddhism and architecture. Start with a visit to Morning Market , a lively street where locals stock up on all sort of amazing supplies, from colorful vegetables to live frogs. Then, make your way to the King’s Palace at the National Museum , where you’ll witness the history and present life of Luang Prabang. Next, stop at Wat Sen , one of the city’s most sumptuous monasteries, and finally Wat Xieng Thong temple with its spectacular low sweeping stylistic roof, It is Luang Prabang’s most famous and renowned monastery.

Following your lunch, travel directly from Wat Xieng Thong to the Mekong River to board a private traditional long-tail boat for a cruise up the Mekong River . We then cross the river by and have time to soak up the Pak Ou Caves adorn with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. The Pak Ou Caves rest where the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers meet with breathtaking limestone cliff and jungle scenery. There are lower and upper caves that are accessible by stairs and you should not ignore this wonderful sightseeing.

Day 08: Luang Prabang –  Kuang Si Waterfall (B)

After breakfast, your Cambodia & Laos Mekong Adventure Tour will continue by a visit to the Kuang Si Waterfall , which is possibly the most beautiful natural setting in the country. Immerse yourself in the natural pool or let your body relax with a massage in an idyllic setting at the base of the falls. En route to the falls, stop at the Bear Sanctuary and see the bears, which are rescued from bear bile farms and illegal private zoos in their rehabilitation enclosures.

Day 09: Luang Prabang – Free Day (B)

Today is free for you to explore every corner of the city.

Day 10: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng (B)

Your morning begins with a drive to Vang Vieng, a town resting on the Nam Song River surrounded by limestone karsts. Along the river, visit the first cave, Tham Xang (Elephant Cave). Then, visit the nearby Tham Hoi cave (Snail cave) which winds its way deep into the mountain. 45 minutes of discovery through numerous long corridors with wonderful limestone formations. Another cool pool of spring water, also a good place for a swim, lies at the mouth of Tham Nam (Water cave). After a picnic lunch, the trek to the Hmong village of Phathao passes through rice paddy fields and vegetable gardens will continue your tour. The journey back to Vang Vieng varies according to the level of the Nam Song. Descending the Nam Song by kayak leads tourists through idyllic scenes of rural life: a unique sight with the Limestone Mountains in the background.

Day 11: Vang Vieng – Vientiane –  Full-day City Tour (B)

Depart in the early morning, Indochina Tours drives you to one of Asia’s sleepiest capital cities, Vientiane. Vientiane, as all of Laos’ major cities, is located on the Mekong river which forms the lifeline of the country. Here you can witness fields of rice and vegetables, agriculture hidden behind tree lined avenues.  French Colonial architecture sits next to gilded temples.

First, you will visit some of Vientiane historic sites such as the infamous Wat Sisaket , the oldest and only temple that survived from the Siamese war in 1828. However, it is most well–known for a wall housing thousands of tiny Buddha images behind rows of hundreds of seated Buddhas, dating back to 16th century. Then, we continue with a visit to Wat Ho Prakeo , which is one of the most impressive and imposing temples of the city. Here, you will have a great chance to soak up carved wooden features, lacquered door, Hindu carvings and Buddha statues of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Next, don’t miss to visit Vientiane landmark, the golden That Luang Stupa . This is the single most important monument in Laos that was built to cover the original small stupa containing a piece of chest bone of Buddha.

Day 12:  Vientiane Depart (B)

After your breakfast, take your free time to explore until Indochina Tours drives you to the airport for your international flight back home. We wish you to have an unforgettable time with our itinerary. Enjoy your vacation!

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Vientiane, Laos

Becoming the capital city of Laos from the 16th century, Vientiane is a city located on the banks of the Mekong River near the border with Thailand. It is the largest city and also the administrative, economic, cultural, and commercial centre of the country. Vientiane has witnessed a lot of significant national events over the years, hence the heart of Laos is famous for the richness of history and culture as well as numerous attractive sights around the city. The laid-back capital city is one of the major destinations where people can admire a glimpse of the unique charms and exotic beauties in “the land of a million elephant”. Vientiane is well-known as the home to many prominent national monuments in Laos. Pha That Luang, an icon of Buddhism in Laos as well as the country’s most revered national stupa, is located in the city. Also, Vientiane features a lot of famous sparkling temples, Buddhist statues, interesting historical sites, and breathtaking views of cityscape and riverscape. Patuxai Monument – Triumphal Arches of Laos, a victory monument in the center of Vientiane and also a symbol of the capital city, is a must in every travel bucket list here. If you’re culture buffs, series of religious attractions and Buddhist ancient temples in Vientiane will surely keep your days out occupied. Famous tourist spots such as Haw Phra Kaew, Pha That Luang, Wat Si Muang, Wat Si Saket, etc with magnificent and exquisite architectural arts, and the Buddha Park's (Xieng Khuan), a unique statuary garden where houses hundreds of quaint Hindu and Buddhist statues, might deliver a fabulous Buddhism expedition. Besides traditional beauties of a Buddhist country’s capital city, Vientiane is also a vibrant place with spacious French-style avenues, colonial architecture, bustling local markets & shopping mall, and a wide variety of restaurants & bars. Thanks to numerous delights that can be found in beautiful Vientiane, the city is a popular stop-off on many itineraries of Mekong River cruises. It could be the starting or ending point of of river cruise programs in Northern Laos depending on your selection of upstream or downstream tour route. Visiting Vientiane, tourists can pleasantly explore and enjoy the city’s various highlights as it has to offer. After experiencing an enjoyable trip of Vientiane’s history and culture through famous attractions around the city, let yourself dive into the tasty gastronomy then relax and contemplate the stunning view of peaceful Mekong River from the city’s riverfront. Tons of amazing experiences and activities at the heart of Laos are waiting for your visit, which makes your trip discovering the beauty of Mekong River in Laos more fantastic.

