The Best of the Mekong

📍 Chiang Rai Airport – Lanjia Lodge (91.4 km): 1.32 hr

Upon arrival to Chiang Rai, transfer to Lanjia Lodge where a welcome local herbal drink will be served during check-in. Then watch a presentation about the Hmong and Lahu tribes, the Golden triangle area and the giant catfish (locally known as pla buek) – the world’s biggest freshwater fish found in the Mekong River. Learn about activities that affect the Mekong River and the people whose lives depend on the river.

Take a walk through Hmong and Lahu hill tribe villages, including a visit at the shaman’s house of the Hmong. Drink tea with the shaman and discover the rituals of the fireplace.

Dinner and watch traditional Hmong performances.

Overnight at Lanjia Lodge.

NB: Program can be adjusted subject to the arrival time.

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Houay Xay – Pakbeng by boat (280 km): 6 hours Lanjia Lodge – Chiang Khong Border (18.8 km): 26 min

After breakfast at the lodge, transfer out to Chiang Khong border. Please arrive no later than 08:00 at the border crossing point.

Upon reaching the Lao border of Houay Xay, be greeted and escorted by a representative from Luang Say Cruises to the shared cruise boat. The cruise takes three days to reach Luang Prabang, with overnight stops made in Pakbeng and Kamu Lodge.

En route a stop is made to visit and admire the authentic rural life of hill tribe settlements.

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch onboard the boat and continue to cruise along the scenic Mekong River.

Late in the afternoon, arrive at the town of Pakbeng. Halfway between Houay Xay and Luang Prabang, this small town is lined with wooden houses along a steep street on the hillside and is quite dynamic. Depending on the rivers current, arrive in Pakbeng in time to watch the sunset over the river from the room’s balcony.

Overnight in Pakbeng.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Pakbeng – Kamu Lodge by boat: 4-5 hours

This morning enjoy breakfast at the hotel before continuing the river cruise downstream to Kamu Lodge.

Arrive at Kamu Lodge for lunch time. The Kamu Lodge features 20 private canvas tents. Faithful to local style, each one is protected from the elements by a thatch roof. This allows the Lodges’ grounds to harmoniously blend with surrounding nature. The tents are decorated with bamboo and wooden furniture. They each feature a private attached bathroom and toilet with solar powered hot water and electricity.

This afternoon choose to participate in a variety of different activities for a truly Laos experience:

• Rice planting and harvesting in surrounding rice fields
• Gold panning (January to June) in the Mekong.
• Traditional fishing techniques in the Mekong. 
• Local village visit and encounters

Dinner and overnight at Kamu Lodge

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Kamu Lodge – Luang Prabang by boat: 3 hours

Enjoy breakfast in the cool morning air.  Choose to relax or visit the nearby local village with a guide, (Check-out at 10:30)

After lunch at the Lodge, the boat will depart around 14:00 for the cruise down to Luang Prabang, arriving around 17:00.

On the way to Luang Prabang two stops will be made.

The first stop is at the village of Ban Baw. Here, see the processing of traditional rice alcohol. 

Continue downstream to the Pak Ou Caves. Locally referred to as Tam Ting, these two caves are carved out of towering limestone cliffs and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. The Buddhas range in size from a few centimeters to the size of a human. The caves are as well a destination for local pilgrimages.

Luang Prabang is a further 2 hours downstream from Pak Ou.

Hop off the boat and check-in to the hotel.

Just before sunset, meet with the guide for a walk to the top of Phousi Mountain. Climb 328 steps to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside. Descend to the Mekong side of the peninsula and arrive at the evening hill tribe market. Here where find plenty of local souvenirs to buy such as handicrafts and textiles.

Enjoy dinner on the banks of the Mekong at a Sindat restaurant. Sindat is a Lao style barbeque which is very popular with the locals.

Then, be transferred back to the hotel by 21:00 or choose to stay out and take a tuk tuk back later.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

This morning, be picked up by the guide at the hotel at 09:00 and be fitted with the bicycles.

