Mekong River Tour: 28-Day Following the Mighty Mother River

Upon arriving at Kengtung Airport the car and guide will be waiting to transfer to the hotel for check in.

After freshening up take a short stroll around downtown Kengtung, a quaint town laid out around Nawng Tung Lake. The city’s architecture ranges from fading old colonial-style houses to nondescript modern structures and several large Buddhist temples and monasteries.  It is recommended to visit to Maha Myat Muni Pagoda and Wat Ho Kong, where monks learn Buddhism in khun language, which is similar or almost same as lana from Thailand. 

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (own account)

Overnight in Kengtung.

After breakfast, visit Kengtung’s local market. This daily market is visited by villagers from the surrounding area who come to sell their products and barter for goods.  Visiting the market, we will see minority hill tribes in their traditional dresses.

Then depart by road to Hokyin area, the starting point of today’s trek. The trek begins with a 1.5-2 hour walk to an Akha village. Spend some time in the village and interacting with the locals to discover more about their unique customs and daily lifestyle.

Resume trekking to Na Phi Phank village, a further 30-45 minutes, which is home to Lahu people who are famous for their blacksmithing. Then loop back to where the car is waiting possibly passing a Wa Village en route. During the trek a picnic lunch will be served in a scenic spot or village.

Return to Kengtung by car this afternoon.

Overnight in Kengtung.

Wake up early this morning for a colourful and enchanted local market in Kengtung, observing the local people from surroundings hill tribes who buy, sell and trade the various kind of stuffs. It is a unique place to soak in this busy atmosphere and to discover the local life.

It is worth to skip breakfast at hotel and try Shan noodles at the market. There is a section of noodle shops and other local tasty eateries.

Then, embark on a 4-hour drive to the Thai border. Before crossing into Thailand explore the border market and have lunch at a local restaurant (own account).
After completing the border formalities, say farewell to the Burmese guide and meet with Thailand guide.

Upon arrival in Mae Sai, continue driving to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. Visit the ancient Kingdom of Chiang Saen on the steep banks of Mekong River, opposite of Laos to see a couple of magnificent ancient ruins and temples. Then embark on a long-tail boat and see the area from the majestic Mekong River’s perspective.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Lanjia Lodge. Arrive at Lanjia Lodge in the afternoon. Be served a welcome herbal drink during check-in. Then, watch a presentation about the Hmong and Lahu tribes, the Golden triangle area and the giant catfish (locally known as Pla Buek) – the world’s biggest freshwater fish found in the Mekong River. Learn about activities that affect the Mekong River and people whose lives depend on the river.

Tour the Hmong and Lahu hill tribe village, including a visit at the shaman’s house of the Hmong. Drink tea with the shaman and discover why the fireplace is important to the Hmongs and why they bury the placenta and umbilical cord of their newborn babies.

Dinner and watch traditional Hmong performances.

Overnight at Lanjia Lodge.

After breakfast, transfer to Chiang Khong border to cross to Laos. Be assisted through immigration and cross the road bridge to Lao immigration. This is done by shuttle bus and costs 30 Baht per person (please bring cash).

Please arrive no later than 08:00 at the border crossing point. Upon arrival at the Lao border of Houay Xay, be greeted by a representative from the Luang Say Cruises and escorted to the shared cruise boat. The cruise takes two days to reach Luang Prabang, with an overnight stop made in Pakbeng.  

En route a stop is made to visit and admire the authentic rural life of hill tribe settlements.

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch onboard the boat and continue the cruise along the scenic Mekong River.

Later in the afternoon, arrive at the town of Pakbeng. Halfway between Houay Xay and Luang Prabang, this small town is lined with wooden houses along a steep street on the hillside and is quite dynamic. Depending on the rivers current, arrive at Pakbeng in time to watch the sunset over the river from the balcony of the room.

Overnight at Luangsay Lodge in Pakbeng.

In the morning enjoy breakfast at the hotel before continuing the river cruise downstream.

OPTIONAL: For early risers, there is an opportunity to visit the morning market of where the nearby villagers and hill tribes come to buy and exchange their goods.

