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Crossing the Golden Triangle, Luang Prabang to Huay Xai in 4 days

Looking for a holiday with a change of scenery, relaxation, exclusivity and a wealth of cultural visits?

By Léa MLODUCHOWSKI expert of your cruises
Main features
Boat type: traditional ship
Number of cabins: 10
Maximum capacity: 20 travelers

Cabins

Deluxe
Capacity: 2 Berths maximum
Deluxe cabins feature bay windows opening onto a French balcony.
Deluxe Executive
Capacity: 2 Berths maximum
Deluxe executive cabins are designed and equipped in the same way as staterooms, while offering a view from a higher floor, on the terrace.
Signature Suites
Capacity: 2 Berths maximum
The large suites are located at the front of the main deck, with their own lounge area and private balcony.
NB : The pictures, information, and visuals presented are not contractually binding. The itinerary and program indicated may be modified without notice for technical reasons (captain's decision).

Itinerary

Luang Prabang Khok Luang
Our local partner welcomes our guests in the morning directly on the boat moored in Luang Prabang.... more+ Our team assists with check-in and takes care of your luggage, which we bring directly to your room. During check-in, familiarize yourself with the ship and settle into your cabin as we begin our journey. This morning, you will meet Mr. Francis Engelmann, who worked for UNESCO on heritage preservation projects and will sail with us for a few hours upstream to our next stop. Born in Paris in 1947, he has lived in Laos for over 20 years and knows Luang Prabang like the back of his hand. Join him for a fascinating presentation, in which he shares some of his expertise on the rich cultural heritage and fascinating history of the country and Luang Prabang. After arriving at the confluence of the Mekong and one of its largest tributaries, we offer an optional kayaking excursion on the Nam Ou River for guests who are looking for a little adventure. Climb aboard a kayak and paddle alone in total harmony with the peaceful waterway. Feel the river waters carry you downstream with almost no effort as you enjoy the natural beauty passing by. We then explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, located directly on the rocky coast of the Mekong River and opposite the mouth of the Ou River. There are two limestone caves that house around 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images ranging from a few centimeters to 2 m (7 ft) in height. We first arrive at the lower, impressive cave, then climb the stairs (around 200 steps) to the smaller chamber. At the cave, we meet a local "healer" from the nearby village. We take a short hike into the jungle while our local expert explains various interesting and amazing things about the flora and nature of this region. Upon arriving in the village, we can see houses with traditional weaving and the "art of local whiskey distilling." (Please note that a basic level of fitness is required for the approximately 45-minute hike, which is a relatively easy (but should be safe) descent with some uphill terrain. Guests may also skip the hike and return to the ship moored in front of the Pak Ou Caves.) The journey takes us further upstream under the golden evening sun. If we arrive in daylight, we have time to stroll through another gem of a local village. A mix of Lao Loum and Lao Theun (Laotians from the plains and the center) reside in this idyllic riverside village. Meanwhile, our culinary team is busy preparing a very special event for tonight. On a beautiful, peaceful sandbar nearby, our chefs invite us to a barbecue dinner. Some villagers join us to entertain us with traditional dance and music performances. Enjoy a wonderful time with new friends and soak up the truly unique atmosphere of dining on a small, secluded sandbar in the middle of Laos. 
Included activities: Visit the Pak Ou Caves, Visit to a local whisky distillery, more+
Optional services: Kayaking on the Nam Ou River, Visit to the vi... more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Khok Luang Ban Baw Khok Aek Ban Thanoun
For early risers, a daily yoga session is offered on the sundeck, in an exceptional setting with... more+ the Mekong River as a backdrop, to start the day gently.
As the cruise continues toward the morning’s destination, meet with your guide for a fascinating lecture on the history of the Laotian monarchy, with a focus on King Anouvong.
The morning continues with a visit to two neighboring traditional villages, where the Lao Loum and Khmu communities have lived side by side for several generations, each preserving its own traditions in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
Most of the residents are farmers who grow seasonal crops and tend small vegetable gardens. In Ban Baw, a few women also carry on the meticulous art of weaving cotton and silk. During the visit, you’ll have the opportunity to witness a demonstration of this ancestral craft and watch the weavers at work on traditional looms, using meticulous methods that have remained unchanged for centuries.
The village is also home to a small temple that plays an important role in the community’s spiritual life. Those who wish may participate in a short private meditation session alongside the resident monks.
Later in the afternoon, your expert guide will lead a talk on the richness and diversity of Laos’s ethnic groups living along the Mekong River.
A new discovery then awaits you in a remarkable village where three distinct ethnic groups—the Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khmu—live together almost literally under one roof. Each has its own history, traditions, way of life, family structures, and housing styles.
Explore the village and visit a local family’s home, where representatives from each ethnic group will highlight their differences and unique aspects of daily life.
Back on board, as the afternoon gradually gives way to evening, head to the lounge to enjoy some light refreshments and learn about the next day’s itinerary.
The evening continues with a traditional dance performance on the deck, followed by a barbecue dinner held on a magnificent sandbar, set against an exceptional natural backdrop.
After dinner, head to the lounge for a movie screening in a cozy atmosphere featuring the film “Chiang” (“elephant” in Lao). Filmed in this very region in 1927 and directed by the same filmmaker behind the first *King Kong* movie, this film will set the mood for the next day’s explorations. 
Included activities: Visit to a village inhabited by Lao Loum and Lao Theun people, Barbecue dinner on a secluded sandbank, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Ban Thanoun Pak Beng Khok Mwe
Wake up to the rhythm of the first rays of the sun and, if you’d like, enjoy an invigorating yoga... more+ session in harmony with the Mekong River.
The first leg of the day takes us to Pakbeng. On the opposite bank from the town, deep in the jungle, lies one of the elephant sanctuaries in Laos most committed to sustainability.
In this nearly pristine natural setting, you’ll encounter these majestic animals. Born in Laos and once used to transport timber, they have now found refuge in a peaceful, natural environment. Since their ability to survive in the wild has been diminished by their time in captivity, the sanctuary now provides them with a suitable and safe habitat.
A true symbol of ecotourism and sustainable development, the sanctuary demonstrates a deep commitment to protecting these animals. Observing these gentle giants in the heart of the tropical forest and discovering their unique history is an unforgettable experience.
After lunch, join a cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare a simple Lao-Thai dish that you can recreate at home. After all, flavors often have the power to bring back memories.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue sailing to our final mooring spot for the night. Once again, we’ll drop anchor near a magnificent sandbar, offering a picturesque setting perfect for enjoying a quiet aperitif, accompanied, if possible, by a stunning sunset.
The day ends with a farewell dinner served on the deck, marking the conclusion of this wonderful adventure on the Mekong.
 
