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Mekong River Explorer

Home Icon 19-day Mekong River Explorer from only £7,995 £7,795pp

The Mekong is one of the world’s mightiest rivers and there is no better way to experience the rich and diverse culture of the region than to take a slow-paced cruise along its waterways.

Our 19-day Mekong River Explorer follows the Upper Mekong through the little-known, but fascinating country of Laos, before finishing in Thailand’s famed Golden Triangle. The Upper Mekong is less visited, offering a real sense of adventure and exploration, and is home to jungle-clad landscapes, mountainous scenery and remote villages dotted along the riverbanks.

Travelling from the Lao capital, Vientiane, to Chiang Khong on the Thai border, over ten days of cruising in comfort and style aboard the RV Laos Pandaw, we meet friendly locals, discover waterfalls and sacred caves, and visit the stunning UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. Crossing into Thailand at the end of our cruise, we round off our journey uncovering the fascinating Golden Triangle region, with stays in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.

With an abundance of excursions and all meals included during the cruise, this is an amazing way to experience this incredible part of the world. Join Distant Journeys on an adventure of a lifetime along the Mekong River and discover the spectacular landscapes, rich culture and warm hospitality that Laos and Thailand have to offer.

Why not extend your holiday with a Thailand beach stay? Complete your Mekong River Explorer itinerary with a 3-night stay in Khao Lak.

Save £200 per person on all Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos tours departing from September 2025, when you book by 28th February 2025.

Day 1

Depart UK

Mekong River Explorer Day 1

Depart with Emirates from London Heathrow, London Gatwick or Manchester for our overnight flight, via Dubai to Bangkok, Thailand.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Day 2

Vientiane, 2 nights

Mekong River Explorer Day 2

We take our connecting flight with Thai Airways to Vientiane, the bustling Lao capital. After clearing customs, we meet our local guide and transfer to the Salana Boutique Hotel, our home for two nights.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Day 3

Vientiane

Mekong River Explorer Day 3

Modern Vientiane is a relatively young city, rebuilt by French colonists at the end of the nineteenth century, and this morning we discover the sights of Vientiane with our guide. Our first stop is the busy morning market of Talaat Sao. We continue to Wat Sisaket, the oldest original temple in Vientiane and home to remarkable frescoes and over 6,000 Buddha images. Close by, Haw Phra Kaew contains some of the finest Buddhist sculptures and artifacts in Laos. We also visit Putousay – the huge victory gate, inspired by the Arc de Triumph, and one of the city’s most photographed images. After lunch, we pass the impressive Friendship Bridge, spanning the Mekong River, as we head out of town to one of Laos’ slightly stranger attractions – Xieng Khuan Buddha Park. Built in 1958 and located on the banks of the Mekong River, the park is home to a large collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures.

Included meals:

Breakfast and lunch

Day 4

Upper Mekong river cruise, 10 nights

Mekong River Explorer Day 4

Following breakfast at our hotel, we take a long-tail boat ride on the Mekong River to reach our vessel, the RV Laos Pandaw, which is moored a little upstream. Hand-built by traditional craftsmen, the Pandaw fleet are traditionally-styled in brass and teak and customised to navigate the flowing waters of the Mekong River. We are welcomed aboard with a briefing and drinks, before settling into our comfortable cabin. Designed to make our stay relaxing and enjoyable, our cabins offer splendid colonial-era character and are equipped with kimonos and slippers and spa-branded amenities. Each cabin offers panoramic windows and sliding doors to absorb the ever-changing scenery. As our Mekong adventure begins, perhaps enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets, before joining fellow guests for a delicious dinner. We moor this evening at Pak Lay, a small town in the Sainyabuli Province.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 5

Cruising the Mekong

Mekong River Explorer Day 5

Less visited than the Lower Mekong, the Upper Mekong is a beautiful area, home to spectacular scenery, local communities and slow river life. Lao people are known for their quiet and gentle nature and we stop at Pha Laeb, where we take a gentle stroll through the village and observe daily life. Returning to our vessel, take the opportunity to join a fascinating talk about the Lao language. If time permits, we take an afternoon walk at Ban Khok Fark. As evening descends, sip on an aperitif in the lounge and bar, before enjoying a delicious dinner al fresco.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 6

