A month ago I was on the Mekong River near where it ends and meets the South China Sea, from Saigon I took a day trip down to the Delta.
Apart from the healthy looking rich brown colour of the water there, the most obvious thing that jumps out is how many lives revolve around the river itself. This iconic river might end in Vietnam and I only saw a very tiny piece of it, makes me wonder what lies upstream as it meanders all the way down from China through Laos and Cambodia.
For the first time, it is possible to sail on the Upper Mekong River from China to Laos or vice versa. This 14-night river expedition discovering charming villages, stunning scenery, pristine jungle, the Golden Triangle and the very different emerald green Mekong in China's Yunnan province. The journey also includes overnight stops in Luang Prabang, Chiang Saen and Jinghong.
Cruise in luxury on RV SABEI PANDAW the brand new 17th ship in the Pandaw Flotilla, purpose-built for the China to Laos route across Yunnan. The double-decked vessel is designed to meet the navigational challenges of shooting rapids in the Laos gorges and sailing through shallow waters all the way to China. The Sabei has just 12 classic Pandaw staterooms; eight on the main deck and four on upper deck, as well as an open-plan saloon with flexible indoor or outdoor dining.
You could start your journey in Hong Kong, then travel by high speed train to Guilin with it’s breathtaking scenery and jagged mist-covered mountains. Another high speed train and you are in Kunming and the spectacular Stone Forest the highest karst terrain in the world. From Kunming it is a short flight to Jinghong where you join the Pandaw Cruise. Spend time post-cruise in UNESCO world heritage-protected Luang Prabang - it is a short flight to either Bangkok or Saigon, or join the next cruise through to Cambodia. Or sail the entire length of the Mekong if you have the time.
SAVE UP TO 10% AND NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON SELECTED DATES.
Mondo Travel, 480 Lake Road, Takapuna 021 280 4378 www.mondotakapuna.nz
