Boutique Expedition Cruises on the Mekong Exploring the Unspoilt Beauty of South-East Asia s Most Breathtaking River
Pristine, remote and captivatingly beautiful: Our truly unique and exclusive river cruises have been designed to immerse the discerning traveller in the tropical landscape and rich cultural vibrancy of Laos and Thailand.
Exclusive Cruises on the Majestic Mekong Enter a world of absolute serenity and outstanding natural beauty! Mekong River Cruises, a Lao-German joint venture, launched its first river cruise in 2006. When you step aboard one of our Mekong River boutique ships you will be transported into an enthralling world of pioneering exploration and picturesque enchantment. At last, the furthest and most inaccessible reaches of the mighty Mekong are waiting for you to discover the unique charms of Laos. As you sail between the heart of the Golden Triangle and the Laotian capital of Vientiane, you are penetrating a rich ecosystem, abundant with vibrant wildlife, and encountering unspoilt villages barely altered since ancient times. Our elegant river vessels enable you to travel up to 820 km/510 miles through a gloriously diverse riverscape. During the course of your journey, you will have the opportunity to explore prestigious World Heritage Sites and make guided excursions into riverside jungles. The unique Mekong river cruises allow you to discover the most fascinating regions of South-East Asia from the exclusive comfort of your floating boutique hotel. A Voyage of Discovery The Upper Mekong is one of the most challenging rivers in the world. The experienced captain will guide your ship through awe inspiring gorges, labyrinths of pristine sandbanks and confidently navigate turbulent rapids. Every stage of this stunning river odyssey reveals a different aspect of the Mekong s expressive character. Experience the reflective beauty of tranquil waters, marvel at the unspoilt vista of tropical jungle clad mountain peaks, impressive rock formations and secluded villages that offer visitors a warm welcome. Mekong River Cruises operates the only cabin cruisers that sail the complete river route between Thai Chiang Sean and the Laotian capital of Vientiane. With superior air-conditioned passenger cabins and premier full board service combined with exciting background information to the region and its people during presentations and lectures to satisfy the most discerning clients, this exclusive and intimate adventure accommodates a maximum of 32 guests.
The Mekong Sun Custom-designed and -built in 2006. 2 decks with 11 classic twin cabins on the main deck (12 m²/129 sq ft), all featuring waterside views and sliding windows opening to a French balcony providing a panoramic view of passing landscapes. 3 superior cabins: one double in the bow of the main deck (16 m²/172 sq ft), two twins on the upper deck (18 m²/194 sq ft) with their own private balcony; the cabin in the bow has a superb panoramic view to the front. All cabins feature en-suite shower/ WC and air-conditioning. Spacious sundeck with bar service and restaurant/bar area. All guided offshore excursions and meals are included.
The Mekong Explorer Custom-built in 2009, started operations in January 2010. 3 decks with 16 beautifully appointed cabins. All cabins with wide sliding picture windows and a French balcony providing panoramic views of the passing scenery. 2 deluxe balcony cabins (22 m²/237 sq ft) with private balcony on the upper deck. 8 classic cabins (12 m²/129 sq ft) and 4 superior cabins (16 m²/172 sq ft) on the main deck as well as 2 superior cabins on the upper deck. All cabins are twin-bedded with en-suite shower/wc and airconditioning. Attractive sun deck featuring restaurant/bar on the upper deck. All guided offshore excursions and meals onboard included.
Contact Passport Travel Lvl 1 12/14 Glenferrie Rd Malvern 3144 Australia Phone: +61 (0)3 9500 0444 Email: info@travelcentre.com.au www.travelcentre.com.au
Mekong River Cruise Laos Revealed Dates between Chiang Rai and Vientiane in 2015-2016/17: (The cruise route is navigable between summer and December each year) 10 NOV 15 17 NOV 15 15 DEC 15 22 DEC 15 2016 16 AUG 16 23 AUG 16 18 OCT 16 25 OCT 16 01 NOV 16 08 NOV 16 13 DEC 16 20 DEC 16 27 DEC 15 03 JAN 17 2017 31 JAN 17 07 FEB 17 1) 8 days downstream Golden Triangle Luang Prabang 2) 12 days upstream Vientiane - Golden Triangle Savour the magnificent scenery of the Mekong River on this unique cruise from the Golden Triangle in Thailand to Luang Prabang and further south to the Laotian capital of Vientiane, into the heart of Laos. Travel along formerly inaccessible stretches of Southeast Asia's most exciting river. Discover Vientiane and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, stroll through colourful markets, and experience firsthand the Laotian people s traditional way of life. Relax aboard your exclusive river vessel and enjoy the unspoiled nature along the mighty upper Mekong. The upper Mekong is one of the most difficult rivers in the world to navigate, with fluctuating water levels. Your comfortable cruise vessel masters tight gorges, negotiates labyrinths of sandbanks, and clears churning rapids. Along this part of the Mekong, tranquil stretches of the river combine with striking shore scenery of lush green mountains, impressive rock formations, and secluded villages. The upper Mekong is considered one of the world s most spectacular rivers navigable by a cruise vessel.
