From the Golden Triangle to Vientiane (2026/2027/2028)
starting at 7.400 €

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15-day boat trip in Laos and Thailand with an 11-day Mekong River cruise on the Mekong Star between the Golden Triangle and Vientiane

Asia

Laos

Thailand

14 - 24 people

15 days

Just as traveling by mail boat along the Norwegian fjords is considered the most beautiful sea voyage in the world, this Mekong cruise on your private premium boutique ship Mekong Star through wildly romantic landscapes is likely to be considered the most beautiful river cruise in the world. Experience Laos and Thailand on the mother of all waters! On board the new ship, you can expect an exclusive, family atmosphere with first-class amenities that will make your trip a truly feel-good experience. Relax in stylish cabins, enjoy exquisite cuisine, and experience authentic encounters. Discover the Laotian capital Vientiane and the magnificent royal city of Luang Prabang with its unique blend of historic temples and French colonial style. Let yourself be enchanted by the wild, untouched landscapes of the Mekong on your journey.

Stephanie Gräf

Spezialist für individuelle und erlebnisreiche Reisen rund um den Globus.

I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.

You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de

Select consultation appointment

HIGHLIGHTS

The most authentic and comfortable way to experience Laos and the life of its inhabitants along the mother of all waters.
Travel in the most comfortable way on the Mekong aboard your stylish premium boutique river cruise ship Mekong Star
Explorer route with the pioneers
Travel in an exclusive, private atmosphere with a maximum of 24 guests on your ship.
Unforgettable impressions of an unspoiled river landscape that only a few travelers have been able to discover

route

itinerary

Day 1 Off to Asia!

Flight from Germany to Chiang Rai.

Day 2 Welcome to Northern Thailand

Arrival in Chiang Rai and transfer to your comfortable hotel, where you will stay for one night. After a short refreshment break, discover Chiang Rai and its sights. The main attraction is Wat Phra Keo, the namesake of Thailand's most famous temple in Bangkok. According to legend, this is where the story of the legendary Jade Buddha begins, whose trail you will follow in the coming days via Luang Prabang and Vientiane to Bangkok. Another sightseeing spot is the modern Wat Rong Khun temple, which, with its playful white decorations, almost resembles a fairytale castle. In the early evening, a stylish tuk-tuk ride awaits you to the lively evening market and then to the golden clock tower, where you will experience the colorful light and music show. Afterwards, enjoy your welcome dinner together. (D)

Day 3 The Golden Triangle

After breakfast, you will drive to the picturesque mountain village of Doi Mae Salong. As you stroll through the colorful market of the mountain tribes, you will discover local specialties and traditional handicrafts. You will visit the tomb of the legendary General Tuan and enjoy a cup of the finely scented oolong tea typical of this region. Afterwards, you will learn more about the turbulent history of opium cultivation, which is now banned, in a small museum. In the evening, the crew will welcome you aboard your Mekong Star river cruise ship. You will move into your comfortable floating home for the next ten nights. (FMA)

Day 4 Cast off on the Mekong!

After breakfast, you will first travel overland to Laos. Your journey will then begin with a visit to the lively border town of Huay Xai, the bustling commercial center of Bokeo Province. Then it's time to cast off! You will pass by the breathtaking landscapes of northern Laos. (FMA)

Day 5 Extraordinary landscapes

Today's shore excursion takes you to one of the villages of the local mountain tribes in the Pak Tha region. Back on board, you can marvel at the remote and unspoiled regions of Laos, which can only be reached by water, as you travel downstream. At an elephant sanctuary, you will have the opportunity to experience these impressive animals in their natural environment and learn more about their conservation. (FMA)

Day 6 Pak Ou Caves

Traffic on the river increases slightly as you enter a region with numerous villages without road connections: the Mekong is often the only means of transport here. Today, you will discover the famous Pak Ou Caves with their thousands of small Buddha statues. Afterwards, you will visit a nearby village where you can witness the traditional production of the local rice spirit Lao-Lao. (FMA)

Day 7 UNESCO City of Luang Prabang

After breakfast, you can look forward to an exciting lecture by an expert who will give you insights into the ethnic diversity and cultural change in Laos. Today, your river cruise ship will dock near the UNESCO-protected old town of Luang Prabang, which you will explore on foot. Your exploration will take you to the city's most famous temple, Wat Xieng Thong, a masterpiece of Laotian architecture. Afterwards, you will climb Phou Si Mountain, formerly a site of spirit worship and now a Buddhist temple and shrine complex. From the summit (approx. 10 minutes' walk), you can enjoy a panoramic view of the old town, the Mekong River, the Khan River, and the surrounding mountains. In the evening, you can try your hand at preparing typical Laotian dishes in a cooking class and then taste them. (FMA)

Day 8 Luang Prabang up close!

