Laos Discovery Cruise Tour from North to South – 10 Days

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Luang Prabang Arrival (-)
Day 2: Luang Prabang – City & Pak Ou Cave (B)
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Khouangsi waterfall (B)
Day 4: Boarding in Luang Prabang (D)
Day 5: The Royal Capital, Luang Prabang, Kuang-Si Falls & the Xayabouri Dam (BLD)
Day 6: The Farming Village of Ban Don Saingam (BLD)
Day 7: Powerful Rapids and the Town of Salakham (BLD)
Day 8: Wild Nature along the Mighty Mekong (BLD)
Day 9: Disembarkation in Vientiane (B)
Day 10: Departure from Vientiane.

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Luang Prabang Arrival (-)

On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos.
Evening, free on our own to explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the hill tribe and local people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 2: Luang Prabang – City & Pak Ou Cave (B)

In the morning, we will climb up 328 steps of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful over view of the city and the Mekong River. We then visit Wat Mai the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang, was built in the 20th century; National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign.

We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we will make a stop at Ban Xang Hai village where rice wine is distilled. We will visit the caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum which house hundreds of Buddha statues. We return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon, continue to visit Ban Xang Khong, a village well known for silk hand-weaving and traditional Saa paper-making.

We will explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the hill tribe and local people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Khouangsi waterfall (B)

You have the option to wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks – an awe-inspiring sight. Please tell your guide a day in advance if you wish to make an offering so he/she can prepare some food for you to hand over to the monks. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning then return to the hotel for breakfast or join the locals for a bowl of delicious noodle soup after the alms giving ritual. (If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately – shoulders, chest and legs should be covered).

We then visit the Morning Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.

In the morning, we visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (close on Mondays) where you are able to observe valuable artifacts and traditional clothing and implements from each of the 20 ethnic minority groups which inhabit the Luang Prabang area. Next, we will visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, which was entirely rebuilt in 2087 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.

Then, transfer by private vehicle to Khouang Si waterfall. On the way, you can visit to the Lao ethnic minority groups – Ban Na Oune Village. Once at the waterfalls, take a leisurely hike through the national park towards the Khouang Si waterfalls and pass by the Asian bear rescue center. You will enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise waters of the different waterfalls. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible.

Day 4: Boarding in Luang Prabang (D)

In the afternoon, it’s time to board your exclusive boutique river vessel, uniquely owned through a joint venture between German and Laotian partners. Settle into your inviting cabin, your home for the next 6 days.
Your first evening promises cultural enchantment: enjoy a traditional Lao dance performance and a heartwarming Baci well-wishing ceremony, followed by our Mekong River Cruises Welcome Dinner. Throughout the cruise, you’ll be treated to a delightful selection of both Asian and European dishes, offering a culinary journey as rich and varied as the sights you’ll encounter along the way.
Overnight on board.

Day 5: The Royal Capital, Luang Prabang, Kuang-Si Falls & the Xayabouri Dam (BLD)

In the soft glow of early morning, the streets of Luang Prabang come alive with an ancient and sacred ritual: the traditional giving of alms. Monks, draped in saffron robes, move silently through the town as you observe this timeless practice—a serene start to your day.
After a delicious breakfast on board, relax as the scenic panorama of Luang Prabang passes by while you cruise downstream. At the Farming village Ban Muang Khai, you’ll be taken by tuk-tuk on a guided excursion to the famous Kuang Si Waterfalls. Right next to the waterfalls is the heartwarming “Free the Bears” rescue center, dedicated to the protection and conservation of the endangered sun and moon bears throughout Southeast Asia. Here, we’ll learn more about the incredible efforts to rehabilitate these gentle creatures.
In the afternoon, admire the remarkable Xayabouri Dam, the largest hydroelectric power plant in Laos. Your evening will be spent moored on a peaceful sandbank.
Overnight on board.

Day 6: The Farming Village of Ban Don Saingam (BLD)

Today, our journey takes us to the charming village of Ban Don Saingam, tucked away between the lush hills along the Mekong River. Upon arrival, we set off on a 30-minute walk, or depending on the season, a local tractor ride, toward a nearly forgotten cave. Armed with torches, we delve into the cave’s hidden depths, uncovering its secrets before returning to the comfort of our ship.
As the afternoon unfolds, we continue our downstream journey, taking in the beautiful views while possibly watching local fishermen along the shore. Later, your Cruise Director will offer captivating presentations about the rich history and vibrant culture of Laos. In the evening, we pause a bit earlier to prepare for our renowned Mekong River Cruises barbecue, set in a picturesque riverside location.
Overnight on board.

Day 7: Powerful Rapids and the Town of Salakham (BLD)

As we continue downstream, the landscape changes as the mountains give way to flatter terrain, and the Mekong River widens, revealing intriguing rock formations. This stretch offers a perfect chance to witness our expert captains maneuvering through the wild, untamed waters of the mighty Mekong. In the early afternoon, we glide past a golden Buddha statue perched on a hill, signifying the start of Thailand along the river.
A little further along, we reach the bustling market town of Salakham, renowned for its vibrant wood and spice trade. A stroll through the lively market surrounds you with the sights, sounds, and aromas of local commerce, offering a window into the region’s rich trading traditions. In the evening, we anchor near a peaceful village, settling in for the night.
Overnight on board.

Day 8: Wild Nature along the Mighty Mekong (BLD)

As you sail downstream along the majestic Mekong, known by locals as the “Mother of All Waters,” today’s journey takes you to the heart of Laos — the vibrant capital city of Vientiane, which you will reach by late afternoon.
As evening falls, you’ll gather with your fellow travellers for a special farewell dinner on board, celebrating the final night of your cruise. This memorable evening offers the perfect opportunity to thank the Laotian crew, cruise director, and captain, marking the close of an unforgettable journey.
Overnight on board.

Day 9: Disembarkation in Vientiane (B)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board as you savor your final moments on the Mekong. After checking out, you can choose to join the last sightseeing tour, exploring the iconic Pha That Luang stupa, the historic Ho Phra Keo temple, and the Patuxai, often called the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane. Alternatively, your journey concludes as we transfer you to the airport or your local hotel, taking with you lasting memories of Laos’ captivating beauty.

Day 10: Departure from Vientiane.

With this tour, you can consider to extend around 2 days more to investigate Vientiane.