Anouvong, Golden Triangle Traverse (July to October) ex Huay Xai to Luang Prabang

3 Night Cruise sailing from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang aboard Anouvong.

Day 1 Huay Xai – Khon Teun – Huay Ting (Jul-Oct)
Heritage Line welcomes guests in the morning after the Lao immigration office. Once all passengers have arrived, we travel by minivan to the ship, moored at Huay Xai Per. Our team assists with your check-in and takes care of your luggage. Once we are ready, the captain brings ‘Anouvong’ on course to begin its captivating 3-Night voyage along the Upper Mekong.

While ‘Avouvong’ makes its way to its first stop, our expert guide holds an interesting lecture about the intricate tapestry of Laos’ diverse ethnic groups living along the Mekong River. Over the next few days, you will get to know all these fascinating varieties of different cultural lifestyles, characteristics, and traditions in real life.

As we reach the confluence of the Mekong and a significant tributary, let the river’s gentle currents carry you downstream, granting you the gift of uninterrupted natural beauty. Our upcoming destination is a fairly modern village compared to the ones we are about to experience later, inhabited by 800 residents belonging to the Tai Lu ethnic group. This ethnic group spans across China, Laos, Thailand, Burma, and Vietnam. We walk through the village and gather together for a Baci ceremony. This is a heartfelt Laotian ritual conducted by local elders (and maybe monks), gracing your journey with their blessings.

Our vessel continues its journey downstream, reaching our overnight spot at Huay Ting. For the first time, we moor one of these wonderful sandbanks, which sets the stage for a welcome cocktail followed by a welcome dinner with a background of astounding natural beauty. Welcome to the memorable Laotian Mekong.

Day 2 Huay Ting – Pakbeng – Khok Ek (Jul-Oct)
For those who rise with the sun, we extend a warm invitation to our daily morning yoga class on the terrace deck, where the stunning Mekong scenery serves as a backdrop.

Our voyage brings us in the morning to the charming town of Pakbeng. Nestled on the starboard side lies Laos’ best-managed elephant sanctuary. We have the privilege of visiting these magnificent creatures in an almost complete natural habitat. All the elephants residing here were born once in Laos and toiled mostly as logging elephants. Since finding refuge in this sanctuary, they’ve been embraced by peace and security, living in very natural territory. Why not release them into the freedom of Mother Nature? The answer lies in their past as working animals: they’ve lost to some extent the ability to thrive in the wild, where few of their kind remain. The sanctuary stands as a beacon of ecotourism and sustainability, embodying a profound commitment to these principles. It is a one-of-a-kind encounter to see these gentle creatures appear out of nowhere in the rainforest and learn so many interesting things about them. If we have enough time, we will take you up to the hilltop vantage point located at Pakbeng town (by vehicle) that offers breathtaking panoramic views, perfect for capturing lasting memories through the lens of your camera.

After lunch, we ask for a touch of creativity: through a Bamboo weaving workshop, you can learn this widespread traditional craft and take home your own little bamboo basket as a wonderful memory.

The sailing time into the afternoon offers a breathtaking riverine cinema. We arrive then at a village that has a very interesting character to it. In this place, three distinct ethnic groups – Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khamo – live together almost under “one roof”. Each possesses its unique history, traditions, ways of life, family dynamics, and housing styles. We venture into the village to a family home where representatives from each of these ethnic groups are going to show and explain to us their differences and characteristics in day-to-day life. The theory provided the day before, through our lecture, suddenly comes alive in front of your eyes. If time permits and the season allows, we may offer a glimpse of the organic gardens where villagers nurture their crops (and we can try one or other local produce).

Back on the ship, when the afternoon gives way to the evening, gather at the bar to indulge in snacks while receiving a preview of the upcoming day’s program. Before dinner time, some villagers join us to witness on the terrace deck a performance of the traditional instrument named “Kene, and then let us listen to the hypnotic melodies of this flute along with very unique movements.

After dinner, feel free to come to the lounge for a cosy cinema setting featuring “Chiang” (Laotian for “elephant”). This cinematic gem, shot in this very region in 1927 and produced by the same visionary behind the first King Kong movie, promises to set you in the mood for our next day’s adventure.