Early in the morning, you will have the opportunity to watch monks performing their traditional alms round. After this experience, you can visit the market, where all kinds of goods are on offer. Please note that this visit is only for those with strong stomachs! After breakfast, you will explore the former royal palace, now the National Museum, and a local artisan village. The rest of the day is yours to explore on your own. Before dinner, you will take part in a traditional Laotian Baci friendship ceremony, accompanied by classical Laotian music and dance. (FMA)

Day 9 Kuang Si Waterfalls

Today, you will visit a park that is very popular with locals, featuring the picturesque Kuang Si Falls. The turquoise blue pools between the individual cascades, surrounded by lush green vegetation, invite you to take a refreshing dip, especially on hot days. In the afternoon, you will pass through the lock at the largest hydroelectric power plant in Laos, the imposing dam at Xayaburi. In the evening, your river cruise ship will anchor on a sandbank or on the shore, where you can enjoy your dinner on board surrounded by unspoiled nature. (FMA)

Day 10 Laotian tranquility

Enjoy the wonderful view while you leisurely eat your breakfast and then relax on board. Perhaps you will spot hard-working fishermen along the riverbank? Today's shore excursion takes you to the farming village of Ban Don Saingam. Marvel at the seemingly endless rice fields and the bizarre karst landscape. After a 30-minute walk, you will reach the highlight of the day, the Khao Hao Cave. Further downstream, enjoy an atmospheric barbecue on the picturesque banks of the Mekong River in the evening. (FMA)

Day 11 Panoramas along the great river

Today you will experience some of the most extraordinary and impressive scenery of your river cruise. The passing landscape becomes increasingly spectacular: mountains covered with tropical rainforest, impressive rock formations, and the fascinating alternation between slow and wild currents create a unique natural spectacle. During your shore excursion, you will visit the bustling market town of Salakham, known for its thriving timber and spice trade. Immerse yourself in the aromas and atmosphere of local commerce as you stroll through the market. (FMA)

Day 12 Vientiane

You continue downstream and reach the vibrant capital city of Vientiane. On a city tour, you will discover the highlights of this charming city, including the Pha That Luang National Shrine and the Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a farewell dinner to bring your last evening on board to a pleasant close. At low tide, you will experience today's river stage aboard a traditional Laotian longboat and later travel overland to Vientiane, where you will stay in a comfortable hotel in the city center. (FMA)

Day 13 Continue journey to Bangkok

After breakfast, you will fly on to Bangkok, where you will stay for one night in a comfortable hotel. You will end the day with a stylish dinner in the Skyline Restaurant, overlooking the glittering lights of Bangkok on the Chao Phraya, the River of Kings. (FA)

Day 14 Farewell to Southeast Asia

Today in Bangkok is yours to explore at your leisure. If you wish, you can also discover some of Bangkok's highlights on a full-day city tour including lunch. You will start with a drive through the vibrant Chinatown, a colorful district full of life, and then visit Wat Pho temple with its gigantic reclining Buddha. Another highlight is a visit to the magnificent Grand Palace. Right next to it is the most important temple in the country: Wat Phra Kaew with its legendary sacred Emerald Buddha. After lunch, you will continue your discovery tour on a traditional boat through the so-called klongs, the narrow side channels of the Chao Phraya River. You will dock at the ornately decorated Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, and finally visit the charming artists' village of Klong Bang Luang. A walk along the stilt houses is the perfect way to end this eventful day in Bangkok. In the evening, enjoy your farewell dinner before boarding your return flight. (FA)

Day 15 Arrival in Germany

Information

Included services:

Flights Frankfurt – Chiang Rai and Vientiane – Bangkok – Frankfurt in Economy Class
Mekong River cruise with 10 nights aboard your comfortable Laotian river cruise ship
One night each in a comfortable hotel in Chiang Rai and Bangkok
Experienced and proven German-speaking cruise director on board
Excursions, lectures, and sightseeing tours in German according to the itinerary
Visit to the Buddhist Pak Ou Caves and a Laotian distillery
Evening together with Laotian folklore and traditional Baci friendship ceremony
Laotian specialty barbecue evening on the banks of the Mekong River
Meals as per itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
Water, coffee, and tea on board
House wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages during meals on board the ship
A sundowner on board in the evening
1 spa treatment per guest on board
Exclusively for guests of the Signature Suite: laundry service and a bottle of champagne per cabin
Admission fees for the advertised sightseeing destinations
Comprehensive travel information material