Pick up from your hotel in Vientiane at 08.00 am, 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.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: RV Pandaw Laos

Cruise upstream on the Mekong, passing lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages. Morning presentation on the Lao language after a short walk at Pha Laeb village. If time permits, we will also enjoy an afternoon walk at Ban Khok Fark .

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Pandaw Laos

Morning walk at Ban Pak Bor Khummu village before passing through Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam, taking an inside look of the workings of this somewhat controversial attraction as we navigate the locks. Afternoon visit to Ban Na San village, a Hmong minority village.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Pandaw Laos

In the morning we moor at the village of Ban Mouang Khai and visit the dramatic Kaung Si waterfall. On the way back to the ship, we stop at the Laos Buffalo Farm, a social enterprise utilizing the abundant buffalo in Laos. Arrive in the heart of the temple city of Luang Prabang mid-afternoon where there is a buzzing night market and many great cafes and local restaurants. Traditional Laos Bacci ceremony and dancing on the upper deck during happy hour. Moor overnight in central Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Pandaw Laos

Today we explore the various handicrafts of Laos in more detail. We start with Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise providing sustainable employment and training for the women of local weaving villages. We then head to TAEC (Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre) to understand more about Laos musical instruments. After lunch aboard the ship, we sail toward Ban Chan and take part in a pottery demonstration at the local pottery workshop. We finish the day with a sunset cruise on the Mekong alongside Luang Prabang, returning to moor overnight in the center of town.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Pandaw Laos

Early morning walking tour to observe the alms offerings to the hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. After breakfast to the morning market before taking tuktuks for a city tour of this well-preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries, and royal palace. The afternoon is free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Pandaw Laos

Morning at leisure in Luang Prabang before setting sail at midday upstream. Afternoon sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. See the production of local Laos whisky at the Whisky Village and shop for locally produced handicrafts.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Pandaw Laos

Day of sailing upstream along the Mekong with morning walk through Ban Ton village. In the evening, we moor alongside a sandbank for a special riverside barbecue and cocktail party. Light paper lanterns with the crew and enjoy a dance in remote Laos.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Pandaw Laos

Laos is known as ‘The land of a million elephants’ and today we will visit a rescue sanctuary that is helping to preserve the elephants of Laos and provide sustainable alternative employment for Mahouts who once trained and rode these beautiful creatures. Afternoon walk at Ban Pak Sith Khummu village.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Pandaw Laos

Today we sail the final leg of our journey upstream toward Huayxay. Cross over into Thailand via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge before rejoining your ship in Chiang Khong. Enjoy a ship tour of your Pandaw vessel and a fruit carving demonstration from your Pandaw Chef. Farewell cocktails and Thai traditional dance on board for your last evening..

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Pandaw Laos

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).

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: N/A