Day 3 Khok Ek – Khok Luang – Khok Phou (Jul-Oct)
Embrace the early morning as the river bathes in the sun’s initial rays, offering an open invitation to partake in our daily yoga class.

After breakfast, our morning sojourn leads us to a picturesque village inhabited by the Khum people. Simplicity defines this locale, with bamboo huts elevated on stilts amidst vast rice fields. In this serene setting, we encounter an elderly couple or a multigenerational family deeply rooted in the land, sustaining their livelihood through manual agriculture. Peel back the layers of their daily existence, observing their way of life, and engage in insightful conversations to garner a profound understanding of their unique experiences.

Returning to the ship for lunch, we resume our meandering journey down the river, eventually docking at our overnight mooring spot. Here, we explore the captivating 200-year-old village of Ban Khok Phou, perched just above a splendid expansive white sandbank. Inhabited predominantly by the ethnic Lao, this is a very nice hamlet with a nice square to observe the afternoon life unfolding. If time permits, ascend to a small temple, where you can meet the local monk and novices, providing an opportunity for serene moments of meditation.

Upon returning to the ship for a refresh, the evening unfolds with a cocktail on the sandbank, followed by a farewell dinner meticulously arranged in this perfect setting. Revel in the ambiance of your last evening on the Laotian Mekong River, as the hues of the blue hour gracefully give way to the tranquility of the night.

Day 4 Khok Phou – Luang Prabang (Jul-Oct)
Concluding our exhilarating 3-night cruise, we approach the illustrious Pak Ou Caves, a prelude to our arrival in Luang Prabang. Today’s breakfast, thoughtfully curated with a streamlined à la carte selection, paves the way for a diverse culinary brunch before our guests disembark.

Arriving at the Pak Ou Caves, nestled along the rocky shore of the Mekong, there are two grottoes sheltering approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images. We delve into the lower cave, the most impressive and easily accessible. Post-cave visit, Heritage Line offers two optional choices to enhance your excursion: an adventurous kayak tour along the serene Nam Ou River or a visit of the nearby village of Ban Muang Keo, known for traditional silk weaving Lao whisky distillation. We also meet in this village a local “medicine man” (if time and availability permit) who explains the traditional ways of treatments using mother nature as a natural pharmacy.

Back on board, just before appetites awaken, we delve into the lifestyle aspect of our final cruising day. Engage in a culinary Lao cooking class, setting the stage for a brunch featuring a buffet spread of enticing mains and desserts to tantalize your taste buds. Relax and relish the concluding tranquil hours of our voyage, with brunch served until approximately an hour before arrival, available in the restaurant, lounge, or on the terrace deck. During this final sailing stretch, we offer a captivating presentation unravelling the intricate history of the Golden Triangle, exploring its complexities of colonialism, opium, conflicts, and the roles played by Burma, Thailand, Laos, Britain, China. The Golden Triangle, where Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos meet, extends far into each country. The name “Golden Triangle” was originally invented by the CIA referring to this area.

Our anticipated arrival in Luang Prabang around 15:00. Upon check-out, we extend our assistance with luggage and any additional requirements, bidding you farewell at the pier in the town centre, wishing you a pleasant onward journey.

Anouvong is Heritage Line’s first ever vessel to cruise the majestic Mekong River in Laos. This lesser-travelled stretch of one of the world’s most spectacular waterways is home to serene nature, quaint villages and stunning temples. It is only fitting that a boat cruising this pristine and beautiful region of Laos should be named after the Vientiane Kingdom’s last monarch, King Anouvong, who so loved his country that he bravely fought for its independence from neighbouring Siam.

To create a true boutique sailing experience, Anouvong has only eight spacious staterooms and two luxurious suites. All cabins feature floor-to-ceiling windows and open onto elegant French balconies or a private terrace overlooking the verdant shores of the Mekong River.

What makes Anouvong unique is the blend of traditional Laotian artwork with French-colonial accents. From the intimate onboard restaurant to the refined setting of the lounge which opens onto the expansive terrace deck, this design theme creates an atmosphere of luxury and savoir-vivre. Set at the stern of the ship, Anouvong’s luminous spa adds a distinctive lifestyle element for endless hours of blissful relaxation.

