Started in 2009 visitors of Laos have the opportunity to discover the serene beauty of Southern Laos during a cruise aboard the cruise vessel Mekong Islands. Passengers can choose from a 5- or 7-day cruise option, each starting and ending in the capital of Champasak province Pakse, is located along the Mekong shore. A cruise on the Mekong Islands is the most comfortable and exclusive way to explore this unique natural region of the so called 4000 islands with its thousands of small river islands almost appearing in a surrealistic way. Get to know the life of the locals during visits to riverside villages as well as cultural highlights like the UNESCO protected temple of Wat Phou, silent witness of the ancient civilization of the Khmer. Deep in the south of the country near Cambodia the largest waterfalls in Asia await the visitor. During the 7-day cruise among others guests will enjoy a day trip to the beauty of the plateau of Bolaven with its numerous waterfalls and panoramic views of the surrounding plains of Southern Laos.

The Mekong Islands - Facts

• Built in Laos in 2008/2009
• Started operations in September 2009
• Two decks with 11 cabins in two categories
• All cabins twin bedded, with en suite shower/WC and air conditioning
• Eight Classic cabins (approx. 11 m²) on the main deck with a big window providing fantastic views of the surpassing landscapes
• Three Superior cabins (approx. 12 m²) on the upper deck all with wide sliding panoramic windows and a French balcony
• Large sun deck on the top deck
• Restaurant/bar area on the upper deck
• All offshore excursions guided in English
• European Cruise director on board (English and German speaking)

DAY 1: WELCOME TO SOUTHERN LAOS (D)
We pick you up at Pakse airport or hotel in town. At boarding this afternoon (Check in is after 2pm), your ever-friendly Laotian crew welcomes you with a cocktail. You will start your cruise experience with the departure southwards. When the sun has set and your cruise vessel is moored safely at the river shore you will get to know more about Laos and its people as well as the nearly 5,000 km long Mekong river during exciting presentations and lectures held by your cruise director. During the next days, indulge in Southeast Asian delicacies for dinner on board or an atmospheric barbecue on the riverbank.

DAY 2: UNESCO-WORLD HERITAGE AND NATURE DELIGHTS (B,L,D)
After cruising leisurely further downriver you will stop to go on a shore excursion to the impressive temple complex of Wat Phou, relics of the great Khmer empire reining the region from the 8th to 13th century. This UNESCO World Heritage site is located at the foot of the 1,500 m high Kao Mountain. With its mystical atmosphere these ruins are among the most inspiring archaeological tour destinations of Laos. Returning aboard your can lean back and enjoy the beautiful sunsets from your cabin or the sundeck while cruising deeper into the so called region of the 4,000 Islands.

DAY 3: THE 4000 ISLANDS (B,L,D)
Here in the deep south of the country the Mekong has its widest expansion of up to 16 km during the annual high water period. In thousands of years nature created a landscape that seems almost surreal with thousands of islands appearing in the river bed when the high water declines annually. Some of these islands are bigger with a magnitude of a few square kilometers; other uninhabited ones are only a few square meters wide. Today you will go on an excursion partly by river cruise, local slowboat and bus to explore this remote nature escape and you will also see the mighty Khone waterfalls, the biggest falls in Asia. In the evening enjoy our farewell dinner aboard.

DAY 4: RETURN TO PAKSE (B)
Breakfast is served in the morning, before you disembark for your return to Pakse by bus. (No flights earlier than 13:30 from Pakse or 17:30 from Ubon Ratchatani will be reached. If you plan an earlier flight, we’ll be happy to arrange an extra hotel night in Pakse to your itinerary.) A short city tour of Pakse can be arranged for those spending an extra night or leaving late afternoon/evening.* (B)

NOTE: Every river cruise in Southern Laos is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including floodwaters and shallows. Therefore please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the itinerary due to the logistical complexities involved. Small deviations in the program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, local authorities and river and/or road conditions. For safety reasons and according to navigating conditions, these programs may be amended without previous notice.

* The cruise is also operated in the opposite direction starting with the city tour (arrivals until 12am) and the bus transfer to embark the Mekong Islands down south on day 1 at 2 pm. The same program will then be conducted from south to north. On day 4, no flights earlier than 11:30 pm from Pakse or 14:30 pm from UBP will be reached. If you plan an earlier flight, we’ll be happy to arrange an extra hotel night in Pakse to your itinerary to leave the next morning.