The boat departs at 0830 am for the second half of the journey.  On the way to Luang Prabang two stops will be made.

We will make a short stop at the village of Ban Baw. Here there is a chance to see the processing of traditional rice alcohol. 

Continue downriver and you would reach Kamu Lodge around mid-afternoon. A Refreshing welcome drink is served.

You can check into your super-size tents with attached modern bathroom amenities and facilities.

You have ample time to relax before taking a stroll around the lodge or the nearby village for your own exploration.

Dinner is a feast by Kamu tribe standards. We want you to see the world from the Kamu's eyes.

After dinner, retire to your tent.

After breakfast, you can choose to either relax or to enjoy the traditional Kamu lifestyles and activities such as rice planting and harvesting in surrounding rice fields, gold panning in the Mekong (anything you find is Yours!), traditional fishing techniques (you can sample your catch for dinner!), visit of the Kamu village, archery contest.

You will enjoy lunch in an airy SALA settled in the middle of rice paddy fields.

Early afternoon, board on a traditional Long River and continue downstream to Luang Prabang while enjoying the refreshments served on the boat.

Marvel at the thousands of gold Buddha statues placed in sacred Pak Ou caves by devotees. Most people failed to marvel at Pak Ou towering limestone cliff.

We arrive in Luang Prabang just before the sunset. Transfer to your hotel in town.

Free for the rest of the day. Overnight in Luang Prabang

You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration of the town or just relax by the pool of the hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.

We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken. 

After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. 

If time permits, we will visit UXO Visitor Center (closed on Saturday, and Sunday), where you can find the documentation about the secret war in Laos.

Then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si, which is the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals

There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene, and explore the hidden waterfalls, which is rarely visited by other tourists

If you wish, take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. This is also one of the best spots to admire the sunset in Luang Prabang

Transfer back to your hotel late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang

7:30AM In the morning, our driver will transfer you to the meeting point where we will join the minivan of Elephant Conservation Center for the transfer to Xayabouly (about 90KM). 

When you have arrived at the pier at Nam Tien Lake, we will transfer you to the center by boat. You might be able to catch a quick glimpse of one of our elephants while our boat docks. 

You will have some time to install yourself in your private bungalow before lunch is served. After enjoying a Laotian style meal, your guide will take you for a visit of the Center’s facilities and present our ongoing projects.

During the hospital visit our veterinarian and biologist will take you into their world and explain about the projects they are undertaking. 

Through the visit of the only Elephant Hospital in Laos, you will discover the conservation actions implemented by The Elephant Conservation Center.

You will then observe the elephants’ daily bath and learn more about our giant guests’ playful characters. Elephants are surprisingly good swimmers and love water. They also use this time to socialize.

After the elephants have washed themselves, you will meet our mahouts, who will show you how they get on and off the elephant and the commands they use. 
You will then have the opportunity to interact with the elephants with the mahouts at your side. 

Get a feel for the elephant’s amazing skin and prickly hair, and experience up close the dexterity of their trunk as you offer them some food. 

Feel free to take photos standing next to our giants!  For those who really want to get a feel of being on top of the elephant, mahout style, you can request to do so later on when bringing the elephants to the forest or socialization area.  

But this is absolutely not central to the experience we propose and is strictly on the neck, not in a chair on the elephant’s back!

While walking the elephants to their nightly resting ground you will witness the unique bond between the mahout and his elephant. 

Our experienced mahouts use vocal commands to steer the animals through the thick foliage.  As you stroll together with these magnificent creatures into the dense forest of Nam Tien, take a moment! 

This is the REAL land of elephants!  Your guide will give you some interesting information about the biodiversity of our protected forest.

Before dinner, take some time to take in the surroundings from our viewpoint. You can also go for a swim in the lake or visit the museum. 

During meal time, feel free to ask your unresolved questions to the staff or share one of the Lao style cocktails!

On the second day you will meet up with the elephants in the forest. After spending the night grazing in the jungle it is time for another bath. 

