Day 1: Chiang Saen - Huay Xai

Embark at Chiang Saen for a welcome lunch onboard. The cruise commences downstream on the Mekong River which forms the scenic divide between Laos and Thailand. The ship will stay overnight at the border town of Huay Xai on the Lao side where guests can stroll through the village before dinner on board.

Day 2: Pak Beng

The cruise continues through rural scenery, past small riverine villages, arriving at the sleepy and charming village of Pak Beng for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Pak Ou

A relaxed sail meandering past more small villages, the ship reaches the Pak Ou Caves overlooking the west bank of the Upper Mekong. These are two caves set in spectacular limestone cliffs and are overflowing with hundreds of Buddha statues. The lower cave is called Tham Ting and upper cave Tham Theung. Both serve as shrines to the river spirit and Lord Buddha and the upper cave is a worthwhile five-minute climb. The ship moors for the night nearby.

Day 4: Luang Prabang

After a short sail, guests disembark at the charming village of Ban Xang Hay nestled on the riverbank. Famed for its rice whiskey distillation, guests are invited to watch how lao-lao is produced and bravely sample this local potent tipple. Just a short sail to Luang Prabang allows plenty of time to discover the myriad of architectural, religious and cultural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Luang Prabang encompasses a multitude of Buddhist temples and royal palaces and travelling by tuktuk ensures you have the opportunity to visit all the highlights. Visit the Royal Palace Museum built in 1904 with French colonial and traditional Lao architectural influence to learn about Lao history and its royal family. Another highlight is the richly decorated former royal temple, Wat Xieng Thong with its elaborate mosaic patterns and wall carvings dating back to 1560. Local craftwork produced offers a colourful array of scarves, artwork, ceramics and even more on market days. As the sun sets, climb 100 metres up Phu Si, crowned by an enormous gilded stupa called That Chomsi for a beautiful evening view over the city. Dinner will be taken onboard.

Day 5: Luang Prabang

An early start is recommended to participate in the alms offering as monks invite everyone to join in. A longstanding tradition in Laos Buddhist culture, it takes place daily as the sun rises, beginning on the main street of Luang Prabang before spreading throughout the quieter back streets. Return to the ship for a well-earned breakfast then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure further exploring Luang Prabang’s historic treasures. Dinner will be taken onboard.

Day 6: Kuang Si Waterfall

The ship continues its cruise upstream then guests are taken by minibus to visit the spectacular turquoise waters of Kuang Si Falls where a relaxing picnic lunch is provided. The waterfall has 3 tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into shallow pools, before flowing downstream, with great swimming holes and jungle pools. There’s further opportunity to savour the abundant flora and fauna at the nearby Kuang Si Butterfly Park (closed on Tuesdays). Stroll through the beautiful gardens populated with a colourful variety of butterflies. A relaxing evening on board the ship is welcome after a busy day of exploration. The ship moors overnight just beyond the access to the waterfall.

Note: Guests who join 5-nights cruise will disembark or embark at Luang Prabang. 

Day 7: Xayaburi Dam

The ship will pass through two locks as it continues its journey downstream through unspoilt countryside. Guests are introduced to the stark contrast of the controversial run-of-river hydroelectric facility at Xayaburi Dam. Further downstream a stop is made at the quiet village of Ban Mouang to sample authentic Laotian life.

Day 8: Pak Lay

After another day of stunning riverine scenery, the ship stops at Pak Lay, a market town with a history as a French administrative centre. There are many beautiful colonial buildings. Overnight mooring will be close to Pak Lay.

Day 9: Xanamkhan

Enjoy a day of cruising on this wide and scenic part of the Mekong River, rich in verdant jungle scenery with small villages scattered along the banks. On arrival at the village of Xanamkhan the ship will moor for overnight while guests relish in sunset cocktails followed by dinner on board.

Day 10: Vientiane

For the final day of cruising, the vessel lazily journeys along the Mekong until it reaches the Laotian capital of Vientiane. After a relaxed lunch there’s plenty of time for an incredible sightseeing experience of French-colonial architecture and Buddhist temples in this former French trading post. Vientiane is a peaceful city of tree-lined boulevards, steeped in historic shrines such as the riverside Buddhist temple, Wat Chanthaboury, with its enormous bronze seated Buddha. Hear the legend behind the golden Wat Si Muang Khmer temple, climb the Patuxay monument with its five towers which represent the five Buddhist principles of “consideration, flexibility, honesty, honour and prosperity”, and marvel at the most important Buddhist monument in Laos, the 16th century golden Pha That Luang. If you have the time and interest, explore the COPE Visitor Centre, an informative museum which highlights the ongoing impact from the Vietnam War. All proceeds support innovative projects in Laos. Enjoy cocktails on the sundeck followed by dinner onboard, showcasing chef’s signature dishes combining local and international flavours as the ship spends its last night of the journey in Vientiane.

