RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
Cabins : 14 | Launched : 2016 | Length : 44.5m (146ft) | Crew Members : 15
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Newly built in 2016, Champa Pandaw Cruise is a new addition to luxurious Laos River Cruises, winding its way along the dramatic Upper Mekong. Designed in colonial style and finished in teak, bright-colored wood, this traditional vessel just fits right into its surroundings in a clean and natural way.
RV Champa Pandaw Cruise comes with 14 spacious staterooms, all finished in teak and brass and feature panoramic French sliding doors overlooking the magnificent views of the Mekong River.
Cruising on RV Champa Pandaw with Top Mekong Cruises is a quite different experience as it focuses on culture and education rather than big-ticket attractions. During amazing excursions, guests have plenty of opportunities to walk through hidden villages, explore its unchanged tradition and lifestyle and immerse in untouched scenery and tranquility over the region.
Main deck cabins
No of Cabins : 12 | Area : 14m2 (150ft2) | Bed : Double or Twin
The Main Deck has 12 in total of 14-sqm cabins. All staterooms provides spacious and comfortable area with Double or Twin beds, including a panoramic window with excellent view over the Mekong River. Rooms are equiped with high-class equipments to provide the best comfort for passengers, including bathrooms with branded fittings.
- Panoramic sliding door
- Kimonos and slippers
- Spa-branded amenities
- Unlimited mineral water
- Electric mini safe
- Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
- Premium mattresses
- Convertible bed configuration
- Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
- Multi-configuration plugs
- Generous closet space and under-bed storage
- Hair dryer
- Daily nightly turndown service
- Complimentary evening canapés
Upper deck cabins
No of Cabins : 2 | Area : 14m2 (150ft2) | Bed : Double or Twin
Two 14-sqm cabins are available on Upper Deck. These staterooms are excellent designed in spacious and comfortable style with Double or Twin beds, and the panoramic window and fantastic view over the Mekong. The room is fully equiped with high-class facilities, such as bathrooms with branded fittings, to match passengers’ needs for relax and comfort.
- Panoramic sliding door
- Kimonos and slippers
- Spa-branded amenities
- Unlimited mineral water
- Electric mini safe
- Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
- Premium mattresses
- Convertible bed configuration
- Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
- Multi-configuration plugs
- Generous closet space and under-bed storage
- Hair dryer
- Daily nightly turndown service
- Complimentary evening canapés
Restaurant
Bar
Lounge
Observation Deck
Baci Dance
Golden Triangle - Vientiane 10 Nights
Departure date of itinerary: Contact us for details
Highlights of Itinerary
- Discover this infamous Golden Triangle.
- Discover the ancient city of Luang Prabang recognized as a world heritage.
- Get to experience the remote and local villages.
- Experience the traditional culture of Laos.
- Enjoy the relaxing and comfortable 11-day journey.
You will transfer from airports or any hotel in Chiang Rai (about 3-hour ride) and Chiang Mai (about 6-hour ride). We also will visit the infamous Golden Triangle and opium museum. At 16:00 PM, we get on RV Champa Pandaw Cruise and start our expedition to Burma border around sunset.
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
We finish the immigration custom at Thailand-Laos border, then back to RV Champa Pandaw Cruise. We continue downstream on the gorgeous Upper Mekong. We have lunch onboard, then we may take a tour around a Laos village in the forest.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
In the morning, we take a tour of Pak Beng trading town. Next, we move downstream to Pak Ou. We will have to get on a local boat to pass Nam Ou River and visit the sacred Buddhist sanctuary of Pak Ou, consisting of Buddha Caves with astounding limestone faces.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
In the early morning, we arrive at Luang Prabang. After the breakfast on RV Champa Pandaw Cruise, you will be able to freely discover Luang Prabang, an ancient and hallowed city full of libraries, Buddhist temples, and Royal Palace. At night, the city becomes more lively with busy night market, lovely cafes, and several decent restaurants on shore.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
In the early morning, we can watch the Alms Giving Ceremony in which local Buddhist believers offer alms for hundreds of monks walking around the city. We also provide offerings for passengers who want to take part in this sacred ceremony. Later on, we rejoin RV Champa Pandaw Cruise to enjoy the traditional dancing of Laos around mid-afternoon. We stay the night in Luang Prabang.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
In the morning, we have a sightseeing tour via mini bus. We will experience the refreshing atmosphere of Khaung Si Waterfall, deep forest pools, teak forest and butterfly farm. We may come to the elephant camp if possible. Lunch onboard. After that, we have a cooking demonstration and enjoy the fantastic sight over Mekong River.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
On this day, we will pass by the water control lock of Mekong at Xayaburi Hydro Electric Power Plant (which is controversial tourism site by itself). In the late afternoon, we talk a tour around a local village.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
In the morning, we will travel to a Ban Pak Huoang, which is a local village on Thailand-Laos border. Next, we continue our journey to Pak Sao, travel to a plantation village and meet the locals.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
We travel to a breathtaking area of mountain and forest, which is also where the river flows wild and rapidly. Along the riverbanks, there are fascinating rock formations lying on both sides. Afterward, we will arrive at Vientiane province’s cultivated plains. Upon our arrival at Vientiane around mid-afternoon, you will have free time to explore this fascinating city influenced by French. We stay overnight at Vientiane.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
We will be on a discovering section in this wonderful French city, including Sisaket Temple, the President’s Hall, Wat Prakeo Temple and the Phatouxay monument. After the section, you are free to enjoy the life in this city with many cafes and bistros in an alluring corner of L’Indochine. At night, we have a farewell dinner and cocktails on RV Champa Pandaw Cruise.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
After our final breakfast, we get off the ship and transfer to airports or hotel in Vientiane or Udon Thani in Thailand (about 1.5 hours across the river).
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: N/A
*Please note: This itinerary is only a suggested one and may be different. There is a high chance of changes in the itinerary as we travel to remote places. If you choose this cruise, it is pretty much recommended to have a flexible approach.
TRANSFERS & JOINING
Day 1: Golden Triangle
We are including transfers from Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai airports. Arrivals should be before 13.00pm Chiang Rai or 10.00am Chiang Mai. Late arrivals will also be transferred but may miss the Golden Triangle, sunset cruise, and dinner.
Hotel pick-ups from city hotels in Chiang Mai between 09.30am and 10.00am and Chiang Rai between 12.00am and 1 pm.
Please Note: There is a surcharge for private transfers if you are not able to meet us at the pick-up times above.
Day 11: Vientiane
Disembark in Vientiane after breakfast.
Vientiane Jetty - Land River Transport Enterprise, Thadeua Road km4, Sisattanark District.
*** Although it is our intention to operate the itinerary as detailed proposal, we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. It may be necessary to make some changes as a result of climatic conditions, alterations to cruise schedules or other operational factors.
What's Included
- Entrance fees
- Guide services (English language)
- Gratuities to crew
- Main meals as mentioned
- Locally made soft drinks, mineral water
- Local beer and local spirits
- Jugged coffee and selection of teas and tisanes
- Transfers between the meeting point and the ship at the start and end of a voyage
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Visa costs
- Phnom Penh Port tax 65 USD/ pax
- Port dues (if levied)
- Laundry
- Fuel surcharges (Policies)
- Imported beverages such as wines, premium spirits and liqueurs
- Fancy soft drinks like Perrier, espressos and cappuccinos
- Tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers
- No transfers in Phnom Penh, ship docks in city center at Sisowath Quay
Pre - extension
3
Days
Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai Highlights
Tour Type: Private Tour / Visit: Chiang Mai - Chedi Luang Temple - Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep - Wat Phra Singh - White Temple - Chiang Rai
Tour Types: Private Tour / Visit: Chiang Mai - Karen Hill - Elephant Camp - Wat Phra That Doi Suthep - Wat Phrasing - Wat Chedi Luang
Tour Type: Private Tour / Visit: Bangkok - Grand Palace - Wat Phra Keo - Chao Phraya River - Temple of Dawn
Post - Extension
Tour Type: Private Tour / Visit: Bangkok - Grand Palace - Wat Phra Keo - Chao Phraya River - Temple of Dawn
Vientiane - Golden Triangle 10 Nights
Departure date of itinerary: Contact us for details
Highlights of Itinerary
- An welcoming and a farewell dinner and cocktails on board.
- Discover the sacred grounds of Buddhists like the ancient city of Luang Prabang, and the Buddhist caves of Pak Ou.
- Visit the infamous Golden Triangle.
- Visit various traditional tribal villages.
- Experience traditional Laotian culture, cuisine
The transfer will be from airports or hotels in Vientiane or Udon Thani (take about 1.5 hours) from Thailand, pass through the river. We will embark on RV Champa Pandaw Cruise at 11:30 AM, then having lunch. In the afternoon, we will discover the lovely French city with Sisaket Temple, the President’s Hall, WatPrakeo Temple and Patuxay Monument. In the late afternoon, we will start the cruise; having a welcoming dinner onboard and stay the night near Vientiane.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
We travel to Mekong River’s upstream, enjoying the views of the green lush forest and small villages by the river. At the morning, we will have a presentation about Laotian language. In the afternoon, on the Upper Deck of RV Champa Pandaw Cruisewe have a demonstration about cooking. We will arrive at Ban Xanakham and moor there through the night.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
In the afternoon, we come to Pak Lai, a French administrative town including lots of buildings from the colonial period, and a busy local market. This is also where the biggest elephant festival in South East Asia held, normally celebrated on February. Afterward, we back to RV Champa Pandaw Cruise and stay the night.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
In the afternoon, we take a visit to the village of Ban Park Bor where Khmu Ethnic Group lives. The village resides on the Mekong River banks in midst of forest.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
On this day, we keep traveling toward the River’s upstream, to Ban Mouang Khai Village. Also in the morning, we will encounter a newly constructed lock, built as a part of Xanyaburi Hydro Electric Power Plant.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
In the morning, we will explore the significant Kuang Si waterfall and the forest pools via mini bus. Also, we will come to elephant camp and butterfly garden before getting to the center of Luang Prabang - an ancient temple city and also one of the world heritages. After enjoying our lunch, we will discover this famous and well-protected hallowed land filled with tons of libraries, Buddhist temples, and the royal palace.
At night, the city becomes more lively with bustling market, cafes, and several nice restaurants on shore.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
In the early morning, this is the time to watch the Alms Giving Ceremony as the local Buddhism believers offer alms to hundreds of monks walking around the city. We also provide offerings if passengers want to take part in the ceremony. Also at this morning, we have a trip in the morning market and the National Museum. At the afternoon, you are free to experience Luang Prabang by yourself. At late afternoon, rejoin RV Champa Pandaw Cruise on the Upper Deck to experience the traditional Laos dancing. We stay the night at Luang Prabang.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
In the morning, we start to discover the sacred Buddhism sanctuary of Pak Ou, which is caves complex filled with impressive limestone faces. Then we continue upstream to Ban Bo. After having our lunch, we continue experiencing a cooking presentation on Upper Deck.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
In the morning, we take a stroll around Pak Beng market town. After having lunch, we will explore the charming traditional village of Ban Pak Sip residing at the riverside.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
On the day, we travel to Huay Say, which is near the Thailand – Laos border. This is where we arrive at Thailand. A transport will take you from there to rejoin RV Champa Pandaw Cruise at Chiang Khong port town. At night, we will have a farewell dinner and cocktails on cruise.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
At 8:30 AM, we get off the cruise in Chiang Sean, then visit the Golden Triangle, including the opium museum. Finally, we go to airports or hotels in Chiang Rai for 3 hours, and in Chiang Mai for 6 hours.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: N/A
NOTE: Transfers & Joining
Day 1: Vientiane
Transfers included from airport or hotel in Vientiane or Udon Thani. We suggest an early morning arrival. Any late arrivals will also be transferred to the ship but you might miss lunch and/or the afternoon excursion. If staying at a city hotel in Vientiane you will be picked up between 10.30am and 11.00am.
Please Note: There is a surcharge for private transfers if you are not able to meet us at pick-up times above.
Vientiane Jetty - Land River Transport Enterprise, ThadeuaRoad km4, Sisattanark District.
Day 11: Golden Triangle
Disembark by 8.30am in Chiang Sean.
*** Although it is our intention to operate the itinerary as detailed proposal, we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. It may be necessary to make some changes as a result of climatic conditions, alterations to cruise schedules or other operational factors.
What's Included
- Entrance fees
- Guide services (English language)
- Gratuities to crew
- Main meals as mentioned
- Locally made soft drinks, mineral water
- Local beer and local spirits
- Jugged coffee and selection of teas and tisanes
- Transfers between the meeting point and the ship at the start and end of a voyage
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Visa costs
- Phnom Penh Port tax 65 USD/ pax
- Port dues (if levied)
- Laundry
- Fuel surcharges (Policies)
- Imported beverages such as wines, premium spirits and liqueurs
- Fancy soft drinks like Perrier, espressos and cappuccinos
- Tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers
Pre - extension
Tour Type: Private Tour / Visit: Bangkok - Grand Palace - Wat Phra Keo - Chao Phraya River - Temple of Dawn
Post - Extension
3
Days
Highlights of Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai
Tour Type: Private Tour / Visit: Chiang Mai - Chedi Luang Temple - Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep - Wat Phra Singh - White Temple - Chiang Rai
4
Days
Highlights of Chiang Mai
Tour Types: Private Tour / Visit: Chiang Mai - Karen Hill - Elephant Camp - Wat Phra That Doi Suthep - Wat Phrasing - Wat Chedi Luang
RV CHAMPA PANDAW POLICY
1. Alteration of schedule and cruise itinerary
Though every effort will be made to ensure that the published itinerary is followed as closely as possible, given uncertain river and other local conditions, all schedules and itineraries maybe subject to alterations and delays at short notice.
2. Change point of embarkation and disembarkation
Should it prove difficult to embark or disembark passengers at the scheduled points, RV Champa Pandaw is not liable to bear any extra cost of transporting passengers to and from the revised point of joining the cruise or disembarking unless passengers or their agents have purchased a complete package tour which includes land services from us. Any reason for changing the points of embarkation or disembarkation cannot count as a reason for cancelling this contract.
3. Fuel surcharge
Within the ticket price fuel costs have been calculated on average prices as of the publication of this document. Should fuel prices rise by more than 10% the company will be entitled to impose a fuel supplement equivalent to the amount by which the fuel price exceeds the price allowed for in the contract.
4. Deposit
If a booking is made more than 65 days prior departure date, a 30% non-refundable deposit must be made at the time of booking. Balance must be made at least 65 days before departure.
If a booking is made less than 65 days prior departure date, full fare payment must be made within 48 hours.
*Certain special offers may require higher non-refundable deposits. These will be advised to you at the time of booking.
5. Cancellation by us
In the event that we are unable to provide cruise services to passengers with confirmed bookings or departures where occupancy is less than 5 cabins, RV Champa Pandaw reserves the rights to cancel the journey giving all passengers with confirmed bookings 30 days prior notice of this intention. An alternative cruise vessel (similar itinerary and ship category) or an alternative departure date will be offered subject to availability. Any surcharges or difference in cruise prices will be born or reimbursed by RV Champa Pandaw. If this alternative date or the alternative vessel is not acceptable to the passenger any down payments made for the cancelled cruise will be refunded. In the event that a passenger has cancelled and paid cancellation fees and RV Champa Pandaw subsequently cancels that departure then any cancellation fees (and down payment) will be refunded in full on the request of the passenger.
6. Cancellation by Customer
If you want to cancel your booking, you must inform us via fax or email. The followings cancellation charges will be applied:
Cancellations made 65 days or more before departure: 30% charge of total price
From 64 days and less till departure, no show: 100% charge of total price
*In the event of cancellations, wire fees and credit card commissions will be deducted when calculating refunds.
7. Children Price & Extra Bed
Infants below the age of 4 years may sleep in their parent's cabin without extra charge but RV Champa Pandaw cannot guarantee the availability of a cot. Children from over 4 years up to 18 years old get:
1 adult and 1 child stay in 1 cabin – child receives 50% reduction from adult price
2 adults and 1 child stay in 2 cabins – 1 cabin with no single supplement and 50% reduction for the child
2 adults and 2 children stay in 2 cabins – 50% reduction for both children. Larger family groups – prices on request
8. Insurance
We strongly advise travelers to purchase trip cancellation insurance. In this case, guests will be reimbursed the cost of air tickets and other non-refundable trip payments. We also highly recommend guests to get international medical, baggage loss and delay insurance in the case of bad situations. RV Champa Pandaw will take no responsibility for lost or stolen personal belongings.
9. Dietary needs
For travelers with special dietary needs, they should contact with us at least 30 days prior to embarkation. The cruise liner will make the outmost effort to provide special dietary needs and requests basing on product’s availability.
10. Travelers’ responsibilities
All the travelers taking the cruise should take responsibilities towards their fellow passengers and the crew of the ship. Travelers should review the conditions of the trip itinerary and have a proper social behavior with fellow passengers and crew members. They should observe all the safety requirements on board and on excursions.
Irene C
RV Champa Pandaw cruise ship
The rooms were relaxing, flawless food, and the ship didn’t run hastily, best efficiency was ... [More +]
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