Enjoy strolling together with these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. If you wish, you can ask to ride the elephant, bareback on the neck, for a short time on their way through the forest, to get a physical feel for the animal.

When they have had their fill of water they are brought to the Socialization Area. This is an area where the elephants can freely interact during a big part of the day, recreating a semi-natural living environment. 

Here the elephants can enjoy being…elephants. Follow the guide around the perimeter to learn more about the elephants. Take your time on the different platforms to see how a new herd is being formed. 

This rare opportunity will bring you closer to their natural life, something which is very special about our program and difficult to find anywhere else in Laos.
Lunch is served at one of the viewing platforms. You have some time to let everything sink in. 

Following the forest picnic, you can see the resident mother and baby at the nursery. The mahout of the mother stays close by while she and her baby have a bath and play. The mother trusts him around her offspring and even lets him play with her a little bit.

After visiting the nursery you can take your time to pack your bags and say goodbye to the staff. Perhaps you would like to take in the scenery for one last time before transferring directly to Vang Vieng.

Arriving in Vang Vieng just before the dark fall over the town. Check in your hotel in town.

Overnight in Vang Vieng

We will transfer to Phatang Resort around 18 km north of Vang Vieng. 

After an introduction to the basics of kayaking we shall set off down  the beautiful Nam Song river which offers various small but fun rapids along  the way to our first stop at Tham Xang Cave. 

Here we will walk up to the massive theater like cave while hearing about local history about the area!

After emerging from the cave a short kayaking will lead us to a picnic spot on the riverside where we shall enjoy lunch. 

In the afternoon, we shall continue down the river until the next stop at the Organic Farm where mulberry tea and a variety of different fruit wines are produced.

Continuing on downstream we arrive at Tham None Cave which is one of the largest caves in Vang Vieng! It served as a bomb shelter for local villagers during the Second Indochina War. However, today it is home to a bat family and the 'Magic Stone of Vang Vieng'. The final leg of the journey is a gentle paddle downstream to Vang Vieng, where we shall arrive just in time to catch the sunset.

Overnight in Vang Vieng

Early morning, we drive out of town to the capital, Vientiane. Vientiane is the charming and fascinating capital of Laos. This city conjures up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. En route, we will make a short stop at the H’Mong market at Km52. 

This afternoon we explore the town; with Wat Sisaket which is the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha images. We continue sightseeing by visiting Haw Prakeo, the former royal temple of Laos monarchy, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Statue. We then visit the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph before continuing to the famous That Luang Stupa.

Overnight in Vientiane 

After breakfast, we take the flight to Pakse, the biggest city of the southern Laos.

Upon arrival, we head east to Pakse and onto the Bolaven Plateau. The Bolaven Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. 

Stop at a tea plantation, followed by a brief visit to Tad Fan Waterfall, a picturesque twin chute waterfall. 

We will also visit the local village at Ban Lak Sipchet, which makes iron knife; and Ban Lak Samsip, which makes bamboo basket.

If time permits, we will also visit Tad Yeung and take some dip into the cool clear natural pool at the foot of the waterfall

We then return to Pakse to spend the night

After meeting at the Sinouk Coffee House in central Pakse at 9:30am, we transfer you to a longtail riverboat for your 2.5 hour journey to Champassak. 

Upon arrival at the Vat Phou boat, we help you to your cabins to unpack then serve lunch on deck. 

The highlight of the afternoon is the Vat Phou ruins - the majestic pre-Angkorian 10th century temple complex and boat's namesake. 

You have time to visit the museum at the ruins site, walk up to the highest temple and take as many photos as you would like.

As dusk falls, we transfer you back to the Vat Phou boat for a chance to enjoy the tropical sunset on the deck. 

Dinner is served on board, while the boat docks for the night alongside a remote Laotian village.

Breakfast is on board as we set sail for the village of Huei Thamo. This is a small village a few minutes walk away from the mysterious hidden forest temple of Oum Muong. 

Afterwards we rejoin the boat to continue our cruise southwards. 

Lunch is on the deck, while leisurely sailing closer to the wild paradise of the "4,000 Islands" 

Late afternoon we disembark from the boat to walk through Ban Deua Tia, a small Laotian Village where the traditional way of life has not changed in centuries. 