Xayabouri Dam

Mekong River Explorer Day 6

Take in the surrounding mountain scenery as we enjoy breakfast this morning, before we visit the remote village of Ban Pak Bor Khummu. Set amidst lush jungle on the banks of the Mekong, we meet the local tribe and learn more about their way of life. Back on board, we pass through the Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam, before visiting the Hmong minority village of Ban Na San. Wander through the village and observe the unique styles of the homes, taking the opportunity to interact with the locals and learn more of their culture and traditions. Back onboard, we hope to be rewarded with another spectacular Mekong sunset, prior to joining our fellow passengers and crew for dinner.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks included

Day 7

Kuang Si Waterfall and Luang Prabang

Mekong River Explorer Day 7

Awake to the tranquillity of the river as we cruise to our mooring at the village of Ban Mouang Khai. Our destination is the dramatic Kuang Si Waterfall, a breathtaking tiered waterfall of beautiful turquoise waters and incredible surroundings. We visit the Laos Buffalo Farm, where we learn more about this fascinating social enterprise, which utilises the abundant buffalo in Laos to produce delicious mozzarella, ice cream and other dairy produce. Later, we moor in central Luang Prabang, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage town. As evening falls, we enjoy a traditional Bacci ceremony followed by a time-honoured dance performance on the upper deck of our ship.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 8

Luang Prabang

Mekong River Explorer Day 8

Today, we discover the traditional handicrafts of Laos, as our morning starts in Ock Pop Tok, at the Living Crafts Centre. Supporting women from local villages, we learn about Lao textiles and handicrafts, and continue to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Lao musical instruments. Returning to our vessel, we sail towards Ban Chan where we have the chance to take part in a pottery demonstration at a local workshop. We finish our day enjoying stunning views of Luang Prabang from the river on a sunset cruise.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 9

Luang Prabang

Mekong River Explorer Day 9

Tour Highlight

Awake early and join a morning walking tour to observe alms being offered to the hundreds of monks who, at sunrise, walk the streets of this atmospheric town each day. A truly memorable experience. Later, we continue to the morning market for a chance to see locals going about their daily lives, and take a rickshaw ride through this well-preserved heritage town. We view its many Buddhist temples, libraries and the former Royal Palace. Our afternoon is free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang further.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 10

Pak Ou Caves

Mekong River Explorer Day 10

Enjoy a final morning in Luang Prabang before we set sail upstream. Transferring to a smaller local boat, we visit the unique Pak Ou Caves, a sacred Buddhist sanctuary nestled within a limestone cliff. The Tham Ting (lower caves) and Tham Theung (upper caves) host over 4,000 miniature sculptures and statues of Buddha. Sculpted from various materials and ranging in size, these statues have been donated over hundreds of years by local fishermen and residents as offerings for protection. We complete today’s exploration with a visit to Ban Xang Hai, where we learn about the production of local Lao whisky.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 11

Ban Ton

Mekong River Explorer Day 11

Our journey continues at a leisurely pace, allowing us to take in the gentle breezes and stunning scenery. We stop at Ban Ton village where we take a gentle stroll, before continuing our journey upstream. Enjoy the onboard facilities; find a quiet spot with a good book, or simply relax and continue to enjoy the passing scenery. As the evening descends, we join our fellow passengers and crew for a special riverside barbecue and cocktail party.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 12

Pak Beng

Mekong River Explorer Day 12

Laos is known as ‘the land of a million elephants’, and today will be a true highlight as we visit the Mekong Elephant Park, a rescue sanctuary, which protects the elephants of Laos. The centre also provides a sustainable type of employment for Mahouts – an elephant rider, trainer or keeper, who would have once trained these majestic creatures. Later, we visit Ban Pak Sith Khummu, where we learn of rural life in the village. As the day draws to a close, settle back on board with a cocktail in hand.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 13

Chiang Khong

Mekong River Explorer Day 13

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as we slowly cruise past the ever-changing scenery. At Huayxay we bid a fond farewell to Laos and make the border crossing into Thailand, via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, rejoining our ship in Chiang Khong. This evening, we indulge in farewell cocktails and delight in a traditional Thai dance performance as we enjoy our final night on board.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 14

