Laos boasts one of the world’s most evocative rivers, the mighty Mekong, and as you travel through the country it becomes an almost ever present companion. Whether you opt for a 2 day cruise following the Northern section or stretch it out and enjoy a 10 night luxury cruise you'll get to see sections of this beautiful country that can't be reached by car, a world away from everyday life at home.
2 Night Cruise from Thailand to Laos
Cruising the north allows you to combine a stay in northern Thailand with a holiday in Laos. The Mekong forms the border between both countries and you get an immediate feeling of adventure as you leave Thailand and take a short atmospheric boat ride across the river to Laos where the Luang Say Cruise Company organise your visa and you have an hour to explore the small town of Huay Xai. 
Relax and enjoy your lazy journey
Board the converted rice barge, relax in your reclined cushioned chair and begin your lazy journey south. This is the perfect way to ease into holiday mode as a cooling breeze takes away the heat and river village life becomes less evident as you make your way into Laos. The river is hemmed in by rolling hills, its flow broken by jagged rocks and the whirlpools and eddies agitate the surface betraying the danger that lies beneath. Not quite African Queen, but the river is very much alive, a stimulating force that requires skilful handling.
Along the way the boat will stop at a local village and your guide will explain a bit more about local life,the architecture and different ethnic groups. This evening dock at the Luang Say Lodge, whose string of comfortable bungalows runs along the riverbank.
Cruise to Luang Prabang
The second day the hills climb higher, the trees grow taller and river life revolves around the odd fishermen, water buffalo and perhaps one of the elephants still used for logging. The peace is occasionally broken by the long tail speedboats, laden with people fully equipped in crash helmets, travelling to Luang Prabang from Thailand in just 6 hours.
Again you’ll have chance to visit a local village and just short of Luang Prabang, the Pak Ou Caves that rest high in the limestone cliffs and house thousands of Buddha statues that were hidden from the looting Chinese Haw. The caves were converted into Buddhist temples in the 15th century and are used as a site for old Buddha images that can no longer be venerated in a temple, either because they are damaged or the temple they were displayed in has been destroyed.
The cruise ends at Luang Prabang and arriving by boat feels very natural and atmospheric. As you walk up the steep steps that lead up to the city, you instantly feel the history and unspoilt nature of this royal city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10 Night Cruise Through Laos
The first class L’Indochine Pandaw is the first river expedition since pre-war days to cross all of Laos. You'll visit the Captial, Vientiane and UNESCO Luang Prabang, but the joy of this cruise is the easy access to the rural river heartland set deep amongst mountains and protected by rapids and gorges. A real river boat adventure.