Cruising in Asia

We began in Myanmar. The unique Pandaw river expedition concept evolved here from the vestiges of the colonial Irrawaddy Flotilla Company. Our ships were built here and in Myanmar we learnt to master river navigation at its worst. These lessons were applied to the other rivers of Asia.

VAT PHOU CRUISE

TRIP OVERVIEW: Cruise the "Mother of Waters" to the wild paradise of the "4,000 islands" on the Vat Phou, your comfortable floating air-conditioned teak hotel, with twelve cabins, each with twin beds and private hot and cold running water bathrooms. Shaded upper deck for lounging, restaurant on board serving the finest Laotian, Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. Beers, wines and spirits are also available on board.

Cruise Down River:

From 01 May 08 to 31 Oct 08: departures every Saturday for cruise down and Tuesday for cruise up.
* no operation from 01 to 30 June for annual maintenance.
From 01 Nov 08 to 30 Apr 09: departures every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday on a cruise down or cruise up.
From 01 May 09 to 31 Oct 09: departures every Saturday for cruise down and Tuesday for cruise up.
* no operation from 01 to 30 June for annual maintenance.

DETAILED PROGRAMME / CRUISE DOWNSTREAM

From Pakse to the "Niagara of the East", the discovery of one of the wonders of the world, the treasures of Khmer architecture.

Day 1: Pakse/Champasak/Vat Phou (L, D)
Early morning 10h30 departure from Pakse to Champasak, heading south aboard a local longtail riverboat, zigzagging through mild rapids and sand banks, arriving at Champasak 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 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 15h50.

PRICE INCLUDES:

· 3 days cruise with stops and visits as mentioned in the program with English-speaking escort.

· 2 nights accommodation on board.

· Meal plan as mentioned in the tour program.

· Coffee, tea & drinking water on board and during meals.

· Admission fee at visiting points as mentioned in the program.

· Services of qualified crews during the cruise.
Group insurance.

PRICE EXCLUDES:

· Visa approval and fees for Laos.

· Transfer from hotel / airport to pier in Pakxe or v.v.

· Other drinks and meals not mentioned in package.

· Other personal expenses.

REMARKS:

· 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.
Infants (under 2 years old) are free of charge.

NOTE: In general from 01 - 30 June, there is no operation for annual boat maintenance. The exactly dates will be advised later.