RIVER CRUISES
Laos is a country where waterways are still a very effective means of communication and a great way to experience the local ways of life and absorb the beautiful landscapes.
In a way, this relative difficulty of moving easily (and quickly) has preserved the ancestral way of life and culture of Laos that is highlighted today as one of the main reasons to come and visit the country. People and goods are transported short and long distances on the Mekong River, the backbone of the nation.
There are some very scenic waterways winding through the country and some are of particular visual beauty. Rapids, deep jungle forests, seasonal vegetables, fishermen collect their catch, elephants refresh and quench their thirst, gold miners look for nuggets, sand is pulled, children play and swim, and freshwater grass is collected to make it one of the favorite dishes of Laotians, the khaiphaen riverweed.
Go with the swells
We can think of the northern part of the Mekong which runs from the Golden Triangle between Myanmar, Thailand and Laos to the former royal capital of Lane Xang kingdom, Luang Prabang. Passing through Pakbeng.
Various ethnic minority and Laotian groups inhabit the banks of the river. They carry on their traditions and don't be surprised if you find yourself the center of attention when you stop to visit them!
Some cruise ships allow you to spend the night on board while others dock at the foot of the riverbanks, which allows access to overhanging lodges or camps.
The Nam Ou River, a tributary of the Mekong in the northeast of the country, is also of great interest to travelers who don't mind going a little further into the Lao countryside, clearly off the beaten track. The river flows into the Mekong at the famous Pak Ou Caves, perched in a limestone cliff. The river is no longer wild in the sense that there are now a few hydroelectric dams. However, the landscapes and lifestyles are still relatively unspoiled.
Southern Laos is also the setting for some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Southeast Asia. With a maze of "4,000 Islands" (Si Phan Done, in Laotian) scattered near the Cambodian border, the region is also renowned for its ancient pre-Angkorian ruins at Vat Phou and Vat Uomo, but also with the world's largest waterfalls at Khone Phapheng. Majestic views of sunsets and color contrasts ranging from dark orange to bright yellow to candy purple.
Today, a few cruise operators offer to join quality cruises with itineraries ranging from half a day to more than a week. If you would like to have a private experience, contact us and we will advise you on the best possible solutions, in line with your preferences, budget constraints and seasonality.