Mekong Pearl Cruise Upstream 6 days: Luang Prabang - Golden Triangle

  • Destination: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves - Huay Xai - Golden Triangle
  • Cruise Ship: Mekong Pearl Cruise

Let's immerse yourself in the majestic scenery of the Mekong River with our Mekong Pearl Cruise on this 6-day upstream voyage. You can travel from the heart of Laos, Luang Prabang, to the Golden Triangle in Thailand to experience various fascinating cultures, visit colorful local markets and heal your soul with the outstanding unspoiled landscape along the upper Mekong!

Cabin & Rates

Classic Cabin

Classic Cabin

2 pax
12.0 m2
Double/Twin
  • All board - meals included
Cabin detail
Superior Cabin

Superior Cabin

2 pax
16.0 m2
Double/Twin
  • All board - meals included
Cabin detail
Deluxe Cabin

Deluxe Cabin

2 pax
22.0 m2
Double
  • All board - meals included
Cabin detail
Booking Policy
Price Includes
  • 5 overnights in selected cabin type aboard your boutique river cruise vessel
  • Local English-speaking guides
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary
  • Excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tours and transfers as mentioned
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers, porters and performers
  • Water in the vehicles and on the ship
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, and D=Dinner)
  • Coffee, tea, and table water is complementary onboard your boutique river cruise vessel
  • Presentations and lectures onboard by the cruise director
  • Transfers from/to Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang airports or hotels within city limits (only guaranteed if information was correctly provided 4 weeks prior to embarkation, at the latest)
Price Excludes
  • Flights
  • Meals and services other than those noted in the itinerary
  • Visas for Laos
  • Laundry, telephone calls, and personal expenditures
  • Gratuities for boat crew, and personal, non-itinerary services
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks other than mentioned
  • Personal Insurance
Cancellation Policy

Cancellation by Customer

  • Cancellation before 120 days prior to the start of the cruise:30 % of the total rate
  • Between 120 and 61 days prior to the start of the cruise: 50 % of the total rate
  • Between 60 and 30 days prior to the start of the cruise: 70 % of the total rate
  • Less than 30 days prior to the start of the cruise: 90 % of the total rate
Children Policy
  • Mekong River Cruises allows children from 8 years and above on board (please contact us for special permission for children below 8 years of age).
  • A cabin cannot be occupied solely by children under 12 years of age. One adult must always stay with a child in the same cabin.
  • Children under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years of age.
  • An adult must always be present in the cabin.
  • Children on board must be supervised at all times by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Adults are fully responsible for their children and must supervise them at all times.
  • Please note our cruises are not suitable for young or small children as the ships have railings but no netting. The structure of our trips is generally not suitable for small children. On board, no special entertainment programs, supervision or toys are offered

Cruise Itineraries

Day 1Luang Prabang - Mekong Pearl Cruise

Afternoon & Evening

Board your exclusive boutique river vessel, which is owned by a joint venture of German and Laotian partners, at 13:00. Settle into your inviting cabin, which will serve as your home for the next six days.

Your first evening will be culturally enchanting, with a traditional Lao dance performance and a heartwarming Baci well-wishing ceremony, followed by our Mekong River Cruises Welcome Dinner.

Throughout the cruise, you'll be served a delectable selection of Asian and European dishes, providing a culinary journey as diverse as the sights you'll see along the way.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Mekong Pearl Cruise

Day 2Pak Ou Caves

Morning

During breakfast, your cruise takes you upstream to explore the legendary Pak Ou Caves, which are home to thousands of small Buddha statues lovingly placed by pilgrims over the centuries.

From this sacred site, you can take a jungle trek through lush greenery to the nearby village of Ban Muang Keo.

If you prefer a slower pace, a short boat ride will get you to the village. Miss Somechan Khonpachith, who has dedicated her life to mastering the art of distilling Lao-Lao, Laos' local rice whiskey, will guide you through the ancient process. She will not only reveal the secrets of this ancient technique, but will also invite you to try it.

Afternoon & Evening

In the afternoon, your ship continues cruising upstream towards Oudomxay Province, passing the Pak Ou Dam construction site.

The rest of the day is free to spend relaxing on deck or joining our Cruise Director for an engaging infotainment program.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mekong Pearl Cruise

Day 3The Mighty Mekong

As you travel upstream, the river traffic thins out, allowing you to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery around you.

