Mekong Pearl Cruise

• Enjoy the grandeur of the mighty Mekong River aboard our boutique cruise vessel
• Soak up in the stunning scenery along the river as you pass through different landscapes
• Get to know more about local tradition and life style with visits to some riverside villages.
• Take in the pure nature in the Kuang Si Waterfalls - one of the most impressive falls in Laos

In the afternoon, you will embark on the Mekong Pearl, a comfortable Laotian cruise ship. This unique vessel is the first German-Laotian owned river ship with cabins on the upper Mekong. Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for a five-day cruise. (Check-in is at 2:00 PM). 
Shortly after embarkation, your vessel starts for your spectacular river cruise downstream into formerly inaccessible parts of the Mekong river. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend your welcome reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise. Overnight onboard.

A shore excursion will take you to the Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most attractive waterfalls in Laos. Your ship will continue to cruise south between a fascinating array of fast currents and slower river parts. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. On the way you will visit an almost forgotten Buddha cave and experience nature on some easy hiking trails. You will spend the night aboard the Mekong Sun or Mekong Pearl on a sandbank, surrounded by nothing but untouched nature.

You will pass one of the largest construction projects in Laos, the Xayaburi–dam. Enjoy the beautiful view and possibly watch local fishermen along the shore. We also offer presentations on the history and culture of Laos that you are free to join or relax on deck. Enjoy the comfort and service onboard: exclusive, yet casual. Overnights on board.

You will spend another day in Tha Deua experiencing the daily life of the locals in the hidden villages along the mighty Mekong River. Overnights on board.

Downstream you will stop at the small riverside community of Pak Lai, known for once possessing many colonial buildings. The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. Overnight onboard.

Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the riverbanks before you head towards Vientiane, the capital of Laos. In Vientiane you will say goodbye to your Lao crew. Check out and disembarkation. This is the end of the trip.

• Enjoy the grandeur of the mighty Mekong River aboard our boutique cruise vessel
• Soak up in the stunning scenery along the river as you pass through different landscapes
• Get to know more about local tradition and life style with visits to some riverside villages.
• Take in the pure nature in the Kuang Si Waterfalls - one of the most impressive falls in Laos

In the afternoon, board our boutique Mekong Pearl for check in. After settling into your cabin, Mekong Pearl Cruise starts cruising upstream into the parts of the Mekong River which used to be inaccessible.

The ship will drop anchor on a beautiful sand bank which is surrounded by pure nature. On board, take your time to relax in the spacious decks, in the lounge before having a welcome reception and dinner on board. The ship offers the selection of both Asian and European food throughout the cruise.

Today will cruise further north offering a great opportunity to take in the impressive and remarkable scenery of the mighty river. The changing landscape seems to be more and more breathtaking with the tropical vegetation, spectacular rock formations along the river banks. Cruising along the “mother of waters” may bring you the feeling of a real expedition.

Take in a natural beauty along the shores and then continues cruising north again. Overnight on board at a remote sandbank.

Make a stop for a visit of the small riverside village of Pak Lai which is famous for its stunning colonial buildings. You will be impressed with the natural landscapes dotted with the sights of small villages and local cattle. 

Head back to the board to enjoy the comfort and fine service on board. Overnight aboard the Mekong Pearl Cruise.

Enjoy breakfast on Cruise while taking in the beautiful views. Along the way, you may see the rustic scene of fishermen along the shore.

Take your time relaxing aboard Mekong Pearl cruise while we continue to navigate in Tha Deua. Then, you will have a chance to explore the interesting local life on the shore of Mekong river.

Today, take a short excursion to the Kuang Si waterfalls – one of the most impressive waterfalls in Laos.

In the afternoon, continue onto the town of Luang Prabang - the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, it’s time to say goodbye to the crew. Check out your cabin and disembark the Mekong Pearl Cruise. End of trip.

