The Golden Triangle: Vientiane to Chiang Rai. The Golden Triangle: Vientiane to Chiang Rai

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1 The Golden Triangle: Vientiane to Chiang Rai 11-Day Journey from Vientiane to Chiang Rai The Golden Triangle: Vientiane to Chiang Rai Visit incredible cities along the banks of the magnificent Mekong River. From Laos to Thailand, via Luang Prabang, discover remote jungles and villages from the comfort of your private ship. Crossing six countries and boasting the greatest density of biodiversity of any river on earth, the vast Mekong nourishes, divides, and defines Southeast Asia. The upper Mekong is one of the most difficult rivers in the world to navigate. Your beautiful state-of-the-art cruise vessel journeys effortlessly into formerly inaccessible areas, mastering gorges, labyrinths of sandbanks and churning rapids, allowing you to discover the unique cultures tucked away in this tropical paradise. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to remote jungle villages, encounter elephants, vibrant markets, colorful traditions and natural wonders. Running through it all is the Mekong, carrying you through infinite forests, the lush green mountains and the adventures they hold. What Makes Your Journey Unique Exploring the wild upper Mekong on a boutique vessel, one of the most spectacular river cruises in the world. The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, where temples, monasteries and French colonial buildings peek out from tropical greenery. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Asia. Insight into a world without roads, cars or power. Thai and Lao peoples traditional lifestyles, based around the river and what it provides. Swim in the crystal waters and turquoise pools of the magnificent Kuang Si Falls.

2 Dates 26 Sep Oct 20 (11 days) 24 Oct Nov 20 (11 days) 21 Nov Dec 20 (11 days) 19 Dec Dec 20 (11 days) 16 Jan Jan 21 (11 days) 13 Feb Feb 21 (11 days) Info and Booking Tanja Grunau Itinerary Day 1, Welcome to Vientiane At 2pm, your journey begins under the golden spires of the Pha That Luang temple, the gleaming spiritual and national icon of Laos. From one tranquil courtyard to another, you move to Wat Si Saket monastery and museum to explore the roots of Laotian Buddhist culture. In the late afternoon light, board the Mekong Sun, the elegant blend of tropical hardwood, old-world styling and state-of-the-art shipbuilding technology that will be your home for the next 10 days. Unpack in your private cabin, take a break, and head up to the spacious top deck for a sunset welcome reception and an evening dinner, with food prepared for both an Asian and a European palate. Overnight on board. Meals included: Dinner (D). Days 2 and 3, Natural Beauty Along the Mighty Mekong Wake to the rhythm of the river and step out onto your private balcony. This is the Mekong River, stretching over nearly 2,500 miles across South-East Asia, from the Himalayan plateau to the South-China Sea. Take breakfast on board and enjoy excellent service in a relaxed, exclusive setting, cruising the Mekong River. The Mekong has the highest biodiversity of any river on Earth. Learn about its remarkable life and history as you follow in the footsteps of nineteenth-century explorers and young Buddhist monks who first traveled along this fascinating river. Stop at a village. Three million Laotians live along the river and the local people are warm and welcoming. As evening approaches, the anchor drops at a secluded bank. Dinner is served on deck while you listen to the powerful sounds of the jungle at night. Overnights on board. Meals included: Breakfast (B), lunch (L) and dinner (D). Day 4, Pak Lay Your private river vessel powers gently upstream, specially designed to reach river and land previously near impossible to explore. Wind through vivid jungle banks and languid, primordial pools to reach near-timeless aboriginal villages. At the small town of Pak Lay, nestled in the rainforest, follow the scent and fragrance of the local market and its exotic offerings. The pace of river life works its magic. You travel along the mesmerizing riverscapes, passing villages and visiting stunning sites.

