about us
Mr Vanthong (Thong), director of Tanva Mekong Cruises, was born in the Muang Ngoi district of the Luang Prabang Province.
He established his business so that he could fund his real passion – improving educational services in rural Laos. Thong does this through the Lao Educational Aid Project.
“The aim is education more than cruising,” said Mr Thong. “And not just in Luang Prabang, but throughout Laos”.
After a career in the hospitality and tourism business, including freelance river guiding with other operators, he decided to take his experience to the next level by purchasing a boat and opening his own business in 2016. He would use river-cruising tourism as a sustainable way to fund his education initiative.
Tanva Mekong Cruises offers short cruises to popular local attractions including Pak Ou caves and Kuang Si waterfalls. The sunset dinner cruise is a favourite and includes delicious authentic Lao food. Some of the cruises visit ethnic villages where passengers can experience local life.
Groups can charter the boat as can couples, who want to cruise by themselves.
Much of the business profit goes to Thong's education iniative. Money assists teachers, buys school uniforms, and builds toilets in villages, many of which have no electricity. “I never stop looking for new schools,” Thong said. “We hope to add three more in Oudomxay Province this year.”
By taking a tour with Tanva Mekong Cruises, you will also be supporting underprivilaged schools in regional Laos.
Thank you for your support.
Learn more about the Lao Educational Aid Project and how to donate to this great cause.
Our boat supports a rural village school
A school we support in Ban Keo village, Oudomxay Province
Schools in rural and regional Laos struggle on with the barest of facilities. Often school buildings are simple, open-walled shed structures with bench desks and seats, and dirt floors.
My childhood friend, now working with the Lao Education Department, has identified schools in the Oudomxay Province desperately in need of assistance. I want to build schools for them. Working for others was never going to provide me with the financial power to do this so I have established Tanva Mekong River Cruises. Proceeds from this business will go to helping schools in the province.