Enjoy the splendour of Laos on Pandaw's 10 night expedition on the Upper Mekong. Sailing between Chiang Khong on the Thai-Laos border, and through Laos toward Vientiane, the old French capital, you will witness stunning scenery, meet amazingly warm and friendly locals and learn about Laos’ national animal, the majestic elephant. We stop for three nights at the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang with its dazzling wood-carved monasteries before heading deep into the mountains, through rapids and gorges on our high-powered little Pandaw vessels.
Please note: During the months February to April there may be an increased risk of smog across Laos and northern Thailand. This is due to the annual crop burnings and whilst usually mild, can sometimes be quite severe. We would advise that any passengers with respiratory issues consult with their doctor before booking for this period. Most departures and travellers will be unaffected, however.
Day 1 - Vientiane - Pak Lay
Your journey begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Vientiane, the charming, old French capital of Laos known for its relaxed atmosphere and colonial architecture. You will board a traditional Laotian long-tail boat for an expedition upstream, a lovely introduction to river life before you even step on board your Pandaw vessel. As the city recedes, enjoy lunch and drinks served by our Pandaw chef and bar staff while watching the lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages unfold. In the afternoon, you will embark your ship, settle in, and join the crew for a welcome briefing and drinks as we moor for the night at Pak Lay.
Day 2 - Pha Laeb
Today is dedicated to pure river immersion as we sail upstream against the Mekong's powerful current. From the sundeck, meditate on the unfolding panorama of stunning mountain scenery and deep, verdant gorges where the river carves its path through the landscape. In the morning, join a presentation on the Lao language to learn more about the local culture. We also stop for a short, invigorating walk at Pha Laeb village to stretch our legs and meet some of the friendly locals in this remote region.
Day 3 - Ban Pak Bor - Xayaburi Dam
After a morning walk through the Khummu minority village of Ban Pak Bor, prepare for a fascinating encounter with modern engineering. You will experience passage through the Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam, getting an inside look at the workings of this massive structure as your ship expertly navigates the locks. In the afternoon, we visit Ban Na San, a Hmong minority village, offering a precious opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of one of Laos' most distinct ethnic groups, known for their vibrant textiles and silver jewelry.
Day 4 - Kuang Si Waterfalls - Luang Prabang
We moor at the small village of Ban Mouang Khai to visit one of Laos’ most spectacular natural wonders: the Kuang Si Waterfalls. These falls cascade down multiple tiers into a series of stunningly beautiful, turquoise-blue pools where you are welcome to take a refreshing swim. On the way back, we stop at the Laos Buffalo Farm, a social enterprise working to improve the local farming community through sustainable dairy production. In the afternoon, we arrive in the heart of the enchanting, UNESCO-protected city of Luang Prabang, where we will moor for the next three nights. We then climb the 328 steps to Mount Phou Si Temple, where the best views of Luang Prabang can be found, followed by an orientation tour before returning to the ship.
Day 5 - Luang Prabang
Today is dedicated to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Luang Prabang. We begin at Ock Pop Tok, a wonderful social enterprise that provides sustainable employment and training for women from local weaving villages, preserving traditional Lao textile techniques. We then visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) to understand more about the diverse ethnic cultures and musical instruments of Laos. After lunch back on board, we take a short trip to the village of Ban Chan for a pottery demonstration at a local workshop. The day concludes with a serene sunset cruise on the Mekong alongside the city before returning to our central mooring.
Day 6 - Luang Prabang
Your day begins before dawn with a truly unforgettable experience: a walking tour to witness the sacred and silent morning alms-giving ceremony (Tak Bat), where hundreds of saffron-robed monks walk through the streets to collect offerings from the local people. After breakfast, we visit the bustling morning market before taking tuk-tuks for a tour of this incredibly well-preserved heritage city, exploring its many dazzling Buddhist temples, historic libraries, and the former Royal Palace (now the National Museum). In the afternoon, we take a tuk-tuk to visit Ban Xang Khong, a village famous for its traditional paper making. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the unique, peaceful atmosphere of Luang Prabang at your own leisure.
