Mekong Sun & Mekong Pearl

Morning

• Between 8 and 9 p.m., you transfer from Chiang Rai Airport or a local hotel to the famous Golden Triangle region.
• You enjoy a sightseeing city tour, which includes the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the Hall of Opium Museum.
• The Hall of Opium, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, provides an in-depth look at the history and politics of the opium trade and the health impact of opium use.

Afternoon

• Later you board the Mekong Pearl cruise, a boutique German–Laotian river ship
• Settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for an 11-day cruise.

Evening

• You enjoy the ship’s spacious decks and lounge before attending a welcome dinner and reception.
• Overnight on board.

Morning

• Your exciting voyage on the mighty Mekong River really gets underway, with your departure from the Golden Triangle region, where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet.
• Today’s destination is the nearby Laotian town of Huay Xay on the Laos–Thailand border.

Afternoon

• Your ship then takes you through the stunning scenery of northern Laos to the small village of Pak Tha.
• From there you take a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to visit a Khmu village.
• You then continue downstream until your cruise ship anchors at a sandbank for the night.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Morning

• The river traffic increases as you pass through a densely populated region accessible only by water.
• Here you discover some of the wild Mekong’s most beautiful landscapes: hills covered with tropical vegetation, dramatic rock formations, and a fascinating mixture of rapid currents and slow rivulets.
• The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real expedition.

Afternoon

• Relax on deck, in your cabin, or the lounge as you enjoy the otherworldly atmosphere of these spectacular surroundings.
• A short while later, you arrive in Oudomxay Province.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Morning

• Relax on board

Afternoon

• Your boutique ship stops at a small riverside village to visit the famous Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of small Buddha statues dwell.
• From there, you can go on a short jungle trek through the forest to a local village to see their traditional distillery.
• Alternatively, you can reach the village comfortably by boat.
• Nearby, you can see elephants working, unless they are employed elsewhere at the time of your visit.

Dinner

• You enjoy a dinner on board surrounded by impressive limestone mountains.
• Overnight on board.

Morning

• Mekong Sun cruise reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Your day begin with a city walk to the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple with its gold-trimmed tile roofs, which leave you in awe.

Afternoon

• Later, you explore other highlights during this full-day excursion through Luang Prabang.

Evening

• You walk up Mount Phou Si, which offers a spectacular view of the Mekong and Khan Rivers and the surrounding mountains.
• You can enjoy a stroll along the Mekong promenade or visit the colorful Hmong night market.
• Luang Prabang offers many opportunities for fine dining, and tonight you are free to choose from the numerous offerings in town or along the Mekong River.
• Overnight on board.

Morning

• In the early morning, you can observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang and explore the traditional morning market.
• After your breakfast on board, you join our guided city tour, which includes the National Museum of Luang Prabang, situated in the former royal palace, and a local handicraft village.

Afternoon

• After exploring the city center, the afternoon is yours to enjoy.
• You can choose from dozens of local restaurants and eateries.

Evening

• You attend a celebration featuring a traditional Lao dance performance and a Baci friendship ceremony.
• Dinner onboard.
• Overnight on board.

Morning

• You have breakfast on board
• You enjoy the beautiful views and possibly spot local fishermen onshore as you cruise further downstream.
• After a few hours of cruising downriver, you stop and continue by tuk-tuks to visit the famous Kuang Si Falls, some of Laos’ most remarkable waterfalls.

Afternoon

• Don’t miss the Xayabouri Dam, the biggest hydroelectric power plant in Laos.

Evening

• You enjoy our famous Mekong Pearl Cruise barbecue dinner in a beautiful riverside location.
• Overnight on board.

Morning

• You visit a hidden cave and experience nature on some easy hiking trails.

Afternoon

• You can take in the beautiful views on the sun deck or attend presentations on the history and culture of Laos.
• Later you relax on board, enjoying the easy comfort and expert service of your boutique ship in an exclusive, yet casual atmosphere.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Morning

• Downstream you discover some of the most remarkable, impressive landscapes of the wild Mekong.
• The scenery becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the riverbanks, and a diverse array of rapid currents and slow rivulets.

