Guided Tours of Laos, Custom Cruises of The Mekong River

When you tour Northern Thailand, make time for a river boat cruise along the Mekong up to Luang Prabang in Laos. This charming village is a World Heritage Site, and the majestic Mekong River has been the lifeblood of the region since time immemorial, from its humble origins deep in the Tibetan plateau, down to the delta rice lands of Vietnam.

While on the 362 mile, one or two day cruise of untouched jungle and forest you can see very small villages of Lao people and ethnic hill tribes who farm, fish, and raise water buffalo. Elephants bathe nearby along the banks in the evening. Once in Luang Prabang, you can rent a bicycle for a dollar a day and delight in this charming village where a touch of the French colonial influence prevails and the Laotian culture adds its own quiet blend.

Night markets are also a cultural wonder, where people display their weaving and sewing skills, and small cafes offer local and international food, all reasonably priced. We recommend doing your shopping in these markets not only to support the locals and their crafts, but also to more fully immerse yourself in the Laotian culture, and to interact with its people in a unique way.

After the markets, visit the nearby ancient Buddhist temples such as Sisaket Temple and Wat Phra Kaew in Vientiane, or Wat Xiengthong in Luang Prabang. All of these temples have a long history and atmospheres that are charged with clarity and inspiration. The temples are a good place to learn more about Buddhist culture and beliefs, and to witness firsthand the basis of Laotian culture.

Peace, tranquility, and quiet accommodation can be found at one of the three 100 year old restored Laotian-French style bungalows set along the river bank with a pool, restaurant, and spa. Here you can relax and take in the beauty of Laos in comfort, and our tours ensure you don’t have to worry about any details of your trip.

Additionally, extensions into Vientiane and the remote south are easily booked if there is more you want to see of this beautiful country.

Ecotourism is a high priority with tour companies, helping to initiate many projects for unspoiled hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and the protection of the elephants which are commonly found throughout the country.

THE BOAT

Our cruises put you aboard the sleek local boat of only 20 passengers or a similar privately booked cruise, on which you will pass by remote rustic villages of the lowland Lao peoples and of ethnic hill tribes, and take a tour of the revered and mysterious Tam Ting caves. The cruise allows you to see the Mekong River up close and witness all that Laos has to offer both locals and visitors. This cruise can be done in two days, a four hour cruise with an overnight stay in the only eco resort along this route, followed by another four hours to Luang Prabang. “A very special cruise; one of a kind,” without which one would miss the meaning of the Mekong to its people.

We offer guided tours and custom cruises for Laos, and can extend your tour to include Myanmar, Thailand, or Vietnam.