Sailing the Mekong River
“Carried Away on the Mother of Water
Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam share ancient and contemporary histories of war and French colonial influences, but it's the Mekong River that both links them and in many places separates them geographically, running along much of Lao's border with Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand, then through Cambodia and Vietnam and into the South China Sea. The river was once the major artery of the Angkor Empire, and remains an omni-present symbol and lifeline of Indochina, along which its principal sites and cities were built and flourished. Today, glimmering Khmer temples, forgotten villages, and bustling markets line its timeless banks and dot the rich countryside.
A three-day Mekong cruise aboard Vat Phou--a handsome refurbished barge with just twelve cabins--provides a fascinating Laotian segment of the river, viewable from the vessel's rich varnished-wood deck, which has the inviting charm of a wide veranda. But shore excursions call, including some of Laos's most important sites: the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Phou, the roaring waterfalls of Phapheng (the largest if Southeast Asia), and the 4,000 islands that sprinkle the lower Mekong near the Cambodian border. As you drift serenely downstream, the gracious service of your Laotian stewards and convivial French owner-cum-chef-extraordinare add just the right degree of distraction.
Those seeking an exteended journey on the Mekong can sail Zolotrips' twenty-two-day cruise through Laos, Cambidia, and Vietnam, departing from Houey Sai, Laos (via Bangkok), and ending nearly three weeks later in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). You'll spend your nights in guest houses along the way.
Vat Phou: the departure town of Pakse is linked with regular flights from the capital, Vientiane
Cost: 2-night cruise from $350 per person (including shore excursions and meals). Packages including transfers from Bangkok or Vientiane (or abroad) available.
When: departures from Pakse every Tuesday and Saturday, July - April
(1000 Places To See Before You Die) ”
Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam share ancient and contemporary histories of war and French colonial influences, but it's the Mekong River that both links them and in many places separates them geographically, running along much of Lao's border with Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand, then through Cambodia and Vietnam and into the South China Sea. The river was once the major artery of the Angkor Empire, and remains an omni-present symbol and lifeline of Indochina, along which its principal sites and cities were built and flourished. Today, glimmering Khmer temples, forgotten villages, and bustling markets line its timeless banks and dot the rich countryside.
A three-day Mekong cruise aboard Vat Phou--a handsome refurbished barge with just twelve cabins--provides a fascinating Laotian segment of the river, viewable from the vessel's rich varnished-wood deck, which has the inviting charm of a wide veranda. But shore excursions call, including some of Laos's most important sites: the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Phou, the roaring waterfalls of Phapheng (the largest if Southeast Asia), and the 4,000 islands that sprinkle the lower Mekong near the Cambodian border. As you drift serenely downstream, the gracious service of your Laotian stewards and convivial French owner-cum-chef-extraordinare add just the right degree of distraction.
Those seeking an exteended journey on the Mekong can sail Zolotrips' twenty-two-day cruise through Laos, Cambidia, and Vietnam, departing from Houey Sai, Laos (via Bangkok), and ending nearly three weeks later in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). You'll spend your nights in guest houses along the way.
Vat Phou: the departure town of Pakse is linked with regular flights from the capital, Vientiane
Cost: 2-night cruise from $350 per person (including shore excursions and meals). Packages including transfers from Bangkok or Vientiane (or abroad) available.
When: departures from Pakse every Tuesday and Saturday, July - April
(1000 Places To See Before You Die) ”