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Sabaidee Pandaw

Charming small ship with expert local guides and superb service sailing the Mekong River in Laos.

Overview

In true Pandaw style, the 146-ft RV Sabaidee is a charming and comfortable traditional vessel that pays tribute to the glory days of cruising through historic Laos along the Mekong River. Accommodating just 28 guests over two decks, the ship is characterized by attractive woods and brass, plenty of Asian touches, as well as an emphasis on outdoor spaces. The experience is all about exploring remote and often hard-to-navigate river sites, showing and educating guests about places where cruisers might not normally go.

Life On Board

Each of the 14 identical teak-lined cabins is 180 square feet in size, offering ample living space and featuring the same furnishings and amenities, including air-conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, and twin beds (some converting to double) all with premium mattresses, quality linens, duvet, and two kinds of pillows. All open to a shared exterior promenade deck, and all feature floor-to-ceiling windows. Eight cabins are situated on the Main Deck, while the remaining six cabins are located on the Upper Deck, with the advantage of elevated views out to the river. All rooms include kimonos and slippers, spa-branded amenities, unlimited mineral water, a mini-safe, a hair dryer, laundry service, and under-bed and closet storage. The ship offers Wi-Fi throughout but note that the connectivity is unreliable in many parts of Southeast Asia.

You will want to spend much of your leisure time on the aft part of the partially-shaded upper deck. Here you can relax on a teak lounger and take in the sights along the way. Local families in their traditional floating homes will often stop what they are doing to wave as you drift past, giving you a glimpse into their water-based way of life.

All meals are served bistro-style in the single dining room located on the Upper Deck, with the choice of eating indoors in air-conditioned comfort, or outdoors, where more seating options are available. The cuisine is regionally themed but geared for international tastes, and produce is fresh, local and seasonal. Breakfast (preceded by light bites, tea and coffee for early risers) and lunch offer both buffet and a la carte choices, while dinner is a multicourse affair. Complimentary coffee, water, tea and local soft drinks, beer and spirits are included in the cruise fare as well as complimentary evening canapés. Themed events are offered on select nights.

The dining room also doubles as the ship’s bar area, while the large outdoor deck aft of the dining room is where you will probably spend most of your time, reading, relaxing with fellow guests, or enjoying a drink while taking in the glorious views of the Mekong. The Sabaidee Pandaw cruise has guides who give daily briefings at cocktail hour, and accompany all excursions, which are free. Quality mountain bikes are available for your independent exploration.

Life On The Mekong

Relish the beauty of the Mekong, marvel at remarkable scenery and jungle terrain, visit remote tribal villages and immerse yourself in the local culture. Journey into the mountains, past pristine sandbanks, through turbulent rapids and deep gorges. This three-country cruise traverses Laos to meet Thailand and Burma. Explore Vientiane, the old French capital of Laos, and Luang Prabang with its royal palace, Buddhist temples and libraries. Perfect for couples and friends.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

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11-Day A
11-Day B

11 Day - The Laos Mekong: Chiang Khong - Vientiane

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Transfers from airports or any city hotel in Chiang Rai (2 hours) and Chiang Mai (6 hours) including a visit to the Golden Triangle and the now infamous opium museum.

PM: Embark your ship by 16.00 and cruise up the river towards the Burma border for sunset.

Note :

Hotel pick-ups from city hotels in Chiang Mai can be as early as 06.00 or as late as 08.00. From Chiang Rai hotels can be as early as 08.30 or as late as 10.00. Timing varies according to the docking place of the Pandaw vessel. Our representative will call you on the evening before or leave a message with the hotel to reconfirm the exact pick-up time.

If your arrival is after the above-mentioned time we will pick you up from the airport Chiang Rai (arrival must be before 13.00) or airport Chiang Mai (arrival must be before 13.00) and transfer you to the ship. This transfer will not include any visits to Golden Triangle, Opium House, and Lunch due to the time limit.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Chiang Khong - Vientiane-1
Location
Chiang Khong
Day
1 / 11

Sailing to Laos

AM: Pass through immigration formalities at the Thai/Laos border and re-join the ship. Set sail downstream on the beautiful Upper Mekong River, Morning presentation on the Lao language.

PM: After lunch, if time allows, sightseeing on foot in Pak Sith.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Chiang Khong - Vientiane-2
Location
Laos
Day
2 / 11

Pak Beng Elephant Sanctuary

AM: Morning walk in a Khamo village. Sail downstream on the beautiful MekMorning walk at Ban Luang Tong Lao Lowland village. Laos is known as ‘The land of a million elephants’ and after Lunch we will visit a rescue sanctuary that is helping to preserve the elephants of Laos and provide sustainable alternative employment for Mahouts who once trained and rode these beautiful creatures.

