Pandaw Laos and China Cruise
An incredible, pioneering expedition on the mighty Mekong River
For the first time it is possible for travellers to sail on the mighty Upper Mekong River from Laos to China. This will be an incredible, pioneering 14-night river expedition discovering charming villages, stunning scenery, pristine jungle, and in China, the river’s emerald green waters. Our journey also includes overnight stops in Luang Prabang, Chiang Saen and vibrant Jinghong.
Locations you will be visiting
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Vientiane, Laos
Discover the sights and traditions for Vientiane with this handy destination guide.
2 Days
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Luang Prabang, Laos
Discover the sights and traditions for Luang Prabang with this handy destination guide.
2 Days
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Jinghong, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Jinghong with this handy destination guide.
1 Day
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Chengdu, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Chengdu with this handy destination guide.
1 Day
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
Pandaw Laos and China Cruise
18 day Tour Itinerary
An overview of your trip
DAY 1 Fly to Vientiane
Take a scheduled flight from the UK to Vientiane.
- Transport: Airplane
DAY 2 Arrive Vientiane
Upon arrival at the airport, our guide will meet you and organise the transfer to your accommodation.
DAY 3 Embark Vientiane
Board the boat in time for lunch and enjoy an afternoon of explorations of this delightful French-colonial city, including visits to the Wat Sisaket Temple, the President’s Hall, Wat Prakeo Temple, and the Phatouxay Monument, Laos’ very own Arc de Triomphe. Set sail in the late afternoon, and enjoy a welcome dinner on board.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 4 Cruise the Mekong
Today cruise upstream, passing lush jungle and tiny riverside villages. In the morning there will be an insightful talk on the Lao language and in the afternoon, an enticing cooking demonstration to fill your day before the ship arrives in Ban Xanakham where you moor overnight.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 5 Pak Lai
Watch the scenic landscapes drift by as you wend your way to the former French administrative town of Pak Lai with its colonial buildings and bustling market. Return to the ship at Ban Muang where it moors for the night.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 6 Ban Park Bor Village
Morning visit and walking tour to a Khamo tribal village. In the afternoon pass through the Xanyaburi HydroElectric Power Plant.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 7 Ban Mouang Khai Village
This morning visit a Hmong village and continue upstream to the village of Ban Mouang Khai. In the afternoon, explore jungle pools, the Khaung Si Waterfall and a butterfly garden. Arrive in Luang Prabang.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 8 Luang Prabang
Discover this well-preserved and unique World Heritage Site on a morning tour by tuk tuk, including the National Museum. The afternoon is free to uncover the beauty of Luang Prabang on your own, before returning to the boat for traditional Laos dancing.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 9 Pak Ou Caves
An early morning walking tour to see alms being offered to monks, followed by a local boat trip to the unique Pak Ou Caves and Elephant camp, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliffs. Enjoy evening cocktails, as you sail upstream towards Ban Bo.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 10 Pak Beng
Enjoy a morning visit to a local Khamo village, before sailing upstream passing Pak Beng towards Pak Sit.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 11 Ban Houayxay
Early morning walking tour in a Khamo village, then cruise through stunning scenery to the border of Laos and Thailand. The night is spent in Huay Xay.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 12 The Golden Triangle
Morning trip to the smuggler city of Tachilek in Burma to visit the “extraordinary“ market, Chinese temples and the Tachilek Shwedagon Pagoda. After lunch visit the Hall of Opium, and end the day at the Buddha Statue at the Golden Triangle, for a view of three countries. Overnight in Chiang Saen.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 13 Ban Dom Moon
Traverse a Mekong that is now narrower and faster than anything encountered so far, and enjoy a stroll around Pok Lok village, followed by a talk on the region’s ethnography.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 14 Sob Luoy Province
Visit Ban Pak Keo, and walk uphill to a pagoda with a beautiful view over the Mekong. Stop at Ban Na Kor in the afternoon and sail on to a remote sandbank for the night. Canapés and cocktails are served on the sundeck followed by local Lao folklore stories and traditional floating fire lanterns.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 15 Guan Lei
The adventure continues by speed boat up the white waters, through the gorges, to cross into China at Guan Lei Port. There is free time to explore before immigration and transferring by road to Jinghong.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
Note: If the water level is too low, too high or the flow too fast, you may not reach Jinghong. In this case your journey will continue by speed boat and you will stay in the best available 4* hotel.
DAY 16 Jinghong
Today visit the fascinating Tropical Plant Institute, Manting Park, and enjoy a cultural show, where traditional dancers from 38 ethnic groups perform a fascinating story of China.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 17 Jinghong to Chengdu
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu and an overnight stay.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Airplane
DAY 18 Fly to UK
There is an optional tour to the Panda Breeding and Research Centre before your transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Airplane
Optional Extras - Cultural Experiences
There is some free time in your itinerary for you to explore on your own, or treat yourself to an excursion. Use the links below to create a to-do list, or, if you’d prefer us to book you onto one of these or any other excursions, please let us know when booking your tour.
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View this packageVietnam
Indochina: Explore Off the Beaten Track
Discover off the beaten track in whatever country you are visiting. Go on your very own adventurous journey and meet the local tribes living deep within the mountains.
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View this packageChina
China: Ride the Bullet Train
Take a thrilling ride on the Chinese Bullet Train
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View this packageChina
China: Volunteering at the Dujiangyan Panda Base
Enjoy a morning helping the staff with the pandas, at their base in Chengdu
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View this packageChina
China: Tai Chi Lesson
Practise this ancient martial art with a Tai Chi lesson
Sample Accommodation
Your holiday details
Laos: Pandaw Laos and China Cruise
from£6,299
What's included:
- International flights in economy class
- 4★ accommodation on twin share basis
- Main deck cabin on cruise
- Transfers
- Transportation
- Tours as stated
- Meals as specified
- Airport taxes
- Local tips
- Personal spending
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
Price from £6,299
Single room supplement £499
Land only from £5,499
(excluding international flights)
Upgrade to Upper Deck from £899
Prices and products are subject to availability at the time of booking.
The deposit for these arrangements is £300 per person. Balance is due 12 weeks before departure.
When making an enquiry or reservation we will request your contact details, however no payment will be required at this stage. We will contact you for payment details and to confirm your booking, your details and the details of those travelling with you along with any extras you’d like to add.
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