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Vatphou cruise |
Vatphou cruise bedroom |
Vatphou cruise spa |
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Vatphou Cruise |
Vatphou cruise |
Vatphou cruise |
SCHEDULE DEPARTURE
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From 1 November 2013 to 30 April 2014 and 1-31 October 2014, the cruise departs every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
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From 1 May 2014 to 30 September 2014, the cruise departs every Saturday for program down and every Tuesday for cruises upstream.
Vat Phou - Mekong, Southern Treasures
Not far from the shores of the Mekong River in Southern Laos lie two of the regions most remarkable treasures, the mythical World Heritage site of Vat Phou and the Oun Moung Temple. The awe-inspiring pre-Angkorian Vat Phou dates back over a thousand years and is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding examples of Khemer architecture, while the Oun Moung exudes an atmosphere of a city lost in the jungle for centuries. Embracing the beauty and power of the Mekong and the exotic mystique of ancient Khemer ruins, this 3-day Cruise combines the highlights of the region for an unforgettable experience.
The Vat Phou Boat
The design retains a character that is unmistakably oriental and enables you to relax in comfort while you enjoy the ever-changing pageant of river scenery and life as you pass smoothly by. We have 15 staff on each cruise departure. This includes 2 full time captains, 2 mechanics, 2 cooks, 3 cleaning staff and 5 bar or waiting staff. We also have on board English, French and Thai speaking guide who can help answer any questions and point out any interesting sights along the way.
There are two decks on the Vat Phou boat. The lower deck has 10 cabins, the kitchen/galley and our evening air conditioned dining room. The upper deck has 2 cabins, the bar and a two large open air shaded decks - one at each end of the boat.
The ship is fully equipped with safety equipment meeting the international standards. The front upper deck has rattan armchairs, sofas, coffee tables and loungers. This area is perfect for lying reading a book from our library, taking photographs of life along the river or having an afternoon nap. The rear upper deck has chairs, sofas and coffee tables. We also have the bar area here where our staff can serve you tea, coffee or drinking water, which are all included free during the cruise. You are also able to purchase beer, soft drinks, wine and spirits. Breakfast and lunch are usually served here, watching the sun twinkling on the water’s surface.
The Vat Phou boat has 12 elegant twin shared cabins, each with a view over the southern Mekong River. Every cabin is fully air-conditioned and also has a fan for optimum temperature control. The cabins are fitted with dressing tables and a wardrobe so you can unpack easily and relax. The private bathrooms have a hot shower and a western style toilet for your convenience. Each cabin is cleaned daily by our Vat Phou staff.
We offer a set menu with Lao, Vietnamese and Thai dishes.
DOWNSTREAM PROGRAM
Day 1: Pakse – Champasak – Vat Phou (L, D)
After meeting at Sinouk Coffee House in the centre of Pakse at 9.30a.m., you will be transferred to a long-tail boat for a 2.5 hour journey to Champasak. You are welcomed on board with a drink and a set lunch menu is served. The highlight of the trip in the afternoon is to take some local transportation and visit Vat Phou ruins and museum; the majestic pre-Angkorian 10th century temple complex. You are transferred back to the boat to enjoy the tropical sunset on the deck. A set menu dinner is served on board and the boat docks for the night at Ban Muang.
Day 2: Huei Thamo – Oum Muong Temple – Khong Island (B, L, D)
The boat leaves at 6a.m. and a continental breakfast is served on board from 7a.m. The first stop is at Huei Thamo village in order to visit some rural life and a mysterious hidden forest temple called ‘Oum Muong’. After you are back on board, the boat starts to cruise southwards passing by the wilderness paradise of ‘4,000 Islands’. A set menu lunch is served on board. By late afternoon the second stop is at Ban Deua Tia where you can walk through this small Laotian village to observe a traditional way of life. A set menu dinner is served on board and the boat docks for a night at Ban Deua Tia.
Day 3: Don Khone – Pha Pheng Waterfall – Pakse (B, L)
The boat leaves at 6a.m. and a continental breakfast is served on board from 7a.m. The boat stops at Ban Veuthong where you are transferred by a small boat to Khone Island. You will visit the old French railway and walk across a bridge which links Khone Island and Det Island. After that, you are transferred to the mainland by a small boat to Xieng Di fishing village for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant. A bus transfers you to Pha Pheng waterfall also known as ‘The Niagara of The East’ and you will arrive in Pakse around 4p.m.
Cost in USD per person based on twin sharing
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No of pax |
2 - 8 |
9 - 24 |
Single Sup |
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1 Sep. 2013 – 30 Sep. 2013 |
520 |
495 |
169 |
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1 Oct. 2013 – 30 Oct. 2013 |
645 |
610 |
210 |
1 Nov. 2013 – 30 Apr. 2013
10 Oct. 2014 – 31 Oct. 2014 |
667 |
630 |
215 |
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1 Jul. 2014 – 31 Aug. 2014 |
556 |
527 |
179 |
1 May 2014 – 30 Jun. 2014
1 Sep. 2014 – 30 Sep. 2014 |
525 |
498 |
169 |
Children policy:
Please Note:
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The meeting point is at Sinouk Coffee House in Pakse at 9.30a.m., so please be there on time.
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High season: on day 1 downstream & day 3 upstream cruises, 2 groups will have lunch the same period of time on board but lunches are organized separately in lower and upper decks.
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Please bring a jersey or a jacket as it can get cool on the boat from October to December.
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For safety reasons and the weather conditions, the program may change without prior notice.
Program includes:
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3-day cruise with stops and admission fees at visiting sites serviced by English and French speaking escorts.
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2-night accommodation on board.
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Meal plan as mentioned in the program.
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Coffee, tea and drinking water on board and during meals.
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Crew service during the cruise.
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Group insurance.
Program excludes:
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Transfer from the hotel, Pakse or Ubon airport to Sinouk Coffee House in Pakse or vice versa.
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Visa, immigration and/or overstay fees in Thailand and in Laos.
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Soft and alcoholic drinks during the trip.
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Personal insurance and other personal expenses.