YOUR ROUTE: GOLDEN TRIANGLE HUAY XAY PAK THA PAKBENG PAK OU LUANG PRABANG KUANG SI THA DEUA PAKLAY VIENTIANE (or vv.) Tour Highlights: The wild upper Mekong aboard a boutique river vessel.one of the most spectacular river cruises in the world. The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, a superb fusion of numerous temples, monasteries, and French colonial architecture. One of Asia s most beautiful historical towns First-hand experience of the Thai and Lao peoples traditional lifestyles Small groups limited to 30 fellow passengers Pha That Luang Buddhist Temple in Vientiane the Laotian national landmark The Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong containing thousands of Buddha statues The waterfalls at Kuang Si, inviting you to swim in their lovely natural pools The Golden Triangle region, with its infamous past, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet Sunset over Luang Prabang Unforgettable impressions of the mighty Mekong River, the mother of waters Professional onboard infotainment, including lectures and documentaries on the region Itinerary (10 days downstream Golden Triangle Vientiane) DAY 1: The Golden Triangle Embarkation Dinner (D) Meet and greet at 11:30am in Chiang Rai city. Transfer by Bus to the Golden Triangle area at Chiang Saen. You will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant overlooking the Mekong before visiting the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the modern Hall of Opium. This fascinating museum, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, gives a deep background on the history
and politics of the opium trade and the health effects of opium abuse using multimedia exhibitions. In the evening embark on the RV Mekong Sun, a comfortable German-Laotian Boutique Cruise ship. Settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for a seven night cruise. Tonight you can enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend your evening welcome reception. (LD) All overnights aboard your Mekong River Cruise Boutique-Boat. * Depending on your cruise dates, the ship will be either the Mekong Sun or its sister vessel the Mekong Explorer. Please refer to the departure dates. DAY 2: The Golden Triangle Huay Xay Pak Tha The morning your grand voyage on the mighty Mekong River This morning your cruise will take you from the Golden Triangle region between Burma, Laos and Thailand into the People s Democratic Republic of Laos (Most nationalities can obtain visa on arrival here against USD in cash plus passport sized picture, pls. inquire with your local embassy about visa regulations). From the town of Huay Xay on the Laotian - Thai border your voyage leads into northern Laos amidst beautiful scenery. Continue to the small village of Pak Tha, where we join a longtail boat for a trip up the Nam Tha River to visit a remote Khmu village. You will visit a small village school sponsored by guests of Mekong River Cruises. DAY 3: Pakbeng The river traffic increases as you pass through a densely populated region accessible only by water. Relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin or in the lounge and soak up the remote scenery. Our voyage continues to the small town of Pak Beng, where we hope to meet elephants in a nearby camp. Once back on your Mekong cruise you will continue downstream and anchor at a sand bank. (unless they are employed elsewhere at the time of your visit). DAY 4: The Pak Ou caves Luang Prabang (B,L,-) After a relaxing morning onboard we stop at a small riverside village for a visit and to see their local distillery. From here, you can optionally go on a short jungle trek through the forest to the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. Alternatively you can reach the caves comfortably by boat as well. This evening we enjoy our famous Mekong River Cruises BBQ dinner in a beautiful riverside location. DAY 5: The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang Today you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a walk up Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular view over the Mekong as well as the Khan river and the surrounding mountains. Among other highlights during this full day excursion through Luang Prabang, the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple with its Golden tiled roofs will surely leave you in awe. In the evening, enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority. As Luang Prabang offers many opportunities for fine dining, tonight you are free to choose from the numerous offerings in town or along the Mekong River. DAY 6: Luang Prabang Kuang Si Falls In the early morning you will able to visit the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast is on board. Today you will experience more of the town during a morning visit and enjoy the unique atmosphere provided by the abundance of well-preserved French colonial architecture mingling with traditional Buddhist temples. After returning back
