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Laos, from Vientiane to Huay Xai in 10 days

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.
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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

Vientiane Pha Liep
In the morning, passengers will be picked up directly from their hotels for a minivan transfer to... more+ the boat moored at Pak Lay.
You’re scheduled to arrive on board around lunchtime. Our team will assist you with check-in and ensure your luggage is taken care of. Once preparations are complete, the cruise on the Upper Mekong begins.
After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the boat and admiring the magnificent scenery that unfolds as we sail along.
In the afternoon, your guide will lead a fascinating talk on the history of the Laotian monarchy, with a special focus on King Anouvong.
At sunset, head to the deck for a welcome cocktail, marking the start of this wonderful journey along the Laotian Mekong.
After dinner, the lounge transforms into a movie theater for a screening of a classic film—the perfect way to end this first day before retiring to your cabin for the night. 
Included activities: Lecture on the History of the Laotian Monarchy and King Anouvong, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Pha Liep Don Saynhan
On the morning of this adventure on the Upper Mekong, we set out to explore the charming village of... more+ Pha Liep. Nestled at the foot of majestic limestone mountains, this village offers spectacular scenery and serves as a wonderful introduction to the traditional villages that line the river. This is an opportunity to experience the local culture and discover the way of life of the region’s inhabitants.
In this region, the Lao Loum community relies primarily on agriculture for its livelihood. However, the day is dedicated to exploring two very distinct local craft activities.
First, discover the craftsmanship involved in building traditional long-tail boats. Although sometimes considered a “factory,” the construction of these iconic vessels—which remain essential for transportation in Laos—relies on meticulous and demanding manual labor.
The second activity takes you to a local Lao whiskey distillery. Owning this business not only allows the distiller to regularly monitor the quality of their production but also to run a particularly thriving business in Laos. Lao whiskey is an integral part of the local culture, and every household typically has a bottle on hand.
Why not sample this specialty by preparing the traditional “Laotian Whiskey Cola,” a tasty local variation on the famous Cuba Libre?
The cruise then continues to Don Saynhan, where we arrive in the afternoon.
Once ashore, explore the surroundings aboard a local tuk-tuk heading toward Khao Cave. The journey takes us through lush, jungle-like vegetation. The cave, which has long been home to a large colony of bats, serves as a vital source of fertilizer for the village.
We’ll take a walk inside the cave to admire its impressive stalagmites and stalactites.
The boat will remain moored here overnight.
In the evening, head to the bar for some light snacks while your guide goes over the next day’s itinerary. You can then relax on the deck and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the Mekong River, or, after dinner, treat yourself to a reflexology session to end the day on a serene note. 
Included activities: Tour of the island by TUK TUK, Visit to the traditional boat production workshop, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Don Saynhan Pak Yan Xayaboury
Start the day with a yoga session—the perfect way to begin the morning in a relaxing... more+ atmosphere.
We then disembark for another excursion to Pak Yan, a charming village where the Hmong, Lao, and Khmu communities live side by side, offering a wonderful glimpse into the region’s rich culture and traditions.
Many Hmong families settled here following the 1993 repatriation program, returning from Thailand to rebuild their lives within this community. From the village’s high ground, enjoy a magnificent view of the Mekong’s meandering waters—an ideal setting for taking stunning photographs.
Back on board, the journey continues north toward Laos’s first major dam and iconic hydroelectric power plant.
During the afternoon, your guide will lead a fascinating presentation on the role of energy production in the country’s economy and its potential to become the “battery of Southeast Asia.”
The boat will moor near the dam to prepare for its passage, scheduled for early the next morning.
After dinner, head to the lounge for a screening of “The Rocket,” a 90-minute Laotian film telling the story of a young boy seeking redemption in a war-torn country. 