3 You re discovering some of South-East Asia s last unknown regions. Day 5, Tha Deua Taking breakfast on the top deck, you look out over the river at fishermen casting their nets along the shore. You stop at a small village and learn about the population s lives and the challenges they face. Some guests have developed long-term, supporting sponsorships of the villagers here. Passing the site of the Sayaboury hydropower dam further upstream, you learn about this controversial project. As the riverbanks slip by, you see the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua, connecting the provinces of Luang Prabang and Sayaboury, and wonder about the future of this way of life. Day 6, Kuang Si Falls Luang Prabang The Mekong Sun moors at the Kuang Si Falls and you disembark for one of the great natural wonders of Laos. Crystal clear waters tumble through tropical vegetation into opulent turquoise pools. It s perfect and you take a swim. Bliss. Back on board, the next stop is Luang Prabang where, at Phou Si Hill, you watch the sunset spread over this legendary, tropical city, surrounded by mountains. You dress for dinner, promenade along the Mekong River and enter the night market run by Hmong people dressed in dazzling hand-embroidered fabrics. As you eat, a Bazi ceremony and local dancers add a final touch of color to an extraordinary day. Day 7, The UNESCO-World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang You stop in Luang Prabang, UNESCO World Heritage site and city of villages. You take in the textures of this unique, tropical city, gems of crumbling colonial architecture alongside ancient temples and monasteries. Explore the town or stroll along the Mekong River, choosing from a huge range of food, including local specialties of wood ear mushroom, steamed fish or Mekong river moss, served fried with chili sauce. Overnight on board. (BL) Day 8, Luang Prabang Pak Ou Caves Every morning at dawn in Luang Prabang, hundreds of brightly-robed monks pass through the streets collecting alms. You wake to watch this sacred ritual. Sail upriver and stop to watch locals making the traditional, potent rice-spirit Lao-Lao. At the Pak Ou Caves, hundreds of Buddha statues keep a silent vigil over the waters beneath you. Your private ship anchors at a beautiful, beach-like sandbank surrounded by incredible natural beauty.

4 Day 9, Pakbeng As you press deeper into the wilderness, the river traffic thins and signs of civilization slip away. Passing settlements scattered here and there along the riverbank, you look out for locals with farm elephants and stop at Pakbeng, a quiet market town that feels on the edge of the world. Day 10, Pak Tha Resting on the ship s wooden guardrail, you watch the landscape transform, shifting into hills cloaked in dense tropical forest. With a drink in a deckchair, you breathe in the unspoiled natural calm as the ship turns north towards Pak Tha. Night falls, and you settle down for a farewell dinner on your last evening aboard. Day 11, Pak Tha Chiang Rai Farewell On a local long-tail boat, you skim low along the Namtha river, heading deep into the jungle. Luscious plants and trees tower above you. You discover a Khmu village where clustered bamboo houses rest serenely on stilts. The small village school enjoys the long-term sponsorship by past Mekong cruise guests. Re-boarding the stately Mekong Sun, cruise to the Thai border on the final step of your voyage: your Chiang Rai city hotel or the airport*. With the ship gliding into the port, you say your goodbyes to the crew and companions, as the sun begins to set on your unforgettable trip into the jungle. (BL) *For flights departing after 8pm the same day NOTE: There is nothing tame about the Mekong, and the itinerary of every cruise is subject to river conditions, including floodwaters, low water levels, and morning fog. The itinerary of this tour may be subject to change in the face of logistical complexities caused by natural phenomena. Our crew are highly experienced and our vessel is powerfully built but if navigating conditions prompt safety concerns, programs may be amended. Highlights of Your Journey The glimmering golden Phat That Luang temple in Vientiane. Sunset over Luang Prabang, one of Asia s most beautiful cities. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a stunning fusion of temples, monasteries and architectural gems from the French colonial era. The Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of Buddha statues watch over the Mekong. Dancers and a traditional Bazi ceremony on the top deck of the ship. The exceptional calm and power of the Mekong River, and the spectacular tropical scenery of wild northern Laos. Rates Include Ten nights on board the romantic Mekong Sun river vessel Meals and tours Coffee, tea and water during meals All excursions and necessary entry fees Presentations and lectures by your cruise director

5 Transfers from and to Luang Prabang airport or your hotel in town Not Included International flights Visa fees Alcohol and soft drinks Tips and gratuities Personal expenses Entry Requirements You may require a visa, depending on your nationality. Please check with your local embassy No vaccinations required Dates and Prices 26 Sep Oct 20 / Mekong Pearl 24 Oct Nov 20 / Mekong Pearl 21 Nov Dec 20 / Mekong Pearl 16 Jan Jan 21 / Mekong Pearl 13 Feb Feb 21 / Mekong Pearl Available Available Available

6 19 Dec Dec 20 / Mekong Pearl Available 980 Single supplement Available Available Price and availability as of: