Connect with
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Passport to Adventure airs on public television stations across the United States.
Your support keeps quality programming accessible to everyone! Please contact your local station and let them know you are a fan of Passport to Adventure. Your feedback helps keep us on the air - Thanks! |
 |
 The Mystic Mekong
My two incredible adventures on the Mekong with Asian-Oasis.
Three days on the Mekong in Southern Laos - The "Vat Phou" Cruise
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.
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.
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!
The "Vat Phou" cruise departs from the laid-back, southern Lao city of Pakse.  
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.  
The cruise offers delicious local cuisine, a bar, comfy cabins, and just the right mix of relaxation and activity.  
Daily shore excursions include a peek at life along the Mekong with visits to rural villages. 
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)
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.
Related stories and destinations: |
|
Sign up for email updates and newsletters from Julie: 
on locationTravel dispatches and trip ideas:
|
|||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
|
© 1999-2011 Passport To Adventure. All rights reserved. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Inspiring Television that ignites a PASSION for TRAVEL & DISCOVERY!
Meet Julie and The Crew of the adventure travel TV series Passport to Adventure!
Julie's latest