Day 11: Disembarkation

Disembarkation will occur after breakfast.

Please contact us for the best rates.

+ 10 nights (or 5 nights) onboard the luxurious Mekong Muse

+ Full board during the cruise 

+ Complimentary wine for lunch and dinner

+ Complimentary coffee and fine tea selection, soft-drinks, local beer and local spirits 

+ Complimentary daily sundowner cocktail

+ Champagne welcome reception

+ Complimentary aluminum water bottle for excursions

+ Complimentary wifi in-room and public areas

+ Exclusive experiences: Cultural performances, calligraphy and crew farewell performance

+ English – speaking crew and expert local guides

+ All entrance fees, transportation as mentioned in the shore excursion programs

+ Deluxe Sampans with cold towel service, fresh fruit and tea/coffee service (where applicable)

+ Individual VOX listening devices throughout cruise shore excursion program

+ Shoe cleaning after excursion

+ Welcome drink and cold towel service following excursions

+ Transfers to/from Chiang Saen/Luang Prabang/Vientiane to Embarkation/Disembarkation point 

+ Port charge and gratuities

+ Visa

+ Airfare to/from destination

+ Premium wine and spirits

+ Transfer outside included transportation as provided in the shore excursion program

+ Spa treatments, on-board laundry and gift shop items

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Terms and conditions apply to all vessels under Lotus Cruises’ operation unless otherwise noted. Any and all information contained herein is it in effect at the time of printing and its subject to change at any time.

Information contained in this website does not form part of any offer or contract. The transportation of guests and baggage on Lotus Cruises vessels is provided solely by Lotus Cruises and is governed by this terms and conditions.

The Terms and Conditions will be included with your travel documents and contains complete and important information regarding cancellations, itineraries, Lotus Cruises’ s liability, health and immigration requirements, and other relevant terms and conditions. This Terms and Conditions will apply to persons who have booked a cruise regardless of whether or not they have embarked the vessel. Please read this Terms and Conditions carefully. To the extent that any of the information in the website conflicts with this Terms and Conditions, this Terms and Conditions shall control.

Itinerary arrival and departure times are always subject to change without notice. Lotus Cruises reserves the right to cancel, alter, advance, postpone or substitute any scheduled sailing or itinerary, substitute another vessel for the scheduled ship, or substitute or cancel scheduled ports of call, which, in its sole judgment and discretion, is justified for any reason, and to do so without liability for any loss whatsoever to guests as a result of said change(s). Additionally, Lotus Cruises reserves the right to cancel reservations and bookings in the event of a full-ship charter, whether or not a deposit or full payment has been received, and in such event, Lotus Cruises’ only liability will be to refund to the guest the amount it has received.

Lotus Cruises makes arrangements for transportation, other than cruise passage, only as a booking agent. Lotus Cruises’ responsibility does not extend beyond the vessel. In arranging for the transportation of guests to and from the ship, Lotus Cruises does so with independent contractors. Lotus Cruises is not responsible for incidents such as airline cancellations, re-routings or any disruption of scheduled services or accommodation, or lost luggage.

All schedules, fares, and terms and conditions listed in this website are effected as of July 2020 and supersede any schedules, prices, and terms and conditions previously published.

All fares indicated in this website including land and hotel, are capacity controlled, subject to change at anytime without notice and do not guarantee availability. All are subjected to change and/ or cancellation without notice.

Travel documents will not be dispatched until full and final payment and passenger contact information has been received by Lotus Cruises and cleared. For purposes of this Agreement, Contact Information shall mean a passenger’s full name, passport number, address, telephone number (land and mobile), electronic mail address and emergency contact information and any other information as requested by Lotus Cruises. Lotus Cruises must be able to reach each passenger’s emergency contact at any time of day. Lotus Cruises must, therefore, be provided with all information to allow Lotus Cruises to do so (such information should include the name, address, electronic mail address (if available) and phone number (including a cell phone number if available) of a parent, guardian, spouse, domestic partner, or other person to contact in the event of an emergency. No passenger will be allowed to embark Lotus Cruises’ vessel unless Lotus Cruises has received all information.

