In the morning, Heritage Line extends a warm welcome to guests at the mooring of the Heritage Line ‘Anouvong’ in the city center of Luang Prabang. Our dedicated team assists with your check-in and attends to your luggage. Once ready, the captain of the ‘Anouvong’ sets the ship on its captivating 3-night journey along the Upper Mekong.

After spending some time to settle in, our cruise director will provide a welcome and safety briefing in the lounge as we set sail for our first destination, the renowned Pak Ou Caves.

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 have the opportunity to visit a local alcohol workshop in this village (depending on time and availability).

As the afternoon progresses, we arrive at our overnight mooring and explore a picturesque village inhabited by Khmu people. Simplicity defines this locale, with bamboo huts elevated on stilts amidst vast rice fields. In this serene setting, we can mingle and meet with different generations – old and young – in the village, both deeply rooted in the land, sustaining their livelihood through manual agriculture. Peel back the layers of their daily existence, observe their way of life, and engage in insightful conversations to garner a profound understanding of their unique experiences. The highlight is the traditional Baci ceremony, a heartfelt Laotian ritual led by local elders, bestowing blessings upon your journey.

Ease into your first evening with a welcome cocktail and snacks as the sky transforms over the Mekong, followed by a preview of the next day’s program. Welcome to a memorable exploration of Laotian culture along the Mekong.



Dining: Lunch, Dinner

For early risers, our daily yoga class on the terrace deck, framed by the stunning Mekong backdrop, offers a refreshing start to the day. As the ship progresses towards the morning’s destination, join our guide for an insightful lecture on the history of Lao royalty, with a focus on King Anouvong —the namesake of our vessel.

Our morning sojourn leads us to two traditional adjacent villages, where Lao Loum and Khmu communities have lived side by side for generations, each preserving their own traditions in quiet harmony. Most villagers are farmers, cultivating seasonal crops and tending small gardens, while in Ban Baw, a handful of women keep alive the intricate art of cotton and silk weaving. During our visit, you can witness a demonstration of this enduring craft, observing weavers as they work on traditional handlooms using labor-intensive methods that have remained unchanged through the ages. The village also has a small temple tending to the community’s spiritual life, where those who wish can join the resident monks for a short private meditation session.

Sailing into mid-afternoon, our expert guide presents an engaging lecture on the intricate tapestry of Laos' diverse ethnic groups along the Mekong River. Another breath-taking riverine spectacle awaits as we arrive at another remarkable village. Here, three distinct ethnic groups: Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khamu, coexist almost literally under one roof. Each group possesses its own unique history, traditions, ways of life, family dynamics, and housing styles. Venture into the village to a family home where representatives from each ethnic group will showcase and explain their differences and characteristics in day-to-day life.

Back on board, as the afternoon transitions into evening, gather in the lounge for light snacks and a preview of the upcoming day’s program. The evening unfolds with a traditional dance performance on the terrace deck, setting the tone for a memorable barbecue dinner on a splendid sandbank amid astonishing natural beauty.

After dinner, feel free to join us in the lounge for a cosy cinematic 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 the mood for our next day’s adventure.



Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up with the sun for the option of an invigorating yoga class in communion with the Mekong.

Our first stop of the day brings us to Pak Beng. Along the riverside opposite the town and nestled in the jungle lies Laos' most sustainable elephant sanctuary. Here, in an almost pristine natural setting, we have the privilege of encountering these majestic creatures. Born in Laos and once employed as logging elephants, they now find sanctuary in a peaceful and natural environment, their ability to survive in the wild having been curtailed in captivity. The sanctuary, a symbol of ecotourism and sustainability, reflects a deep commitment to these principles. Witnessing these gentle giants in the rainforest and learning about their unique stories makes for an unforgettable experience. Following lunch, engage in a cooking class where you’ll learn a Lao-Thai dish simple enough to recreate at home later. Food brings back memories, doesn’t it?

As the afternoon unfolds, our journey continues, culminating in our final overnight mooring spot. Once again, we anchor at a splendid sandbank, creating a picturesque setting for a relaxed aperitif, ideally accompanied by a stunning sunset. Subsequently, a farewell dinner is served on the terrace deck, marking the conclusion of this remarkable journey.



Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an exhilarating 3-night cruise, today invites a more leisurely pace, allowing you to savour the memories created during our journey. With a substantial distance to cover before reaching Huay Xai, our final destination, the day unfolds with a blend of relaxation and exploration.

Feel free to extend your morning snooze if desired. Breakfast is intentionally simplified, with fewer choices or à la carte, as we prepare for a diverse culinary brunch later- a prelude to bidding farewell. As we sail into the heart of the Golden Triangle, the morning is yours to relax or engage in our 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.

We are passing the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Tha River, a major tributary known as the “Green River”. Our captain expertly navigates through rocks, rapids, and sandbanks, offering a fascinating observation from the terrace deck. Relax and relish the concluding tranquil hours of our voyage, with lunch served until approximately an hour before arrival.

As we dock at Huay Xai pier in the afternoon, we facilitate a seamless transfer to the Lao-Thai border, bidding you farewell in front of the Lao immigration office. We extend our best wishes for a pleasant onward journey.

(Please note that we can arrange transfers to Chiang Rai city or airport or to a resort/hotel in Chiang Sean if you extend your stay in the Golden Triangle on the Thai side.)