Day 7 - Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves
After a final morning at leisure in Luang Prabang, we set sail at midday, continuing our journey upstream. In the afternoon, we board a local boat to explore the unique Pak Ou Caves. Set in a dramatic limestone cliff face at the confluence of the Mekong and Ou rivers, these two caves are a Buddhist sanctuary filled with thousands of Buddha images of all shapes and sizes, left by pilgrims over hundreds of years. Afterward, we visit the nearby "Whisky Village" (Ban Xang Hai) to see the production of the local lao-lao rice spirit and browse for local handicrafts.
Day 8 - Ban Ton And Sandbank BBQ
This day is spent sailing through some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the Upper Mekong. We'll take a morning walk through Ban Ton village to experience life in a place that few outsiders get to see, observing the daily rhythms of the local community. In the evening, a special Pandaw experience awaits, we moor alongside a secluded sandbank for a riverside barbecue and cocktail party. As darkness falls, you will light and release paper lanterns with the crew, their soft glow floating into the night sky over the river—a truly magical moment.
Day 9 - Pak Beng Elephant Sanctuary - Ban Pak Sith
Laos is famously known as ‘The Land of a Million Elephants’, and today we visit a sanctuary that is helping to preserve these majestic animals. The Pak Beng Elephant Sanctuary is a rescue center that provides a sustainable and ethical alternative for elephants and their mahouts who once worked in the logging industry. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see these gentle giants in a more natural environment. In the afternoon, we take a walk through the Khummu village of Ban Pak Sith to learn about the traditions of this ethnic group.
Day 10 - Into Thailand - Chiang Khong
Today we sail the final leg of our journey, continuing upstream towards the Thai border. The scenery remains just as spectacular as the river carves its way through the mountains. You'll have time for a ship tour to see the inner workings of the vessel and a fruit carving demonstration from your talented Pandaw Chef. As we approach our final mooring in Chiang Khong, Thailand, you'll cross over the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge. Tonight, we celebrate our incredible journey with farewell cocktails and a traditional Thai dance performance on board.
Day 11 - Disembark in Chiang Khong
After a final breakfast, you will disembark in Chiang Khong. Before your transfer, you will explore the historic Golden Triangle region, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. This includes a fascinating visit to the Hall of Opium Museum, which details the area's notorious past and the history of the opium trade. Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel or the airport in either Chiang Rai (a 2-hour drive) or Chiang Mai (a 6-hour drive).
Day 1 - Vientiane
Pick up from your hotel in Vientiane at 08.00am, followed by a local long-tail boat expedition to your Pandaw vessel upstream. Lunch and drinks will be provided on the local boat by your Pandaw chef and bar staff. Embark your Pandaw in the afternoon for a welcome briefing and welcome drinks. We moor overnight at Pak Lay.
Day 2 - Ban Park Bor Village
Morning visit and walking tour to Khamo tribal village, a typical village, set on the banks of the Mekong amidst lush jungle. In the afternoon pass through the Xanyaburi Hydro Electric Power Plant.
Day 3 - Ban Mouang Khai Village And Luang Prabang
In the morning visit a Hmong village and continue upstream to the village of Ban Mouang Khai. Afternoon sightseeing by minibus visiting the jungle pools and dramatic Khaung Si waterfall then on to a butterfly garden. Arrive in the heart of the temple city of Luang Prabang where there is a buzzing night market and many great cafes and some good local restaurants.
Day 4 - Luang Prabang
In the morning explore by tuktuk this well-preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. Visit the National Museum and have the afternoon free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang on your own. Enjoy traditional Laos dancing on the upper deck late afternoon. Moor overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 5 - Pak Ou Caves
Early morning walking tour to see the alms offering by the local people to hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. Passengers are invited to join in with offerings we provide for the alms giving. Morning sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. Evening cocktails on a sandbank. Sail upstream on the beautiful Mekong towards Ban Bo.
Day 6 - Pak Beng
Morning visit to a local Khamo village. Sail upstream on the Mekong passing Pak Beng towards Pak Sit.
