Bohème cruise operates between Laotian capital Vientiane and Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site (Photos: Mekong Kingdoms)
Tourists visiting South East Asian nation of Laos now have an option of discovering the country through a luxury river cruise on the mighty Mekong River, with a 6-day and 5-night sailing on Bohème, the latest ship to join the fleet of Mekong Kingdoms, a luxury river operator specialising in boutique experiences along Southeast Asia’s most iconic waterways.
In a press statement, Mekong Kingdoms says that the 50-metre-long Bohème will complete its first return journey between Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former royal capital of Kingdom of Laos and Vientiane, the national capital.
Afternoons are punctuated with cultural adventures and the night-time is filled with memorable riverside dining
The statement adds that unfolding over six days and five nights, guests can start or end their journey with a stay at the historic Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel to explore the town. Once on Bohème, travellers can spend their mornings bird watching on one of the three decks or unwinding with massages in the two onboard treatment rooms.
Afternoons are punctuated with cultural adventures and the night-time is filled with memorable riverside dining. Travellers can also use the time between excursions to learn new skills with cooking and mixology classes led by a dedicated crew of 20, which includes a cruise manager, a head chef, mixologists, tour guides and spa therapists.
Onshore, adventurers can explore the Pak Ou caves, torch in hand, to marvel at the countless Buddha images within. They can also enjoy dining near the breathtaking Kuang Si waterfall, which flows through the jungle and spills into a series of cascading pools. The cruise passengers can also learn making saa paper using mulberry tree bark, fresh flowers and leaves at Ban Xang Khong paper-making village and learning from the artisans of Ban Chan pottery village.
As they continue their downstream journey, travellers will meet the friendly elephants that call Xayaboury’s Elephant Conservation Centre home and spend time with their mahouts for insights into elephant welfare and the sanctuary’s mission. Afterwards, Bohème will glide past lush jungle landscapes and picturesque riverside villages on its way towards Pak Lay, where a traditional Lao dance and farewell dinner awaits, before arriving in Vientiane the following morning.
Mekong Kingdoms says that designed to offer a boutique experience and maximum exclusivity
Mekong Kingdoms says that designed to offer a boutique experience and maximum exclusivity, Bohème accommodates up to 26 passengers in its 13 suites. Each cabin is equipped with air conditioning and premium amenities such as a high-quality sound system, a coffee machine and a minibar. Understated décor is rich in tactile qualities, from bed throws made from Laotian Ikat fabric to parquet floors in handsome blond wood and silky-soft bed linens.
Located on the lower deck, the 30-square-metre Deluxe Suites come with the choice of one queen or two twin beds and feature a living room, en-suite bathroom and a private balcony for taking in views of the Mekong River. The 26-square-metre Premier View Suites, positioned on the main deck for panoramic views from a Juliet balcony, guests can enjoy Laotian design motifs and plush furnishings. For ultimate exclusivity, passengers can book the 60-square-metre Royal Suite, complete with a private sundeck, a free standing bath strategically positioned by the window and dedicated butler services.
According to Mekong Kingdoms, the five-night cruise on the Bohème experience starts at USD 3,400 per person based on two adults sharing the Deluxe Suite. Travellers can choose between departing from Luang Prabang (downstream cruise) or Vientiane (upstream cruise).
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