There is no better, or more relaxing way, to explore the beautiful reaches of the Mekong River in Southern Laos than aboard the elegant Vat Phou Cruise. Take a delightful two-night cruise meandering through the 4,000 Islands, stopping off at the magnificent Wat Phou temple ruins, after which the ship is named. The ship itself is a former teak barge, converted lovingly into a cosy passenger vessel, with 12 comfortable, air-conditioned cabins and first-rate facilities.

For a taste of colonial-era glamour, nothing on the Mekong quite compares with the wonderful pair of ships the RV Jahan and Jayarvarman. The ships marry French colonial and Indochine styles to produce a uniquely elegant and luxurious experience. Each of the spacious stateroom cabins has a private balcony from which to sit back and soak up the glorious scenery as you cruise along the river. The ships offer a number of programs both up and downstream, ranging from 3 days/2 nights to the full 8 days/7 nights travelling between Siem Reap and the Delta.

The Paradise cruises are amongst the finest and the new Elegance ship provides superb quality accommodation on the beautiful waters of Halong Bay.

The steel Elegance boat features 31 all balcony cabins. These are spacious, comfortable and elegantly designed with Vietnamese touches, they feature separate dressing rooms, rain showers and floor to ceiling glass doors. Paradise Elegance boasts an array of upscale amenities, including an artfully sectioned dining room with piano bar and a spa with four treatment rooms. One of the unique features of the ship is the top deck, which is equipped with a circular bar that sits under a large shade sail. A la carte menus offering a wonderful range of authentic Vietnamese dishes are served for both lunch and dinner and dinning is flexible, in terms of both time & location.

At the midway point between Luang Prabang and the Thai border you will break your journey at the beautiful Luang Say Lodge, located on the banks of the river in the small village of Pakbeng. Set against a backdrop of mountainous jungle. the property's large pavilions of solid teak and rosewood all have beautiful vistas looking out over the Mekong River. The traditional Laotian architecture provides accommodation of comfort and character, each bedroom equipped with high ceiling mosquito nets, electric fans and a large private bathroom with hot shower and western style toilet.

The luxurious Au Co Cruise offers a unique proposition on the world-famous waters of Halong Bay, being the only ship that offers a true two-night cruise.

Whereas most two-night options transfer you to a day-boat while the main vessel shuttles back to harbour, the Au Co is able to continue deep into the rarely-visited corners of Halong and nearby Bai Tu Bay, allowing you to experience the scenic wonders of this UNESCO site in glorious tranquility. The vessel itself is modern, with comfortable, elegantly furnished cabins, each with a private balcony.

The Halong Jasmine is one of our favourite boats that cruise the calm waters of Halong Bay. Cabins are compact but attractively finished, many on the upper decks with small private balconies. Bathrooms are private, having walk-in showers and are fully separated from the bedroom area. The public spaces are finished in dark wood, with an open lounge and dining area on the second deck, and a spacious upper sun deck for relaxation between excursions and activities.