Included activities: Yoga session, Tour of the village of Pak Yan, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Xayaboury Moeung Kai
As the morning unfolds, our journey takes us past the dam, with a bit of sailing upstream before we... more+ approach the lock. During this time, guests are invited to a brief guided visit to the wheelhouse. Here, the captain unveils the intricacies of his instruments, offering insights into the challenges of navigating this dynamic river and piloting through the water gate. Leaving the gate behind, this sailing day is dedicated to pampering and relaxation for mind and body. Become one with the therapeutic Mekong for a bit and be assured we fulfil our role as your gracious hosts for the day.
The morning program extends to the deck or lounge, presenting guests with a comprehensive introduction to Laotian and Asian culinary delights. Discover exotic fruits, unique vegetables, special herbs, and distinctive spices that grace the kitchens of Laos and Asia. Guests are encouraged to indulge their taste buds with likely unfamiliar or unseen food. At the same time, the bar opens its doors, enticing guests with an assortment of special fruit smoothies, allowing to savour some of the locally popular, yet undiscovered, concoctions.
After a delightful lunch and maybe some soothing siesta in your stateroom, the mid-afternoon brings some more culinary indulgence – a special cooking session tailored for those with a sweet tooth. Revel in the creation of local dessert dishes that promise to be both delicious and easily replicated at home. Whether a warm or chilled delight, guests can relish their afternoon coffee specialty or special tea time with some sweet creations prepared freshly by our chef, like a delectable and famous roti dish.
There remains plenty of time to continue the spoiling in the afternoon, for those seeking relaxation, a spa treatment beckons, offering a serene retreat for both the soul and body - a flawless choice for a leisurely finale of the pampering day. As the day draws to a close, we find our overnight mooring close by to the Kuang Si awaiting us for a great discovery tomorrow. 
Included activities: Visit a pagoda, A Walk Through the Village of Ban Hatsok, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Moeung Kai Kuang Si Luang Prabang
Start your day with a yoga session accompanied by a freshly brewed coffee or tea in the lounge bar... more+ or on the outdoor deck—a great way to begin the day. Then enjoy a hearty breakfast to recharge before the exciting adventures that await you.
The first stop of the day is a visit to an innovative dairy farm committed to social and environmental responsibility: the Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm.
Discover how Laos, once facing a shortage of dairy products, has successfully developed local production of cheeses, ice cream, and yogurt that are now sold in markets.
The excursion continues to the magnificent Kuang Si Falls, an exceptional natural park offering the perfect setting for a pleasant hike and a swim.
These waterfalls, consisting of several successive tiers, offer a unique natural spectacle. The shallow, turquoise pools formed at the top of the falls invite you to take a refreshing break in a pristine environment.
Back on board, enjoy a late lunch as you continue sailing toward Luang Prabang, renowned as one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia.
Arrival in the late afternoon. Take advantage of your free time to stroll through downtown Luang Prabang and admire the magnificent colors of the sunset.
Dinner is served on board. If you’d like to extend your exploration of Luang Prabang, you’re free to enjoy a peaceful evening in this uniquely charming city. 
Included activities: Visit to ancient Luang Prabang, Visit to a dairy farm, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Luang Prabang
Start your day by watching the sunrise, accompanied by freshly brewed coffee and a selection of... more+ teas in the lounge bar. Then enjoy a daily yoga session on the terrace deck, at the foot of one of Laos’s most iconic temples, to fully recharge.
After breakfast, set out on a walking tour of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the old town and its magnificent peninsula, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.
Admire Luang Prabang’s unique architecture while learning the fascinating stories behind the city’s historic mansions and iconic monuments. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets lined with historic buildings and majestic mango trees.
Return on board for lunch and some rest.
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Luang Prabang’s cultural heritage with a visit to the former Royal Palace, now converted into the National Museum. Admire local works of art and historical treasures that once belonged to the Lao royal family.
Continue your exploration with a gentle hike up Mount Phousi, offering an exceptional panoramic view of the city.
After this excursion, enjoy some free time to explore downtown at your own pace or relax at one of the street cafés. An informative lecture on daily life in Laos, led by a local professor, is then offered on board.
The evening continues with a cultural experience on board: village elders participate in a traditional Baci ceremony, a sacred ritual intended to bring good luck and blessings.
