Heritage Line Anouvong Cruise Mekong River

Morning

Our team will welcome clients to Heritage Line Pier at Luang Prabang River Side, Khem Khong Street. Please process check-in, and our staff will bring your luggage directly to your room before departure.

The captivating 3-night journey starts with stories about Luang Prabang's rich cultural heritage and fascinating history through our expert guide.

During the board presentation, the cruise heads towards our first destination, the renowned Pak Ou Caves. Nestled along the rugged banks of the Mekong, two caverns cradle around 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images. Venturing into the lower cave, which stands out as the most impressive and easily accessible, we explore the rich cultural tapestry within. 

Following the cave exploration, Heritage Line extends two optional experiences to enrich your journey:

• Join an exhilarating kayak expedition along the tranquil Nam Ou River. 
• Visit the neighboring village of Ban Muang Keo, where we have the opportunity to observe traditional silk weaving Lao whiskey distillation.

NOTE: In the village, we might encounter a local "medicine man" who shares traditional healing methods using nature's bounties as a natural apothecary (if time and availability allow).

Afternoon

Our next touring destination is Ban Khok Phou, which boasts a history spanning two centuries and is infamous for highland agriculture. If interested, we can observe the intricate procedures involved in the harvesting and processing of agricultural yields to acquire a deeper understanding of their farming methods.

The highlight of this experience is the participation in the traditional Baci ceremony, an emotionally resonant Laotian ritual presided over by esteemed local elders, imparting blessings upon your expedition. If circumstances allow, there's a possibility of ascending to a petite temple, providing opportunities for serene meditation alongside resident monks and novices.

Return the ship when the sun starts going down and catches up in your eyes the most miraculous and glamorous dusk on the Mekong upstream.

Evening

As the afternoon slowly turns into the evening, our voyage also progresses. Soaking in the villagers' welcome cocktail on the Mekong riverbank, our chef will invite all of you to a special BBQ dinner in a romantic setting. 

The cruise will dock overnight at Khok Phou.

Visit the famous Pak Ou Caves ideally situated on the riverbank

Morning

On the terrace deck, early birds can enjoy our daily yoga class against the stunning Mekong sunrise backdrop for a refreshing start to the day.

The ship starts sailing early, allowing passengers to enjoy breakfast while witnessing the awakening of nature along the river.

Our mid-morning visit brings us to Had Sako, a secret jewel in the highlands. This town is distinguished among the numerous ethnic groups due to the unique approach to cultivating corn created by the Hmong ethnic minority.

Traverse a jungle trail to a remote Hmong community, witnessing traditional agricultural ways. The fun part will take place in a local home, where locals dressed in traditional costumes will introduce us to the instrument known as "Kene" and treat us to the hypnotic tunes of this flute accompanied by a unique dance.

Afternoon

As we sail into mid-afternoon, another awe-inspiring riverine panorama awaits, welcoming us to yet another extraordinary ethnic village. Here, three distinct ethnic groups - Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khamo - share a single roof, each with its own rich history, traditions, and ways of life. The village's family home serves as a canvas for representatives from each group to showcase their unique characteristics.

NOTE: If time permits and the season aligns, a glimpse into the organic gardens where villagers cultivate their crops, allowing visitors to sample locally grown produce.

Evening

Upon returning to the ship when the sun comes down, begin your evening with a delightful spread of appetizers and treats that will awaken your taste buds while receiving a preview of the upcoming day's itinerary while tasting traditional snacks. 

Before the delectable dinner, a traditional dance performance awaits to bring the age-old art form to life.

Conclude the night in the lounge with our intimate cinematic experience featuring "Chiang" (Laotian for "elephant"). For your information, it was filmed in this region in 1927 and is poised to set the tone for our adventures the following day.

Morning

A charming sunrise welcomes all the guests with an uplifting yoga lesson on the sundeck, followed by a rich breakfast buffet. 

Today, we will enjoy our thrilling time aboard while Anouvong moves upstream. A bamboo weaving workshop is available for those who want to indulge their creative side. Try your hand at making your bamboo basket - a treasured memory of this ancient art.

Afternoon

Following our lunch, our journey proceeds to Pakbeng, situated along the riverbank on the opposite side of the town and nestled amidst the jungle is Laos' foremost sustainable elephant sanctuary. The sanctuary is emblematic of ecotourism and sustainability and offers a unique opportunity to witness majestic natural creations.

If time allows, visitors can also visit a hilltop vantage point in Pakbeng town, where a lone Buddhist temple remains, a reminder of a bygone era when many such structures succumbed to wars with the Thai Kingdom three centuries ago.

Evening

For the last night of this river cruise, we anchor near a sandbank, offering a magnificent scene for a relaxing aperitif, ideally complimented by a spectacular sunset. 

Following that, a farewell meal is given on the terrace deck, signaling the end of this incredible voyage.

Morning

Embark on a tranquil morning tour designed for relaxation and rejuvenation after a 4-day voyage. Begin your day with a simple yet leisurely breakfast, setting the tone for a peaceful experience ahead.

Whether it's a mindfulness session or a gentle exploration, this morning tour invites you to embrace serenity and create lasting memories in a calm and unhurried atmosphere while floating toward Huay Xai, our final destination.

This morning tour takes you on a journey through the Golden Triangle, a region that gained notoriety for being a major opium-producing area. Followed by an informative presentation on issues related to colonialism, conflicts, and the roles played by various nations in the region. 

The cruise then passes the "Green River," a significant geographical feature in the region where the Mekong and Nam Tha Rivers meet.

The tour culminates with a hands-on Lao cooking class and a buffet brunch featuring enticing mains and desserts. An hour before arrival, you are at liberty to enjoy the final moments before bidding farewell to an unforgettable morning cruise.

Afternoon

The cruise arrives at Huay Xai pier, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure. We continue to transfer you to the Lao-Thai border, in front of the Lao immigration office.

There, we would bid farewell and extend our gratitude for choosing to explore with us, wishing you continued exploration and joy.