Heritage Line was founded in 2008 and provides luxurious cruise journeys on the Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia. The company is la Swiss-Vietnamese Joint Venture and located in Saigon – now called Ho Chi Minh City.

As the sun slowly sets…Step out on to your private balcony…sip on your drink and become part of the river life unfolding around you.

Start your day on the Mekong with Thai Chi lessons on the Sun Deck. Or bathe in the rays of dawn shining through your balcony as you lay in bed. A journey full of reverberating sights, colors and sounds awaits you.

Whether it is a refreshing sundowner drink at the lounge or a pampering time at the “Apsara” beauty salon, this is a time for reflection and relaxation.

When night falls, dancers perform and dinner is served. The ship changes hue at night and the staff emerge the following morning in their exquisite Cambodian traditional outfit.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Anouvong - Main Deck

Anouvong - Terrace Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Signature Suite

The two luxurious Signature Suites (two doubles) are the largest rooms aboard Anouvong, offering 30 sqm (323 sqft) total floor space (including a 3 sqm/32 sqft private balcony). Situated at the front of the main deck, the suites each come with a unique design theme and are named after two main tributaries of the Mekong River.

Large floor-to-ceiling windows allow the sun to bathe the whole suite’s living areas in natural daylight. Plush French-Colonial beds facing the windows allow spectacular views of Laos’s pristine riverscapes while drifting away in Laotian reverie. The private balconies with chairs and a coffee table are at the front of the vessel for remarkable open-air bliss and cruising vistas.

The Nam Ming Signature Suite on the portside (left) is decorated with hand-carved traditional Laotian patterns and a stunning brass artwork portraying Buddha’s fingerprints, creating an impressive backdrop to the bed. The Nam Khan Signature Suite on the starboard (right) features a hand-crafted mosaic on the main wall depicting life in a Laotian village.
The suites’ brightly lit ceramic mosaic tiled bathrooms are outfitted with a couples vanity, a large walk-in shower and a Jacuzzi overlooking the passing landscape.

Both Signature Suites are flooded with natural light and decorated with hand-carved traditional Laotian patterns and designs. Stunning brass artwork depicting Buddhist imagery creates an imposing backdrop to the bed.

Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioning, cabinet, mini bar, safety box, balcony with sun chairs and table, LCD screen, movie and music system, separate lounge area, bathroom with walk-in shower and jacuzzi, hairdryer, slippers, bathrobe, tea & coffee facilities, in-house phone, luggage rack, Wi-Fi (subject to mobile network availability).

Deluxe Executive Stateroom

Four Deluxe Executive Staterooms (20 sqm/215 sq ft, 2 doubles and 2 twins) are designed and equipped equally to the Deluxe stateroom while offering superior views from one floor higher on the terrace deck. These staterooms are also decorated with handpicked Laotian artwork and furniture inspired by the French-colonial epoch.

Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioner, closet, coffee table and chairs, bathroom with walk-in shower, bathrobe, bathroom toiletries, sandals, sun hat, luggage rack, umbrella, hair dryer, in-house phone, tea and coffee facility, safety box, mini bar, Bluetooth music station with loudspeaker, Wi-Fi (subject to mobile network availability).

Deluxe Stateroom

Anouvong’s four Deluxe Staterooms (1 double, 3 twins) sit on the main deck and have 20 sqm (215 sqft) of floor space. Panoramic sliding doors with a French balcony flair allow for unobstructed, breath-taking views of the riverscape. The gentle colour tones create the ideal backdrop for local artwork and the hand-painted Laotian patterns adorning the backdrop of the bed. The FrenchColonial charms paired with the spirituality of Laos unfold through the immaculate furniture and décor. Two lovely wooden chairs with a small table invite guests to enjoy to a cup of tea whilst taking in the passing scenery. The ensuite bathroom is complete with a walk-in shower and an art-deco vanity with a set of luxurious toiletries.

Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioner, closet, coffee table and chairs, bathroom with walk-in shower, bathrobe, bathroom toiletries, sandals, sun hat, luggage rack, umbrella, hair dryer, in-house phone, tea and coffee facility, safety box, mini bar, Bluetooth music station with loudspeaker, Wi-Fi (subject to mobile network availability).