Cruising the fascinating Mekong River in
Southern Laos

Vat Phou - A Traditional Mekong River Cruise in Southern Laos
Welcome aboard the mystical "Vat Phou" for a fascinating cruise along the "Mother of Waters" to the wild paradise of the 4000 islands. The Vat Phou is a 34-meter long, steel hull barge that was converted into a floating hotel in 1993 with support of the World Bank. She has 12 air-conditioned cabins, each with two single beds and a private bathroom. The charming "Vat Phou" is equipped with a restaurant serving Laotian, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine and a shaded upper deck for lounging and relaxing.

Dossier LVPC4

DOWN RIVER PROGRAM: Every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday from 01 Nov to 30 Apr 2004 and 1-31 Oct
Every Saturday from 01 May to 30 Sept
NO departures between 01-30 Jun

Day 1: PAKSE/CHAMPASSAK/VAT PHOU (-/L/D)

10h30 a.m. departure from Pakse for Champassak, heading south aboard a local longtail riverboat, zigzagging through mild rapids and sand banks, arriving at Champassak in time for a riverside lunch, followed by a guided tour of the mysterious pre-Angkorian 10th century temple of Vat Phou, the boat's namesake. As dusk falls board the Vat Phou for a relaxing cruise down-river, enjoying the tropical sunset on the deck, dinner is served on board, while the boat docks for the night alongside a remote Laotian village.

Day 2: HUEI THAMO/ OUM MOUNG TEMPLE /KHONG ISLAND (B/L/D)

Breakfast on board as we set sail for the village of Huei Thamo, only a few minutes walk away from the spectacular hidden forest temple of Oum Moung. Afterwards rejoin the boat for a cruise southwards and lunch on the deck, while we continue our leisurely sail further south to the wild paradise of the "4,000 islands", visiting Khong Island and the village of Muang Kong, where the traditional way of life has not changed in centuries. Back on board for a sunset cruise and a quiet dinner, under the stars, serenaded by the songs of the buffalo toads.

Day 3: BAN VEUTHONG / THE "NIAGARA OF THE EAST / XIENG DI / PAKSE (B/L/-)

Breakfast on the deck, while cruising to the small village of Ban Veuthong, where we board a local car-ferry to reach the mainland and the amazingly scenic splendor of the Khong Pha Peng waterfall, "the Niagara of the East", close to the Cambodian border. On arrival at the small fishing village of Xieng Di, we will board a small long-tail boat to Khone Island, at the very south of this natural water dam, where if you are very lucky, you might have a rare glimpse of the river dolphins! Lunch amid the by-gone splendid of another age; colorful French colonial houses and an old customs post, alongside a stone quay. Back to "civilization", for the two hours ride to Pakse, arriving in the afternoon, about 4 p.m.

UP RIVER PROGRAM: The cruise operates in reverse order
Every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday from 01 Nov 2003 to 30 Apr and 1-31 Oct
Every Tuesday from 01 May to 30 Sept
NO departures between 01-30 Jun

** For safety reasons and according to navigation conditions, the program may be amended
without warning **

JOINT TOUR PRICES FOR CRUISE DOWN OR CRUISE UP:

For currency conversions, click here: XE.com Personal Currency Assistant

INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE TOUR PRICES ARE :-

· 2 nights River cruises on board the Vat Phou Cruise.
· Meals as specified in the program ( B = Breakfast / = Lunch / D = Dinner)
· Transfers and tours during the cruise package with English speaking guide
· Entrance fees as per itinerary.
· Service charge, room tax and baggage handling.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE TOUR PRICES ARE :-

· Laotian visa fee upon arrival (USD 30 / pax + 2 photos).
· Drinks, tips and other personal expenditures such as telephone, laundry …
· Personal travel insurance.

NOTE: From 01 June to 30 June there are no tours.

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