Highlights of Northern Laos. Highlights of Northern Laos

Transcription

1 Highlights of Northern Laos 6-Day Round-Trip Journey from Luang Prabang Highlights of Northern Laos Enjoy a 6-day journey through once inaccessible regions of Southeast Asia s majestic Mekong River on a state-of-the-art boutique ship. Sail by dense jungle wilderness with ease, and marvel at the unspoiled nature of the region. Experience life on the mighty Mekong River on board your boutique ship. Visit historic cities like Luang Prabang, formerly the royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover some of the most stunning and untouched natural beauty on Earth. What Makes Your Journey Unique Exploring the wild upper Mekong on a boutique ship, one of the most spectacular river cruises in the world UNESCO World Heritage Site Luang Prabang, where temples, monasteries and French colonial buildings peek out from tropical greenery Insight into a world without roads, cars or power Traditional Mekong lifestyle of northern Laos Swimming in the crystal clear waters and turquoise pools of the magnificent Kuang Si Falls Dates 12 Dec Dec 18 (6 days) 20 Jan Jan 19 (6 days) 10 Feb Feb 19 (6 days) 17 Feb Feb 19 (6 days) 10 Mar Mar 19 (6 days) 17 Mar Mar 19 (6 days) 31 Mar Apr 19 (6 days)

2 07 Apr Apr 19 (6 days) 03 Sep Sep 19 (6 days) 24 Sep Sep 19 (6 days) 01 Oct Oct 19 (6 days) 22 Oct Oct 19 (6 days) 12 Nov Nov 19 (6 days) 25 Dec Dec 19 (6 days) 31 Dec Jan 20 (6 days) 28 Jan Feb 20 (6 days) 03 Mar Mar 20 (6 days) 17 Mar Mar 20 (6 days) Info and Booking Mareike Valle Itinerary Day 1., Boarding in Luang Prabang Today you step aboard the tropical hardwood deck of your boutique ship for an unforgettable cruise through Laos on the Mekong River. The ship's romantic cabins, balconies and sun decks combined with the latest shipbuilding technology make you feel immediately at home. In the afternoon you tour the city of Luang Prabang, where you wander the gardens of the Wat Xieng Thong temple, a Buddhist masterpiece of gables and intricate golden carving. At sunset a welcome reception greets you back at the boat. You meet your fellow travelers and friendly Laotian crew, including chefs skilled in both Asian and European cuisine. Time for your first dinner on the mighty Mekong. Overnight: On board (D) Day 2., Departure You awake to brightly robed monks passing through the streets collecting alms a daily ritual here in Luang Prabang. As you enjoy breakfast, your boutique ship unmoors and your Mekong cruise begins. The river's lush vegetation spreads out along the riverbanks, over hills, cliffs, and up into the mountain mist. At nightfall your boutique ship anchors on a secluded sandbank, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle, lulling you to sleep on the mighty Mekong. Overnight: On board (BLD) Day 3, Wildlife on the Mekong Standing on your private balcony, you watch the wild Mekong float past. Fishermen by their bamboo houses. Towering rock formations covered in impenetrable green. The riverbank, the jungle some of most impressive landscapes you ll ever see. Beneath you, the untamed Mekong, with the densest biodiversity of any river on Earth. In places, the river breaks into sudden rapids that your skillful crew navigate with ease. As the day passes*, stop at a village school, meet the students and gain insight into life along the river.

3 Overnight: On board (BLD) *Dependent on water levels, some afternoon excursions will be via local Lao slow boat. Day 4, Kuang Si Falls It s a peaceful, tropical morning on the river. Birds fly between the trees, fishermen cast their nets by the riverbank. At a small village, the anchor is dropped and you hop onto a rickshaw going to the famous Kuang Si Falls. Take a swim in a turquoise pool beneath cascading clear water. In the evening, enjoy the much-loved Mekong River Cruises barbecue on a tranquil riverbank, the smoke curling over the forest canopy in the warm evening air. Overnight on board. (BLD) Day 5, Pak Ou Caves Thousands of small Buddha statues gaze at you from the eerie beauty of the Pak Ou Caves, where they watch in silence over the Mekong. A short jungle trek later, locals show you how they brew traditional Lao-Lao rice whisky. Elephants dot the landscape if you re lucky you'll spot some. Back aboard, you head to an afternoon in Luang Prabang, one of the most beautiful cities in Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. From Phou Si Hill, you watch the sun set over crumbling colonial ruins, beautiful temples and palm trees. In the distance, mountains of vivid, verdant green. Dress for dinner and promenade along the Mekong. Take a stroll through the night market, run by Hmong people dressed in dazzling hand-embroidered fabrics. A farewell dinner on board is accompanied by a Bazi friendship ceremony and local dancers. A final touch of color to an extraordinary day. Overnight on board. (BLD) Day 6, Disembarkation After a last breakfast on board, you say goodbye to your Laotian crew and new friends. From elephants to mineral pools and landscapes of a lifetime, it s been an unforgettable adventure. Airport transfer provided (B) 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 Sunset over Luang Prabang, one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia The Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of Buddha statues watch over the Mekong

4 Dancers and a traditional Baci ceremony on the upper deck of your ship The exceptional calm and power of the Mekong River The spectacular tropical landscapes of northern Laos Rates Include 5 nights on board your boutique river ship All meals and tours according to itinerary Coffee, tea and water during meals All excursions and necessary entry fees Informative presentations and lectures by your cruise director Private transport from and to Luang Prabang International 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 07 Apr Apr 19 / Mekong Sun 03 Sep Sep 19 / Mekong Sun 24 Sep Sep 19 / Mekong Sun 12 Dec Dec 18 / Mekong Sun 20 Jan Jan 19 / Mekong Sun 910 Available Available 940 Available Available 940 Available Available Guaranteed departure, Available

5 10 Feb Feb 19 / Mekong Sun 17 Feb Feb 19 / Mekong Sun 10 Mar Mar 19 / Mekong Sun 17 Mar Mar 19 / Mekong Sun 31 Mar Apr 19 / Mekong Sun 01 Oct Oct 19 / Mekong Sun 22 Oct Oct 19 / Mekong Sun 12 Nov Nov 19 / Mekong Sun 25 Dec Dec 19 / Mekong Sun Guaranteed departure, Limited Limited Guaranteed departure, Available

6 31 Dec Jan 20 / Mekong Sun 28 Jan Feb 20 / Mekong Sun 03 Mar Mar 20 / Mekong Pearl 17 Mar Mar 20 / Mekong Pearl Price and availability as of: