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Thailand/Laos/Cambodia

Kingdoms of the Mekong: A River Exploration of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia

Program No. 25649RJ
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Itinerary
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All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
18 days
17 nights
What's Included
37 meals ( 15B, 12L, 10D )
6 expert-led lectures
25 expert-led field trips
1 flight during the program
4 hands-on experiences
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Flights cross the International Date Line.
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Remember to bring your name tag.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from the Group Leader as well as local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 15 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Sitting and standing for nearly the whole day in hot and humid weather conditions. Walking 2-3 miles throughout the day.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will depart by motorcoach around 7:00 a.m. to reach Ta Prohm, the Jungle Temple, before the crowds. Unlike most of the temples of Angkor, Ta Prohm has been largely left to ruins. With its dynamic interaction between nature and manmade art, this atmospheric temple is a favorite for many; some may feel a little like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft as we explore the site. (In fact, Ta Prohm is known as the “Tomb Raider Temple” as it was a filming location for the 2001 movie.) We will continue by motorcoach to Banteay Srei, the Citadel of Women. This pink sandstone temple was built in the latter half of the 10th century by Rajendravarman II and Jayavaraman V and is located approximately 45 minutes from Siem Reap.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will continue to the Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium, where a local expert will share insights into the remarkable diversity of freshwater fish and the vibrant ecosystems of the Mekong River and Tonle Sap.
Dinner:
At tonight’s performance venue.
Evening:
In the early evening, we will depart by motorcoach to a small nearby venue and enjoy a private traditional Khmer dance show. This art, once nearly lost for good, is now being revived in Cambodia with young students learning this traditional dance.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking in Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom will be physically straining today. We will spend the whole morning at these ruins, which have uneven steps and stairways.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach and set out with a local expert in the morning to immerse ourselves in the breathtaking beauty of Angkor Wat. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Archaeological Park preserves the magnificent remains of different capitals of the Khmer Empire, dating from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Angkor Wat, the best-preserved temple within the complex, is also the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its construction. Originally built to embody Hindu tradition and dedicated to the god Vishnu, it gradually evolved into a primarily Buddhist site as the official religion of the Khmer Empire changed. After our visit, we will explore Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. Established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, the city is centered around the mesmerizing Bayon Temple.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will stop by a local school to gain an understanding of the Khmer educational system. We will meet with the school director and learn about the school and its history. We may have an opportunity to view some classes in action. We’ll return to the hotel first to leave those who wish to relax or explore on their own, then head out on an elective visit to Satcha, a local arts and crafts center, to learn about Cambodian handicrafts.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Getting on/off an airplane; direct flight from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap is approximately 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, we will check out of our hotel and take a motorcoach to the Siem Reap-Angkor Airport for our flight to Luang Prabang.
Lunch:
On your own. Snacks will be provided by the airline.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival, we’ll board our motorcoach and transfer to our hotel in Luang Prabang. We’ll meet our local expert and learn about this UNESCO World Heritage Site through their lens.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking on flat surfaces in the old town. Please use sun protection and modest clothing covering shoulders and knees to visit temples. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 17 miles one-way, over 1/2 hour riding time.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will join our local expert for a walking discovery of Luang Prabang. We’ll visit Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important Lao monasteries and a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. The temple complex has over twenty structures including shrines, pavilions and residences. It was built in 1559-1560 by the Lao King Setthathirath and was used as a royal temple where the Lao kings were crowned until 1975 when the Lao monarchy was dissolved. We’ll then depart for a cooking experience. At the cooking school, we will learn how to cook Laos cuisine. While similar to Thai, Lao have their own traditional food and sticky rice is the main type of rice that they eat. Learn about the ingredients and traditional way of making Lao food.
Lunch:
At the cooking school, we’ll dine on what we have made.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll take a motorcoach to visit Kuang Si Falls, one of Laos’ most remarkable waterfalls. Our field trip offers a great opportunity to witness locals enjoying time with their families. Next to the waterfall, we’ll explore the “Free the Bears” rescue center dedicated to protecting and conserving the endangered sun and moon bears of Southeast Asia and learn about their rehabilitation efforts. After our visit, we’ll return to our hotel for some time to relax.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of minivans. Please note that every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including floodwaters and shallows. The river cruise itinerary may be altered due to logistical complexities or safety reasons, depending on weather and river conditions.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Before breakfast, we’ll travel by minivans into town to witness a very traditional part of Lao culture, Tak Baht. We will witness devout Buddhists giving alms to monks as they make their daily procession. Hundreds of monks from different temples will walk through the city in their traditional ritual of collecting alms for their daily meals. We’ll then walk through the morning market to see all the items on sale for the day. We’ll continue to an ethnology museum where will be joined by a local expert for a presentation on the different ethnic groups that make up Laos and the current conflicts that they face. Afterwards, we will carry on to the National Museum. Formerly the Royal Palace, it is now home to a fascinating collection of artifacts giving insight to the history of Laos.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll transfer by minivans to board our riverboat, settle into our comfortable cabins, and unpack for our Mekong River journey.
Dinner:
On board. Throughout the cruise, we will be treated to a delightful selection of both Asian and European dishes, offering a culinary journey as rich and varied as the sights we will encounter along the way.
Evening:
In the evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional Lao dance performance and a heartwarming Baci well-wishing ceremony.
Activity Note
Getting on/off small boats. Walking up riverbanks to explore local villages. There are around 220 steps at Pak Ou Caves to see all the Buddha images in the first and second set of caves.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
This morning, we cruise to a charming riverside village. Here, we will explore the legendary Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of small Buddha statues lovingly placed by pilgrims over the centuries. From this sacred site, we have the choice to embark on a jungle trek through lush greenery, leading to the local village of Ban Muang Keo. For a more relaxed pace, a short boat ride will also take us to the village. In Ban Muang Keo, we will witness the ancient art of distilling Lao-Lao, the traditional rice whiskey of Laos, under the guidance of a local villager who has dedicated her life to mastering this craft. We will learn the secret of this time-honored technique and enjoy a tasting if we like.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Our riverboat continues cruising upstream towards Oudomxay Province, passing by the construction site of the Pak Ou Dam. The rest of the afternoon is time to relax, whether we choose to unwind on deck or join our cruise director for an engaging infotainment program.
Dinner:
On board.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Full day aboard ship.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
We’ll spend today cruising upstream. Here you can watch the river traffic thin out. We will sail by breathtaking landscapes of northern Laos — lush greenery, mist-covered mountains, and peaceful riverside villages.
Lunch:
On board.
Afternoon:
This afternoon, unwind on deck, in the comfortable cabins, or in the lounge, soaking up the sun as the landscape transforms into a breathtaking panorama: hills blanketed in lush tropical vegetation, striking rock formations along the riverbanks, and a captivating mix of swift currents and calm waters. The vibrant life along the river and the majestic power of the Mekong creates a true sense of adventure and discovery.
Dinner:
On board.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Full day aboard ship (except for dinner). Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
Today, we’ll unwind on deck, soaking in the diverse landscapes and the serene beauty of northern Laos, offering a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. As the lush green hills pass by, the ship cruises toward the Nam Tha, one of the Mekong’s most significant estuaries.
Lunch:
On board.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
We’ll savor a barbecue dinner set in a picturesque riverside location.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of minivans. Walking 1 mile; mainly level ground with some inclines.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
After breakfast, we’ll set off on our journey to visit one of the local hill tribe villages in the Pak Tha area, where we have the chance to experience their unique way of life. Here we’ll learn about the hill tribe community in Laos and their traditional way of life. We also learn about how they sustain themselves in this remote area of Laos. Afterwards, we will return to our boat.
Lunch:
On board.
Afternoon:
Our journey concludes in the bustling border town of Huay Xay, a vibrant trade hub in Bokeo province, where Bokeo means “sapphire,” reflecting the region’s rich heritage. Here, we’ll explore the lively town market and visit the peaceful temple overlooking the Mekong. If time permits, we’ll cross into Thailand via the Thai/Lao Friendship Bridge.
Dinner:
We’ll celebrate the memories and adventures shared during this unforgettable voyage with a special Captain’s dinner on the Mekong.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation in the morning.
Activity Note
Disembarking the ship. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 24 miles in the morning, under 1.5 hours total riding time. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will disembark the ship in Chiang Khong. From there, we’ll transfer by motorcoach to the legendary Golden Triangle region, once infamous but now steeped in intrigue and history. During our expert-led visit, we’ll explore the majestic Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and a museum that offers a profound exploration of the opium trade’s complex history and its impact on health. Afterwards, we’ll ride on to our hotel in Chiang Rai.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will check in to our hotel in Chiang Rai, and the remainder of the afternoon is free to relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of minivans; driving 30 miles one-way, approximately 1 hour riding time. Easy to moderate walking about 1 mile, approximately 2-3 hours. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will depart by minivan to the Mae Fa Luang Botanical Garden in Doi Tung, a lush highland oasis founded by the Princess Mother (Somdet Phra Srinagarindra) as part of her mission to restore the region's environment and improve the lives of local communities. The garden, set on the slopes of Doi Tung Mountain, features beautifully landscaped areas that showcase a variety of plants, including the Royal Garden, which highlights the Princess Mother’s vision for sustainable agricultural development. With the Group Leader, we will explore Orchid and Tropical Plant Garden, home to a stunning array of orchids and rare tropical plants, as well as the Tropical Rainforest Section, which mimics the natural biodiversity of Southeast Asia. The gardens are designed to reflect the beauty and ecological importance of the region, making them not only visually captivating but also educational. After visiting the gardens, we’ll discover the nearby Doi Tung Royal Villa, the former residence of the Princess Mother. Here, we will gain insight into her tireless efforts to uplift the local people through sustainable development, reforestation, and agricultural initiatives. The villa itself is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Lunch:
At Doi Tung Cafe.
Afternoon:
We’ll return to Chiang Rai this afternoon and adjourn for the day.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 120 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time with rest stops along the way. Easy to moderate walking for 1-2 miles, approximately 3 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll check out of the hotel and depart for Chiang Mai. Along the way, we will visit the Buddhist temple Wat Rong Khun. Commonly referred to as the White Temple, the silvery-white buildings appear to shimmer from a distance.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll arrive in Chiang Mai in the late afternoon with down time to rest after checking in. Later, we will transfer to a local family’s home for a traditional dinner.
Dinner:
At a family’s home, we’ll experience a traditional Northern Thai Kantoke dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of minivans and a motorcoach; driving 24 miles, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Walking up 306 steps to the top of Doi Suthep.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
In the early morning, we will depart by minivans for Doi Suthep, an icon of Chiang Mai. Situated on a mountain, rising high above the city, this sacred pagoda offers a fabulous view of Chiang Mai and its surroundings. Here we will learn from the Group Leader about the significant of this temple to Chiang Mai. We will continue with our Group Leader to Wat Suan Dok, the Buddhist University, where we take a short walk around the temple to learn about its history and understand why it is revered as one of the city’s most sacred sites. We will learn more about Buddhism from the monks as we stop and take some time to chat with them.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant to enjoy a famous local dish, Khao Soy.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will take a motorcoach back to the hotel for some time to rest.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 34 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time each way. Walking up to 2 miles on unpaved, dirt roads.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll travel by motorcoach to the Mae Taeng district to visit an elephant sanctuary. Here we will learn from local experts about the plight of the Asian elephant and what this organization is doing to help save these majestic animals. We’ll have the opportunity to meet and interact with a few elephants.
Lunch:
At the elephant sanctuary.
Afternoon:
We will return to Chiang Mai and have the late afternoon and evening free. Take this opportunity to explore further on your own or simply relax. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please Note: This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Sep 12, 2027 - Sep 29, 2027
Sep 19, 2027 - Oct 06, 2027
Nov 03, 2027 - Nov 20, 2027
Nov 3 - Nov 20, 2027 Itinerary Differences: This departure starts in Siem Reap (Cambodia) and concludes in Chiang Mai (Thailand).