Start the cycling tour to the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, to explore the history of Laos. Continue to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief.

Visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple in the city, which was entirely rebuilt in 1887 after being destroyed by the invading Black Flags from Southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa shaped like the fruit from which it takes its name. Continue pass Wat Aham, which was first built in the 1500s, and on to Wat That where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are kept inside the large central stupa.

Ride along the Nam Khan River to visit Wat Xieng Thong, the most revered temple in Luang Prabang. Located at the end of the peninsula, close to the Mekong, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat and is decorated with ornate carvings and mosaics.

Return to the hotel by bike.  

Enjoy the evening at leisure wandering the historic streets of this charming riverside town.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Spend the day at leisure or choose from the following optional full-day excursions:

Option 1: Weaving & Temples

After breakfast, be picked up by the guide and driver for a private transfer to Ock Pop Tock’s Living Crafts Centre. This is located in a beautiful setting, slightly out of town on the banks of the Mekong River. On arrival meet with the staff at the Living Crafts Centre, where the activities are shared with other visitors.

Textiles are very important to the Lao people as they are used in many aspects of daily life, from annual ceremonies to daily household uses. From Buddhist scarves and prayer flags to dowry gifts and long traditional skirts, textiles are deeply embedded in the Lao culture. Several villages throughout the country are known for their unique patterns and the women can be observed working under their stilted house on their looms.

This morning’s Natural Dyes Class introduces silkworms and the numerous types of silk. Learn the secrets of natural dye preparation and try mixing them with many of the ingredients coming from the surrounding gardens. By the end of the morning, have 3 dyed silk skeins to take home as souvenirs.

Enjoy a range of delicious Lao dishes for lunch in Ock Pop Tock’s Silk Road Café, taking in views of the mighty Mekong River.

This afternoon’s session focuses on weaving. Be assigned to a traditional loom. Under the guidance of an expert weaver, master the impressive art of weaving. As a novice, select just two colours and create a placemat with a Lao motif. Witness the Lao ladies weaving incredibly intricate patterns and truly appreciate their skill!

After collecting the handmade souvenirs, browse the excellent shop. In the late afternoon, be transferred back to the hotel with the guide and driver.

Notes:

- Maximum group size is 7 pax

Option 2: Private Cooking Class at Kuang Si Falls

This morning begin at approximately 08:00. Start with a visit to the local market, where the chefs will introduce the ingredients that will be used today. Then transfer through the Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls (32km southwest of the city). Along the way, drive through beautiful landscapes of rice fields, hills, and small villages. There are also viewpoints overlooking the Mekong River.

All of the necessary equipment will be set up in a peaceful spot beside the cascading waterfalls and turquoise pools of Kuang Si. The expert chefs will first demonstrate how to prepare authentic Lao dishes. Then, try cooking local Lao cuisine. Slice and pound the ingredients before cooking each dish in the traditional way. Be given a recipe book and apron which can be taken home to practice all the newly learnt cooking skills!

After a few hours of concentration and smelling all of the wonderful flavours, tuck in to the personal creations for a memorable lunch by the waterfall (one glass of wine/beer/soft drink is included).

There is a chance to enjoy a refreshing swim (if so, please dress modestly). There is also a chance for a quick visit to the bear sanctuary which is next to the falls. Run by Free The Bears Fund Inc. There are currently 23 Asiatic Black Bears living in the sanctuary, which were saved from poaching. The main threat to these bears is poaching due to the use of their bile used in Chinese medicine. Read about their habits and observe their playful nature, whilst learning about the difficulties they are facing.

Transfer back to the hotel this afternoon, with the possibility of stopping to visit a local village on the way back to town. Arrive at the hotel no later than 15:00.

Notes:

- All staff and services on this tour are provided by Sofitel Luang Prabang on a private basis.

- You do not need to be staying in Sofitel Luang Prabang to enjoy this tour.

