Be amongst the few to enjoy this epic Mekong Cruise from Vientiane through Laos to the Golden Triangle region in Thailand.

Begin your journey with a short stop in Bangkok (optional) to discover the best of the Thai capital before flying to Vientiane to begin your Laos Mekong River Cruise journey.

From Vientiane, the old French capital, this is the first river expedition since pre-war days to cross all of Laos.

Cruise upstream visiting parts of rural Laos along the Mekong barely touched by tourism.

Stop two nights at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang with its dazzling wood carved monasteries before sailing on deep into the mountains, through the rapids and gorges of the Mekong north of Luang Prabang.

Visit tribal villages and explore jungle and countryside before crossing into Thailand and on to the cultural city of Chiang Mai where the journey finishes.

As with all Pandaw expeditions, itineraries are an indication only are very much subject to change.

If you don't wish to include Bangkok and/or Chiang Mai just let us know as we can tailor this journey to suit your interests.

Day 1: UK - Vientiane

Fly UK to Bangkok.

Day 2: Vientiane

On arrival in Vientiane you will be transferred to your chosen hotel, with the rest of the day to relax at leisure.

Overnight Vientiane: Breakfast included.

Day 3: Vientiane

Vientiane is a city of intriguing contrasts. Delve into the capital city, exploring the old and the new, the traditional and the bizarre. The variety of sites and informative visits provide a better understanding of the city’s rich past and its modern lifestyles.

After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel.

Be cast under the spell of Vientiane, Laos’ serene capital, with an in-depth tour of the city. Although not as alluring as the Luang Prabang, Vientiane has a quirky charm that is revealed in today’s excursion.

Begin at one of the city’s oldest temples: the serene Wat Sisaket. Having withstood the invasion of the Thai’s in the 1800's, the temple houses a remarkable set of more than one thousand Buddha statues tucked into niches in the walkways.

The nearby Wat Phra Keo is equally impressive with its Lao and Khmer art and sculptures. After a quick glance at the former French palace, pop in to COPE.

COPE works with Lao residents who have been disabled by landmines laid during the American-Vietnam war. The visit is a solemn reminder of the recent tragedies in the region yet with a positive note as progress is being made to improve the lives of those affected.

Continue on to Patuxay, another relic of the Lao colonial rule. The ‘Arc de Triomphe’ of Laos seems out of place at first but when climbing to the top the views are fantastic.

Then step further back in time with a visit to That Luang, the city’s holiest temple. Built in the 16th century, the gilded stupa is an icon of Laos and an important pilgrimage site for its residents.

Having examined the historical side of Laos, the afternoon focuses more on the country’s culture and people. Enjoy lunch at a training centre where disadvantaged youth are given the skills training needed to create delicious Lao dishes.

Then venture just outside of Vientiane to Buddha Park, a collection of unusual, quirky religious sculptures located near the Thai-Laos friendship bridge. Also known as Xieng Khuang, this unusual park is filled with more than 200 modern Buddhist and Hindu statues placed amid a tranquil, natural setting.

Returning to the city, stop to visit the Lao Disabled Women Development Center. People with disabilities are generally looked down upon in Laos but this centre aims to change that point of view. The women are proud to show you their skills, using age-old techniques to create amazing traditional crafts such as handmade paper and other items.

The day comes to a close along the banks of the Mekong River. Mingle with the locals as the sun sets, enjoying snacks and cold drinks from the various stalls that pop up in the evening hours.

Overnight Vientiane: Breakfast included.

Day 4: Vientiane

Pick up from your hotel in Vientiane at 08.00am, followed by a local longtail 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.

Overnight On Board: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 5: Mekong River

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.

Overnight On Board: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 6: Xayabouri Dam

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.

Overnight On Board: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 7: Kuang Si Waterfalls

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.

Overnight On Board: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

The RV Laos Pandaw

The RV Laos Pandaw has just 9 cabins over two decks.

On the Main Deck are 6 Staterooms whilst the Upper Deck has 3 Premium Staterooms.

The Staterooms are one of the highlights of Pandaw. All Staterooms are approximately 17 sq. m. in size, finished in teak and brass with panoramic French windows.

The 79 cm draught means that the RV Angkor can cruise rivers at extremely shallow water levels.