Chiang Rai, 2 nights

Mekong River Explorer Day 14

Following ten days of cruising the Upper Mekong, we bid a fond farewell to our crew. Disembarking, we board our waiting coach and transfer to the Katiliya Mountain Resort and Spa, where we stay for the next two nights. Set in the verdant countryside of the hills of northern Thailand, with a free afternoon to indulge in the hotel’s facilities, we settle into our accommodation and take in the spellbinding landscape.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 15

Chiang Rai

Mekong River Explorer Day 15

Tour Highlight

Once the royal capital of Thailand, Chiang Rai acts as a gateway to the scenic countryside of the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. We begin our day with a visit to the Doi Tung Royal Project and Mae Fah Luang Garden. Founded by Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother, in 1972, the project aims to support local communities, with an emphasis on ‘helping people to help themselves.’ We learn about the vision of the project and the work that continues today. The landscaped gardens of Mae Fah Luang, which are grown and nurtured by local villagers, reward visitors with a stunning display of plants and flowers. We continue to Chiang Saen, where the ruins of the Chiang Saen Kingdom, dating back to 1325, are scattered across the city, and continue to the viewpoint known as the Golden Triangle. On a clear day, the vantage point provides you with a view of the mighty Mekong River as it joins with the Ruak River and forms a ‘triangle’ with Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. We take a trip on the Mekong by longtail boat, and finish our day with a visit to the Halls of Opium Museum.

Included meals:

Breakfast and lunch

Day 16

Chiang Mai, 2 nights

Mekong River Explorer Day 16

Following breakfast, we travel south towards Chiang Mai. Our first stop today is Wat Rong Kun, also known as the White Temple, a contemporary Buddhist temple, designed by one of Thailand’s most famous artists, Chalermchai Kositpipat. We take time to admire its stunning design before lunch at a community enterprise restaurant. Later, we visit Wat Pha Lat, a hidden gem of a temple nestled in the lush mountains of Chiang Mai, and the renowned Doi Suthep temple, a must-see attraction in Chiang Mai. Located at the top of Doi Suthep mountain, enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area and receive a monk’s blessing. We continue to our hotel, the Tamarind Village Chiang Mai, where we stay for our final two nights.

Included meals:

Breakfast and lunch

Day 17

Chiang Mai

Mekong River Explorer Day 17

Today, we travel to Mae Tang, where we visit the village of a local Lisu hill tribe community. On arrival, we are welcomed with a traditional drink, and our Lisu guide will take us on a walk through the village to uncover their beliefs and culture. We explore the herbal garden of Ton Lung temple and stroll through alleyways, observing village life. We continue to Araksa Tea Garden, where we are met by a resident plucker, who shows us the art of plucking tea leaves and how to make tea by hand. This evening, we enjoy a ‘Khantoke’ dinner, the traditional northern Thai form of dining, at the Old Cultural Centre. As we dine, we are entertained by traditional dance and music performances from the ethnic hill tribes – a spectacular way to end our amazing adventure through Laos and Northern Thailand.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 18

Depart Chiang Mai

Mekong River Explorer Day 18

We have a final day at leisure to enjoy the city of Chiang Mai. Perhaps relax by the hotel pool or go hunting for last minute souvenirs. A late check out has been arranged for our convenience. Later in the afternoon, it is time to say goodbye to this magical part of Asia and we travel to the airport for our Emirates flights, via Bangkok and Dubai, to the UK.

Included meals:

Breakfast and in-flight meals and drinks

Day 19

Arrive UK

Mekong River Explorer Day 19

Arriving into our chosen airport this morning, with a host of memories, our amazing Southeast Asian journey comes to a close.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Departure dates & prices

Save £200 per person on Mekong River Explorer tour departing from September 2025, when you book by 28th February 2025.

Departure datePrice (pp)AvailabilityOffer
2025
10 October£7,995 £7,795JUST LAUNCHEDSAVE £200 per person
23 November£7,995 £7,795JUST LAUNCHEDSAVE £200 per person
26 December£7,995 £7,795JUST LAUNCHEDSAVE £200 per person
2026
17 January£7,995 £7,795JUST LAUNCHEDSAVE £200 per person
08 February£7,995 £7,795JUST LAUNCHEDSAVE £200 per person
02 March£7,995 £7,795JUST LAUNCHEDSAVE £200 per person

Prices
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double room.

Single occupancy supplement
£1,295

Deposit
£2,295 per person if travelling Economy Class, £3,145 per person if travelling in Premium Economy, and £4,945 per person for Business Class.