• Explore the Golden Triangle region where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet
• Visit the wonderful Heritage Site of Luang Prabang with its famous highlights
• Learn more about local culture and tradition with visits to small riverside villages
• Take in the fascinating landscapes along the mighty Mekong River aboard our boutique vessel
• Enjoy the natural beauty of the attractive Kuang Si Water Falls

Meet and greet at 11:30am in Chiang Rai city. Transfer by bus to the Golden Triangle area at Chiang Saen. You will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant overlooking the Mekong before visiting the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the modern Hall of Opium. This fascinating museum, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, gives a deep background on the history and politics of the opium trade and the health effects of opium abuse using multimedia exhibitions. In the evening embark on your comfortable German-Laotian boutique cruise ship. Settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for a seven night cruise. Tonight you can enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend your evening welcome reception. Overnight on board.
Meals included: Lunch (L) and Dinner (D).

This morning your cruise will take you from the Golden Triangle region between Burma, Laos and Thailand into the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos (Most nationalities can obtain visa on arrival here against USD in cash plus passport sized picture, pls. inquire with your local embassy about visa regulations). From the town of Huay Xay on the Laotian - Thai border your voyage leads into northern Laos amidst beautiful scenery. Continue to the small village of Pak Tha, where we join a longtail boat for a trip up the Nam Tha River to visit a remote Khmu village. You will visit a small village school sponsored by guests of Mekong River Cruises.
Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast (B), lunch (L) and dinner (D).

The river traffic increases as you pass through a densely populated region accessible only by water. Relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin or in the lounge and soak up the remote scenery. Our voyage continues to the small town of Pak Beng, where we hope to meet elephants in a nearby camp. Once back on your Mekong cruise you will continue downstream and anchor at a sand bank.
Overnight on board. (BLD)

After a relaxing morning onboard we stop at a small riverside village for a visit and to see their local distillery. From here, you can optionally go on a short jungle trek through the forest to the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. Alternatively you can reach the caves comfortably by boat as well. This evening we enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises BBQ dinner in a beautiful riverside location. Overnight on board.
(Meal: B/L/D)

Today you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a walk up Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular view over the Mekong as well as the Khan river and the surrounding mountains. Among other highlights during this full day excursion through Luang Prabang, the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple with its Golden tiled roofs will surely leave you in awe. In the evening, enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting 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. (BL)

In the early morning you will able to visit the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast is on board. Today you will experience more of the town during a morning visit and enjoy the unique atmosphere provided by the abundance of well-preserved French colonial architecture mingling with traditional Buddhist temples. After returning back on board for lunch your cruise will take you further downriver, where you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes of this still-untamed river. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the river banks, and a fascinating array of fast currents and slower river parts on the river. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before you stop at a remote sandbank for the night.
Overnight on board. (BLD)

An excursion by local Tuk Tuks will take you to the Kuang Si-falls, one of the most attractive waterfalls in Laos. Back aboard your cruise returns northbound reaching Luang Prabang after lunch. This afternoon you are free to explore the beautiful town on your own pace, rent an E-bike to reach some of the lively outskirts of the town (optionally against premium) or spend some time shopping for souvenirs or presents for your loved ones at home. In the evening enjoy a traditional Lao Baci Ceremony and watch some local dances on board before celebrating with your local crew your farewell dinner.
Overnight on board. (BLD)

After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark.End of services with your transfer to the airport or your hotel in Luang Prabang (within city limits)
(B)

• Explore the Golden Triangle region where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet
• Visit the wonderful Heritage Site of Luang Prabang with its famous highlights
• Learn more about local culture and tradition with visits to small riverside villages
• Take in the fascinating landscapes along the mighty Mekong River aboard our boutique vessel
• Enjoy the natural beauty of the attractive Kuang Si Water Falls

Upon your arrival at Luang Prabang airport you will be picked up and transferred to town. In the afternoon, you will embark on your comfortable new Laotian cruise ship (Check in is after 4 PM). Settle into your accommodating cabin and unpack for an eight day cruise. Begin with a walk up Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular sunset view over the Mekong as well as the Khan river and the surrounding mountains. In the evening, enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend our welcome reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise.
Overnight on board. (D)

