Mekong Pearl
Mekong Pearl
Mekong Pearl
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Mekong Pearl
Mekong Pearl
Mekong Pearl
Mekong Pearl
Mekong Pearl
Mekong Pearl
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Mekong Pearl

The Golden Triangle: 11 Day Mekong River Cruise from Golden Triangle to Vientiane


Cruise name
Company
Mekong River Cruise
Class
Midrange
Capacity
15 cabin
Type
Sharing
Destination
Laos - Thailand
Departure
2025 Sep 25 2026 Jan 15 Feb 11

The Golden Triangle: 11 Day Mekong River Cruise from Golden Triangle to Vientiane

  • Cruise name : Mekong River Cruise
  • Company : Mekong River Cruise
  • Class : Midrange
  • Capacity : 15 cabin
  • Type : Sharing
  • Destination : Laos - Thailand
Vientiane - Chiang Rai

Itineraries

You'll be picked up from Chiang Rai Airport or your hotel (8–9 a.m.) and head to the legendary Golden Triangle. Visit the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the Hall of Opium to explore the region’s history.

Then, board your boutique river vessel, your home for the next 11 days. Settle into your cabin, relax on deck, and enjoy a welcome reception dinner as your adventure begins.

Overnight on board.

Start your day with a final breakfast in Thailand before crossing the Lao/Thai Friendship Bridge into Laos. Explore Huay Xay, a lively trade hub in Bokeo province, named after its sapphire heritage.

Then, embark on your Mekong River journey, taking in the breathtaking landscapes of northern Laos—lush greenery, misty mountains, and serene riverside villages. We’ll anchor near Pak Tha for the night, surrounded by nature’s tranquility.

Overnight on board.

As the river traffic increases, you pass through a lively region accessible only by water, surrounded by lush hills, dramatic rock formations, and a mix of rushing currents and gentle streams. The mighty Mekong gives your journey a true expedition feel.

Relax on deck, in your cabin, or in the lounge as you take in the breathtaking scenery. Later, you arrive in Oudomxay Province.

Overnight on board.

After a peaceful morning, we arrive at a riverside village around midday. Explore the legendary Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrims over centuries.

From here, choose a jungle trek to Ban Muang Keo or take a short boat ride to the village. There, meet Miss Somechan Khonpachith, a master of Lao-Lao rice whiskey, who will share her craft and offer a tasting.

As night falls, our ship remains anchored amid stunning limestone mountains.

Overnight on board.

Arrive in Luang Prabang, the former royal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Begin your guided city tour at Wat Xieng Thong, a masterpiece of Lao architecture.

In the evening, climb Mount Phou Si for stunning panoramic views of the Mekong and Khan rivers. Later, explore the peaceful Mekong promenade or the vibrant Hmong Night Market. Enjoy dinner at a riverside eatery or a fine local restaurant.

Overnight on board.

Start your day with the Tak Bat ceremony, witnessing monks in saffron robes collecting alms in the quiet streets of Luang Prabang. Then, explore the bustling morning market, filled with the scents of exotic spices, fresh teas, and Lao coffee.

After breakfast on board, continue your city tour at the National Museum, once the royal palace, before visiting a local handicraft village to see Laos' vibrant artistry.

Spend the afternoon at your own pace before enjoying a traditional Lao dance performance and a heartfelt Baci well-wishing ceremony on the sundeck.

Overnight on board.

Enjoy breakfast on board as the scenic views of Luang Prabang drift by. By late morning, arrive at Ban Muang Khai and take a tuk-tuk to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, where turquoise pools invite a refreshing dip.

Nearby, visit the “Free the Bears” rescue center, dedicated to protecting endangered sun and moon bears.

In the afternoon, pass by the impressive Xayaburi Dam, Laos’ largest hydroelectric power plant. In the evening, anchor at a peaceful sandy beach for a tranquil night.

Overnight on board.

This morning, arrive at the charming village of Ban Don Saingam, surrounded by lush hills along the Mekong. Take a scenic 30-minute walk or a local tractor ride (seasonal) to explore a hidden cave, uncovering its mysteries by torchlight before returning to the ship.

In the afternoon, cruise downstream, taking in stunning views and spotting local fishermen along the shore. Later, enjoy an insightful presentation by your Cruise Director on Laos' rich history and culture.

In the evening, savor a special riverside barbecue in a picturesque setting.

Overnight on board.

As we cruise downstream, the landscape transforms from towering mountains to open plains, with the Mekong widening to reveal striking rock formations. Watch as our skilled captains expertly navigate the river’s wild waters.

By early afternoon, pass a golden Buddha statue on a hill, marking the Thai border. Soon after, arrive in Salakham, a bustling market town known for its wood and spice trade. Stroll through the lively market, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

In the evening, anchor near a peaceful village for a restful night.

Overnight on board.

Sailing along the majestic Mekong, or the “Mother of All Waters,” you arrive in Vientiane, the vibrant capital of Laos. Explore the iconic Pha That Luang stupa, the serene Ho Phra Keo temple, and the grand Patuxai monument, often called Vientiane’s Arc de Triomphe.

In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner on board, celebrating your journey with fellow travelers and the dedicated Laotian crew.

Overnight on board.

Enjoy a final breakfast on board, savoring the last peaceful moments of your Mekong journey. After checkout and disembarkation, bid farewell to your boutique river ship, taking with you unforgettable memories of the Mighty Mekong. Your adventure concludes with a transfer to the airport or your hotel in Vientiane.

Check rate

Important Notes

 Prices include:

• 10 overnights in selected cabin type aboard your boutique river cruise ship
• Local English- and/or German speaking guides
• Entrance fees for sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary
• Excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
• Tours and transfers as mentioned, by air-conditioned vehicles
• Water in the vehicles and on the ship
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, =Lunch, and D=Dinner)
• Coffee, tea, and table water during meal times onboard your boutique river cruise ship
• Presentations and lectures onboard by the cruise director
• Transfers from/to Chiang Rai and Vientiane airports or hotels within city limits (only
guaranteed if information was correctly provided 4 weeks prior to embarkation, at the latest)    

Prices exclude:

• Flights
• Meals and services other than those noted in the itinerary
• Visas for Thailand and Laos*
• Laundry, telephone calls, and personal expenditures
• Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, boat crew, and personal, non-itinerary services
• Alcoholic and soft drinks other than mentioned
• Personal Insurance

Remark:

  • Every  river  cruise  on  the  upper  Mekong  is  a  pioneering  experience  and  is  subject  to  constantly changing river conditions, including flood waters and shallows. Therefore, please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the itinerary of this tour due to the logistical complexities involved. Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, local authorities and river and/or road conditions.  For  safety  reasons  and  according  to  navigation  conditions,  these  programs  may  be  amended without previous notice.​
  • Meals on board are fusion: Vietnamese, Cambodian & international. Guests should advise of any special food preferences, allergies or dietary requirements at least three days prior to the cruise date.
  • Advance registration is required with full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, passport number and visa expiry date for all passengers. A valid passport is required upon check-in. Otherwise, boarding may be denied by port authority.
  • Surcharge on Christmas and New Year & on Lunar New Year 

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