Hotel: The Vat Phou Mekong Cruise - South
Grade: First Class
Introduction
In Laos’ sleepy deep 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 on a 3 day / 2 night cruise.
Facilities
As you imagine the facilities are simple, including a dining room, car and sun deck furnished with chairs and daybeds from which to enjoy the panoramic river views. The main draws are the ship itself (a converted rice barge), the unique environment you travel through and the relatively inaccessible places you visit. These include the UNESCO-protected ancient Khmer temple of Wat Phou, the remains of a city lost in the jungle at Oun Moung and of course the islands and waterfalls that really mark out this region.
Rooms
This boutique boat has just 12 comfortable cabins. All are ensuite with hot showers and have two single beds, desk, fan and air conditioning.
Luang Say Cruise - North
Grade: Medium
Introduction
In our view the perfect way to start any holiday in Laos, the Luang Say Cruise takes you along the mighty Mekong from the Thai border close to Chiang Rai down to Luang Prabang (and vice versa). Board the converted rice barge, relax in your reclined cushioned chair and begin your lazy journey south. You can’t help but relax into holiday mode as modern life soon disappears and your 2 days on the Mekong begins, interspersed with village visits and a stay in a riverside lodge.
Facilities
As you are only on board during the day the only facilities are a bar, bathroom and communal viewing decks to watch river life pass by. Overnight at the Luang Say Lodge, whose idyllic bungalows are strung along the riverbank. The great views are shared with the restaurant /bar, the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the Mekong.
Rooms
The Luang Say Lodge bungalows are made of teak and rosewood with beautiful views across the Mekong River to the hills beyond. Each is large and confortable with high ceiling mosquito nets, ceiling fans and a large private bathroom.