PM: In the evening, we moor at a sandbank for a special riverside barbecue and cocktail party. Light paper lanterns with the crew and enjoy a dance in remote Laos.ong then relax with evening cocktails on a sandbank.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Chiang Khong - Vientiane-3
Location
Khamo
Day
3 / 11

Ban Bor and Yoi Hai Khmu Villages

AM: Today we discover the Khmu minority group and learn about their remote way of life. In the morning, we will visit Ban Bor village, home to the Lao & Khummu people.

PM: We will have the opportunity to support locally produced handicrafts and walk through the Khummu village of Yoi Haoi in the afternoon.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Chiang Khong - Vientiane-4
Location
Pak Ou Caves
Day
4 / 11

Pak Ou Caves

AM: Continue cruising downstream to Pak Ou, sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. See the production of local Laos whisky at the Whisky village and shop for locally produced handicrafts before sailing into the World Heritage City of Luang Prabang.

PM: Moor overnight in central Luang Prabang.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Chiang Khong - Vientiane-5
Location
Luang Prabang
Day
5 / 11

Luang Prabang Craft & Culture

AM: Today we explore the various handicrafts of Laos in more detail. We start with a morning walk up the 228 steps to Phousi temple where the best views of Luang Prabang can be found.

PM: After lunch aboard the ship, we visit Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise providing sustainable employment and training for the women of local weaving villages. We then head to TAEC (Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre) to understand more about Laos musical instruments. Cocktail hour is accompanied by a traditional Bacci ceremony onboard highlighting some of the instruments seen in the afternoon.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Chiang Khong - Vientiane-6
Location
Khaung Si
Day
6 / 11

Luang Prabang

AM: Early morning walking tour to observe the morning alms offering by local people to the hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. We continue after breakfast to the morning market before taking tuktuks for a city tour of this well preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace.

PM: The afternoon is free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Chiang Khong - Vientiane-7
Location
Xayaburi Dam
Day
7 / 11

Kuang Si Waterfalls

AM: After breakfast sail downstream to Ban Chan where we take part in a pottery demonstration at the local pottery workshop.

PM: After Lunch we moor at Ban Mouang Khai and take a short drive to see the deep jungle pools at the Khaung Si Waterfall where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters. We then stop at the Laos Buffalo Farm, a social enterprise utilizing the abundant buffalo in Laos before rejoining the ship. We sail downstream for a sunset cruise and moor overnight at Ban Na San.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Chiang Khong - Vientiane-8
Location
Xanakham
Day
8 / 11

Xayabouri Dam

AM: Morning walk through Ban Na San Hmong Village.

PM: In the afternoon we pass through Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam and take an inside look of the workings of this somewhat controversial attraction as we pass through the locks. Afternoon walk at Ban Khok Fark and moor overnight.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Chiang Khong - Vientiane-9
Location
Vientiane
Day
9 / 11

Ban Pak Yun To Pak Lay

AM: Explore Ban Pak Yun Mixed minorities tribe in the morning, a rural local village before setting sail to Pak Lay, our final destination.

PM: Enjoy a tour of your Pandaw ship and fruit carving demonstration on the sundeck in the afternoon before farewell cocktails and dinner in the evening.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Chiang Khong - Vientiane-10
Location
Vientiane
Day
10 / 11

Disembarkation

AM: Disembark at 08:30am followed by a local long-tail boat expedition downstream to Vientiane.

PM: Lunch and drinks will be provided on the local boat by your Pandaw chef and bar staff. Arrival to Vientiane around 17:30 with drop off at your hotel or Vientiane airport.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Chiang Khong - Vientiane-11
Location
Vientiane
Day
11 / 11
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11 Day - The Laos Mekong: Vientiane - Chiang Khong

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Pick up from your hotel in Vientiane at 08.00am, followed by a local long-tail boat expedition to your Pandaw vessel upstream.

PM: Lunch and drinks will be provided on the local boat by your Pandaw chef and bar staff. Embark your Pandaw in the afternoon for a welcome briefing and welcome drinks. We moor overnight at Pak Lay.

Note: Transfers included from your hotel in Vientiane to the ship in Pak Lay via Pandaw's local long-tail boat. Pick up will be at 08:00am so we advise to stay in VTE at least 1-night pre cruise. Please ensure your hotel information is provided to Pandaw so that pick-ups can be arranged.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Vientiane - Chiang Khong-1
Location
Vientiane
Day
1 / 11

Cruising the Mekong

AM: Cruise upstream on the Mekong, passing lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages. Morning presentation on the Lao language after a short walk at Pha Laeb village.

PM: If time permits, we will also enjoy an afternoon walk at Ban Khok Fark.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Vientiane - Chiang Khong-2
Location
Mekong
Day
2 / 11

Xayabouri Dam

AM: Morning walk at Ban Pak Bor Khummu village before passing through Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam, taking an inside look of the workings of this somewhat controversial attraction as we navigate the locks.