CRUISE TARIFF 2020/2022

 Lotus Cruises fares cover certain shipboard services including: suit accommodations, shore excursions, onboard meals and entertainment, complimentary beverages aboard ship (including select Free-flow house wines for dinner, and locally produced spirits, soda, water, coffee and tea throughout the cruise). All fares are quoted in US dollars, are per guest and based on double occupancy. Not included in your cruise tariff are: airfare, hotel accommodations, optional shore excursions, meals ashore, imported mineral water and not included in your cruise tariff are: airfare, hotel accommodations, optional shore excursions, meals ashore, imported mineral water and sodas, fuel charges, any item from the ship boutique or any item or service of a personal nature such as medical care, massages or spa treatments or service of a personal nature such as medical care, massages, spa treatments. Champagne, premium wine and spirit selections are not included in your fare and may not be available at all.

TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS

Travel agents are considered to be the agent of Passenger and not of Carrier. Carrier is not liable for any representation, act or omission of Passenger’s travel agent. Passenger’s cruise fare is not considered paid until Carrier receives full payment, and the amount thereof is subject to change at any time prior to Carrier’s receipt of payment. Passenger shall, at all times, remain liable to Carrier for the price of passage. Carrier reserves the right to refuse embarkation if all charges and surcharges have not been paid in advance of departure.

DEPOSIT / FINAL PAYMENT

To reserve your cruise, a 25% deposit of the total cruise fare is required at the time of booking depending. Full payment is due no later than 120 days prior to departure. Guests will not be permitted to change travel agents once final payment has been received by Lotus Cruises. Final documentation will be issued after receipt of final payment and approximately 30 days prior to sailing. All reservations are subject to cancellation if payments are not received by the due date and are guaranteed only when paid in full 120 days prior to sailing. Reservations made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, specified by Lotus Cruises. Payments may be made by wire transfer (USD funds), or by VISA/ MasterCard.

CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS

Should you find it necessary to cancel your reservation or any component thereof, you and your travel professional are required to contact your Travel Professional or Lotus Cruises directly by telephones as well as submit your cancellation in writing. If your cancellation request is received more than 120 days prior to your initial sailing date, a $500 non-refundable administrative fee will be charged per person. This administrative fee may be not converted to a future cruise credit. Cruise cancellation requests received within 120 days of the initial sailing date will be subject to the following charges, regardless of suite resale: 120 - 91 days prior to the initial sailing date: 50% of the total cruise fare per person; 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date or non-appearance at the time of sailing: 100% of the total cruise fare per person.

Cruise tickets must be returned to Lotus Cruises before refunds (if owed) can be processed.

PRE/POST EXTENSION PROGRAM CANCELLATIONS

 90 – 61 days prior to the initial sailing date: US$250 per person; 60 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the extension program per person cost.

CHANGES OR CANCELLATION BY LOTUS CRUISES – MINIMUM OCCUPANCY PER CRUISE DEPARTURE

In the event that we are unable to provide cruise service to passengers with confirmed bookings or departures where minimum occupancy has not been reached, Lotus Cruises has the right to cancel the cruise. Lotus Cruises’ notice period of cancellation in such events is 60 days prior to a cruise departure date. Minimum occupancy requirements per ship on any cruise that Lotus Cruises’ ship is sailing:

 Mekong Navigator: 12 paying adults.

 Mekong Jewel: 12 paying adults.

 Mekong Muse: 10 paying adults

An alternative cruise itinerary (itinerary, departure date and vessel) will be offered subject to availability. If the proposed alternative price is cheaper than the original booked price, Lotus Cruises will refund the difference; or if more expensive than the original booked price, the difference will have to be paid to Lotus Cruises. If the proposed alternative cruise is accepted, the original provided itinerary will be amended accordingly (if applicable) and an updated version will be issued. If the proposed alternative cruise is not accepted within 7 days, Lotus Cruises will cancel the booking and refund all monies paid to Lotus Cruises. Lotus Cruises does not have any further liability or compensation and we are not liable for any incurring third party costs (for example, airfares or other arrangements).

HEALTH AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

 All guests are required to report in writing to Lotus Cruises at the time their reservation is made:

+ Any physical or mental condition that may require medical or professional treatment or attention during the voyage.
+ Any condition that may render the guest unfit for travel, or that may require special care or assistance.

+ Any condition that may pose a risk or danger to the guest or anyone else onboard the ship.

+ Any condition that may require oxygen for medical reasons. 

+ Any intention or need to use a wheelchair cart, other mobility device.