on board for lunch your cruise will take you further downriver, where you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes of this still-untamed river. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, aweinspiring rock formations along the river banks, and a fascinating array of fast currents and slower river parts on the river. The power of the mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature s wonders along the shores before you stop at a remote sandbank for the night. DAY 7: Tha Deua Pak Lay An excursion by local Tuk Tuks will take you to the Kuang Si-falls, one of the most attractive waterfalls in Laos. Back aboard your cruise returns northbound reaching Luang Prabang after lunch. This afternoon you are free to explore the beautiful town on your own pace, rent an E-bike to reach some of the lively outskirts of the town (optionally against premium) or spend some time shopping for souvenirs or presents for your loved ones at home. In the evening enjoy a traditional Lao Baci Ceremony and watch some local dances on board before celebrating with your local crew your farewell dinner. DAY 8: Nature along the mighty Mekong After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark.end of services with your transfer to the airport or your hotel in Luang Prabang (within city limits). NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including floodwaters, low water levels, and morning fog. Therefore, please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the itinerary of this tour because of the logistical complexities involved. Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather and river conditions. For safety reasons arising from the existing navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice. Itinerary (12 days upstream Vientiane Golden Triangle) Dates for 2016 2017 are still being finalised. DAY 1: Vientiane Embarkation (D) In Vientiane we meet you at the airport or pick you up in your hotel in town around 2pm. After a short sightseeing program to highlights of the Lao capital such as the Pha That Luang temple and the Wat Sisaket Monastery, you board your Mekong boutique river craft, a comfortable new cruise vessel, in the evening (embarkation begins at 4pm)*. This unique vessel is German-Laotian owned and outfitted with stylish cabins. Settle into your accommodations and unpack for a twelve-day cruise. Enjoy the spacious decks or onboard lounge, and join this evening s welcome reception and dinner. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise. All overnights are spent aboard your boutique cruise ship.
Depending on your cruise dates, the ship will be either the Mekong Sun or its sister vessel, the Mekong Explorer. Please refer to the schedule below. DAYS 2 and 3: Natural Beauty along the mighty Mekong (2x B,L,D) This morning you start your spectacular river cruise upstream to formerly inaccessible parts of the Mekong. Enjoy the comfort onboard the boat, with its fine service and exclusive, yet casual setting, which you share with a limited number of fellow guests. During the next days you will take exciting excursions, both on water and on land, and enjoy an onboard programme of presentations, talks, and film documentaries on relevant topics, such as the French Mekong Expedition of the 1860s, the daily life of a Buddhist novice monk, or the flora and fauna of the Mekong region. A visit to a small riverside community acquaints you with the life of the local Lao people. At night you anchor at a secluded sand or river bank. DAY 4: Pak Lay Your specially designed river vessel allows you to go on this remarkable voyage quite comfortably, something that previously was unthinkable. You travel some 800 km through delightful riverscapes, passing aboriginal villages and visiting World Heritage Sites. You discover some of Southeast Asia s last unknown regions. Upstream you stop at the small riverside community of Pak Lai, where the local market with its many exotic offerings is quite a sight. Back aboard, you take in the passing river scenery from the safety and comfort of your exclusive river vessel. You spend the night aboard the vessel close to the Thai-Laotian border. DAY 5: Tha Deua (B,L,-) During and after breakfast on board, you enjoy the view and will perhaps see local fishermen along the shore while continuing along the mother of all waters, as the locals call the Mekong River. You meet the residents of a small riverside village, which guests on Mekong cruises have often chosen to sponsor. Today you also pass the much-discussed Sayaboury hydropower dam project. An afternoon presentation about the Mekong River and its future by your cruise director supplies background information on this huge construction site and the differing opinions about it held by the countries along the river, the Mekong River Commission, and the local residents. You also see the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua, connecting the provinces of Luang Prabang and Sayaboury. DAY 6: Kuang Si Falls Luang Prabang Another shore excursion takes you to the Kuang Si Falls, one of the most scenic waterfalls in Laos. This afternoon you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town s unique atmosphere stems from its unusual mixture of numerous temples and French colonial architecture. Begin with a walk up Phou Si Hill, which offers a spectacular sunset view over the Mekong and Khan rivers and the