Afternoon

• Later you visit the dreamy town of Salakham.
• The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real expedition.
• You enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbanks before your ship heads further downriver and stops for the night.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Morning

• You continue downstream on the Mekong, known locally as the “Mother of All Waters”.

Afternoon

• Today’s destination is the Laotian capital, Vientiane, where you see the Pha That Luang stupa—an architectural symbol of Laos—as well as the Patuxai, also known as the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane.

Evening

• You celebrate the last evening of your cruise with a farewell dinner on board, together with your friendly crew, cruise director, and captain.
• Overnight on board.

• After breakfast, you say goodbye to your Laotian crew, check out, and disembark your boutique river ship.
• Your unforgettable journey comes to an end as you transfer to the airport or your local hotel.

Afternoon

• At 2 pm you check in and board the Mekong Pearl, a comfortable German–Laotian cruise ship.
• This unique Mekong river vessel is the first of its kind to offer cabins on the upper Mekong.
• First, you settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for a 12-day cruise.
• You join a guided city tour that includes highlights of the Laotian capital such as the Pha That Luang stupa and Patuxai, known as the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane.
• Back on board your Mekong Pearl cruise, you enjoy its spacious decks and lounge.

Evening

• You will attend your welcome reception and dinner.
• A selection of Asian and European food is provided throughout the cruise.
• Overnight on board.

Morning

• Today your Mekong River cruise experience starts.
• During the day, you cruise upriver, where you discover some of the most remarkable, impressive landscapes.

Afternoon

• You enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the Mekong’s shores
• Your boutique ship stops at a quiet place to stay for the night.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Morning

• Further north the landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the riverbanks, and a diverse array of rapid currents and slow rivulets.
• During the day, you visit the dreamy town of Salakham.

Afternoon

• The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real expedition.
• You enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbanks before your ships head north again and stop for the night.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Morning

• Upstream, you stop at the small farming village of Ban Don Saingam, where you can participate in a 30-minute trek to explore a hidden cave visited exclusively by Mekong River Cruises guests.

Afternoon

• The purely natural landscape is only broken by the rare sight of small villages and local herds of cattle.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Morning

• During and after breakfast on board, you enjoy the beautiful view and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore.
• On the way, don’t miss the Xayabouri Dam, the biggest hydroelectric power plant in Laos.

Afternoon

• You meet the inhabitants of a small hill tribe village regularly visited by our guests and supported by donations.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Morning

• You join a guided shore excursion that takes you to the Kuang Si Falls, some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Laos.

Afternoon

• You reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Evening

• You walk up Mount Phou Si, which offers a spectacular view of the Mekong and Khan Rivers and the surrounding mountains.
• You enjoy a stroll along the Mekong promenade and visit the colorful Hmong night market.
• Have dinner on board and attend a traditional Lao dance performance and a Baci friendship ceremony.
• Overnight on board.

Morning

• In the early morning, you can observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang and explore the traditional morning market.
• Have breakfast on board
• You join a guided city tour, which includes the National Museum of Luang Prabang, situated in the former royal palace, and a local handicraft village.

Afternoon

• You are free to explore the city on your own. Luang Prabang offers many opportunities for fine dining.

Evening

• Tonight you can choose from the numerous restaurants in town or along the Mekong River.
• Overnight on board.

Morning

• During breakfast, your cruise takes you upstream until your boutique ship stops at the famous Pak Ou Caves, within which thousands of small Buddha statues dwell.
• From there, you can go on a short jungle trek through the forest to a small riverside village and visit their distillery.
• Alternatively, you can reach the village comfortably by boat.
• Nearby, you can see work elephants in action unless they are employed elsewhere at the time of your visit.

Afternoon

• Your ship continues cruising upstream towards Oudomxay Province.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Morning

• The river traffic thins out as you proceed upstream, and you can enjoy the fantastic landscapes surrounding you.
• You can relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin, or the lounge and soak up the sun as the gorgeous landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the riverbanks, and a diverse array of rapid currents and slow rivulets.

Afternoon

• The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real expedition.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Morning

• Today you relax on deck, enjoying astonishingly diverse landscapes and the tranquility of northern Laos—a real retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life back home.

Afternoon

• As you cruise along the green hills, you start heading toward Pak Tha.

Evening

• You enjoy our famous Mekong Sun Cruise barbecue dinner in a beautiful riverside location.
• Overnight on board.