- Maximum group size is 8 pax

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang Airport (4 km): 15 min Siem Reap Airport - Siem Reap (8 km): 15 min

Spend the morning at leisure or do some last minute shopping before the afternoon flight to Siem Reap.

Suggested flight:

Depart Luang Prabang at 14:20 on QV931 (Lao Airlines), landing in Siem Reap at 16:20.

After freshening up at the hotel, dinner tonight is at Marum, a training restaurant for young adults, working with street children and other marginalised youth since 2005. Marum gives disadvantaged youths and orphans vocational training in hospitality or cooking, teaching them the life skills and giving them the experience they need to support the transition from institution to the real world. Featuring a winning mix of creative local cuisine, Marum is named after the Moringa, or 'Tree of life' - very appropriate, as customers will be enjoying a fantastic dining experience that helps build a new life for the students in training there!

Finally, the night ends with an incredible performance of ‘Phare, the Cambodian Circus’. Starting at 8pm, professional artists of Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) will perform an inspiring show suitable for people of all ages. Set up in Battambang in 1994 by young returnee Cambodians from the refugee camps who learned about using art as a means of coping with trauma, PPS has played an influential role in promoting and developing Khmer culture over the years after the Khmer Rouge genocide. The hour long show mixes traditional and modern theater, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion performed in a story about Cambodian lives and society. Student performances can still be seen twice weekly in Battambang but now the circus has arrived in Siem Reap!

Overnight Siem Reap

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 mins

Start the tour with the most spectacular temples at the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. On each side of the entrance path a row of 54 gods or demons is holding the sacred Naga snake.

From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 52 towers with enigmatic faces looking out over the vast provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The nearby Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate relief carvings.

Take a break for lunch (at own expense), before you continue to Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples.

Now you are ready for the highlight: The magnificent Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people.

You will be there just before sunset, when Angkor Wat is less visited and the Apsaras will shine in the most beautiful light. Return to Siem Reap.

Return to your hotel, evening at leisure. Wander the bars and restaurants of central Siem Reap and absorb the heady atmosphere of this interesting and diverse town.

Overnight Siem Reap.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

High Water Program: January – September

Transfer by car to the morning meeting point and travel a short distance to the pier at the Tonle Sap Lake for the cruise embarkation. Welcome drink and check in.

Have lunch on board while the vessel gently glides over the Tonle Sap Lake. In the afternoon be served a High Tea at the bar. Enjoy cruising on board, relax on the balcony or relish a spa treatment before dinner. Our expert guide will also give a presentation about the “Geography of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Lake”. The boat moors on the Tonle River. Join the evening cinema session (offered every night) featuring selected classic movies.

Low Water Program: October - December

Transfer by car to the morning meeting point and travel over land south to the town of Kampong Cham where our ship awaits us. The transfer takes about 4.5 hours, snacks and water are provided during the trip.

Upon arrival, be welcomed with a drink and check-in to the well prepared staterooms. A lunch buffet is served in the dining hall. Get to know the facilities onboard and take some rest.

In the afternoon we learn more about the education of the young Cambodian generation (NGO project). The children join us on board, always excited to show their skills in music and art.

Be sure to be bathed in smiles upon applause.

After the performance, we leave the ship by bus for an afternoon excursion. During low water season, we have the chance to see a bamboo bridge which connects the mainland with an island. Local communities re-build the bridge every year when water levels drop. We continue our land journey to the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). This small complex sits on a hill top on the shore with a breath-taking view over the Mekong.

When returning to the ship, enjoy some private time until dinner is served in the dining hall. Our lounge cinema features selected classic movies (every night).

Overnight on board.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

High Water Program: January – September

Wake up early to witness the spectacular scenery at the break of dawn. Our morning Tai Chi class offers the perfect start into the day.

We are at Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world”, where everything is on sticks balanced on water rich soil. It’s perhaps the most fascinating cruising spot in Cambodia.