surrounding mountains. In the evening, enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colourful night market of the local Hmong minority. Watch a traditional Bazi Ceremony and local dances during and after dinner. DAY 7: The UNESCO-World Heritage town of Luang Prabang (B,L,-) Breakfast is served on board. Today the ship remains in Luang Prabang, where we take you on a full day of sightseeing, so you can truly experience the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage town with its wonderful mix of architectural styles. Luang Prabang offers many opportunities for fine dining, so tonight you are free to choose from the numerous offerings in town or along the Mekong River. DAY 8: Luang Prabang Pak Ou Caves In the early morning, you are able to observe the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast is served on board. Today you cruise further north and visit a Laotian village, where you see the traditional production of Lao-Lao, the local liqueur. After a short walk through the jungle (optional) you explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. The night is spent anchored at a beautiful sandbank, surrounded by nothing but nature. DAY 9: Pakbeng The river traffic thins out as you proceed upstream, looking out over the river and its scenic beauty. With a little luck you will be able to see working elephants in action today (unless they are employed elsewhere at the time of your visit). Later in the day, you pause briefly for a look at the market town of Pakbeng. DAY 10: Pak Tha Today is a day to just bask in this unique environment relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin, or in the lounge as you absorb the grandeur of this mighty river and its unspoiled natural surroundings. The landscape now shifts to lush tropical hills. Enjoy the tranquillity of northern Laos, a real retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life back home. Cruising upsteam past this verdant backdrop, your boat now turns north, heading towards Pak Tha DAY 11: Pak Tha Huay Xay At the small village of Pak Tha you go on a long-tail boat excursion along the Namtha River to visit a local Khmu village. The small village school enjoys frequent sponsorship by Mekong cruise guests. After reboarding your cruise vessel, you continue towards the Thai-Laotian border at Chiang Khong (Thailand) and Ban Huay Xay (Laos). The unspoiled landscape is accented by the occasional sight of small villages and local herds of cattle. You spend a last relaxing dinner and evening aboard, celebrating with a farewell dinner.
DAY 12: Golden Triangle farewell After breakfast you say goodbye to your Laotian crew, check out, and disembark. Today is spent on an excursion to the Golden Triangle area at Chiang Saen, where you visit, among other sights, the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and Chiang Saen, which was once the venue for crowning the kings of Lanna and Chiang Mai and is now a well-preserved historical site. In the afternoon you transfer to your Chiang Rai hotel (within city limits) or to the airport, where frequent flights to Bangkok are available ( no flights departing before 6:30pm can be reached). (B,L) NOTE: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including floodwaters, low water levels, and morning fog. Therefore, please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the itinerary of this tour because of the logistical complexities involved. Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather and river conditions. For safety reasons arising from the existing navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice. All departures are English and French speaking Prices for 2016 2017 are still being finalised. JUL-SEP * OCT-DEC * TWIN Classic per/person Single surcharge in Classic TWIN Superior per/person Single surcharge in Superior
TWIN Deluxe Balcony per/person (only on Mekong Explorer) Single surcharge in DBL Deluxe Balcony (only on Mekong Explorer) * relevant for the seasonal rate is the day of embarkation Minimum number to operate a cruise is 10 passengers, max. 32. (see Terms and Conditions) Payment conditions boutique cruises: A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the cruise rate is requested upon reservation. The balance should be paid in 60 days prior to departure date. Cancellation conditions boutique cruises: Up to 120 days prior to departure: 25% of total price Up to 60 days prior to departure: 52% of total price Up to 30 days prior to departure: 72% of total price Up to 1 day prior to departure: 92% of total price Services included 7 or 11 overnights in selected cabin type aboard your boutique river cruise ship (depending on routing/departure date) Local English- and/or French 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 Drinking 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 if information was correctly provided 3 weeks prior to embarkation, at the latest) Services not included 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 * Depending on your nationality, you will need visas for the following countries (passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date from Southeast Asia): Laos: Visas can be obtained on arrival for entry in Huay Xay (downstream cruises) or Vientiane (upstream cruises). Each visa purchased on arrival, valid 30 days: 30-42 US$ in cash, depending on nationality + one passport sized photo). Subject to change without prior notice. ATTENTION: Visas on arrival cost 1 US$ /person extra on Saturday and Sunday. Thailand: most nationalities do not need a visa to enter Thailand. PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL EMBASSY