The ceremony is followed by a captivating traditional performance in the lounge.
Dinner is served on the terrace deck, with a pleasant view of Luang Prabang’s picturesque riverbanks. 
Included activities: Exploring UNESCO World Heritage: Luang Prabang, An Easy Hike Up Mount Phousi, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Luang Prabang Pak Ou Khok Luang
Before the sun has fully risen, witness the spiritual Buddhist tradition of the morning alms-giving... more+ procession, known as “Tak Bat” in Lao. Wake up before dawn to watch hundreds of monks dressed in saffron-colored robes file by in a peaceful atmosphere—a tradition deeply rooted in Laotian culture.
After bidding farewell to Luang Prabang, continue your upstream cruise on the Mekong River toward the famous Pak Ou Caves.
During the cruise, your guide will give a fascinating talk on the diversity of Laos’s ethnic groups along the Mekong. Over the next few days, you’ll discover their different ways of life, traditions, and cultural characteristics.
Arrival at the Pak Ou Caves, nestled along the rocky cliffs of the Mekong. These two caves house approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images.
Explore the lower cave, which is the most impressive and easily accessible.
After visiting the caves, several options are available to enhance your excursion: a kayaking trip on the peaceful waters of the Nam Ou River or a visit to the nearby village of Ban Muang Keo, renowned for its traditional silk weaving. Depending on the time available and conditions, you may also have the opportunity to visit a local alcohol-making workshop in this village.
In the afternoon, arrive at the overnight mooring spot and explore a charming village inhabited by the Khmu community.
Simplicity defines this village, with its traditional bamboo houses on stilts surrounded by vast rice paddies. In this peaceful atmosphere, meet residents of all ages who are deeply attached to their land and live primarily off manual farming.
Discover their daily lives, observe their way of life, and chat with them to better understand their history, traditions, and experiences.
The evening begins with a convivial gathering over snacks at sunset in the lounge, followed by a presentation of the next day’s itinerary before dinner. 
Included activities: Visit the Pak Ou Caves, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Khok Luang Khok Aek Ban Thanoun
For early risers, a daily yoga session is offered in the morning on the sundeck, set against the... more+ magnificent backdrop of the Mekong River.
During the morning cruise, you can attend a presentation titled “Fabrics and Textiles of Laos,” which explores the country’s ancestral weaving traditions and the cultural stories behind these crafts, or simply relax on board while admiring the passing scenery.
Later in the morning, explore 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 peaceful harmony.
Most of the residents are farmers, growing seasonal crops and tending small gardens. In Ban Baw, a few women still carry on the refined art of weaving cotton and silk.
During the visit, witness a demonstration of this ancient craft as you watch the weavers at work on traditional looms, using meticulous techniques passed down through generations.
The village is also home to a small temple dedicated to the community’s spiritual life. Those who wish may participate in a short private meditation session with the resident monks.
The afternoon boat ride once again offers a magnificent natural spectacle along the river. You’ll arrive at a village of particular cultural interest, where three distinct ethnic groups—the Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khmu—live almost under the same roof.
Each has its own history, traditions, way of life, family structures, and housing styles. Meet the locals in a family home where representatives from each ethnic group will introduce you to their differences and unique characteristics, which are ever-present in their daily lives.
In the evening, head to the bar for some light snacks and a briefing on the next day’s itinerary with your guide.
Later, we’ll anchor near a beautiful sandbar to enjoy a romantic barbecue dinner under the stars, followed by an outdoor movie screening in a cozy atmosphere. 
Included activities: Visit to a village inhabited by the Lao Loum, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Ban Thanoun Pak Beng Khok Mwe
Rise with the sun for the option of an invigorating yoga class. As the ship gracefully navigates... more+ upstream, indulge your creative side in a bamboo weaving workshop, where you'll craft your own bamboo basket—a cherished memento of this traditional art.
Post-lunch, the next stop of our journey is Pakbeng. Along the riverside opposite of the town and nestled in the jungle lies Laos' most sustainable elephant sanctuary. Here, in an almost pristine natural setting, we have the privilege of encountering these majestic creatures. Born in Laos and once employed as logging elephants, they now find sanctuary in a peaceful and natural environment, their ability to survive in the wild having been curtailed in captivity. The sanctuary, a symbol of ecotourism and sustainability, reflects a deep commitment to these principles. Witnessing these gentle giants in the rainforest, and learning about their unique stories, makes for an unforgettable experience. If time allows, we'll take you to a hilltop vantage point in Pakbeng town (by vehicle), offering breath-taking panoramic views—perfect for capturing enduring memories. There is a remaining small Buddhist temple on the hill top of the former Lan Na Kingdom. Many of the temples had been destroyed during wars with the Thai Kingdom 300 years ago.
As the afternoon unfolds, our journey continues, culminating in our final overnight mooring spot. Once again, we anchor at a splendid sandbank, creating a picturesque setting for a relaxed aperitif, ideally accompanied by a stunning sunset. Subsequently, a farewell dinner is served on the terrace deck, marking the conclusion of this remarkable journey. 
Included activities: Visit to the Elephant Conservation Sanctuary, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Pak Beng Huay Xai
After a magnificent 9-night cruise full of discoveries, this final day invites you to slow down and... more+ fully savor the memories you’ve made throughout the trip.
There’s still a long way to go down the Mekong before reaching Huay Xai, our final destination. You can enjoy a more leisurely morning and sleep in if you’d like.
The day unfolds at the pace of a peaceful cruise down the majestic Mekong—the perfect time to relax and reflect on the experiences you’ve had during this adventure.
Mid-morning, join a captivating presentation on the complex history of the Golden Triangle, covering the various issues related to colonialism, opium, and conflicts, as well as the multifaceted roles played by Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Great Britain, China, and other regional actors.
We then sail near the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Tha River, one of its main tributaries, nicknamed the “Green River.” Originating near the Chinese border, about 325 km to the northeast, it joins the Mekong at this point.
At this point, the river widens, but the captain remains particularly vigilant to navigate safely among the rocks, rapids, and sandbars. From the outdoor deck, watch this fascinating navigation while enjoying the last peaceful moments of the cruise.
Lunch is served until about an hour before arrival.
In the afternoon, arrival at the Huay Xai pier. Assistance with your luggage is provided, as well as an organized transfer to the Laos-Thailand border.
The cruise ends in front of the Laos immigration office. We wish you a pleasant continuation of your journey.
Please note: Depending on the river’s water level, the boat may not be able to sail all the way to Huay Xai. In this case, you will disembark at Pak Tha, and a land transfer will be arranged to Huay Xai (approximately a 2.5-hour trip). The rest of the itinerary remains unchanged. 
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
Welcome drink
Unlimited tea and coffee on board
Mineral water available
Passenger liability insurance
Internet on board (subject to cellular network signal)
Port tax
River pilots
Fuel
Taxes
A French-speaking guide
English-speaking tour guide (other languages on request)
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
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

Lecture on the History of the Laotian Monarchy and King Anouvong
included
Tour of the island by TUK TUK
included
Visit to the traditional boat production workshop
included
Visit to a local whisky distillery
included
Visit to a village inhabited by the Lao Loum
included
Pha Liep village
included
Exploring Stalagmites and Stalactites
included
Yoga session
included
Tour of the village of Pak Yan
included
Visit a pagoda
included
A Walk Through the Village of Ban Hatsok
included
Meeting with a Monk
included
Visit to ancient Luang Prabang
included
Visit to a dairy farm
included
Visit to the Kuang Si waterfall
included
Tour of the Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm
included
Exploring UNESCO World Heritage: Luang Prabang
included
An Easy Hike Up Mount Phousi
included
Traditional Baci Ceremony
included
Visit the Pak Ou Caves
included
Visit to the Elephant Conservation Sanctuary
included

Customer reviews

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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
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