Our day's cruise finishes at the most northern tip of Don Khong, the largest inhabited island in the river archipelego. After dinner, the evening is yours to relax and enjoy.

While you breakfast on the deck, the Vat Phou boat cruises the Mekong to the small village of Ban Veuthong, where you board a small boat to meander among the 4,000 Islands to Khone Island. 

You will visit the old French railway and walk across the bridge that links Khone and Det Islands. 

We continue on the boat back to the mainland for lunch at a local restaurant in a small fishing village, Xieng Di, on the banks of the Mekong. 

A bus transfers you to the historically significant Pha Pheng waterfall, "the Niagara of the East", close to the Cambodian border. 

After your visit to Phapheng waterfall you will be transferred to the Cambodia to continue your journey to the kingdom of wonders.

After finishing all the border formality, our Cambodian guide and driver will pick you up and transfer directly to Stung Treng, that takes about 1.5 hours.

Check in your hotel upon arrival. Free for the rest of the day to relax.

Overnight in Stung Treng

Breakfast will be served at a local restaurant near the market in Stung Treng.

This morning, visit Mekong Blue, a local silk weaving centre offering work and an income to disadvantaged young women in this remote area. Tour the workshops and shop for beautiful silk items that carry the ‘UNESCO Seal of Excellence.’ (Note: Mekong Blue is closed Sundays).

From here, transfer south towards Kratie. On the way, stop to visit Wat Sorsor Mouy Roy in the village Sambo. The Vihea of the so-called ‘100 Pillars Pagoda’ is an important historical and cultural building and quite famous for its legend involving a princess and a crocodile. Interestingly, the site is now home to a project oriented to protecting various species of threatened and endangered turtles.

Continue along the banks of the Mekong, a very scenic route with great views. In the village Kampi, the best spot to view the rare Irrawaddy Dolphins along the Mekong. Get on board a local boat and be taken to the preferred places of these interesting creatures. As soon as the first dolphin is spotted, the boat driver will turn the engine off. Then, follow the dolphins silently (duration 1 to 1.5 hours).

Arrive in Kratie (transfer ca. 30 minutes) and enjoy lunch at Le Tonlé Tourism, which trains young locals in the principles of hospitality to ensure a better future in Kratie. Dining here means most delicious Khmer food paired with a very personalized service. The students are as excited to meet their guests as the guests themselves to meet the students.

Take some time at leisure to discover the small town before boarding a private boat to Koh Trong Island, only a short 10 minutes boat ride away from Kratie. This Mekong island reflects a  typical Cambodian village life, where people’s livelihood largely depend on rice farming and fruit cultivation (Koh Trong is famous for its pomelo, which is similar to grapefruit). Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and enjoy some time at leisure to enjoy the environment.

Dinner at Rajabori Villas.

Overnight on Koh Trong Island.

Breakfast at the hotel. Now get ready for a visit to the island that is will be home during the visit to Kratie. Decide whether to take a local horse cart or pedal around the island on a bicycle.

The first destination is the island’s Wat, where a special activity awaits: A tree planting project initiated by a local farmer, in order to recultivate the once densely forested island. Contribute to the project by planting a tree that will carry the name and leave a positive impact on the island.

Next, relax with a beautiful Khmer lunch at a local restaurant.

Now it is time to leave this beautiful island and continue the journey towards Phnom Penh. Stop in Kampong Cham to stretch ones legs on a short tour of the provincial capital and its typical market. Continue the final 120km to Phnom Penh, arriving in the late afternoon.

Phnom Penh was once considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its turbulent history and recent development, it still retains a colonial charm. Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap. Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glorious days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

This morning, be greeted by a driver and taken on a tour to the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh via cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city. First, visit Wat Phnom, which is situated near the northern boundary of the city. The site contains some good examples of Khmer architecture and statues.

Continue along the lively riverfront to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.

The next stop is the National Museum, built in traditional Khmer style. It houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to a large bat colony!

Lunch will be at Friends Restaurant.

