By Anne Kalosh.
Gourmet meals, plush cabins and curated experiences beckon travelers to a new selection of Mekong River cruises by Minor Hotels, an international hotel group. Mekong Kingdoms cruises are replete with the colonial romance of river travel but with a modern twist.
Cruising the Mekong from Thailand’s Golden Triangle to the ancient Laos capital and now UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang conjures up images of old Indochina, of languorous days gone by, teeming with adventure, mystical temples and stunning scenery.
The Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos & Myanmar converge.
2- & 3-Night Mekong River Cruises
Travelers can embark Mekong Kingdoms’ flagship BOHEME, a 42-meter/138-foot, 13-cabin luxury barge, at Luang Prabang or Chiang Rai/Chiang Khong in Thailand, located near Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort. Decorated with intricate Indochinese-inspired artwork and fitted with sumptuously comfortable furnishings, BOHEME offers facilities like an expansive sun deck, a wine cellar and a spa.
Boheme offers an expansive sun deck, a wine cellar and a spa. * Photo: Mekong Kingdoms
The journey from Chiang Rai/Chiang Khong to Luang Prabang lasts two nights, heading downstream, or three nights going upstream.
Excursions include guided jungle treks and a visit to the Pak Ou caves, with their dramatic karsts and thousands of Buddhas left by pilgrims over the centuries. Travelers can visit the Hmong Village at Pak Beng or learn traditional weaving at Ban Baw and further explore rural Laos by mountain biking in the village of Ban Houy Phalam.
Activities aboard BOHEME include sunrise yoga, Buddhist meditation, sunset cocktails, cooking demonstrations, jewelry-making classes and fishing for giant catfish.
For an even more intimate experience, Mekong Kingdoms offers GYPSY, a two-cabin cruiser ideal for one or more nights for up to four people, with the itinerary and program customized to suit the travelers.
Gypsy is a two-cabin cruiser for up to four people. * Photo: Mekong Kingdoms
Day Tripping
For shorter day trips in complete privacy, NOMAD provides couples an exclusive romantic getaway for sunset cruises in Luang Prabang.
And for private events or family adventure, the floating lounge PLAY is ideal. Suitable for up to 15 passengers, it offers a sun deck, private room and a sound system. MONSOON, meanwhile, is a scheduled luxury touring shuttle to the Pak Ou caves that serves canapés, coffee, tea and soft drinks.
For info go to mekongkingdoms.com.
Big river views from the bar aboard the day-cruiser Play. * Photo: Mekong Kingdoms
© This article is protected by copyright, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the author. All Rights Reserved. QuirkyCruise.com.
HEIDI SARNA
