The Mekong Star has been in service since 2025. The boutique ship cruises the northern part of the Mekong River. (Photo: © Holger Leue)
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July 1, 2026
Like the Amazon in South America and the Yangtze in China, the Mekong is one of the world's most impressive rivers. A river cruise along the Laotian banks of the Mekong leads to unspoiled landscapes and the friendly people of the country.
Still, almost majestic, then wild and unpredictable. The Mekong flows for 1.900 kilometers along the Laotian banks. The northern section of the Mekong is considered by connoisseurs to be the most beautiful, but also the most unpredictable stretch of river. On a journey from Vientiane, the capital of Laos , to the Golden Triangle in Thailand , a maximum of 24 guests aboard the " Mekong Star " experience over 800 kilometers of the river, witnessing the fascinating interplay between calmly flowing stretches and tight bends with turbulent currents.
The two captains then need to maintain the utmost concentration and have a trained eye. Cruises are only conducted during daylight hours. "The river is constantly changing," explains Sabine Geiger , adding that the Mekong can present a different face every day. The cruise director lived and worked in Laos for many years. She knows that from November to April it is the dry season. During this time, the "Mother of all Waters" tends to show a more tranquil side.
Only a few passenger ships ply the northern Mekong. All the more impressive, then, is the tranquility of this still pristine region. No disturbing traffic noise. Trees alternate with barren rocks. Herds of buffalo graze on the riverbanks. Occasionally, huts on wooden stilts appear. Nestled in the greenery of a mountain forest, small temples and serene Buddha statues can be seen here and there.
On the riverbanks, people go about their work. Some even try their luck panning for gold dust from the river. The tour operator Lernidee has been offering trips to this region for over 20 years. Since 2025, the company has operated the Mekong Star, a premium ship that leaves nothing to be desired. But what truly makes the trip an unforgettable experience are the encounters with the people along the river.
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The itinerary includes a visit to the village of Ban Don Saignam . The bumpy ride to a karst cave known only to the locals takes place in a so-called "Chinese Waterbuffalos," a single-axle, three-wheeled vehicle. Equipped with headlamps, the visitors explore this almost hidden corner of nature. As on this previous visit, it is also the children in the village of Ban Xang Hai who run to the riverbank to greet the foreign guests.
The village is known as "Whiskey Village" because it's where the Laotian rice spirit Lao Lao is produced. This visit also highlights the simplicity with which a large part of the Laotian population still lives. There are hardly any paved roads. People and animals live on the sandy paths that wind through the village. Although every house has electricity, it is subject to frequent fluctuations.
Interview with Felix Willeke: Discovering new worlds, experiencing cultures , meeting people: Lernidee's adventure tours open up new perspectives on the world that go far beyond classic vacation packages. In an interview with the German trade journal "Deutsches Handwerksblatt, " Managing Director Felix Willeke describes the recipe for success and presents the new Mekong Star tour.
The Buddhist caves of Pak Ou, located near the village, are an impressive place of tranquility . Both caves contain altars and thousands of Buddha statues. Even the kings of Laos donated Buddha statues to this sacred site and prayed for good fortune. Today, the caves are a popular destination, especially during the New Year festival.
Laos remains one of the less economically developed countries in Southeast Asia . Particularly in rural areas, many families earn their living through agriculture, with rice cultivation playing a central role. Rice paddies and cultivated gardens appear frequently along the riverbanks. The produce is either for personal consumption or sold at the nearest market. A stroll through the markets is a must. They differ significantly from European customs in terms of goods, aromas, and preparation methods. This is precisely what makes them so appealing to many travelers.
"People can't be as picky about their food as we're used to," Sabine Geiger explains in one of her lectures. And, something many may not know: Laos is one of the most bombed countries in the world – even though it was officially neutral during the Vietnam War. Part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, used by North Vietnam to transport troops and supplies to South Vietnam, ran through eastern Laos. To sever these connections, the US dropped more than two million tons of bombs on Laos. Numerous unexploded bombs still lie buried in the ground today.
Getting to know a country and meeting its people are central to Lernidee's guiding principles. "We want to create experiences that money can't buy ," says Felix Willeke , Managing Director of Lernidee Adventure Travel. "Our typical guests are curious about history, culture, and above all, the local people, and they often have an affinity for technology."
At the end of a varied and moving journey, saying goodbye to the 17-member crew and the country is difficult. A barbecue on a sandbank brings everyone back to reflecting on the unique experience in this magnificent natural setting. With singing and dancing, the crew and guests celebrate a journey that will remain in their memories for a long time. "La Gon," goodbye, Mekong!
Mekong River Cruise Orchid (Premium)
The 15-day trip includes an 11-day cruise between Vientiane and the Golden Triangle. The "Mekong Star" has twelve cabins and can accommodate a maximum of 24 passengers.
The journey covers more than 800 river kilometers from Vientiane to the Golden Triangle. Aboard the "Mekong Star," guests experience the diverse landscapes of the northern Mekong, remote villages, and important Buddhist shrines.
Travel dates 2026/2027
Technical specifications of the Mekong Star
• Length: 52 m
• Width: 8 m
• Draft: approx. 1 meter
• Weight: approx. 420 tons
• Propulsion: 2 marine engines, each with 550 hp
• Soundproofed ship generators, solar-assisted energy concept
• Catamaran: two steel hulls, three decks, superstructures made of mahogany and teak wood
• Year of construction: 2025
• Flag: Laos
• Cabins: 12
• Passengers: 24
• Crew: 17
• Onboard language: English
• Onboard restaurant with indoor and covered outdoor areas
• Reception, library, spa area
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