Breakfast on board. Today the ship stays in Luang Prabang, while we take you on a full day of sightseeing to get to know the beauties of this UNESCO World Heritage town. Apart from numerous temples, the atmosphere is enriched by neighboring French colonial architecture. 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. (BL)

Breakfast is on board. Today your spectacular cruise begins with the departure from Luang Prabang from where you will cruise north and visit a Laotian village and observe the traditional production of Lao-Lao, the local liqueur. After a short walk through the jungle you will explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. The night is spent on a secluded river bank or sandbank. Overnight on board. (BLD)

The river traffic thins out as you proceed upstream, and you can enjoy the fantastic landscapes along the river. The scenery along the river is incredible… With a little luck you will be able to see working elephants in action today (unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit). Later, that day you will have a short stop in the market town of Pakbeng.
Overnight on board. (BLD)

Today is a day to take it all in – relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin or in the lounge and soak up the untouched scenery. The diversity of the landscape is astonishing, now shifting to tropical hills in the background. Enjoy the tranquility of northern Laos, a real retreat from the hustle-and-bustle of daily life. As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha.
Overnight on board. (BLD)

As you cruise along the green hills, you will start heading upstream towards Pak Tha. At Pak Tha, a small village, you will take off on a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to visit a Khmu village. You will also visit a small village school sponsored by guests of Mekong River Cruises. The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and local herds of cattle. Enjoy the comfort and service onboard: exclusive, yet casual, you’ll share the boat with no more than 30 fellow guests. Today you proceed to the Thai-Laotian border at Chiang Khong (Thailand) and Ban Huay Xay (Laos). You will then spend a last relaxing dinner and evening in Laos.
Overnight on board. (BLD)

Today is spent on an excursion to the Golden Triangle area at Chiang Saen, where you will visit the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the new Hall of Opium. This fascinating museum, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, gives a deep background on the history and politics of the opium trade and the health effects of opium abuse. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner.
Overnight on board. (BLD)

After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark. Depending on season and water level the check-out will either be at Chiang Saen or Chiang Khong. (B)

• The wild upper Mekong aboard a boutique river vessel: one of the most spectacular river cruises in the world.
• The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, a superb fusion of numerous temples, monasteries, and French colonial architecture. One of Asia’s most beautiful historical towns
• First-hand experience of the Thai and Lao peoples’ traditional lifestyles
• Small groups limited to 26 fellow passengers
• Pha That Luang Buddhist Temple in Vientiane – the Laotian national landmark
• The Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong – containing thousands of Buddha statues
• The waterfalls at Kuang Si, inviting you to swim in their lovely natural pools
• The Golden Triangle region, with its infamous past, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet
• Sunset over Luang Prabang
• Unforgettable impressions of the mighty Mekong River, the “mother of waters”
• Professional onboard infotainment, including lectures and documentaries on the region

From your hotel or the airport, you will be picked up for a travel to the Golden Triangle region. Exploring the region, you will visit the Sop Ruak Golden Buddha and the new Hall of Opium. With the sponsor of the royal Thai family, this fabulous museum is a great introduction to the history and politics of the opium trade.

After the visit, embark Mekong Pearl Cruise. Take your time to check into your cabin and relax. In the evening, enjoy your time in the comfortable and spacious deck and join a welcome dinner on board. Overnight on board.

In the morning, set off your stunning cruise along the mighty Mekong River from the Golden Triangle region. Your stop today is the bustling town of Huay Xai on the border of Laos and Thailand. Upon venturing into the land of Laos, Mekong Pearl Cruise continues sailing further into the amid scenery of northern Laos and the small village of Pak Tha. From the village, board a long tail boat to cruise along the Namtha River to get to the village of Khmu ethnic group. After the visit, continue cruising downstream to the anchorage area at a sand or river bank.

This morning, Mekong Pearl Cruise passes through a populated region which just can be accessed by water. In the region, you start your exploration of some of the most stunning scenery of the river such as green hills with tropical vegetation or magnificent rocks. It is the mightiness of the river that brings you the feeling of a real adventure. As Mekong Pearl Cruise takes you through the spectacular landscapes, take your time to soak up the tranquility of the river from your cabin or in the lounge. You will then arrive in the market town of Pakbeng. If lucky, you could see elephants in action.