You can relax on deck, in your comfortable cabin, or in the lounge, soaking up the sun as the landscape transforms into a breathtaking panorama: hills covered in lush tropical vegetation, striking rock formations along the riverbanks, and a captivating combination of swift currents and calm waters.

The vibrant life along the river, combined with the majestic power of the Mekong, fosters a genuine sense of adventure and discovery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mekong Pearl Cruise

Day 4Relaxation - Village Life - BBQ Dinner

Today, relax on deck as you take in the diverse landscapes and serene beauty of northern Laos, which provide a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

As the lush green hills pass by, your ship heads for the Nam Tha, one of the Mekong's most important estuaries.

In the evening, enjoy our well-known barbecue dinner, which is set in a picturesque riverside location.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mekong Pearl Cruise

Day 5Hill Tribe Village - Thai–Laos Border

Morning & Afternoon

After breakfast, travel to one of the local hill tribe villages in the Pak Tha area to witness their unique way of life.

Following your visit, return to the ship for the final leg of your river cruise, taking in the breathtaking scenery as you head toward the Thailand-Laos border.

The journey ends in the bustling border town of Huay Xay, a thriving trade center in Bokeo province, where the name 'Bokeo' means'sapphire,' reflecting the region's rich history. Explore the bustling town market and the tranquil temple overlooking the Mekong. If time allows, we'll enter Thailand via the Thai/Lao Friendship Bridge.

Evening

We'll have a special farewell dinner on the Mekong in the evening to commemorate the memories and adventures we shared during this unforgettable journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mekong Pearl Cruise

Day 6Golden Triangle - Disembark

Morning

After breakfast, say your goodbyes to the Laotian crew before disembarking from your boutique ship in Chiang Khong. From there, you'll be whisked away to the legendary Golden Triangle, once infamous but now rich in mystery and history.

During your guided tour, you will see the majestic Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the captivating Hall of Opium, a museum with royal ties that provides a thorough examination of the opium trade's complex history and impact on health.

After that, you'll be transferred to either the airport or your hotel in Chiang Rai, bringing your trip to an end.

Meals: Breakfast

Important Notes:

  • PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

Our Customers Say

9.5

Excellent

10 reviews

Write your review
9.4Excellent26/09/2025

Alan S

Australia

Expressing appreciation

We are so appreciative for such an excellent trip experience. Exploring the Baci village provides a fascinating insight into the daily life of the Lao people. Our tour guide not only provided useful information, but also made the trip fun and engaging with their kind and amusing demeanor. We express our warmest gratitude for a fantastic journey.

10.0Excellent27/06/2025

Alison Wong

Mexico

A big shoutout to Mekong Pearl

We had a terrific time on this 6-day voyage from Luang Prabang to Golden Triangle (the boat also travels in the reverse way). We had been in communication with Hang Moon for months until they abruptly dropped us a few days before our flight. The boat is big and immaculate. The meal and presentation were amazing. Our guide was kind and informed, going above and beyond his duty when I botched up our hotel reservation in Pakbeng, and did not leave our side until we found secure accommodation.
I definitely suggest this firm. They are doing an amazing job.

9.0Excellent19/12/2024

Alysia H

United Kingdom

Wonderful experience

We took the Mekong Pearl to Vientiane with Bestprice Travel, and the staff was professional yet friendly. Clichés abound, but any issues were handled with humour and grace. The trip was fantastic, with low water levels making it slightly more adventurous but memorable. The trip seems expensive, though in hindsight just about right.

9.2Excellent10/07/2024

Dane K

Australia

Adventure on the Mekong Pearl

We traveled with this business on the Mekong Pearl from Golden Triangle to Vientiane, and they were professional yet personal. Clichés abound, yet any issues were handled with humor and grace. The trip was great; the low water levels made it a little more adventurous, but also more memorable. The vacation appears to be pricey, but in retrospect, it was probably reasonable.

9.2Excellent20/04/2024

Ms. Morton

United Kingdom

The overall Mekong Pearl Cruise experience was excellent, with everything being very good. The customer service provided was exceptional, characterized by easy accessibility and the provision of clear information. This made the process of organizing the trip, both before and after the cruise, effortless and hassle-free.

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