Life Along the Mekong

THAILAND & LAOS | 13 DAYS | FROM $8,890
previously led by RICH PAGEN & DR. SHIRLEY CAMPBELL

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ENJOY SCENIC RIVER CRUISING ONBOARD THE 14-CABIN CHAMPA PANDAW

Journey down one of the world’s greatest rivers on an adventure that will speak to your heart. Explore the scenic Upper Mekong and discover rolling, untamed vistas of mountains and jungle. Step ashore in tiny traditional communities that rely on these vital landscapes for farming, drinking water, food, transportation, and energy.

Three moments you’ll never forget

Rise at dawn in Luang Prabang to watch orange-robed monks silently pass through the streets collecting alms.

Sit for lunch atop the Champa Pandaw, as we glide down the Mekong passing local villages and jungle-covered cliffs.

Learn about local landscapes and communities from Rich and Shirley along one of the world’s greatest rivers.

Go With

Social Anthropologist

Go with Shirley

Social Anthropologist

As a cultural anthropologist, Shirley’s made it her life’s work to dig her way through the world and share what she’s learned. Her admiration for remote peoples is infectious.

Social Anthropologist

Naturalist

Go with Rich

Naturalist

Rich’s serious love for all things nature have propelled him throughout the world. He’s spent just some of his life tagging sea turtles, teaching marine science, and spying on Arctic seabirds.

Naturalist

DAY 1

Welcome to Bangkok

Arrive at the Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner.

DAY 2

Set Sail

We’ll board the Champa Pandaw in time for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the center of the Golden Triangle and the fascinating Hall of Opium Museum.

DAY 3

Mekong Cruising & A Jungle Village

Spend the morning gliding along the beautiful Upper Mekong, and the afternoon tour a traditional Lao village set in the jungle.

DAY 4

Khamo Village

Enjoy an early morning walking tour in a Khamo village and an evening of cocktails on a peaceful sandbank.

DAY 5

Limestone Caves & Buddha Sculptures

Admire the spectacular limestone cliffs and the thousands of miniature Buddha sculptures within the Pak Ou Buddha Caves. In the afternoon, arrive in lovely Luang Prabang.

DAY 6 & 7

Luang Prabang

Spend two days exploring the beautiful temple city of Luang Prabang, seeing sites during the day— a pre-dawn Tak Bat, when hundreds of saffron-robed monks move silently through the streets to collect alms and food offerings—and explore buzzing night markets and small restaurants at night.

DAY 8

Mekong Cruising

A calming day of cruising along the Mekong, passing through the Mekong water control lock.

DAY 9

Mountains and Villages

This morning, visit Ban Pha Leab, notable for its beautiful limestone mountain, as well as a traditional Thai plantation village.

DAY 10

Arrive in Vientiane

This morning, the Pandaw passes through a dramatic landscape of jungle and mountain, while in the afternoon, you’ll cruise into the cultivated plains of Vientiane province.

DAY 11

Bustling in Vientiane

Spend a full day exploring Vientiane’s many charming cafes and bistros. This evening, enjoy farewell cocktails and dinner on your final night aboard the Pandaw.