By booking passage and by boarding the ship, the guest represents and warrants that he/she is physically and otherwise fit to travel, and that the guest will comply at all times with applicable rules and regulations of the ship and orders and instructions of the ship’s officers.

Lotus Cruises reserves the right without liability to require a guest to disembark and/or to refuse to board and transport a guest who, in the judgment of Lotus Cruises or the ship’s Captain, is unfit to travel or may require care beyond that which Lotus Cruises is reasonably able to provide.

Lotus Cruises strongly recommends that guests are able to navigate the stairs on board without assistance. Should guests require assistance, they must travel with someone who is able to assist them both ashore and at on board.

Lotus Cruises is unable to offer special assistance. Please note that wheel-on and/or wheel-off access is not available at ports of-call.

BAGGAGE

You may bring aboard the ship as reasonable amount of clothing and personal effects without charge. Baggage for Lotus Cruises guests or guests on our land extension programs must be handled in accordance with regulations of our ground operators. Baggage (exceeding these limitations is subject to the charges as set forth by the individual operators. Airlines are strict with baggage limitations. Guests are encouraged to contact individual airlines for weight limitations.

 All baggage must be securely packed and properly and clearly labeled. Liquid, fragile, perishable and other articles not suitably packed are transported at your own risk. Lotus Cruises is not responsible for loss or damage to baggage or any other personal items during air travel or land extension programs. Baggage and personal belongings will be taken off the ship upon guest disembarkation. Under no circumstance will baggage be store onboard without the owner of such baggage being on the vessel. Lotus Cruises is not responsible for baggage stored in shore side facilities.

Under no circumstance may dangerous items (including but not limited to: explosives, firearms, combustible or illegal substances) be taken aboard the ship. We recommend that you hand-carry travel documents (passport, visa, cruise ticket), medications and valuables. These items are the full responsibility of the guest at all times. Lotus Cruises shall not be responsible for the loss of, or damage to, such personal item.

LOST PROPERTY

Lotus Cruises may levy a charge for the return of personal items left on board or lost and subsequently found.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

All travel documents (air and cruise tickets, passport and medical insurance information) are the guest’s responsibility. It is also the guest’s responsibility to obtain any necessary visas and public health documents for all applicable ports and to comply with all customs requirement.

Without the required documents, a guest may be denied boarding and accommodation by Lotus Cruises or the guest may be disembarked during the voyage and Lotus Cruises will not make a refund or be otherwise liable to any guests for such denial of boarding or disembarkation.

 In the event that Lotus Cruises as a courtesy, provides information or advice as to necessary travel documents, visas and medical inoculations, guests are still obligated to verify such information with the appropriate government authorities and Lotus Cruises does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of such information.

Vietnam & Cambodia requires passports to be valid six months beyond intended stay. Please check with the appropriate consulate for specific requirements. Security measures imposed by governments may change from time to time and each guest will be required to comply with them. As a courtesy, we will endeavor to provide each guest with notice of measures that may affect them, but not complying with any such requirements are the sole responsibility of each guest. Please consult your travel professional for advice on such requirements to avoid the loss of boarding privileges.

TAXES, GOVERNMENT FEES/QUASI-GOVERNMENT FEES AND FUEL SUPPLEMENTS

Lotus Cruises reserves the right to pass through to its guests (including fully paid and deposited guest) any taxes and government fees/quasi-government fees that relate specifically to a guest’s itinerary. Taxes and Government fees/quasi-government fees include any all fees, charges, surcharges, tolls and taxes imposed by governmental or quasi-governmental authorities including, but not limited to, customs fees, per person berth taxes or fees, embarkation and/or disembarkation fees at ports, airline transportation fees, dockage fees, and wharf age fees. Lotus Cruises reserves the right to charge a per person fuel supplement in the event that the price of increases up to and including the day of embarkation. Lotus Cruises may collect any taxes, government fees/quasi-government fees and fuel supplement (the ‘Surcharge) at the time of booking, prior to sailing or on board the vessel, even if the wise fare has been paid in full. Surcharge will be invoiced accordingly. All fares, and itineraries are subject to change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Lotus Cruises reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions.

This website may contain inadvertent technical or factual inaccuracies and typographical errors. Lotus Cruises reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions at any times without prior notice and to cancel any offered product, service, amenity, ect. in the event of any error or omission in this description, including pricing and availability.

OTHERS

Lotus Cruises is an Associate Member of the United States Tour Operators Association. However, Lotus Cruises is NOT a participant in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers’ Assistance Program and is not held by USTOA to certain other standards required of Active Members.