Vat Phou - Mekong, Southern Treasures
Not far from the shores of the Mekong River in Southern Laos lie two of the regions most remarkable treasures, the mythical World Heritage site of Vat Phou and the Oun Moung Temple. The awe-inspiring pre-Angkorian Vat Phou dates back over a thousand years and is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding examples of Khemer architecture, while the Oun Moung exudes an atmosphere of a city lost in the jungle for centuries.
Embracing the beauty and power of the Mekong and the exotic mystique of ancient Khemer ruins, this 3-day Cruise combines the highlights of the region for an unforgettable experience.
A boutique river-borne hotel is the setting for this journey through the timeless landscapes of Southern Laos. Here, the serenity of this vast and smooth expanse of water is accentuated by the stunning Si Phan Don the "4,000 Islands" and further down, Southeast Asia's largest waterfalls at Pha Pheng.
The leisurely cruise along the fascinating Mekong is as relaxing as it is historic and gives extraordinary insight into the ancient civilization that once shared your path down this mighty waterway.
The Vat Phou Boat
A 34-metre steel hulled craft converted into a floating hotel, the Vat Phou was launched with the support of the World Bank in Vientiane in 1993. Each of the 12 comfortable and elegant air-conditioned cabins offers two single berths and a private western style bathroom.
Charmingly appointed, it also offers:
Modern safety equipment and lifejackets
A large front deck with a wide open area for relaxation.
A lower deck with an air-conditioned dining room.
A set menu combining both Laotian and Continental cuisine.
French, English and Thai speaking staff.
A fully-stocked bar
Itinerary :
Day 1: Pakse/ Champassak/ Vat Phou (L, D)
Early morning 10:30am, departure from Pakse for Champassak, heading south aboard a local long tail 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”, arrived in the afternoon closed to Khong Island (the birthplace of the President of the Peoples republic of Laos) at Ban Dua Tae, and visit this traditional Laotian Village where the traditional way of life has not changed in centuries. Back on board for quiet dinner, under the stars, serenaded by the songs 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 will board a small long-tail boat to Khone Island. After visit, take a long tail boat back to the main land for lunch amid the by-gone splendid of another age; colorful French colonial houses and an old customs post, alongside a stone quay. Take a minivan to amazingly scenic splendor of the Khong Pha Peng waterfall, “the Niagara of the East“, close to the Cambodian border. Back to “civilization, for the two hours ride to Pakse, arriving in the afternoon, about 3:50pm.
REMARKS:
+ Minimum 2 persons traveling together for join tour.
+ For safety reasons and according to weather conditions, the program may be amended without prior notice.
+ Child age 2-12 years old discount 50% when sharing cabin with parents. Infant (less than 2 years old) = free of charge.
+ The fix fee per person on charter boat covers for meals / excursions / tours and transfer during the cruise.
+ Group concession: 1 FOC half twin for 15 paying persons
+ The above tour prices exclude current VAT.
+ Charter rate is available on request.
NOTE: In general from 01 - 30 June’09, there is no operation for annual boat maintenance. The exactly date will be advise later.
Services Includes:
3 days cruise with stops and visits as mentioned in the program
English-speaking guide
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
2 nights accommodation on board
All Entrance fees
Services of qualified crews during the cruise.
Group insurance
Service Excludes:
Airfares & airport taxes
Pre/post trip arrangement
Visa and visa arrangement
Travel insurance
Other personal expenses