Flight upgrades
Emirates upgrade to Business Class from £3,895 per person return.

Important information
Prices and flight upgrades are subject to fuel surcharges and the availability of flights. The correct price will be confirmed before you book. For full terms and conditions see our Booking Conditions page.

So much included

Our escorted holidays are designed to include must-see sights and memorable experiences in your tour price. And our Mekong River Explorer tour is no exception as so much of what you will experience is already included in the price. That’s all your scheduled international flights, overseas transfers, expertly chosen hotels, daily breakfast and several other meals too, experienced local Tour Manager and several amazing excursions, already paid for.

Flights with leading scheduled airlines

  • Return economy class flights
  • Fly with with Emirates from London Heathrow, London Gatwick or Manchester
  • All airport charges, security charges, any applicable fuel surcharges
  • UK Air Passenger Duty.

Carefully selected hotels

  • Carefully selected hotels in great locations
  • All hotel porterage
  • Applicable hotel taxes

Many meals worth £747 per person

  • Daily breakfast
  • Four lunches
  • A Khantoke dinner
  • All meals on board the RV Laos Pandaw, including a riverside barbecue dinner

Unforgettable experiences

  • Sightseeing tours in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai
  • Encounter local communities at riverside villages
  • View Kuang Si Waterfalls
  • Visit the Laos Buffalo Farm
  • Learn about Luang Prabang’s Crafts and Culture
  • Experience the ‘giving of alms’ in Luang Prabang
  • Explore Pak Ou Caves
  • Visit The Mekong Elephant Park sanctuary in Pak Beng
  • See the infamous Golden Triangle
  • Explore Wat Rong Kun, the White Temple
  • Meet a local hill tribe in Northern Thailand
  • Guided tour of a tea plantation

All-inclusive cruise on RV Laos Pandaw

  • 10-night cruise on the Mekong River between Vientiane, Laos and Chiang Khong on the Thailand/Laos border
  • All land excursions and selected on-board experiences
  • All meals and selected alcoholic and soft drinks

On the ground

  • Services of experienced local guides
  • All overseas transfers
  • Modern, air-conditioned coaches throughout

100% confidence

  • Your holiday is covered by our Price Promise
  • Your holiday is fully ATOL protected

Salana Boutique Hotel, Vientiane Laos

Salana Boutique Hotel is located in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and it offers a comfortable stay in the heart of the city. With its ethos of distinctive charm and hospitality, the hotel blends tradition with contemporary luxury. Located close… Find out more >
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  •   Official rating
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  •   Distant Journeys rating

Pandaw River Cruise, Mekong River

There are few rivers as fascinating and varied as the Mekong River. Travelling through six different Asian countries before it reaches the vast delta of Vietnam and the South China Sea, its waters offer a kaleidoscope of colour, scenery and… Find out more >

Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai

Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa is an all-suite resort nestled amid the misty mountains and lush landscapes of Northern Thailand. Secluded and tranquil, Katiliya has superb facilities that make the most of its stunning natural location, and guests will be… Find out more >
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  •   Official rating
  • Star-Rating-4-5
  •   Distant Journeys rating

Tamarind Village, Chiang Mai

Tamarind Village is a charming boutique hotel set in the heart of the historic town of Chiang Mai. Taking its name from the magnificent 200-year-old tamarind tree which resides in its grounds, the hotel is decorated throughout in the local… Find out more >
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  •   Official rating
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  •   Distant Journeys rating

Stay a little longer

Why not extend your holiday with a Thailand beach stay? Complete your Mekong River Explorer itinerary with a 3-night stay in Khao Lak.


Thailand - Khao Lak Extension

Khao Lak Beach Extension

3 nights from £595pp

When it comes to idyllic tropical beaches, Thailand really does offer some of the best in the world. Khao Lak is a stunning area located on Thailand’s southwest coast, lined with powdery white sands, shady palm trees and lapped by…

Find out more >


Customer reviews  feefo logo

This is a new tour with the inaugural departure in late 2025. This page will be updated with reviews as soon as our returning customers are contacted by the independent reviews company Feefo.

YOUR HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME

‘From the very first phone call we made they have delivered excellent service – friendly, reassuring, professional and nothing was too much for them to do’
Mr & Mrs Payne, West Yorkshire

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