In Laos’ sleepy south the mighty Mekong pauses in its rush to meet the South China Sea and spreads its weight across a 15km span to create a visually stunning world of water, dotted with up to 4,000 islands. This is the domain of the first class liveaboard Vat Phou Mekong Cruise, the most comfortable and memorable way of discovering the far south's hidden beauty on a 3 day / 2 night cruise.
The ideal way to see southern Laos
With a landscape dominated by the Mekong, it’s no surprise that joining a cruise is so popular, as you can enjoy 24 hour access to the beautiful scenery 
that surrounds you, without the need to pack and unpack as you make your way south. Life on board is very comfortable as the boat has only 12 air conditioned cabins and days are spent relaxing on the sundeck enjoying panoramic views, dining on fine Lao cuisine and perhaps enjoying a G&T as the sun sinks on another perfect day.
History & beauty on show
The boat’s guides will be on hand to escort you on the daily excursions that explore local life on the river, the region’s rich history and its beautiful islands. Highlights include the ruined Vat Phou, the majestic pre-Angkorian 10th century temple complex and boat's namesake, the mysterious hidden forest temple of Oum Muong and Ban Deua Tia, a small Laotian village whose traditional way of life hasn’t changed in centuries. You will also get chance to explore Khone Island, where the French tried to circumvent the rapids that blocked their progress by building a railway that stretched across the islands. 
The railway has gone but you can still walk along the old line and across a beautiful stone bridge, incongruous in such a rural setting.
Niagara of the east
The cruise concludes where French dreams floundered, on the rocks of Pha Phenwaterfall, "the Niagara of the east", close to the Cambodian border.
This is a superb addition to any holiday, offering a luxurious way of enjoying the considerable beauty of this remote region’s natural beauty at a pace that matches the surrounds. If you’re feeling adventurous why not continue over the border and down to Angkor Wat.