Xmas 2026 Laos Mekong cruise.
Lao, is a mixture of natural wonders and the joy of meeting a wonderful people.
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Xmas Cruise for 2026 in Lao
Escape the Northern Winter and enjoy Xmas onboard as we cruise on this classic river boat through wonderful Lao, far from the tourist crowds. This trip is all about "the journey" as we cruise up the mighty Mekong from Vientiane (Capital of Lao) via Luang Prabang {the old royal capital}, and on to the "Golden triangle" before entering Thailand and the Lana cities of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. I did this Xmas trip in 2024, it was truly wonderful, I got to see the village life alone the Mekong, enjoying the peace and simple way of life lived by the families along the river away from the tourist hot spots. It is important to note this is not a OTS cruise, we will be a group of Gay travellers, mixing with other guests on a Pandaw cruise for 10 nights. This a perfect trip for you to invite your best "girl friend" or sister to join you as many guys do. Pandaw have an amazing product that aligns perfectly with the kind of trips OTS run, we collaborate together on the Ganges, and Mekong, and like me, I am sure you will be hooked after your first cruise with them. As a OTS group, we get to ensure we are not the "Only Gay in the village" and still enjoy the like-minded camaraderie OTS is known for. At the moment Laos is still the Asia of old, and retains much of its charm and a slower, more gentle pace of life than the rest of Asia. DAY 1 Arrival Day Its arrival day, and you can arrive at anytime today and we will be at our lovely centrally located accomodation in Vientiane to greet you. Rest up, or head out exploring before we all get together this evening for our welcome meal. Dinner. DAY 2 LONG TAIL BOAT RIDE UP THE RIVER After breakfast its an early start at 08.00am, to a local long-tail boat expedition to our beautiful Pandaw vessel upstream, which will be our home for the next 10 nights. Lunch and drinks will be provided on the local boat. Embark our river boat in the afternoon for a welcome briefing and welcome drinks. We moor overnight at Pak Lay. More about Vientiane Full Board DAY 3 CRUISING THE MEKONG 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. If time permits, we will also enjoy an afternoon walk at Ban Khok Fark. More about Cruising The Mekong Full Board DAY 4 XAYABOURI DAM 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. Afternoon visit to Ban Na San village, a Hmong minority village. Full Board DAY 5 KUANG SI WATERFALLS 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. 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. More about Kuang Si Waterfalls Full Board DAY 6 LUANG PRABANG CRAFTS & CULTURE 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. We finish the day with a sunset cruise on the Mekong alongside Luang Prabang, returning to moor overnight in the centre of town. Full Board DAY 7 LUANG PRABANG 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. The afternoon is free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang. More about Luang Prabang Full Board DAY 8 PAK OU CAVES Morning at leisure in Luang Prabang before setting sail at midday upstream. 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. More about Pak Ou Caves and Nam Ou River Full Board DAY 9 BAN TON AND SANDBANK BBQ Day of sailing upstream along the Mekong with morning walk through Ban Ton village. 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. Full Board DAY 10 PAK BENG ELEPHANT SANCTUARY 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. Afternoon walk at Ban Pak Sith Khummu village. More about Pak Beng Full Board DAY 11 PAK SITH - CHIANG KHONG 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. Farewell cocktails and Thai traditional dance on board for your last evening. Full Board DAY 12 CHIANG KHONG Disembark by 8.30 in Chiang Khong and we transfer to our hotel in central Chiang Rai. En-route, we explore the Golden Triangle including a visit to the opium museum. This afternoon we visit the "Black House" a truly eccentric art house. As the sun sets we will visit the "Blue temple" and the clock tower with its evening light show. Breakfast and Lunch DAY 13 After a leisurely breakfast we will be visiting the famed ''White Temple'' one of Northern Thailand's most iconic sights before heading on to Chiang Mai and our last stop on our adventure. This evening we get to enjoy some excellent Thai food, the "Night Market" and a "Lady Boy" show, yes we are back in the city with all the delights. Breakfast DAY 14 Its departure day, and you can book your flight out anytime today, or stay on a few days to enjoy the "New Year" in Chiang Mai (with Richard) or Bangkok (Epic fireworks). Breakfast. Accommodation and service is a highlight of this trip, the boat is beautiful, and the hotels comfortable and well located for exploring on foot. The food is amazing and varied on the boat, and we also get to try out some local restaurants and street food on our non-cruise days. Love the look of this trip, but cant make it for our group Xmas cruise?
Yes you can book any Pandaw cruise through OTS and as an incentive to do so we will include a hotel night pre and post the cruise (on any 7 day + Cruise) at our preferred hotel on a twin share basis. Just find a departure date with availability and let us know. Pandaw website |
Starts in Vientiane (VTE) on the 16th December 2026 and finish in Chiang Mai (CNX) on the 29th December.
A 13 night, 14 day adventure. Timed to enjoy a Xmas cruise in 2026. Stay on s few days and enjoy the fireworks of New Year in either Chiang Mai or Bangkok. Min 6 Max 12. Includes :-
Not Included
Group cost estimate for the Xmas cruise in 2026 is currently being negotiated U$5995 pp Twin share. Plus U$300 Private cabin and room Bangkok, Singapore, Soul or KL are all hub cities to fly into VTE and out of CNX on the same ticket. The green "Book Now" button will appear above when live bookings and deposits open for this trip.
Register your interest below, to ask any questions, and to to be the first to be notified when deposits open and you can secure a place on the adventure. Payment options Due to the nature of Adventure travel and the prices of the resources on which it depends, the published price of any trip is subject to change at any time, before or after booking confirmation, up to 60 days before the departure. 
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