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Cruise along the scenic banks of the Mekong River in southern Laos with a 3 day/2 night cruise. The Vat Phou cruise boat boasts 12 cabins, all with air-conditioning and private bathrooms, also owning open and shaded decks, a restaurant and a bar.

The cruise will introduce you to some breathtaking points of call such as the UNESCO World Heritage Vat Phou ruins at Champassak, the 4,000 islands, the Pha Pheng waterfall on the Laos and Cambodian border and the Oum Muong ruins.
If you are seeking a comfortable journey along the Mekong while appreciating the surrounding colorful culture of this fascinating part of the world, the luxury Vat Phou Cruises is the best choice in Lao. If you ever dreamt of cruising down the Mekong River, do it with style – do it with Vat Phou Cruises.

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+856 20 56 44 90 18 Info@mekong-cruises.com
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UP OVERLAND

Luang Prabang > Pakbeng > Luang Prabang

Lao Mekong Explorer
UP RIVER

Luang Prabang > Pakbeng > Luang Prabang

Lao Mekong Explorer

Lao Mekong Explorer –  Up Overland

DAY 1

LUANG PRABANG > PAKBENG

Departs: Monday and Friday.

LUANG PRABANG DEPARTURE

– 9h00 –

Depart Luang Prabang after breakfast. Start your journey passing through local villages and take in the authentic scenery of Laotian countryside.

KACHAM WATERFALL

– 9h45 –

Stop for a refreshing break at the untouched Kacham Waterfull. Just like a secret garden the Kacham Waterfall is a well-kept secret. Located not far from Luang Prabang the peaceful waterfall is also a popular picnic and BBQ spot for locals in the know. Depart Kacham waterfall and continue your journey. The road between Luang Prabang and Sayaboury is an easy one and it passes through many small and sleepy towns along the way.

SAYABOURY

– 11h30 –

Sayaboury is home to the largest population of wild elephants in Laos. The town itself is also a popular stop for tourists and locals taking overland routes through northern Laos. For lunch enjoy the flavors of fresh home cooked Laotian food at a local restaurant overlooking the Nam Heung River.

SAYABOURY DEPARTURE

– 12h30 –

After lunch continue the journey overland passing through lush primary forest and experiencing the countryside of northern Laos. The traditional way of life for many villages in this region continues to remain unchanged. Follow the gentle Huay Dek Creek along the edge of the Nam Phui NPA (extension) and take in the scenery that is dense virgin forest on one side and on the other breathtaking mountainous landscape. The Nam Phui NPA itself is home to many indigenous and also endangered species. The main ethnic settlements found along this route are the Phai and the Hmong.

HONGSA

– 14h45 –

Arrive in Hongsa once known for having the largest population of elephants in the country. It has now been transformed into one of the biggest power plants in Laos providing energy mainly to Thailand. Unfortunately the Laotian people benefit from less than 15% of this production. This has made it a highly sensitive project though it does offer work and housing otherwise not available to the local people in the area. Stop for a fresh air and toilet break at PTT before you continue the journey overland passing through the remote countryside of northern Laos experiencing the traditional way of life for villages in the region.

MUANG NGEUN

– 15h45 –

The first stop is made at the traditional Tai Lu village of Muang Ngeun. Most of the village is comprised of traditional wooden architecture. Visit the exquisite temple of Wat Si Boun Yeun and marvel at its rustic wooden roof. Dating back to 1736 the temple and stupa were originally built in honor of a talented and respected craftsman of the time, Khou Ba Khamsaen, and its name Si Boun Yeun means “long Life”. The temples current Buddha dates back to 1816 and the murals that cover the exterior walls bring to life Buddhist lessons and tales carried through generations.

Continue the journey overland passing through Hongsa and the remote countryside of northern Laos experiencing the traditional way of life for villages in the region.

PAKBENG

– 17h30 –

Arrive at Luang Say Lodge near Pakbeng before sunset, giving plenty of time to refresh, enjoy the scenery of the river and appreciate the surrounding nature. A Laotian dinner is served on the open air terrace overlooking the Mekong River.

Lao Mekong Explorer –  Up Overland

DAY 2

LUANG SAY LODGE

LUANG SAY LODGE

– 07h00 –

5Mornings are special times at Luang Say Lodge with stunning sights of the neighboring peaceful mountains, usually in the mist while a full breakfast is served on the expansive teak terrace.

SECOND DAY OF THE CRUISE

– 08h00 –

The cruise departs for another day of nature discovery along the legendary river with two stops planned along the way to Luang Prabang.

TRADITIONAL LAOS VILLAGE

– 11h30 –

A few hours into the day after enjoying the sight of sparkling sandy shores, the river boat makes stops to visit the hill tribe village of Baw where you can watch the traditional process of making Lao whiskey.

LUNCH

– 12h00 –

Lunch is served on board in a buffet style with a selection of starters and main course from Laos’ cuisine. A different choice of fish and meat dishes than on the first day is prepared for a greater culinary experience.

CAVES OF THOUSAND BUDDHAS

– 15h30 –

Opposite the mouth of the Nam Ou River, near Pak Ou village, the cruise stops to visit the Tam Thing cave. Translating as Rock Cave, it is famous for hosting over 2,500 Buddhas of all size and being a place of pilgrimage for the locals.

LUANG PRABANG

– 17h00 –

Following a day along the wide Mekong river with beautifully sceneries of mountains, wild nature, local life and delicious food, the cruise arrives at Luang Prabang, former imperial capital of Laos.

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