Anouvong, Laotian Serendipity (November to April) ex Huay Xai to Vientiane

7 Night Cruise sailing from Hang Yai to Vientiane aboard Anouvong.

Day 1 Huay Xai – Kang Hang Yai
In the morning, Heritage Line welcomes guests at the Lao immigration office (please be on time! Please see timings see in the embarkation guide). After gathering all passengers, we embark on a short minivan ride to the pier, where we board a longtail boat for our transfer in cruise to the ship Heritage Line ‘Anouvong’ (transfer time approx. 08 hours).

During the longtail boat day cruise we are offering you lunch and snacks onboard. Almost our entire crew is with you on the longtail boat to make this journey downstream as pleasant as possible. If you would like to opt for neck & shoulder or foot massage, please approach our team. Our tour guide is going to share some information and insights about the destination we cruise along as well as the Lao culture. Enjoy the ride and observe the fascinating scenery and activities going on at the shores.

We arrive the ship Heritage Line Anouvong around 5pm and you check in to your cabin. Refresh yourself in the comfort of your stateroom before we invite you to a ship and safety briefing. Enjoy a multi-course dinner in the restaurant. If you like you can consider to join our nightly cinema in the lounge showing every evening another interesting movie.

Day 2 Kang Hang Yai – Khok Luang – Khok Phou
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 whilst we are sailing downstream to our first stop.

After breakfast, our morning sojourn leads us to a picturesque village Khok Luang 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.

We head back to the ship continue our sailing whilst lunch is served.

Our next stop is the truly charming, small village of Khok Phou. It lays a short walk above an impressive sandbank and is captivating 200-year-old village. Inhabited predominantly by the ethnic Lao, this is a very nice hamlet with a nice square to observe the afternoon life unfolding. The highlight is the traditional Baci ceremony, a heartfelt Laotian ritual led by local elders, bestowing blessings upon your journey. 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.

We remain moored at this nice spot. Join us at the lounge for a sunset cocktail and mingle with fellow passengers before heading to dinner. After dinner, feel free to join us again in the lounge for a cosy screening of “Chiang” (Laotian for “elephant”). This cinematic gem, filmed in this very region in 1927 and produced by the visionary behind the first King Kong movie, sets the mood for our next day’s adventure.

Day 3 Khok Phou – Pak Ou cave – Luang Prabang
Wake up early to do some yoga exercise again before you move to the breakfast. We are on the way to one of the most spectacular caves in Asia.

We reach the Pak Ou Caves, nestled on the Mekong’s rocky shore, just opposite the Ou River’s mouth. There are two limestone grottoes that house approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images ranging from mere centimetres up to 2m (7ft) in height. We are going to visit the lower cave, which is the most impressive one and relatively easy to reach.

After the cave visit, Heritage Line offers two optional choices to chose from to continue the excursion: For those seeking adventure, a kayak tour along the serene Nam Ou River offers a riverine experience in total symbiosis with the peaceful flowing stream and the stunning surrounding mountainous scenery. Alternatively, you can opt for a short, tender boat ride to the nearby village of Ban Muang Keo to witness the local artistry of traditional silk weaving. In the village, we also meet a local “medicine man” who explains the local and traditional ways of treatment using simple mother nature as a natural pharmacy.

After the outing, we take the course to one of (if not the) most enchanting towns in Southeast Asia). We arrive in Luang Prabang in the later afternoon. There is still time to have a first stroll through the streets of downtown Luang Prabang after dinner. We highly recommend just taking a place in one of the nice little coffee shops and letting the time and on-goings float by. You will feel instantly that this town has a therapeutical aura that slows you down to the depth of your soul.

Back on board, we enjoy our lunch as the boats sails further downstream passing actual Luang Prabang.

Day 4 Luang Prabang
Begin your day with the serene beauty of a sunrise, accompanied by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a selection of teas, all waiting for you in the bar lounge. While sipping your morning beverage, prepare to rejuvenate your mind and body with our daily Yoga class on the terrace deck right at the footstep of one of the most iconic temples in Laos.

Following breakfast, we will embark on an enchanting walking tour through Luang Prabang. Our morning venture takes us along various of the very calm streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our experienced guide leads you through the old town and its scenic peninsula, where the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers converge. Marvel at the distinctive architecture that graces Luang Prabang’s streets and immerse yourself in fascinating tales of the houses and landmarks you encounter. As we stroll leisurely along the crisscross of small roads adorned with antique structures and majestic mango trees, you’ll find the perfect opportunity to pause and refresh. One of the houses, the ‘Lamache’, was once home to noble families and later was the appointed ice cream supplier to the royal family. There is no better place to have a “Lao Tea Break” accompanied by traditional snacks and some artisan ice cream.

We get back onboard for lunch and some refreshment time. The afternoon is dedicated to the rich cultural heritage of Luang Prabang, with a visit to the former Royal Palace, now transformed into the National Museum. On display is local art and historical treasures that once belonged to the esteemed Lao royal family. Following the museum tour, feel free to explore the city centre further at your own pace, perhaps opting for a visit to one of the inviting street cafés and embracing the laid-back, “sabai-sabai” atmosphere.

