Originally a ferry that carried teak wood between Vientiane and the south of Laos, the Vat Phou boat was lovingly converted in 1993 into a luxurious floating hotel cruising the Mekong river. The Vat Phou boat is a 34 metre long, 7.5 metre wide steel hulled teak barge, equipped with two 260 HP Isuzu diesel engine.
The design retains a character that is unmistakably oriental and enables you to relax in comfort while you cruise the Mekong, you enjoy the everchanging pageant of river scenery and life as you pass smoothly by.
We have 15 staff on each Mekong cruise departure. This includes 2 full time captains, 2 mechanics, 2 cooks, 3 cleaning staff and 5 bar or waiting staff. We also have on board an English, French and Thai speaking guide who can help answer any questions and point out any interesting sights along the way.
There are two decks on the Vat Phou boat. The lower deck has 10 cabins, the kitchen/galley and our evening air conditioned dining room. The upper deck has 2 cabins, the bar and a two large open air shaded decks - one at each end of the boat. The ship is fully equipped with safety equipment meeting the international standards.
The front upper deck has rattan armchairs, sofas, coffee tables and loungers. This area is perfect for lying reading a book, taking photographs of life along the Mekong river or having an afternoon nap.
The rear upper deck has chairs, sofas and coffee tables. We also have the bar area here where our staff can serve you tea, coffee or drinking water, which are all included free during the cruise. You are also able to purchase beer, soft drinks, wine and spirits. Breakfast and lunch are usually served here, watching the sun twinkling on the waters surface.
Our boat has 12 comfortable twin shared cabins with air conditioning, fan and a private bathroom with western style toilet and hot shower.
We offer a set menu with Lao, Vietnamese and Thai dishes. All meals are included in the price of the cruise.
Cabin
The Vat Phou boat has 12 elegant twin shared cabins, each with a view over the southern Mekong River in Laos.
Every cabin is fully air-conditioned and also has a fan for optimum temperature control.
The cabins are fitted with dressing tables and a wardrobe so you can unpack easily and relax.
The private bathrooms have a hot shower and a western style toilet for your convenience.
Each cabin is cleaned daily by our Vat Phou staff.
The Food
The Vat Phou boat has two areas where meals can be served. We usually serve the breakfast and lunch upstairs on the rear deck so you can continue to appreciate the view on the Mekong river while you are eating.
We have an airconditioned room downstairs for our evening meals.
All meals are included on the Vat Phou Mekong cruise and galley produces the finest of Laotian, Vietnamese and Thai dishes, lovingly prepared and beautifully presented. If we believe the feedback forms, the Vat Phou cuisine is enjoyed by all.
We can cater for special meals requests, if you advise us in advance.
The Staff are on hand at all times to provide you with the finest service. Coffee, tea and water are provided free of charge, and there is also a selection of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks which can be purchased.