We take a local boat to the shore. By mini buses, we head to a rural village nearby for a walking tour. Our guides introduce us to the village specialties – Khmer style pottery and the making of palm sugar. Should definitely bring some home. Before returning to the boat, we explore the floating villages and wetlands of the region.

Back on board, lunch is served while we continue cruising with a languid meander along the Tonle River towards Kampong Tralach. A Monks’ blessing ceremony on board delivers spirits and wishes for health and prosperity for all. Gliding through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape we reach Kampong Tralach. See all of the river life - which is so different than ours - by a local ox cart ride.

Back on board, we sail downstream passing the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers. The boat cruises overnight while enjoying dinner in the dining hall.

Low Water Program: October – December

Every morning, there is an option for a Tai Chi class on the sun deck for energy for the day ahead. Breakfast is served in the dining hall. The ship sails up towards the small Angkor Ban village on the Mekong River. The Angkor Ban village is famous for its unspoiled community and beautiful, traditional houses.

On board a Monks’ blessing ceremony will deliver spirits and wishes for health and prosperity for all. Enjoy lunch while  sailing downstream the Mekong. In the afternoon enjoy high tea while the staff on board shows a variety of traditional Khmer fashion.

Arrive at Koh Oknha Tey island. This spot in the middle of the Mekong owns its fame for manufacturing high class silk products. By tuk tuk, explore the island with its workshops and learn how silk is processed from its source, provided by little silkworms, to a final top quality product made of original Cambodian silk.

Have a fresh drink before dinner and marvel at the amazing marshlands of this beautiful area.

Dinner and overnight on board.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

High Water Program: January – September

Start the day with an on board musical performance before departing the boat around 09:30 to visit the enchanting pre-Angkorian, 7th century temple of Wat Hanchey. This small complex sits on a hill top right on the shore with breath-taking views over the Mekong. After some refreshment back on board, lunch will be served. Our staff is keen to show a variety of traditional Khmer fashion in the afternoon. Watch the riverbanks’ life along the Mekong during our High Tea as the ship proceeds to its next stop.

Arrive at the Island of Koh Oknha Tey. This spot in the middle of the Mekong is known for manufacturing high class silk products. By tuk tuk, explore the island with its workshops and learn how silk is processed from its source of little silkworms, to a final, top-quality product made of original Cambodian silk. After some additional cruising time the boat arrives and docks at the pier of Phnom Penh. Feel free to explore the city after dinner. Stroll along the river promenade and watch the locals chit-chatting, selling odds and ends or have a drink in one of the numerous bars (Kindly inform the crew when leaving the ship).

Low Water Program: October – December

Arrive at Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s ‘water world’, where everything is on sticks balanced on water and rich soil. Take a local boat to the shore. By mini buses, head to a rural village nearby and go on a walking tour to see the village specialties – Khmer style pottery and the making of palm sugar. Choose to bring some home.

Before returning to the boat, explore the floating villages and wetlands of the region. Gliding through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape, arrive at Kampong Tralach. Cacophonous children wave enthusiastically while bringing their livestock for a bath in the meandering river. Stop at the Green School which is partly supported by Heritage Line. See all this river life – which is so different than ours - by a local ox cart ride. After some additional cruising time the boat arrives at the pier of Phnom Penh. Feel free to explore after dinner. Stroll along the river promenade and watch the locals chit-chatting, selling odds and ends or have a drink in one of the numerous bars (kindly inform the crew when leaving the cruise).

Dinner awaits at the Dining Hall while the ship cruises to Phnom Penh.

Overnight midstream near Phnom Penh.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

The memorable journey on this floating sanctuary has come to an end. Disembark after breakfast and head into the city of Phnom Penh to further discover its culture and history.