• Enjoy your last breakfast onboard and say goodbye to your Laotian crew.
• Before noon you reach Ban Huay Xay and disembark your boutique ship.
• After visiting the temple and traditional market you will pass the Thailand–Laos border at Friendship Bridge before transferring to the airport or your local hotel at Chiang Rai city limits.
• Ends the journey.

Morning

• You are picked up from Chiang Rai Airport or at your hotel within city limits between 8 – 9 am and brought to the once-notorious Golden Triangle region.
• Your sightseeing tour today includes a visit to the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the Hall of Opium. This fascinating museum, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, provides an in-depth look at the history and politics of the opium trade and the health impact of opium use.

Afternoon

• It is time to board your exclusive river vessel. The Mekong Pearl and Mekong Sun Cruise, under joint German-Laotian ownership, are unique boutique vessels.
• Settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for an 11-day cruise.

Evening

• Enjoy the spacious decks, the onboard lounge, and attend a dinnertime welcome reception.
• All overnights aboard your boutique Mekong river cruise.

Meals included: Dinner (D)

Morning

• Your grand voyage on the mighty Mekong River really gets underway, with your departure from the Golden Triangle region, where Myanmar (Burma), Laos, and Thailand meet.
• Today’s destination is the nearby Laotian town of Huay Xay on the Laotian-Thai border, where you will officially enter the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos.

Afternoon

• Your voyage then takes you into northern Laos amid stunning scenery and on to the small village of Pak Tha. Here you take a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha
• River to visit a local village of the ethnic minority Khmu.
• You will visit a small village school sponsored by guests of Mekong River Cruises.

Evening

• You then continue downstream aboard your cruise ship and anchor at a sand or riverbank.
• Overnight on board.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner (BLD).

Morning

• The river traffic increases as you pass through a densely populated region accessible only by water.
• Here you will discover some of this still-untamed river’s most beautiful landscapes: hills covered with tropical vegetation, dramatic rock formations, and a fascinating mixture of fast currents and more placid stretches of river.

Afternoon

• The power of the mighty Mekong lends your cruise the feeling of a real expedition.
• Relax on deck, in your cabin, or in the lounge as you absorb the remoteness of these spectacular surroundings.
• On the way, you will visit a remote village.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD).

Morning

• After a relaxing morning onboard, we stop at a small riverside village for a visit to the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns.

Afternoon

• From here, you can optionally go on a short jungle trek through the forest to a local village to see their local distillery.
• Alternatively, you can reach the village comfortably by boat as well.
• Nearby, you can see elephants in action (unless they are employed elsewhere at the time of your visit).

Evening

• This evening, we enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises BBQ dinner in a beautiful riverside location.
• Overnight on board.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD)

Morning

• Today you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Begin with a city walk to the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple, whose golden tiled roofs will surely leave you in awe.

Afternoon

• Explore other highlights during this full day excursion through Luang Pra-bang.

Evening

• Walk up Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular view over the Mekong as well as the Khan River and the surrounding mountains, and enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade, or visit the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority.
• As Luang Prabang offers many opportunities for fine dining, tonight you are free to choose from the numerous offerings in town or along the Mekong River.
• Overnight on board.

Meals included: breakfast and lunch (BL).

• In the early morning you can visit the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang and explore the traditional morning market.
• After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew.
• Check-out and disembark. Your memorable river journey ends with your transfer to the airport or to your hotel (within city limits).

Meals included: breakfast (B).

Morning

• Before lunch, from 11 am, you will embark on your comfortable Laotian cruise ship.
• These unique Mekong river cruises are the first German-Laotian-owned river ships with cabins on the upper Mekong. Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a six-day cruise.

Afternoon

• After having lunch onboard, you explore the charming town of Luang Prabang.

Evening

• Back on board, you are celebrating this evening with a local dancing performance and a traditional Lao Baci-friendship ceremony.
• Overnight on board.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (LD)

Morning

• During breakfast, Mekong Sun cruise takes you upstream until your boutique ship stops at the famous Pak Ou Caves, within which thousands of small Buddha statues dwell.
• From there, you can go on a short jungle trek through the forest to a small riverside village and visit their distillery.
• Alternatively, you can reach the village comfortably by boat.
• Nearby you can see work elephants in action unless they are employed elsewhere at the time of your visit.

