Mekong Magic

Here is a detailed 5-day itinerary for a luxury tour cruising down the Mekong River, visiting the temples and towns of Laos and Cambodia:

Day 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang, Laos

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your luxury Mekong River cruise ship. After settling in your cabin, enjoy a welcome cocktail and get ready for a delicious dinner on board.

Day 2: Pak Ou Caves and Ban Phanom

Village After breakfast on board, visit the Pak Ou Caves, a series of caves filled with thousands of Buddha images. Enjoy the scenic views along the way as the boat travels through the stunning limestone cliffs. After exploring the caves, enjoy lunch on board. In the afternoon, visit the local weaving village of Ban Phanom, where you can see traditional Lao textiles being made by skilled weavers. Return to the ship for dinner on board.

Day 3: Kuang Si Waterfall and Baci Ceremony

After breakfast on board, visit the Kuang Si Waterfall and the Bear Rescue Centre, a sanctuary for rescued Asiatic black bears. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters of the waterfall, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking natural beauty. Return to the ship for lunch on board. In the afternoon, participate in a traditional Baci ceremony, a Lao ritual to celebrate important events or welcome guests. Enjoy dinner on board.

Day 4: Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom in Siem Reap, Cambodia

After breakfast on board, disembark the ship and take a short flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest religious monuments in the world. In the afternoon, visit the Angkor Thom complex, including the Bayon Temple and Terrace of the Elephants, and learn about the history and culture of the Khmer Empire. Return to the ship for dinner on board.

Day 5: Chnok Tru Village

After breakfast on board, explore the traditional stilted village of Chnok Tru, where you can witness the daily life of Cambodian fishermen and their families. See how they make their living from the river and experience their unique culture and way of life. Return to the ship for lunch on board, then disembark and transfer to Siem Reap airport for your departure flight.

This 5-day luxury tour is a perfect combination of natural beauty, ancient history, and cultural experiences, allowing you to discover the magic of the Mekong River while enjoying the comfort and luxury of a first-class river cruise.

In addition to exploring the temples and towns of Laos and Cambodia, there are plenty of other activities and sights to enjoy along the Mekong River. Take a sunset cruise, go kayaking, or visit a floating market to experience local life up close.

As for the cost, a luxury tour of this kind can vary greatly depending on the specific itinerary, accommodations, and inclusions. However, as a rough estimate, a 10-day tour including a Mekong River cruise, visits to Luang Prabang and Angkor Wat, and various activities and meals, can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 per person.

It’s always a good idea to do some research and compare different tour operators to find the best value for your budget. Some tours may also offer discounts for group bookings or early-bird bookings, so be sure to ask about these options.