Mekong Kingdoms, a luxury river cruise operator specialising in boutique experiences along Southeast Asia’s most iconic waterways, has announced the exciting sailing debut of Bohème, the newest addition to its luxury fleet.
Setting sail on December 9, 2024, the 50-metre-long vessel will this week complete its first return journey between the Kingdom of Laos’ royal capital, Luang Prabang, and the national capital, Vientiane.
Introducing Bohème: The luxury wanderer
Unfolding over six days and five nights, guests can start or end their signature journey with a stay at the historic Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel to explore the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. Once on Bohème, travellers can expect carefree mornings spent 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 nighttime is filled with the magic of riverside dining. Guests 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, 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. Creatively-minded guests will enjoy 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.
A floating grande dame
Designed to offer a boutique experience and maximum exclusivity, Bohème accommodates up to 26 passengers in its 13 luxury suites. Each cabin is equipped with air conditioning and premium amenities such as a high-quality sound system, a Nespresso 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 cosy 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 freestanding bath strategically positioned by the window, and dedicated butler services.
Pricing and itineraries
The five-night Bohème experience starts at $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).
For more information about Mekong Kingdoms or to book a cruise on the Bohème, visit mekongkingdoms.com. For inquiries, email info@mekongkingdoms.com or call +856 (0) 71 262 333.
All imagery credit: Mekong Kingdoms