The morning is spent relaxing on Mekong Pearl Cruise. Continue your excursion with a stop at a small riverside village where you get a real insight into the local way of life. From the village, there are two options for you to choose.  You could take a short trek through the forest to the fascinating Pak Ou caves which are famous for its thousands of Buddha statues in different sizes and shapes.  If you wish a leisurely way to reach the cave, you can enjoy a boat trip to the cave. 

In the evening, a BBQ dinner is served at a beautiful location in the riverside. Overnight on board.

Your destination of your voyage today is the former capital of Laos - Luang Prabang. Set off your excursion with a short walk up the mountain of Phu Si where you can see the panoramic views of the Mekong River and the surroundings. You will visit one of the highlights of the fascinating Luang Prabang including the well known Wat Xieng Thong temple which will bring you the interesting experience.

In the evening, enjoy a stroll along the Mekong promenade or get a closer look at the daily life of Hmong minority by visiting the bustling night market. This evening, you are offered many options for fine dining in the town of Luang Prabang or along the Mekong River. After that, re-embark Mekong Pearl for overnight.

Today, you are free to explore the city on your own. You could take a leisurely stroll through the lovely old town, relax on Mekong Pearl Cruise or visit one of many riverside cafés. If you wish, you could also rent an E- bike to explore the surroundings or pay a visit to the nearby elephant camp.

Try to wake up this early morning to witness firsthand the traditional ceremony of alms giving in the streets of Luang Prabang. After breakfast on board, continue cruising downriver for several hours before taking a bus to the spectacular Kuang Si falls. Take your time to enjoy the natural atmosphere and then make a stop at a small village. Head back to Mekong Pearl Cruise and cruises south passing through the Keng-Luang Rapids.

In the morning, cruise upstream to the inaccessible parts of the Mekong. While on board, take the chance to enjoy its fine service in the casual setting. Your excursion in the next days will include interesting adventures on water and on land. In addition, there are many activities on board including presentations, talks, and film documentaries with a number of interesting topics. You will pay a visit to a small riverside community to get a real taste of the local Lao people. Overnight on board at a secluded sand or river bank.

After some time for appreciating the natural beauty along the river, Mekong Pearl Cruise will drop anchor at a secluded sandbank for the night. At this point, the Mekong is a boundary which separates the land into two parts: the booming country of Thailand and peaceful Laos. Here, the river becomes flatter which is suitable for agriculture. 

Today Mekong Pearl Cruise continues downstream along the Mekong River. Your destination is the stunning capital of Vientiane with some famous highlights including Pha That Luong Temple and the spectacular Arc de Triomphe. In the last evening on our boutique Mekong Pearl Cruise, there will be a farewell dinner on board with your crew and fellow passengers.

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye crew of Mekong Pearl and check out your cabin. Disembark Mekong Pearl Cruise and transfer to the airport or to your hotel. End of trip.

• The wild upper Mekong aboard a boutique river vessel: one of the most spectacular river cruises in the world.
• The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, a superb fusion of numerous temples, monasteries, and French colonial architecture. One of Asia’s most beautiful historical towns
• First-hand experience of the Thai and Lao peoples’ traditional lifestyles
• Small groups limited to 26 fellow passengers
• Pha That Luang Buddhist Temple in Vientiane – the Laotian national landmark
• The Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong – containing thousands of Buddha statues
• The waterfalls at Kuang Si, inviting you to swim in their lovely natural pools
• The Golden Triangle region, with its infamous past, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet
• Sunset over Luang Prabang
• Unforgettable impressions of the mighty Mekong River, the “mother of waters”
• Professional onboard infotainment, including lectures and documentaries on the region

You will be picked up at the airport or at your hotel in Vientiane. You will then be taken for a short sightseeing tour of the highlights of Vientiane including the sacred Pha That Luong Temple and the Wat Sisaket Monastery.

After the tour, embark the Mekong Pearl Cruise in the evening. Check in your cabin and take your time to relax on the spacious decks, or lounge before enjoying our welcome dinner on board. There will be both the selection of Asian and European food during the cruise. Overnight on board.

In this morning, your cruising experience will be started by cruising upstream to the parts of the Mekong which used to be inaccessible. While onboard Mekong Pearl, take the chance to enjoy the comfortable atmosphere with fine sand exclusive services.

Your exploration today will include both on-water and on-land excursions with a number of on board programs such as lectures, talks or film documentaries with different interesting topics. There will be a visit to a small riverside village offering you a special chance to acquaint with the local life of Laotian.

Overnight on board at a secluded sand or river bank.

With special design, Mekong Pearl allows you to join the impressive voyage which you, maybe, never think about. Mekong Pearl Cruise will take you through stunning riverscapes, passing through numerous riverside villages with some visits to World Heritage Sites. You also explore some of the unknown regions in Southeast Asia region. Cruising upstream, there will be a stop at a small riverside village of Pak Lai where you have some time to get a look at the colorful local market.

After the visit, head back to the Mekong Pearl Cruise to relax and enjoy the passing river scenery from the boutique vessel. Overnight on board near Thai - Laotian border.

Enjoy the breakfast on board while watching the simple sights of fishermen along the shore as Mekong Pearl Cruise continues its trail along the mighty Mekong river. There will be a meeting with the villagers of a small riverside community. Mekong Pearl Cruise will then take you through Sayaboury hydropower dam project.

In the afternoon, our cruise director will present a lecture on the Mekong River by supplying some interesting background information.

Today, there is another shore excursion to the famous Kuang Si Falls - one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Laos.

In the afternoon, continue onto the former capital of Laos - Luang Prabang - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The unusual combination between the numerous temples and French colonial architecture make the town a unique place to visit. Start your city exploration with a climb up Phou Si Hill where you can get breathtaking panoramic views of the Mekong and surrounding mountains.

In the evening, take a stroll along the Mekong promenade or visit the colorful night market of the Hmong ethnic minority. Enjoy dinner while watching the traditional Bazi Ceremony and local dances performed by local artists.

After breakfast on Mekong Pearl Cruise, continue your full day sightseeing tour in the magnificent town of Luang Prabang. There will be plenty of time to explore in depth the hidden beauty of the World Heritage Site filled with the impressive mixture of architecture style. With a number of chances for fine dining, tonight you are free to choose from a wide range of offerings in the city or along the Mekong River.

Take the chance to get up early this morning to witness firsthand the unique traditional alms – giving ceremony along the streets of Luang Prabang. Back to the Mekong Pearl for breakfast and a cruise further north where you visit a Laotian village. Here you will observe the traditional product of local liqueur. 

Continue onto the famous Pak Ou Caves with a short walk through the jungle (optional). The cave is famous for its thousands of small Buddha statues with different shapes. Overnight on board at a beautiful sand bank.

This morning, Mekong Pearl Cruise continues upstream. Along the way, admire the changing sceneries along the riverbank. If lucky, you may see elephants at their work. In the late afternoon, take a short visit to explore the market town of Pakbeng.

Spend time relaxing on the spacious decks, in your comfortable cabin or in the lounge while soaking up in the mightiness of the river and the surroundings. The landscapes will change as Mekong Pearl Cruise ventures further into the lush tropical hills. Take your time to take in the peacefulness of northern Laos – a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. After passing through the verdant backdrop, the boat makes its way to Pak Tha. Enjoy your time with the last dinner and overnight on board.

From the village of Pak Tha, take a long tail boat trip along the Namtha River to visit a local Khmu village which is often chosen to be sponsored by Mekong cruise guests.  Back to Mekong Pearl Cruise and cruise towards the Thai - Laotian border. Here you may see some rural sights of small villages.

In the afternoon, it’s time to say goodbye to crew of Mekong Pearl and check out your cabin. You will then transfer across the Thai – Lao bridge and continue to your hotel or to the airport for onward flight.