Day 7 - Ban Houayxay
Early morning walking tour in a Khamo village then cruise through stunning scenery to the border of Laos and Thailand. The night is spent on the Lao side in the Huay xay area where we take a late afternoon village walk.
Day 8 - Chiang Khong
Cross over into Thailand via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge before rejoining your ship in Chiang Khong. Farewell cocktails and Thai traditional dance on board for your last evening. More about Golden Triangle.
Day 9 - Chiang Khong
Disembark by 8.30 in Chiang Khong and group transfer to hotel/airport. En route, explore the Golden Triangle including a visit to the opium museum. Continue to airports or city hotels in Chiang Rai (2 hours) and Chiang Mai (6 hours).
Day 1 - Chiang Khong
We cordially invite our guests to board their Pandaw vessel at Chiang Khong, a historic gateway to the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. On behalf of the captain and the entire crew, we wish you a warm welcome aboard for this amazing cruise downstream to Vientiane. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Thai dance performance on the upper deck, a graceful art form characterised by slow, deliberate movements and elaborate costumes that reflect the region's rich Lanna heritage.
Day 2 - Into Laos - Ban Pak Sit
We take a minivan for 15 minutes to the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge for immigration formalities before transferring to the ship on the Lao side. Onboard, join a Lao language class to learn essential phrases such as "Sa-bai-dee", an integral part of local etiquette. In the afternoon, we visit Ban Pak Sit, a village home to the Khmu people, one of the oldest ethnic groups in Laos known for their intricate basket weaving and animist traditions. The evening features a screening of the documentary "The Secret of Nature" regarding Laos' natural wonders.
Day 3 - Ban Loung Tong - Pak Beng Elephant Camp and Sandbank BBQ
Our morning excursion takes us to Ban Loung Tong, a lowland Lao village, offering insight into the agricultural lifestyle and traditional stilt-house architecture typical of the region. We then arrive at the Pak Beng Elephant Camp, a rescue sanctuary dedicated to the preservation of elephants in Laos—historically known as the "Land of a Million Elephants"—and providing sustainable livelihoods for Mahouts. We moor at a riverbank for a special evening where guests are invited to fly traditional paper lanterns with the crew and enjoy a dance performance in this remote setting, followed by a BBQ.
Day 4 - Ban Bor Village - Ban Huay Khae
We explore Ban Bor Village, a unique settlement where Lao and Khummu people coexist, demonstrating the harmonious blend of different ethnic customs and farming practices. Onboard, we screen the documentary "Luang Prabang Timeless" . In the afternoon, we visit Ban Huay Khae, a village inhabited by Khummu and Hmong people; the Hmong are renowned for their vibrant textiles and distinct cultural heritage originating from the mountainous regions of Southern China.
Day 5 - Pak Ou Buddha Caves - Ban Xang Hai - Luang Prabang
We transfer to a local boat to visit the extraordinary Pak Ou Buddha Caves, a sacred Buddhist sanctuary set within limestone cliffs containing thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrims over centuries. Afterward, we sail downstream to visit Ban Xang Hai, locally known as the "Whisky Village," to observe the production of Lao-Lao (rice whisky) and traditional handicrafts Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its fusion of traditional Lao architecture and European colonial structures, join your guide for an orientation walk to familiarise yourself with the local area.
Day 6 - Luang Prabang
We take Tuk Tuks to visit the National Museum (the former Royal Palace), which houses the sacred Phra Bang Buddha image, and the Buddhist temples of Wat Mai and Wat Xieng Thong, a masterpiece of Lao temple architecture featuring intricate glass mosaics. In the afternoon, we climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phou Si, the spiritual heart of the city offering panoramic views of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. The evening features a traditional Lao Baci Ceremony followed by a performance of Pha Lak Pha Lam (Ramayana), a dance-drama that is integral to Lao culture.
Day 7 - Luang Prabang
We depart on foot to observe the morning Alms Offering (Tak Bat), a sacred ritual where locals offer food to hundreds of monks processing through the streets. Later, we take a Tuk Tuk to visit Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise preserving traditional Lao textile techniques, and the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC), dedicated to the diverse ethnic cultures of Laos. In the afternoon, we take a Tuk Tuk to visit Ban Xang Khong, a village famous for its traditional Saa paper making and silk weaving.