Afternoon

• Mekong Pearl cruise continues cruising upstream towards Oudomxay Province.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD)

Morning

• The river traffic thins out as you proceed upstream, and you can enjoy the fantastic landscapes surrounding you.
• You can relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin, or the lounge and soak up the sun as the gorgeous landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the riverbanks, and a diverse array of rapid currents and slow rivulets.

Afternoon

• The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real expedition.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD)

Morning

• Today you relax on deck, enjoying astonishingly diverse landscapes and the tranquility of northern Laos—a real retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life back home.

Afternoon

• As you cruise along the green hills, you start heading toward the small village of Pak Tha.
• You can join a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River, which takes you to a nearby Khmu village, whose school has been supported by donations from Mekong River Cruises guests for many years.

Evening

• You can enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises barbecue dinner in a beautiful riverside location.
• Overnight on board.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD)

Morning

• Soak in the scenery and the purely natural landscape, which is only broken by the rare sights of small villages and local herds of cattle.

Afternoon

• You proceed to the Thailand–Laos border at Chiang Khong, Thailand, and Ban Huay Xay, Laos.

Evening

• You enjoy your last dinner on the Mekong Sun Cruise.
• Overnight on board.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD)

• After breakfast, you say goodbye to your Laotian crew.
• You check out and disembark your boutique ship before transferring to the airport or your local hotel.
• Depending on season and water level, the check-out will either be at Chiang Saen or Chiang Khong.

Meals included: breakfast (B)

Afternoon

• At 2 p.m., you check in and board the Mekong Sun or Mekong Pearl cruise, our comfortable Laotian cruise ship.
• These unique Mekong cruises are the first German–Laotian–owned cruise ships with cabins that navigate the upper Mekong.
• You settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for a six-day cruise.
• Later you participate in a guided city tour including all highlights of the Laotian capital: including the Pha That Luang stupa and the Patuxai, also known as the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane.

Evening

• You enjoy the ship’s spacious decks and comfortable lounge before attending your welcome reception and dinner. A selection of Asian and European food is provided throughout the cruise.
• Overnight on board.

Morning

• Today your Mekong River cruise experience starts.
• During the day, you cruise upriver, where you discover some of the most remarkable, impressive landscapes.

Afternoon

• You enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the Mekong’s shores
• Your boutique ship stops at a quiet place to stay for the night.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Morning

• Further north the landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the riverbanks, and a diverse array of rapid currents and slow rivulets.
• During the day, you visit the dreamy town of Salakham.

Afternoon

• The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real expedition.
• You enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbanks before your ships head north again and stop for the night.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Morning

• Upstream, you stop at the small farming village of Ban Don Saingam, where you can participate in a 30-minute trek to explore a hidden cave visited exclusively by Mekong River Cruises guests.

Afternoon

• The purely natural landscape is only broken by the rare sight of small villages and local herds of cattle.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Morning

• During and after breakfast on board, you enjoy the beautiful view and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore.
• On the way, don’t miss the Xayabouri Dam, the biggest hydroelectric power plant in Laos.

Afternoon

• You meet the inhabitants of a small hill tribe village regularly visited by our guests and supported by donations.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Morning

• A guided shore excursion takes you to the Kuang Si Falls, some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Laos.

Afternoon

• You reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• In Luang Prabang, you say goodbye to your Lao crew.
• Later, you check out and disembark from your Mekong Pearl cruise, your comfortable home on an unforgettable journey.

Afternoon

• You board your comfortable Laotian cruise ship. These unique vessels are the first German-Laotian-owned river ships with cabins on the upper Mekong.
• You settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for a five-day cruise.
• Today, your cruise ship remains in Luang Prabang, allowing you to explore this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Evening

• You can explore the nightly market, where locals sell their handicrafts.
• Later, you enjoy the spacious decks and lounge of your river ship and attend your welcome reception and dinner. A selection of Asian and European food is provided throughout the cruise.
• Overnight on board.

Morning

• In the early morning, you can view the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang.
• Back on board during breakfast, your ship starts out for your spectacular river cruise downstream into formerly inaccessible parts of the Mekong River.
• Later, a guided shore excursion takes you to the Kuang Si Falls, some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Laos.

Afternoon

• Don’t miss the Xayabouri Dam, the biggest hydroelectric power plant in Laos.

Evening

• Today, your cruise ship moors overnight at a peaceful sandbank.
• Overnight on board.

Morning

• You visit a hidden cave and experience nature on some easy hiking trails.

Afternoon

• You can take in the beautiful views on the sun deck or attend presentations on the history and culture of Laos.
• Later, you can enjoy a presentation about the history and culture of Laos or simply relax on deck. The comfort and service on board provide an exclusive, yet casual atmosphere.

Evening

• You can enjoy our famous Mekong Pearl Cruise barbecue dinner in a beautiful riverside location.
• Overnight on board.

Morning

• Further downstream, the landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the riverbanks, and a diverse array of rapid currents and slow rivulets.
• During the day, you visit the dreamy town of Salakham.

Afternoon

• The power of the mighty Mekong gives your cruise the feeling of a real expedition.
• You enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbanks before your ships head north again and stop for the night.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Morning

• During the day, you continuously cruise downriver, where you discover some of the most remarkable, impressive landscapes.

Afternoon

• You enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the Mekong’s shores
• Your boutique ship stops at a quiet place to stay for the night.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

• Today you head towards Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
• In Vientiane, you say goodbye to your Lao crew.
• Later, you check out and disembark from your Mekong Sun Cruise, ending your unforgettable journey through this wondrous region.

Afternoon

• At 1 p.m., you transfer from your centrally located hotel or Luang Prabang Airport to your boutique German-Laotian cruise ship, where you check-in at 1:30 pm settle into your comfortable, stylish cabin, and unpack for a six-day cruise.
• Your adventure begins with a walk up Mount Phou Si, which offers a spectacular sunset view of the Mekong and Khan Rivers and surrounding mountains.

Evening

• You can enjoy a stroll along the Mekong promenade or visit the colorful Hmong night market.
• You enjoy the ship’s spacious decks and lounge before attending your welcome reception and dinner. A selection of Asian and European food is provided throughout the cruise.
• Overnight on board.

Morning

• In the early morning, you can observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang.
• After breakfast on board, you enjoy a half-day guided sightseeing tour, which includes the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple.

Afternoon

• Later your spectacular cruise begins with your departure from Luang Prabang, taking you downstream through beautiful scenery.
• Your boutique ship moors at a secluded sandbank, where you spend the night.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Morning

• Further downstream, you discover more remarkable and impressive Mekong River landscapes.
• You enjoy your morning on board

Afternoon

• Your ship turns around and heads back upstream to visit a traditional Hmong hill tribe village.
• There, you visit a local village school, which is supported by donations from guests of Mekong Sun Cruise.
• Later, you continue to enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the banks of the Mekong before finding a place to moor the night.

Evening

• Overnight on board.

Morning

• After breakfast on board, you can relax on board and possibly spot local fishermen as your cruise continues upstream.

Afternoon

• After a few hours, you go ashore and continue by tuk-tuk to the famous Kuang Si Falls, some of Laos’ most remarkable waterfalls.
• After passing Luang Prabang, your ship stops again at a sandbank for the night.

Evening

• You will enjoy our famous Mekong Sun cruise barbecue dinner on the breathtaking banks of the Mekong.
• Overnight on board.

Morning

• After breakfast on board, you explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, inhabited by thousands of small Buddha statues.
• Today you can take a short walk through the jungle and visit a Laotian village where you can observe how Lao-Lao, a Laotian spirit, is traditionally distilled.
• Before returning to your boutique Mekog Pearl cruise, you can see elephants at work, unless they are busy with an off-site job at the time of your visit.

Afternoon

• Later you enjoy a few hours of cruising the Mekong River amidst beautiful landscapes before returning to Luang Prabang, where you enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

Evening

• You celebrate your last evening on board with a farewell dinner and a beautiful Baci ceremony, a traditional Lao friendship ritual.
• Overnight on board.

• After breakfast, you say goodbye to your Laotian crew.
• You check out before 10 am, disembark your boutique Mekong Sun cruise and transfer to the airport, bringing an end to your unforgettable Mekong River cruise.