Be met by the guide and transferred to the hotel for check-in. Then, spend the rest of the day free at leisure in Phnom Penh.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

This morning, depart on a city tour of a different kind for an interesting journey to focus on Cambodian architecture of the late 1950s and 1960s, a vibrant time both culturally and politically. The then en vogue ‘New Khmer Architecture’ uniquely focused on integrating an international style with responsiveness to local traditions, materials and climate. Only now is it beginning to be recognised as an important artistic milestone in 20th century Cambodian culture. Discover the turbulent history of Cambodia from a different perspective when viewing the city’s eclectic blend of buildings and structures.

Enjoy lunch at Khema La Poste, located in the heart of the old French Quarter, opposite the Phnom Penh Post Office. From here, explore the adjacent French Quarter by cyclo, a traditional Phnom Penh means of transportation.

The cyclos will stop at the Phnom Penh Port for a drop off. Then, hop onto a boat for a cruise along the Tonlé Sap and Mekong Rivers in the best evening light. Have a wonderful view of the riverfront which is filled with interesting examples of Phnom Penh’s architectural periods. Examples of French colonial architecture stand next to contemporary structures and local pagodas as well as the glittering Royal Palace and the elegant National Museum. The summary of the city’s architectural variety is best viewed on this tranquil boat trip with coconut tasting.

Return to the hotel to freshen before enjoying dinner at the beautiful Bopha Phnom Penh, overlooking the river.

Overnight Phnom Penh.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

This morning, take a tour to the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh in a tuk tuk, and a fun way to explore this lively city. First, visit Wat Phnom, which is situated near the northern boundary of the city. The site contains some good examples of Khmer architecture and statues.

Continue along the lively riverfront to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple, view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.

The next stop is the National Museum, built in traditional Khmer style. It houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to a large bat colony!

This afternoon, visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in the former school that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as its main detention and torture center named ‘S-21’. A grim, but important visit, dig below the surface and understand Cambodia better. (Note: All visitors to Toul Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh are required to wear modest clothing: no short pants or short skirts (knees must be covered) and no sleeveless shirts (shoulders must be covered). See-through clothing will also not be allowed. VIsitors who are inappropriately dressed will not be allowed to visit the museum.)

Late afternoon head to the riverside area of Phnom Penh, a pleasant French style promenade that is great for people viewing. In the early evening (and morning) various activities take place including exercise classes, Khmer dancing and plenty of snacking on local food. Participate in a Khmer dance class which is a lot of fun for all!

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Phnom Penh – Chau Doc by boat (191 km): 5 hrs

Breakfast at hotel.

Spend the morning at leisure and be transferred to the pier to board the Blue Cruiser speedboat to Chau Doc at 12:30. (Boat ride is approx. 5 hrs.) 

Cruise down the Mekong River and cross the border to Vietnam and into the town of Chau Doc.

On arrival, be met by the Vietnamese guide and driver and be transferred to the hotel.

Overnight in Chau Doc.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Chau Doc to Can Tho (120km): 2.5 hrs

This morning, leave Chau Doc for the 2.5 hour drive to Can Tho. Board the boat cruise at Can Tho at Ninh Kieu pier for departure downstream of the Hau River and have lunch on board. Then, turn into Nicolai Canal, towards the Mang Thit and Co Chien Rivers. Rest on the upper deck in a scenery of rice fields, sugar cane, woods on the near banks.  The crew serves dinner while the Bassac continues to cruise the Mang Thit River towards the anchorage point for the night.

Overnight on board the boat along the Mekong Delta.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Cai Be to HCM city (105km): 2 hrs

Depart towards Cai Be. Enjoy  breakfast while looking at the scenery on the banks. Arrival near Cai Be, check-out and transfer to a rowing boat for a quiet visit through a small canal. Start the journey by passing by Cai Be’s quiet floating market. Then, continue to a cottage factory market, once a busy place to trade fruits and vegetables and nowadays where ‘pop-rice’, rice paper and coconut candies are made. Return to the boat for the cruise to Dong Hoa Hiep Island. Along the way admire the scenery and the daily life of the local villagers.

End the tour by mid-morning on the shores of Cái Bè. Hop off the boat and be met by the guide and driver in Ho Chi Minh City.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast