Lanjia Lodge + Mekong Cruise (Upstream Cruise)
The famed royal capital of Laos, Luang Prabang, is today a mystical yet friendly place where visitors always feel welcomed by locals and are enchanted by its charming surroundings. The town is located along the Mekong River, where the journey on the Luang Say boat begins. You will cruise up the river to the northern town of Chiang Kong in Thailand.
Here you will stay overnight at the lovely Lanjia Lodge, a community-based lodge situated within a peaceful village of Hmong and Lahu hill tribes. You will experience ethnic hill-tribe culture firsthand.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 Luang Prabang – Pakbeng
Luang Say boat leaves Auberge Calao pier at 07h00am (please be at the pier not later than 6.45 am). A continental breakfast is served while the boat is cruising to Pak Ou Village.
Opposite the mouth of the Nam Ou River, near Pak Ou village, the cruise stops to visit the Tam Thing cave. Translated as Rock Cave, it is famous for housing over 2,500 Buddha statues of all sizes and for being a place of pilgrimage for locals.
Lunch is served on board in a buffet style with a main course from Laos’ cuisine. A different choice of fish and meat dishes than on the first day is prepared for a greater culinary experience.
A few hours into the day after enjoying the sights of granite cliffs and sparkling sandy shores, the river boat makes a stop to visit the hill tribe village of Baw, where you can watch the traditional process of making Lao whiskey.
The river cruise arrives at Luang Say Lodge near Pakbeng before sunset, giving plenty of time to refresh, enjoy the scenery of the river and admire the surrounding nature.
A Laotian dinner is served on the open air terrace overlooking the Mekong River.
DAY 2 Pakbeng – Huay Xay
Mornings are special times at Luang Say Lodge with stunning sights of the peaceful neighboring mountains, often shrowded in mist, while a full breakfast is served on the expansive teak terrace.
The cruise departs for another day of nature discovery along the legendary river with one stop planned along the way to northern Thailand.
Lunch is served on board in a buffet style with a main course from Laos’ main culinary delights and a choice of fish and meat dishes.
After lunch, the boat stops at a traditional village. This is a chance to observe rural life along the Mekong and witness the daily life of ethnic minorities and their talented craftsmanship.
Within the Mekong region, the capital of the Lao province of Bokèo, Huay Xai is an important border crossing point with neighboring Chiang Khong, Thailand and was thus chosen as the ideal arrival port for the cruise. After the cruise, a minivan will drive you to the border. Our team will help you to cross and reach Thailand.
After the border crossing, a minivan will drive you to the Lanjia Lodge in Chiang Rai. The drive is 1 hour long.
After checking in at Lanjia Lodge, your dinner will be served at the balcony of your guest house. After dinner, watch traditional Hmong performances. Overnight at Lanjia Lodge
DAY 3 Lanjia Lodge – Chiang Rai
After breakfast, you will watch the presentation and/or discover the numerous activities around the Hmong culture and traditional way of life.
Lunch will be provided on the charming terrace that looks to the Mekong River and Laos.
Get firsthand experience on how to make Hmong batik handkerchief with Hmong ladies. Alternatively, you can learn how to make and set animal traps.
Check out from Lanjia Lodge and continue your trip to the next destination. Transfer to your hotel in Chiang Rai or Chiang Rai airport.