As the day transitions into the evening, we leave the ship once more for an outside dining experience at the renowned ‘Le Caloa’ restaurant with some entertainment to it. Return to the ship after to rest or continue your exploration of the town, including a visit to the nearby vibrant Night Market.

INSIGHT: If you visit the Wat Xieng Thong temple, you may see that the rear wall of the main building is encrusted with coloured glass pieces on a red background, representing the Bodhi Tree. According to Buddhists, this is the Tree of Enlightenment under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. The Bodhi Tree is considered a place where one can seek refuge from worldly desires.

Day 5 Luang Prabang – Kuang Si – Xayabouri
Before the daylight basks the town in warm golden tones, the morning alms round, referred to as “Tak Bat” in Lao, is a spiritual Buddhist tradition for Lao people and dates back generations. Wake up before dawn to witness a procession of hundreds of saffron-robed monks in the early morning light. We say goodbye to Luang Prabang and continue our cruise further downstream on the Mekong River.

At the first stop, we set out for a sightseeing of an innovative and socially responsible Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm. Having almost no dairy products some decades ago, these milk-based products have become more and more popular in recent years in Asia and also in Laos. Various dairy products, such as cheeses, ice cream and yoghurt are made locally and distributed to the markets. We continue our tour to the nearby cascading Kuang Si waterfalls. Famed for its beauty and with its rushing turquoise waters it is an amazing park hiking post (leisurely) to marvel at Mother Nature’s creativity. You can also refresh yourself with a swim in the shallow pools of water at the waterfall’s base.

Back on the vessel, the cruise carries on towards the nation’s first famous dam and hydroelectric power plant. Before we arrive at the dam, we offer an interesting lecture about the role of energy production in Laos’ economy and how the country is set to become the ‘battery’ of Southeast Asia. Eventually, we arrive at the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Dam.

We take our mooring position nearby the dam to be ready for next days’ early passage. After the dinner, we set up again our lounge cinema screening another movie classic.

Day 6 Xayabouri – Don Saynhan
In the morning, our guests can witness the passing of the structure of Xayaburi Hydroelectric Dam which stands tall at an impressive 32.6 meters (107 feet). It is an imposing elevation that the ship has to overcome with the help of this massive water gate.

Also, during the morning sailing time, we have two offerings in regards to onboard activities. Our guide presents a lecture on the history of Lao royalty with a focus on King ‘Anouvong’ – this vessel’s namesake. We also would like to make Lao-Thai cuisine more accessible for you by offering another cooking class with a different dish that you can copy easily later at home. Food brings back memories doen’t it.

The shorelines become a bit rockier with some narrow passages to navigate through. In the afternoon we reach Don Saynhan. We moor our ship nicely and set out to explore the village and area. From the village, we take a local “Tuk Tuk” and travel inland to visit the so-called ‘Khao Cave’. Travelling by a local means of transportation through the jungle-like surroundings and plush vegetation is an adventure in itself. The cave has been home to a large bat population for generations and is a vital source of potent fertilizer for the village. You can stroll inside to see stalagmites and stalactites as well.

The ship moors here overnight. Join us for some prelude snacks at the bar with our guide to provide you with an outlook for the next day. Enjoy the evening on the deck or opt for an after-dinner reflexology to find your slumber easily.

Day 7 Don Saynhan – Pha Liep – Sandbank
Today, on our final full day of this expedition, the journey takes us to the lovely village of Pha Liep, where the landscape is adorned with majestic limestone mountains, forming a magnificent. picturesque and picture-perfect backdrop.

The ethnic Lao Loum live in this region mostly making their living in agriculture. However, today we get to know two other “industrial” businesses. The first one is the craftsmanship of a producing traditional longtail boat. Call it factory, but the process of constructing these typical water vehicles which are nowadays still the primary modes of transportation found in Laos, is very much down to hard manual work. The other “business” is perhaps a more enjoyable one to run. To be an owner of a local whiskey distillery does not only allow the craftsman to have one or other tempter double checking the quality of the product, but it is also a business that surely never runs dry in Laos. The Lao whiskey is a national establishment and every Laotian has a bottle at home. We recommend obtaining a bottle mixing the classic “Laotian whiskey cola”, a good copy of the well-known Cuba Libre.

After this mix of entertaining local culture on the ground, we set sail once more, gliding along the Mekong’s gentle currents to a very special mooring location for the night. We will be cast away at a remote and terrific sandbar on which the journey comes to an end with us on a high note. We invite you to a cocktail reception, toasting the memories collected along the Mekong, and enjoy a great and romantic barbecue dinner under the Laotian sky.

Day 8 Sandbank – Vientiane
Enjoy your last sunrise aboard with a morning Yoga outside on the deck. We have set up breakfast on the terrace deck this day (if weather permits) to enjoy the last sailing hours with views until we reach Pak Lay. We kindly ask you to prepare your luggage and be ready for check-out by 9 a.m. We transfer you in minivans to Vientiane. You will reach the city around 12:30 hrs.

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).