This afternoon, visit to the remarkable Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in the former school that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as its main detention and torture center named ‘S-21’. A grim, but important visit that digs below the surface for a better understanding of Cambodia. (Note: All visitors to Toul Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh are required to wear modest clothing: no short pants or short skirts (knees must be covered) and no sleeveless shirts (shoulders must be covered). See-through clothing will also not be allowed. VIsitors who are inappropriately dressed will not be allowed to visit the museum.)

Late afternoon head to the riverside area of Phnom Penh, a pleasant French style promenade that is great for people viewing. In the early evening (and morning) various activities take place include exercise classes, Khmer dancing and plenty of snacking on local food. Participate in a Khmer dance class which is a lot of fun for all!

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Early morning, leave Phnom Penh in a southernly direction for Kep (4h transfer depend on traffic). Cambodia’s prestigious beach resort of the 1960s is now awakening to its former glory. A fascinating mix of a small calm beach, reminders of the past and a growing choice of activities.

Arrive around lunch time and check into the hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure and discover Kep independently.

Overnight in Kep.

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the popular crab market before transferring to the Vietnam border. The 1h drive leads one through some of the most picturesque scenery in this region. Travel through a sea of rice fields that are bordered with limestone mountains in the distance. Arrive at the border crossing at Phnom Den/Tien Binh and be welcomed by the Vietnamese tour guide to the Mekong Delta.

On arrival at the border transfer to Chau Doc. 

In the afternoon head to nearby Sam Mountain. There are dozens of pagodas and temples around Sam Mountain and reaching the peak is the highlight of the visit. The views from the top are spectacular (weather permitting) and there is a chance to look out over to Cambodia.

Arrive in Can Tho after the 3.5 hour transfer from Chau Doc.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Wake up early for a boat cruise to the colorful Cai Rang floating market which bustles with wholesalers on big boats. Here, during the early morning market hours, larger sized boats anchor and create lanes that smaller boats weave in and out of.

The main items sold here are fruit and vegetables, and every boat has a long upright pole at its bow from which samples of the goods for sale are hung. The waterway becomes a maze of hundreds of boats packed with mango, bananas, papaya, pineapple, and even floating pho vendors.

Following the visit to Cai Rang and Can Tho depart for the 4-hour drive to Ho Chi Minh City. Drop off at the hotel in HCMC.

Meet with a local guide and set off on a half day tour in Ho Chi Minh City. Start with a visit to the city’s most iconic building: Reunification Hall. Formerly called the Presidential Palace, images of the building were seen around the world on 30 April 1975 when tanks stormed the gates as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. Hear the echoes of time while walking through this historic downtown site.

Then take a stroll to Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way. Admire the beautiful architecture of the Opera House, City Hall, the old Saigon Post Office, hear about the glory days of French Indochina and how that era continues to influence aspects of modern Vietnamese culture.

Step inside the War Remnants Museum for an insightful, yet somber, investigate Vietnam’s military history. See exhibitions displaying imagery from the French and American wars, learning more about the country’s struggle for independence and hearing tales of the resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Then step off the tourist trail for one last visit on this Ho Chi Minh City tour at a Vietnamese coffee shop, sit down and taste the coffee like locals. After this insightful visit, return to the hotel.

Free for the rest of the day to relax. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Departing early in the morning to the beach town of Mui Ne – about 220 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. This is a wildly popular place for water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing, and its giant sand dunes are ideal for jeep safaris. The area is also famous for its cheap, fresh seafood. The days will whizz by as you enjoy your last beach adventures and sunsets. Don’t forget to snap some photos along the way!

Free day at leisure at your own relaxation or explore the beach by yourselves. 

There are plenty of water activities on spots if you wish to spend your day. Just check with your hotel or contact us for further detail.

Overnight in Mui Ne Beach

Free day at leisure at your own relaxation or explore the beach by yourselves. 

There are plenty of water activities on spots if you wish to spend your day. Just check with your hotel or contact us for further detail.

Overnight in Mui Ne Beach

Free before transferring back to Saigon to connect with another onward flight back home or to the next destination.