Vat Phou Cruise (3 days / 2 nights) by Mekong Delta Travel

Cruise the “Mother of Waters” to the wild paradise of the “4,000 islands” on the Vat Phou, your comfortable floating air-conditioned teak hotel, with twelve cabins, each with twin beds and private hot and cold running water bathrooms.

Shaded upper deck for lounging, restaurant on board serving the finest Laotian, Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. Beers, wines and spirits available on order. 

Cruise Down River:

Day 1: Pakse/Champassak/Vat Phou

Early morning 10h30 a.m. departure from Pakse for Champassak, heading south aboard a local longtail riverboat, zigzagging through mild rapids and sand banks, arriving at Champassak in time for a riverside lunch, followed by a guided tour of the mysterious pre-Angkorian 10th century temple of Vat Phou, the boat’s namesake. As dusk falls board the Vat Phou for a relaxing cruise down-river, enjoying  the tropical sunset on the deck, dinner is served on board, while the boat docks for the night alongside a remote Laotian village.

Day 2: Huei Thamo / Oum Moung Temple / Khong Island (B/D)

Breakfast on board as we set sail for the village of Huei Thamo, only a few minutes walk away from the spectacular hidden forest temple of Oum Moung. Afterwards rejoin the boat for a cruise southwards and lunch on the deck, while we continue our leisurely sail further south to the wild paradise of the “4,000 islands”, arrived in the afternoon closed to Khong Island (the birthplace of the President of the Peoples republic of Laos) at Ban Dua Tae, and visit this traditional Laotian Village where the traditional way of life has not changed in centuries. Back on board for quiet dinner, under the stars, serenaded by the songs by the songs of the buffalo toads.

Day 3: Ban Veuthong/ the “Niagara of the East/ Xieng Di/ Pakse (B)

Breakfast on the deck, while cruising to the small village of Ban Veuthong where we will board a small long-tail boat to Khone Island. After visit, take a long tail boat back to the main land for lunch amid the by-gone splendid of another age; colorful French colonial houses and an old customs post, alongside a stone quay. Take a minivan to amazingly scenic splendor of the Khong Pha Peng waterfall, “the Niagara of the East“, close to the Cambodian border. Back to “civilization, for the two hours ride to Pakse, arriving in the afternoon, about 3:50 p.m.

Cruise Up River (the same tour but in reverse):

Day 1: Xieng Di / Khone Island

On arrival at Pakse, drive to the spectacular roaring falls of Khone Pha Pheng, the “Niagara of the East” and the fishing village of Xieng Di for lunch at local restaurant and where you will board a long tail boat for a visit to Khone Island. After visit, take long tail boat to the Khong Island village of Ban Veuthong, where you will board the waiting Vat Phou for a sunset cruise and dinner, docked riverside for the night.

Day 2:  Khong Island / Oum Moung Temple / Huei Thamo (L/D)

Breakfast on board Vat Phou as we set sail to Ban Dua Tae, and visit this traditional Laotian Village after the visit we sail North, past the island of Don Xai, and into a myriad of islands of all shapes and sizes, the wild paradise of ‘4,000 islands.’ Enjoy the lunch during cruising North to the island of Don Daeng, to visit the village of Huei Thamo and the mysterious Oum Moung forest temple, just a few minutes walk way.  Dinner.  “Under the stars”, aboard Vat Phou.

Day 3: Ban Wat Luang Kao / Vat Phou / Champassak (B)

While enjoying breakfast on board, the Vat Phou continues its cruise to Ban Wat Luang Kao, where you will join a guided tour by bus to the tenth century pre-Angkorian temple of Vat Phou, after which you will return by bus to Champassak in time for lunch, and the final cruise to Pakse, with arrival in the afternoon.
We hope that you have found your cruise to be as magical as we believe it to be, and that the memories you take back will remain with you forever.

Group / Cost in US$ per pax	1 pax	2 pax	3 - 4 pax	5 - 9 pax	10 - 14 pax
1 Oct- 30 Apr	628	558	553	528	523
1 May- 30 Sep	572	497	487	477	472

Price include:

· 3 days cruise with stops and visits en route
· 2 night accommodation on  Vatphous cruise
· Meal plan as mentioned
· Entrance fee at Tam Ting and police fees along the trip
· 1 FOC half twin for 15 paying persons
· Assistance of English-speaking cruise escort during the cruise (no guide on board)

Price exclude:

· Transfers to and from Departure / Arrival in Pakse / airport transfers in Pakxe
· Visa approval and fees for Laos
· Personal insurance

Note: From 01 June ’07 to 30 June ’08, there is no operation.
          Low season from 1 Nov  to 30 April
          High season from 1 May to 31 August