LAO 703
MEKONG RIVER CRUISE
 Discover the mighty Mekong River between
Houay Xai (near the Golden Triangle) and the former royal Laotian
town of Luang Prabang. 2 days/1 night with the Luangsay cruise,
a specially designed slow boat with a 17 meter steel hull. It
features 32 comfortable seats with an open air vista, a fully
stocked bar and cooler. See rural life and villages of ethnic
minorities surrounded by beautiful landscapes. On the way stop
for overnight at the Luangsay Lodge, approx. 1 km north from
the small village of Pak Beng.
DEPARTURE:
Every Monday, Thursday and
Friday from Houay Xai, opposite Chiang Khong (Chiang Rai Province).
From 1st May till 31st October only Monday and Friday. No cruises
during June.
DAY 1 HOUAY XAI - PAK BENG
Early morning proceed first to Thai
immigration. Then cross the river by ferry boat to Lao immigration
where our representative will wait for you. After border formalities
are done, transfer to the pier. The boat leaves at 09.00. Cruise
down the Mekong and hav lunch on route. Continue and visit one
of the many villages of ethnic minorities, such as the Lu or
Yao. Arrive Pak Beng before sunset and check in at the Luangsay
Lodge, built in traditional Lao style of solid wood on the shores
of the Mekong. Enjoy the scenery and your dinner on the big terrace.
DAY 2 PAK BENG - LUANG PRABANG
Have breakfast on the terrace of the
lodge overlooking the Mekong. Early morning opportunity for a
walk to the local market in Pakbeng, where people from the surrounding
villages exchange their goods. Board the boat for the second
leg of the cruise. Today's lunch again on the boat. Take another
short stop to discover a Hmong village. Continue and visit the
Tam Ting caves, that are enshrining numerous Buddha images. Another
brief stop follows at a village, where you can observe traditional
process to obtain local rice wine. Arrive in Luang Prabang late
afternoon and transfer yourself to your chosen hotel.
 OPTIONS:
- This river cruise can be combined
with tour itineraries
LAO-701 and LAO-702 as well.
- Cruise upriver from Luang Prabang
to Houay Xai possible on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturdays. From
1st May till 31st October on Wednesday and Saturday. No cruises
in June.
- Accommodation and transfers before
the cruise in/from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chiang Saen, Chiang
Khong or Houay Xai can be arranged, also after the cruise in
Luang Prabang.
VISA:
At the moment a 15-days visa for
Laos available at the border crossing Chiang Khong/Houay Xai
against a fee of US$ 30.- Please check with us for the newest
updates at the time of booking this tour.
 PRICE INCLUDES:
2 days cruise and transfers with
stops and visits en route as per above itinerary, accommodation
at LuangSay Lodge, English speaking cruise escort, all entrance
fees, full board, drinking water
NOT INCLUDED:
Visa for Laos, boat from Thai immigration
to Lao immigration, drinks, tips and personal expenses.
|
