Upper Mekong & The Golden Triangle
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Overview
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Itinerary
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Fares
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Accommodation
A journey overview
- Vientiane
- Sabei Pandaw
- Pak Lai
- Luang Prabang
- Chiang Saen
- Jinghong
- Lijiang
- Kunming
21 Days Explorations
- Departing:
- 12 Oct 2019
Drift along the Upper Mekong River aboard our privately chartered river ship, before exploring China.


Drift Away from the Mekong’s Tourist Trail
Aboard the custom built Sabei Pandaw, chartered exclusively for Captain’s Choice guests, spend 14 nights cruising on the remote reaches of the Upper Mekong River through Laos and Thailand.

Meet Locals in Remote Riverside Villages
Get to know the people who call the banks of the Upper Mekong home. As we dock to explore tribal villages and remote settlements, we’ll meet the locals and learn of their customs.

Explore Luang Prabang by Tuk-Tuk
On the back of a tuk-tuk, we’ll be carried between a selection of Luang Prabang’s World Heritage-listed Buddhist temples.

The Stone Forest of Ashima
Marvel at the spectacular Stone Forest in Kunming. Hundreds of millions of years of erosion has produced astounding jagged peaks.
RESIDENCES OF THE HIGHEST STANDARD

Settha Palace Hotel, Vientiane
Built in 1932, and painstakingly restored it to its former glory, the welcoming interiors and delightful outdoor area invites serenity and relaxation.

Grand Hyatt Lijiang Hotel, Lijiang
Set at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, enjoy spectacular mountain or lake views from your suite and perhaps spend time relaxing by the tranquil pond.

Hilton Dali Resort & Spa, Dali
The Hilton Dali Resort & Spa features rooms with modern designs, as well as balconies which afford views of Erhai Lake. This is an ideal base from which to explore the city of Dali and it’s Old Town.

Green Lake Hotel, Kunming
Just one kilometre from the city centre, Green Lake Hotel’s amenities include a fitness centre and sauna, as well as outdoor and indoor pools. Our rooms here feature views of either Green Lake or Kunming City.
Itinerary
Arrive Vientiane (Laos), Embark Sabei Pandaw
We check into our Deluxe Rooms at the Settha Palace Hotel. Dinner at the Belle Époque Brasserie is the start to our journey. Before our 14-night cruise along the Upper Mekong aboard Sabei Pandaw, we pay a visit to Si Saket Temple, the President’s Hall and Wat Prakeo Temple. Also see the Patuxai monument.
Cruise the Mekong, Pak Lai (Thailand)
Embrace the serenity of the lush jungle scenery as we spend a full day cruising. Riverside villages and colourful boats glide by. Upon crossing the border into Thailand, we step ashore to explore the stopover town of Pak Lai, with its many French colonial buildings and vibrant local market.
Ban Pak Bor Village, Ban Mouang Khai Village (Laos)
We dock to meet members of Ban Pak Bor village, set on the Mekong’s banks. On a walking tour, we learn about the local Khmu people and survey the Xayaburi Hydro Electric Power Plant currently in construction. Further along the river, we get to know the people living in a local Hmong village and admire the turquoise waters of Khaung Si Falls.
Luang Prabang, Pak Ou Caves
The temple city of Luang Prabang graces the horizon. We set out on tuk tuks to explore the Buddhist temples and, come evening, venture to the night market. On our second day here, we rise early to witness monks walking through the city collecting alms from locals. Onwards, we visit the Pak Ou Caves and explore a Whiskey Village. As the sun begins its descent, enjoy cocktails and canapés as traditional floating fire lanterns drift up above.
Pak Beng, Ban Houayxay, Chiang Saen (Thailand)
Traditional Khmu villages attract our attention over the next few days as we head ashore. After once again cruising along the border of Laos and Thailand, we spend the night docked in the Huay Xai area. We reach the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet, and make our way to the town of Chiang Saen in Thailand.
Ban Pha Khao (Laos), Cruising the Mekong, Guan Lei (China)
A walking track at Ban Pha Khao leads us up a steep hill, where stunning views of the surrounding jungle and valley are unveiled. Local Lao Lu people then host us for the afternoon. After a day spent cruising on the river, we arrive in China and disembark to stroll amid the wooden houses and temples of the Akha people. Continue cruising to Guan Lei for a walking tour.
Jinghong, Disembark Sabei Pandaw, Lijiang
In the cosmopolitan city of Jinghong, relax within the serene setting of Manting Park before a cultural show featuring acrobatics and dancers. We farewell our ship and take in Dai village before flying to Lijiang. Here, we have the privilege of being guests at a Naxi Ancient Music show.
Lijiang, Dali, Kunming
On our final day in Lijiang, visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, take VIP seats at the Impression Lijiang show and visit Baisha village. We also take the opportunity to join the locals in a spot of folk dancing. Our next stop is Dali, where the Old Town presents the chance to taste traditional Yunnan cuisine. In Xizhou Village, we meander along the winding paths that lead us to the workshop of a noodle maker and the home of a cheesemaker, before joining a cooking class run by a local family. A brief flight then takes us to the city of Kunming.
Depart Kunming
The day is dedicated to the spectacular Stone Forest in Kunming. On the way back to our hotel, where we enjoy a Farewell Dinner, stop in at a village that is home to the Yi people, one of China’s many ethnic minorities. We are struck by the colourful and detailed traditional dress worn by their residents. Enjoy our final morning on your own schedule. Ours has been a journey of new world insights, knowledge and experiences rarely had by others.
Upper Mekong & The Golden Triangle
21 Days - Departing 12 October 2019
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