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 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.

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

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 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

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• Luxury Riverboats Are Giving Superyacht Charters a Run for Your Money

Once the ugly-duckling cousin to oceangoing superyachts, many riverboats now offer similar levels of luxury, comfort, and service. They can also access historic cities or remote deltas where no superyacht can venture.

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With the rise of expedition yachting in remote destinations such as Antarctica , Greenland, and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat, there’s a general belief that all corners of the globe are now accessible by private yacht charter.

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“River cruising is the beneficiary of a larger travel trend in which luxury travelers are looking to do nothing,” Daniel Levine, director of New York consultancy Avant-Guide Institute , tells Robb Report . “By that, I mean they can visit multiple ports and soak up plenty of culture and history, all without changing hotels.”

This new fleet of river cruisers can access inland cities and remote stretches of countryside that are inaccessible to large oceangoing vessels. Plus, Levine says, there’s an added advantage to river travel: no seasickness.

One leader of the new set of purpose-built riverboats is Aqua Expeditions , the luxury river cruise operator whose first vessel, Aria Amazon , set sail on the Peruvian Amazon in 2011. Over a decade later, the fleet has grown to three river ships, none with more than 20 suites, cruising both the Amazon and the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, along with two oceangoing yachts in the Galapagos and Eastern Indonesia. 

“On my river ships, 30 percent of departures are now private buyouts, similar to traditional charters,” says founder Francesco Galli Zugaro. These clients, mainly multigenerational family groups or large gatherings of friends, are people who tend to vacation on yachts rather than the typical cruise ship crowd. Most of them have come to the riverboats, says Galli Zugaro, after chartering one of Aqua Expeditions’ two yachts.

The desire for off-the-beaten-track travel is fueling this new interest in riverboat charters, says Frédéric Crétin, a Monaco-based charter broker at superyacht brokerage Camper & Nicholsons . “We’ve had a surge in enquiries for the Peruvian Amazon, especially with Americans since it’s not too far from home,” says Crétin, who manages whole-boat bookings for the Aqua Expeditions fleet.

Heritage Line operates five traditionally styled ships along the upper and lower Mekong River and in Vietnam’s Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. “Our vessels, particularly our small-ship sailing charters on Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, have seen an increase in private stays,” says CEO John Tue Nguyen. “We now average 12 to 15 charters annually, including families, multi-generational bookings and VIP travelers.”

In Egypt, a gap in the market to showcase the country’s temples in a private, exclusive way, was behind the launch of the Nile River’s first luxury charter yacht in 2022, Berge . “Our clients are mostly royal families, politicians, celebrities, and athletes,” says Armen Kazazian of Kazazian Cruises , the yacht’s owner. “They don’t want to share the Egypt experience with hundreds of other people.”

The 180-foot, nine-cabin vessel has recently been joined by a sistership, the 196-foot, nine-cabin Arax . True to superyacht protocol, charters are secured with an official MYBA The Worldwide Yachting Association contract, and in the lead-up to the charter, a preference form is sent out to gather information on dietary preferences and daily routines to ensure everything is ready for your arrival. 

The differences also include having no water toys as one would on a conventional yacht charter. “But we overcome that with the destination and experiences, such as candlelit dinners on private islands,” says Kazazian. Maybe. But being restricted to a single route on a river is also fundamentally different than port-hopping along the Med or Caribbean.

Inland cruising has multiple benefits, insists Matthew Shollar of Transcend Cruises , Europe’s first charter-only, river-cruise company. “You’re not just in coastal locations and you can take your whole group off the boat to a spa, or go biking, or shopping,” Shollar says. “And a riverboat always docks close to your destination.”

In September 2025, the company’s first ship, the 443-foot Transcend , will launch, with a second identical vessel following in early 2026. Penned by Tillberg Design of Sweden, both are built to European riverboat specs but draw inspiration from superyachts for style and amenities, including a 2,600-square-foot indoor/outdoor fitness area that includes a gym, spa, and guest wellness facility. 

“The single most expensive piece of equipment on board is a hot tip from superyachts, a 144-inch C Seed unfolding television,” continues Shollar. “It’s a worthwhile investment for guests to enjoy everything from silent discos to movie nights on the sun deck.”

The company soft-launched Transcend Advance this summer to better examine the private market’s potential. It took over a five-star vessel from Riverside Luxury Cruises. One client, celebrating his 60th birthday party, had never considered a riverboat charter, but was lured by being able to host many more guests. “We designed a six-day itinerary that was flexible and unique,” says Kimberly Daley, Transcend’s chief revenue officer. “It enabled him and his friends to see chartering in a whole new way.”

Transcend will sail “the highest-demand European waterways,” including the Rhine, Danube, and Moselle, offering waterside access to historic cities like Trier, Budapest, and Belgrade.

But a second collection of smaller luxury barges is carrying charter to canals and smaller waterways. Both Belmond’s 128-foot Coquelicot and European Waterways’ Kir Royale launched in France’s Champagne region this year, with a max capacity of six and eight guests, respectively, and the possibility of whole-boat bookings. This combination of space, intimacy, pastoral views and access to exceptional vineyards can’t be replicated on oceangoing yachts.

While luxury riverboats are still a small niche compared to the larger world of superyacht charters, they offer another kind of cruising experience, one that combines slow-moving water with a relaxed lifestyle in some of the most scenic destinations on the planet.

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• Cruises/Yacht Charter
• River Cruises

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