Mekong Pearl Cruise Downstream 11 days: Golden Triangle - Vientiane

Morning & Afternoon

You will be brought to the Golden Triangle region after being picked up from the Chiang Rai Airport or your hotel around 8:00 - 9:00.

Get started with a city tour to the Hall of Opium Museum, and the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak. Supported by the royal family of Thailand, the intriguing museum gives visitors an in-depth look at the history and politics of the opium trade, as well as the health influence of opium usage.

Afterward, you will be back onboard. Unpack your belongings and make yourself at home in your cozy cabin as you embark on an 11-day trip.

Night

It's time to enjoy the ship's ample deck space, relax in the onboard lounge, and attend a welcome celebration held during dinner.

Morning & Afternoon

Your incredible journey along the enormous Mekong River begins in earnest this morning when you set sail from the Golden Triangle region at the intersection of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand.

Your destination is the adjacent town of Huay Xai on the border between Laos and Thailand. This is the point at which you will formally enter the People's Democratic Republic of Laos.

Following that, your journey will take you through the breathtaking countryside of Pak Tha. Here, a long-tail boat trip along the Namtha River leads you to a small village inhabited by the Khmu ethnic minority.

Evening

Proceed downstream on your cruise ship until you reach an area with sand or a river bank to anchor.

Morning

Cruise through a densely populated area that can only be reached by water, you will find some of the most spectacular vistas, from tropical vegetation to impressive rock formations; interestingly, an intriguing mix of fast rivulets and slow currents.

Afternoon & Evening

Your voyage down the Mekong River will feel more like a true expedition because of the river's power. Take in the seclusion of these breathtaking vistas while you unwind on the deck, in your stateroom, or in the lounge area.

You will soon arrive in Oudomxay Province and anchor overnight in this area.

Morning & Afternoon

Following a leisurely morning spent onboard, we stop at a quaint riverside community to explore the world-famous Pak Ou Caves. These caves are home to hundreds of miniature Buddha images carved into the rock.

You can go on a short walk through the rainforest to a nearby village to check out their traditional distillery. Or else, you can opt for a relaxing boat trip to the village.

Elephants can be seen working nearby, unless they are doing something else at the time of your visit.

Evening

Dinner will be served on board while you take in the breathtaking scenery of the limestone mountains.

Morning and Afternoon

You will arrive at Luang Prabang today, the city that served as the royal capital of Laos for many years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Start your day by strolling around the city to the well-known Wat Xieng Thong. The temple's golden-tiled roofs are likely to leave you in amazement.

Continuing this full-day journey in Luang Prabang, you can explore more beauty spots of interest. Enjoy a climb to Mount Phousi, which is worth a wonderful view over the Mekong and Khan Rivers. 

Evening

Spend time visiting the lively night market of the indigenous Hmong community. Tonight, you can freely dine at any restaurant in town or along the Mekong River. Both of these are known for serving high-quality cuisine.

Morning & Afternoon

In the early morning, you can witness the traditional almsgiving in Luang Prabang's streets and visit the traditional morning market.

After breakfast onboard, our tour guide will take you on a visit to a local handicraft village and the former royal palace that is now the National Museum of Luang Prabang.

For lunch time, you can dine at dozens of local restaurants and eateries. The afternoon is yours to enjoy on your own. 

Night

This evening will begin with a traditional Lao dance and a Baci ceremony, followed by dinner served onboard.

Morning & Afternoon

You can enjoy the beautiful scenery and possibly spot local fishermen onshore as you cruise further downstream.

After a few hours of cruising downriver, you will make a halt and then continue by tuk-tuk to visit the well-known Kuang Si Waterfalls, which are among the most stunning waterfalls in all of Laos.

The next destination is the Xayabouri Dam, the largest hydroelectric power plant in Laos.

Evening

You will have a barbecue meal in a breathtaking setting beside the Mekong River.

Morning & Afternoon

Along the journey, you will stop at a secluded cave, where you'll walk along some easy hiking trails. 

Back onboard, we provide talks on the history and culture of Laos for those who are interested. Or you can choose to relax on deck instead.

Evening

Later, you unwind on board, enjoying your boutique ship's easy comfort and expert service in an exclusive yet casual environment.

Morning and Afternoon

• Some of the most breathtaking scenery along this wild river awaits you farther downriver. Hills covered in tropical flora, amazing rock formations along the riverbanks, and a fascinating variety of swift currents and calmer river portions make up an increasingly breathtaking environment as you travel downstream.
• You'll spend the day exploring the picturesque neighborhood of Salakham. The majesty of the Mekong River will make your journey feel like an actual adventure.

Night

• Before continuing further downstream and stopping for the night, take in the stunning scenery and witness nature's wonders along the riverbanks.

• Going further downstream, you'll follow the Mekong, or "mother of all waters," as the Thais and Laos call it. Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is where you'll be spending the day.
• While there, be sure to check out the Arc de Triomphe and the Pha That Luang Temple, a religious and cultural landmark in Indochina that visitors can't afford to miss because of its age and unique design.
• A goodbye dinner is served aboard the ship with the staff, cruise director, and captain on the final night of the cruise.

10:00: After breakfast, you will check out of your room and exit the vessel. During this time, you will say your goodbyes to the Laotian crew.

Thank you for choosing us. Hope to see you again!