River Cruising

One of the longest rivers in the world, originating north from China and the Tibetan Plateau, the mighty Mekong cuts a great distance through Laos before flowing onward through Cambodia and the Vietnam delta. Not surprisingly, the river is the lifeblood of this land, providing transport, trade, irrigation, fishing, and other opportunities for the people of Laos. Consider observing local riverway scenes via one of two charming boat journeys that we offer. The Luang Say cruise will take you from the Thai/Lao border town of Chiang Khong/Houei Say down to Luang Prabang, with an overnight stop at a Pakbeng eco-lodge and visists to ethnic villages. The Vat Phou cruise will depart for several days from the southern city of Pakse, allowing you to visit pre-Angkorian ruins, the “4,000 Islands” of Laos, and the Pha Pheng waterfall on the Lao/Cambodian border, also known as “Niagara of the East.”

Outlying Areas

There is a saying in Indochina: “The Vietnamese plant the rice, the Cambodians watch over the rice, and the Laotians listen to it grow.” Spend a bit of time anywhere in Laos, especially the countryside, and you will discover that this description quite aptly fits the slow pace and spiritual nature of the local people. Since Laos realistically has a long way to go before it becomes a major tourist destination, off-the-beaten-path adventures are common fare outside of the few main cities. For those with extended time to spare, highland treks in the north of the country allow visitors to pass through pristine wilderness and gain exposure to some hilltribe villages that have been around for centuries. There is also the option to head east of Luang Prabang in order to visit the Plain of Jars archeological site. Or south of Vientiane down the less-frequented middle stretch of the Mekong (which forms the border with Thailand), there are interesting colonial towns such as Thakhek and Savannakhet. [Just to note, the eastern border that Laos shares with Vietnam is formed mostly by the Annamite mountain chain]. Finally, the Boloven Plateau, southeast of Pakse and north of Cambodia, is quite remote if you are looking for jungle accommodations and possible elephant adventures.