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Moorings Sailing Vacations

 

 

 

 

 

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southeast asia: laos

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The Mystic Mekong

boats on the mekong river

 

My two incredible adventures on the Mekong with Asian-Oasis.

 

Three days on the Mekong in Southern Laos - The "Vat Phou" Cruise

 

sunset over mekong river, laos

 

I've been back to the region many times in the last 20 years, always fantasizing of someday traveling by boat from China all the way to the Mekong Delta.

 

mekong river temple

 

So far, work and life have not allowed the time for my dream adventure, but in the meantime, I have satisfied myself by reading books like Edward Gargan's account of his year long journey on the Mekong; and my occasional trips to Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.

 

cruise boat on mekong

 

Then, a couple of years ago, I discovered Asian-Oasis, a company with treks and river trips in Laos and Thailand. I was able to live a piece of my fantasy on two separate trips - 3 days on the "Vat Phou" in Southern Laos, and 2 days with the Luang Say trip from Luang Prabang in Northern Laos...

 

The "Vat Phou" is a floating boutique hotel, offering adventure travelers a romantic, relaxing way to experience the Mekong. This was EXACTLY what I was looking for!

 

pakse, along the mekong

 

The "Vat Phou" cruise departs from the laid-back, southern Lao city of Pakse.

relaxing mekong river cruise, laos
mekong river trip, vat phou

 

The 3 day trip allows ample time to relax on board; reading, taking pictures, sipping cocktails, or, my favorite, just lounging and watching the changing scenery.

fantastic laos food on mekong cruise
bartenders on board mekong river boat

 

The cruise offers delicious local cuisine, a bar, comfy cabins, and just the right mix of relaxation and activity.

vat phou cruise cabin
mekong river cruise- curious kids

Daily shore excursions include a peek at life along the Mekong with visits to rural villages.

shore of mekong river

A stop at the "4,000 islands" and leisurely stroll thru small villages.

A journey back to the 11th century at the "Vat Phou" World Heritage site. (aka: Wat Phu)

 

mekong river falls

And, a visit to the "Niagara of the East", one of southeast Asia's largest waterfalls, and the nemesis of 19th century French explorers aspiring to access China's riches via the Mekong.

 

 

 

Northern Laos - The Asian-Oasis "Luang Say" cruise.

We spent two days cruising the Mekong from Luang Prabang, to the Thai-Laos border outpost of Houeisay.

Asian Oasis guests relax on the luxury river barge, enjoying comfy wicker chairs, and the peaceful scenery of the Mekong.

Visits to ethnic villages along the way...

...and leaving the boat for dinner, a hot shower and a very comfy nights sleep at the Luang Say Lodge, perched on a hillside overlooking the Mekong.

 

More on Laos and Cambodia >

 

 

Related stories and destinations:

Seam Reap, Cambodia & adventure in Laos

Vietnam Beach Paradise - Phu Quoc

 

 



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Julie's travel dispatches from adventures around the worldJulie's latest photos, travel tips and musings from the road. Recently at Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

great new PTA episodes for 2012 New Episodes! Check them out here. Purchase one to add to your personal collection!

the whole crew - where to now?
The latest from the whole crew at the Passport to Adventure Blog.



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