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Essential Laos with Pandaw Cruise

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Essential Laos with Pandaw Cruise
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Experience Travel Group

Essential Laos with Pandaw Cruise

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This trip is an incredible way to experience Laos. Visit this magical mountainous country's cultural highlights, as well as some truly hidden gems.

The itinerary includes ten nights aboard the charming RV Pandaw Laos cruise ship, which takes you around the seldom travelled northern regions of Thailand and Laos, where you will discover stunning scenery, forgotten hill tribes and magical cultural sites.

Highlights include:

  • Cruise for ten nights aboard the lovely RV Pandaw cruise ship
  • Visit lesser visited regions of Thailand
  • Visit the Pak Ou caves, stuffed to the brim with Buddha relics
  • Explore the magical UNESCO town of Luang Prabang
  • Visit forgotten French-colonial towns along the Nam Ou river
  • Spend a few days discovering Vientiane

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive Journey Planner here.

Day 1 – Depart the UK

Depart the UK.

Day 2 – Chiang Rai

Meet your guide at Chiang Mai airport and transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3 – Chiang Rai

Spend the day with rescued elephants close to Chiang Rai, and visit local ethnic minority villages to see how the locals live. If desired, you can also take an easy trek to a waterfall where you can take a quick dip!

Day 4 – Pandaw Cruise

You will check-in to your cabin and receive a welcome brief. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax as the boat cruises up to the border with Burma and Laos.

Day 5 – The Golden Triangle

Today you will travel by coach to the Golden Triangle area with its Opium Museum and if security permits, you can cross into Tachilek - the notorious Burma border town with its fascinating black market where you can buy anything, quite literally! It is probably the world’s best duty-free area!

Day 6 – Pak Beng

Today as you cross into Laos, you will stop for a walk in the market town of Pak Beng, deep in the Laos jungle. You will then visit Pak Tha and take a trip up the Namtha River by traditional long-tail boat to visit a Khmu village.

Day 7 – Pak Ou

You will stop today to explore the incredible Buddhist sanctuaries that are the Pak Ou Caves. You will also enter the Nam Ou River today, with its spectacular cliff faces. Continue on the river all day through rapids and deep pools.

Day 8 – Luang Prabang

Today you will reach the magical Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage town. Moored in the heart of the temple city, you will visit the many Buddhist temples, libraries and the Royal Palace. There is a buzzing night market and many delightful cafes and some quite good restaurants ashore.

Day 9 – Luang Prabang

Observe the morning almsgiving as a thousand monks collect their daily meals from door to door. Then you go inland to explore the fascinating Hmong villages and swim in the deep jungle pools at the Khaung Si waterfall. Those interested will have the chance to do some gentle trekking along forest trails. The evening is at leisure to explore Luang Prabang by night, possibly visiting many of the craft studios, workshops and restaurants.

Day 10 – Tha Deua

Take a walk ashore at this vital crossing point and visit local villages to see how the locals live in the countryside. The boat will continue upstream into Sayabouri Province.

Day 11 – Pak Lai

Stroll around the charming French-colonial town of Pak Lai, with its many colonial buildings and a bustling local market. This town boasts the largest elephant festival in South East Asia, usually in February.

Day 12 – Ban Paklay

You will pass through a dramatic landscape of jungle and mountains today, where the river flows fast and wild. Unusual rock formations straddle the river banks, and the boat will moor here on the sandbanks for the night. You will visit Ban Sanakham, an important border crossing between Laos and Thailand. It is here that you will enter the cultivated plains of Vientiane province.

Day 13 – Vientiane

This morning you will arrive in Vientiane. You will have the chance to explore this charming French city and spend the evening in port to explore the many cafes and bistros in this charming little corner of L’Indochine.

Day 14 – Vientiane

Today you will disembark the RV Pandaw Laos and check into your hotel for your final night in Laos. You can explore the many cafes, bistros and handicraft stores on the bustling streets of Vientiane.

Day 15 – Fly Home

Transfer to the airport to catch your flight home.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week tip-inclusive holidays start from roughly £4,000 per adult. We offer substantial child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Green Park Hotel

Green Park Hotel, Vientiane

Vientiane's most stylish and welcoming boutique hotel features beautiful facilities in a peaceful tropical garden setting.

Legend, Chiang Rai

Legend, Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai

Modern, stylish boutique resort on the banks of the Mae Kok River in central Chiang Rai.

RV Laos Pandaw

RV Laos Pandaw, Vientiane

A charming, colonial-style cruise ship in northern Laos navigates the northern regions of Thailand and Laos.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Breakfast at Kuang Sii Waterfalls

Breakfast at Kuang Sii Waterfalls, Luang Prabang

Beat the crowds with an early morning visit to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Highlights of Vientiane

Highlights of Vientiane, Vientiane

Our signature half day tour on foot and by tuk tuk, taking in some of the lesser known sights.

Pak Ou Caves

Pak Ou Caves, Luang Prabang

Home to many thousands of Buddha images since the 16th century.

Tak Bat (Alms Giving)

Tak Bat (Alms Giving), Luang Prabang

Picturesque early morning procession of monks through Luang Prabang.

Temples of Luang Prabang

Temples of Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang

Wander through the magical temples and sights of Luang Prabang on this full day tour.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Essential Laos with Pandaw Cruise'

Ready to enquire about this holiday?

Each journey with ETG is different. Let us know your needs, hopes and fears, and our friendly travel team will help you discover your ideal holiday.

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

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Experience Travel Group

020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Borneo
      • Indochina
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Laos
    • Classic Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • In Depth Holidays
    • Multi Country Holidays
    • Honeymoon & Luxury
  • Guide to Laos
    • Why choose Laos
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Free Country Guide Download
  • Regions of Laos
    • Overview
    • Luang Prabang
    • Pakse & Southern Laos
    • Northern Laos
    • Plain of Jars
    • Vientiane
  • About us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Our Reviews
    • Our Press
    • Our brochure
    • Our Blog
  • How it works
    • Why choose us?
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Trip planning process
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Contact Us
  • Holiday Types
    • The Revitalise Collection
    • Immersive Escapes
    • Honeymoons
    • Family Travel
  • Inspiration
    • Inspire me
    • Travel Soon
    • Plan Ahead
    • Month by month weather guide
    • Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • Search
  • Contact Us
  • My Booking
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