PM: Afternoon visit to Ban Na San village, a Hmong minority village.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Vientiane - Chiang Khong-3
Location
Pak Lai
Day
3 / 11

Kuang Si Waterfalls

AM: In the morning, we moor at the village of Ban Mouang Khai and visit the dramatic Kaung Si waterfall. On the way back to the ship, we stop at the Laos Buffalo Farm, a social enterprise utilizing the abundant buffalo in Laos.

PM: Arrive in the heart of the temple city of Luang Prabang mid-afternoon where there is a buzzing night market and many great cafes and local restaurants. Traditional Laos Bacci ceremony and dancing on the upper deck during happy hour. Moor overnight in central Luang Prabang.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Vientiane - Chiang Khong-4
Location
Ban Park Bor Village
Day
4 / 11

Luang Prabang

AM: Today we explore the various handicrafts of Laos in more detail. We start with Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise providing sustainable employment and training for the women of local weaving villages. We then head to TAEC (Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre) to understand more about Laos musical instruments. After lunch aboard the ship, we sail toward Ban Chan and take part in a pottery demonstration at the local pottery workshop.

PM: We finish the day with a sunset cruise on the Mekong alongside Luang Prabang, returning to moor overnight in the centre of town.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Vientiane - Chiang Khong-5
Location
Ban Mouang Khai
Day
5 / 11

Luang Prabang

AM: Early morning walking tour to observe the alms offerings to the hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. We continue after breakfast to the morning market before taking tuktuks for a city tour of this well preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace.

PM: The afternoon is free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Vientiane - Chiang Khong-6
Location
Luang Prabang
Day
6 / 11

Pak Ou Caves

AM: Morning at leisure in Luang Prabang before setting sail at midday upstream.

PM: Afternoon sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. See the production of local Laos whisky at the Whisky village and shop for locally produced handicrafts.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Vientiane - Chiang Khong-7
Location
Pak Ou Caves
Day
7 / 11

Ban Ton and Sandbank BBQ

AM: Day of sailing upstream along the Mekong with morning walk through Ban Ton village.

PM: In the evening, we moor alongside a sandbank for a special riverside barbecue and cocktail party. Light paper lanterns with the crew and enjoy a dance in remote Laos.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Vientiane - Chiang Khong-8
Location
Pak Beng
Day
8 / 11

Pak Beng Elephant Sanctuary

AM: Laos is known as ‘The land of a million elephants’ and today we will visit a rescue sanctuary that is helping to preserve the elephants of Laos and provide sustainable alternative employment for Mahouts who once trained and rode these beautiful creatures.

PM: Afternoon walk at Ban Pak Sith Khummu village.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Vientiane - Chiang Khong-9
Location
Ban Huayxay
Day
9 / 11

Pak Sith - Chiang Khong

AM: Today we sail the final leg of our journey upstream toward Huayxay. Cross over into Thailand via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge before rejoining your ship in Chiang Khong. Enjoy a ship tour of your Pandaw vessel and fruit carving demonstration from your Pandaw Chef.

PM: Farewell cocktails and Thai traditional dance on board for your last evening.

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Vientiane - Chiang Khong-10
Location
Chiang Khong
Day
10 / 11

Disembarkation

AM: Disembark by 8.30 in Chiang Khong and group transfer to hotel/airport. En route, explore the Golden Triangle including a visit to the opium museum. Continue to airports or city hotels in Chiang Rai (2 hours) and Chiang Mai (6 hours).

Sabaidee Pandaw - The Laos Mekong: Vientiane - Chiang Khong-11
Location
Chiang Khong
Day
11 / 11
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Accommodations

Social Areas

Recreation Area
Cooking Class
Stairs
Relax
Outdoor Livingroom
Coridor
Dance Performance

Suites & Cabins

Sabaidee Pandaw - Main Deck-1
8 Cabins

Main Deck

Guests
2
Size
16 m² / 170 ft²
Beds
Double / Twin

These ample-sized rooms feature various amenities to ensure guests have a comfortable stay. The beds can be set up as double or twin configurations. The rooms also feature unlimited mineral water for guests to stay hydrated at all times, kimonos, slippers, a hairdryer, and spa-branded amenities with a private ensuite bathroom.

Sabaidee Pandaw - Upper Deck - 1
6 Cabins

Upper Deck

Guests
2
Size
16 m² / 170 ft²
Beds
Double / Twin

Identical in configuration and amenities to the Lower Deck cabins, the equally spacious Upper Deck cabins boast a slightly more privileged location, being higher up for better views of the passing scenery and also closer proximity to the action on board of the neighboring bar and dining room.

Technical Information

Deck Plan

Features

  • Air conditioning
  • Lecture room
  • WIFI available
  • Kosher Meals
  • Medical staff
  • Souvenir shop
  • Hot showers
  • All inclusive
  • Charging areas for electronic equipment

Equipment

  • Bicycles
  • Yoga mats
  • Flash lights
  • Water canteen/bottle
  • Insect repellent
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details
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