Day 8 - Kaung Si Waterfall
We visit the Ban Chan Pottery House to witness a demonstration of traditional pottery techniques that have been passed down through generations. We then travel by minivan to visit the Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm, a sustainable enterprise supporting local farmers, and the dramatic Kuang Si Waterfall, a 15-minute drive away, where turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. In the evening, we present the movie "Mekong River" by Sue Perkins.
Day 9 - Ban Na San Village - Xayaburi Dam - Lowland Lao
Our morning excursion visits Ban Na San Village to meet the Hmong people, an ethnic group historically known for shifting cultivation and distinctive silver jewelry. Onboard, our guide gives a presentation on Laos. We arrive at the Xayaburi Dam, a controversial yet impressive hydroelectric engineering project, and pass through the lock. Our chef demonstrates how to prepare famous Lao dishes such as Tum Som (Green Papaya Salad). Later, we visit Ban Khok Fark to observe the lifestyle of the Lao Loum (Lowland Lao), the dominant ethnic group in the country. The evening concludes with a screening of the "Pandaw History" documentary.
Day 10 - Ban Pak Yun - Pak Lai
We visit Ban Pak Yun, a village known for its mix of minority groups living together, offering a unique perspective on ethnic integration in rural Laos. Back onboard, guests can enjoy a napkin folding demonstration and a guided tour of the vessel, including the galley and engine room. In the afternoon, we walk through Pak Lai, a former French administrative town featuring colonial buildings and bustling local shops that reflect its history as a commercial outpost. The captain and crew present a farewell gathering on the upper deck.
Day 11 - Disembark in Vientiane
We disembark at Pak Lai and transfer by local long-tail boat downstream to Vientiane, the charming capital city known for its French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples.
Day 1 - Chiang Khong
Transfers from Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai including a visit to the Golden Triangle and the now infamous opium museum. Lunch at a local restaurant. Embark your ship by 16.00.
Day 2 - Into Laos
Pass through immigration formalities at the Thai/Laos border and re-join the ship. Set sail downstream on the beautiful Upper Mekong River. After lunch, if time allows, sightseeing on foot in a Laos jungle village.
Day 3 - Khamo Village
Morning walk in a Khamo village. Sail downstream on the beautiful Mekong then relax with evening cocktails on a sandbank.
Day 4 - Pak Ou Caves & Luang Prabang
Continue cruising downstream to Pak Ou, transfer to a local boat and enter the Nam Ou River to visit the extraordinary Pak Ou Buddha Caves. Admire spectacular limestone cliff faces in the Buddhist sanctuary. Visit of Luang Prabang.
Day 5 - Luang Prabang
In the morning explore by tuktuk this well preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. Visit the National Museum and have the afternoon free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang. Traditional Laos dancing on the upper deck late afternoon. Moor overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 6 - Kuang Si Waterfall
Early morning walking tour to observe the morning alms offering by local people to the hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. Drive to see the deep jungle pools at the Kuang Si Waterfall, the teak forest trails and butterfly farm.
Day 7 - Xayaburi Dam
Pass through the Mekong water control lock at Xayaburi Hydro Electric Power Plant (itself an interesting and perhaps controversial tourist attraction). Late afternoon walking tour of a local village.
Day 8 - Xanakham
Morning visit to Ban Pha Leab with its beautiful limestone mountain. Continue to Pak Houng-Thai Lao Border for an excursion to a plantation village and meet the local people. Visit of Pak Lai.
Day 9 - Vientiane
Disembark your Pandaw ship and transfer to Vientiane via Pandaw’s local longtail boat. Enjoy lunch and drinks onboard as we sail downstream through the rapids toward Vientiane. Arrive in Vientiane late afternoon and end services.
Cruise Price Includes: Entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes. Transfers Chiang Rai / Chiang Mai to ship v.v. and ship to Vientiane v.v.
Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), all beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.
All bookings are subject to availability
Very Important : Before booking be sure you read our Terms and Deposit section for important information.
