1 ASIAN ADVENTURE
hile many mainstream lines sail on the Lower Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia, small-ship specialist Pandaw offers expedition voyages on the lesser-known upper reaches of the river in Laos. Venture into the heart of southeast Asia’s smallest country on a charming 28-passenger vessel with gleaming teak decks and brass fittings. There’s no single supplement on this fascinating cruise from the Thai border to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. You’ll sail past a backdrop of jungle-clad peaks, gorges, temples and Buddha statues and even navigate some thrilling rapids. Authentic shore tours feature unscripted walks through remote villages where western visitors are a rarity, so you’ll be warmly welcomed and may even be invited inside local homes. You’ll also see a display of traditional Laotian dancing, known for its graceful hand movements; have lessons in the local language; visit an elephant rescue sanctuary; and spend time at Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise that provides employment and opportunities for