Dining: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, Heritage Line extends a warm welcome to guests at the mooring of the Heritage Line ‘Anouvong’ in the city center of Luang Prabang. Our dedicated team assists with your check-in and attends to your luggage. Once ready, the captain of the ‘Anouvong’ sets the ship on its captivating 3-night journey along the Upper Mekong.

After spending some time to settle in, our cruise director will provide a welcome and safety briefing in the lounge as we set sail for our first destination, the renowned Pak Ou Caves.

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 have the opportunity to visit a local alcohol workshop in this village (depending on time and availability).

As the afternoon progresses, we arrive at our overnight mooring and explore a picturesque village inhabited by Khmu people. Simplicity defines this locale, with bamboo huts elevated on stilts amidst vast rice fields. In this serene setting, we can mingle and meet with different generations – old and young – in the village, both deeply rooted in the land, sustaining their livelihood through manual agriculture. Peel back the layers of their daily existence, observe their way of life, and engage in insightful conversations to garner a profound understanding of their unique experiences. The highlight is the traditional Baci ceremony, a heartfelt Laotian ritual led by local elders, bestowing blessings upon your journey.

Ease into your first evening with a welcome cocktail and snacks as the sky transforms over the Mekong, followed by a preview of the next day’s program. Welcome to a memorable exploration of Laotian culture along the Mekong.



Dining: Lunch, Dinner

For early risers, our daily yoga class on the terrace deck, framed by the stunning Mekong backdrop, offers a refreshing start to the day. As the ship progresses towards the morning’s destination, join our guide for an insightful lecture on the history of Lao royalty, with a focus on King Anouvong —the namesake of our vessel.

Our morning sojourn leads us to two traditional adjacent villages, where Lao Loum and Khmu communities have lived side by side for generations, each preserving their own traditions in quiet harmony. Most villagers are farmers, cultivating seasonal crops and tending small gardens, while in Ban Baw, a handful of women keep alive the intricate art of cotton and silk weaving. During our visit, you can witness a demonstration of this enduring craft, observing weavers as they work on traditional handlooms using labor-intensive methods that have remained unchanged through the ages. The village also has a small temple tending to the community’s spiritual life, where those who wish can join the resident monks for a short private meditation session.

Sailing into mid-afternoon, our expert guide presents an engaging lecture on the intricate tapestry of Laos' diverse ethnic groups along the Mekong River. Another breath-taking riverine spectacle awaits as we arrive at another remarkable village. Here, three distinct ethnic groups: Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khamu, coexist almost literally under one roof. Each group possesses its own unique history, traditions, ways of life, family dynamics, and housing styles. Venture into the village to a family home where representatives from each ethnic group will showcase and explain their differences and characteristics in day-to-day life.

Back on board, as the afternoon transitions into evening, gather in the lounge for light snacks and a preview of the upcoming day’s program. The evening unfolds with a traditional dance performance on the terrace deck, setting the tone for a memorable barbecue dinner on a splendid sandbank amid astonishing natural beauty.

After dinner, feel free to join us in the lounge for a cosy cinematic 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 the mood for our next day’s adventure.



Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up with the sun for the option of an invigorating yoga class in communion with the Mekong.

Our first stop of the day brings us to Pak Beng. Along the riverside opposite the town and nestled in the jungle lies Laos' most sustainable elephant sanctuary. Here, in an almost pristine natural setting, we have the privilege of encountering these majestic creatures. Born in Laos and once employed as logging elephants, they now find sanctuary in a peaceful and natural environment, their ability to survive in the wild having been curtailed in captivity. The sanctuary, a symbol of ecotourism and sustainability, reflects a deep commitment to these principles. Witnessing these gentle giants in the rainforest and learning about their unique stories makes for an unforgettable experience. Following lunch, engage in a cooking class where you’ll learn a Lao-Thai dish simple enough to recreate at home later. Food brings back memories, doesn’t it?

As the afternoon unfolds, our journey continues, culminating in our final overnight mooring spot. Once again, we anchor at a splendid sandbank, creating a picturesque setting for a relaxed aperitif, ideally accompanied by a stunning sunset. Subsequently, a farewell dinner is served on the terrace deck, marking the conclusion of this remarkable journey.



Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an exhilarating 3-night cruise, today invites a more leisurely pace, allowing you to savour the memories created during our journey. With a substantial distance to cover before reaching Huay Xai, our final destination, the day unfolds with a blend of relaxation and exploration.

Feel free to extend your morning snooze if desired. Breakfast is intentionally simplified, with fewer choices or à la carte, as we prepare for a diverse culinary brunch later- a prelude to bidding farewell. As we sail into the heart of the Golden Triangle, the morning is yours to relax or engage in our 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.

We are passing the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Tha River, a major tributary known as the “Green River”. Our captain expertly navigates through rocks, rapids, and sandbanks, offering a fascinating observation from the terrace deck. Relax and relish the concluding tranquil hours of our voyage, with lunch served until approximately an hour before arrival.

As we dock at Huay Xai pier in the afternoon, we facilitate a seamless transfer to the Lao-Thai border, bidding you farewell in front of the Lao immigration office. We extend our best wishes for a pleasant onward journey.

(Please note that we can arrange transfers to Chiang Rai city or airport or to a resort/hotel in Chiang Sean if you extend your stay in the Golden Triangle on the Thai side.)



Dining: Breakfast, Lunch