Included activities: Visit to the Elephant Conservation Sanctuary, At the heart of Laotian cuisine, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Khok Mwe Huay Xai
After a magnificent 3-night cruise, this final day invites you to slow down and fully savor the... more+ memories created throughout the trip. With a long distance still to cover before reaching Huay Xai, our final destination, the day alternates between moments of relaxation and exploration.
For those who wish, there’s the option to sleep in a little longer this morning. Breakfast is intentionally lighter, with a limited selection or à la carte options, followed by a varied brunch served later in the day as a prelude to our farewells.
As we cruise through the heart of the Golden Triangle, take advantage of your morning to relax or participate in a captivating presentation on the complex history of the Golden Triangle. Discover the various issues related to colonialism, opium, and conflicts, as well as the roles played by Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Great Britain, and China.
Located at the junction of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos, the Golden Triangle extends extensively across the territory of each of these three countries. The name “Golden Triangle” is said to have been originally coined by the CIA to refer to this region.
We then pass the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Tha River, a major tributary also known as the “Green River.” From the deck, watch the captain skillfully navigate through the rocks, rapids, and sandbars.
Enjoy the final peaceful hours of the cruise and lunch, served until about an hour before arrival.
In the afternoon, we arrive at the Huay Xai pier. A transfer is arranged to the Laos-Thailand border, with a final farewell in front of the Laos immigration office.
End of the cruise and best wishes for the rest of your journey. 
Included activities: Sailing in the heart of the Golden Triangle, more+
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner

included

The price includes
Tours and admission to the sites listed in the itinerary
All transfers from the boat to tourist sites
Transfer from meeting point to ship and vice versa
English-speaking tour guide
Welcome drink
Unlimited tea and coffee on board
Mineral water available
Passenger liability insurance
Internet on board (subject to cellular network signal)
Port tax
Fuel
Taxes
River pilots
A French-speaking guide
Activities included in the program
Meals included in the program
The price does not include
Tips for crew and guides
Visa fees
Private transfers
Personal expenses
Beverages other than those listed
Medical service
Spa
Activities not included in the program
Meals not included in the program
Filovent cancellation cover more+
Filovent comprehensive cover more+
Optional services
Flights not included in the programme are available on request
Activities and excursions upon request more+

Activities

Visit the Pak Ou Caves
included
Visit to a local whisky distillery
included
Visit to a village inhabited by Lao Loum and Lao Theun people
included
Barbecue dinner on a secluded sandbank
included
Conference on the history of Lao royalty
included
Yoga session
included
Traditional show
included
Visit to the Elephant Conservation Sanctuary
included
At the heart of Laotian cuisine
included
Sailing in the heart of the Golden Triangle
included
Kayaking on the Nam Ou River
Not included
Visit to the village of Ban Muang Keo
Not included

Customer reviews

Cruise rating

Not recommended

1 Clients' reviews
grade out of 10

4.2

The boat

Not recommended

grade out of 10

3.3
Overall condition
6.0
Boat equipments
2.0
Boat comfort
2.0

The service

Not recommended

grade out of 10

5.0
Reception and information
5.0

Information about the partner

  • Filovent partner since 2024
  • Last booking with this partner in May 2025
  • 3 bookings with this partner
  • Partner's overall rating: 4.2 / 10 (1 avis)
  • Average rating of the partner's boats: 3.3 / 10
  • Average rating of the partner's service: 5.0 / 10
    • Léa
    With Léa expert of your cruises

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