In the morning, Heritage Line extends a warm welcome to guests at the Lao immigration office. After gathering all passengers, we embark on a minivan journey to Huay Xai Pier, where the Heritage Line ‘Anouvong’ awaits. Our dedicated team facilitates your check-in and ensures the smooth handling of your luggage. Once preparations are complete, the captain charts the course for ‘Anouvong’s’ enthralling 3-night voyage along the Upper Mekong.

As the ship progresses towards its initial destination, join our cruise director for a welcome and safety briefing in the lounge. Arriving at the confluence of the Mekong and a significant tributary, allow the gentle currents to carry you downstream, providing uninterrupted views of natural beauty.

Our journey begins at Ban Pak Sith, a small riverside village mainly inhabited by the Khmu ethnic minority. Life here is simple and closely tied to nature, with families primarily sustained by rice and vegetable farming. Some households continue the traditional craft of blacksmithing, producing essential tools such as knives, hoes, and spades. Here, if available, the village blacksmith will demonstrate his time-honored methods and skills. Before returning on board, we also spend some time connecting with local students and enjoy their lively skill performance.

Before dinner, step into the storied past of Laos with an engaging onboard talk aboard Anouvong, where our expert guide delves into the rich history of the country and its former royal dynasties. Then, 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: Lunch, Dinner

For the early risers, an open invitation awaits at our daily morning yoga class on the terrace deck, where the breath-taking Mekong scenery becomes a serene backdrop.

Our journey unfolds as we arrive in the charming town of Pakbeng in the morning. 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, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class where you will learn to prepare Lao-Thai classics that you can easily recreate at home. Because nothing stirs up memories quite like the taste of a good meal.

Sailing into the afternoon, another breath-taking riverine spectacle awaits as we arrive at another Ban Khok Aek. Here, three distinct ethnic groups—Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khmu—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. The theory provided the day before, through our lecture, suddenly comes alive before your eyes.

As the afternoon transitions into evening, join us at the bar for snacks and a preview of the next day’s program. Before dinner, villagers grace us with a performance on the terrace deck, featuring the traditional “Kene” instrument and/or a unique dance. Later, join us in the lounge for a cosy screening of “The Rocket”, a 90-minute Lao film about a boy seeking redemption in a land scarred by war.



Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 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.

We go back to the ship for lunch, and we resume our meandering journey down the river toward Khok Luang. This village is home to the Khmu ethnic group spanning China, Laos, Thailand, Burma, and Vietnam. Strolling through the village, we gather for a Baci ceremony - a heartfelt Laotian ritual led by local elders (and possibly monks), bestowing blessings upon your journey.

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.



Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 to the nearby village of Ban Muang Keo, known for traditional silk weaving and Lao whisky distillation. We also have the opportunity to visit a local alcohol workshop in this village (depending on time and availability).

Back on board, relax and relish the concluding tranquil hours of our voyage, with lunch served until approximately an hour before arrival.

We arrive in the later afternoon. 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.



Dining: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, Heritage Line extends a warm welcome to guests at the Lao immigration office. After gathering all passengers, we embark on a minivan journey to Huay Xai Pier, where the Heritage Line ‘Anouvong’ awaits. Our dedicated team facilitates your check-in and ensures the smooth handling of your luggage. Once preparations are complete, the captain charts the course for ‘Anouvong’s’ enthralling 3-night voyage along the Upper Mekong.

As the ship progresses towards its initial destination, join our cruise director for a welcome and safety briefing in the lounge. Arriving at the confluence of the Mekong and a significant tributary, allow the gentle currents to carry you downstream, providing uninterrupted views of natural beauty.

Our journey begins at Ban Pak Sith, a small riverside village mainly inhabited by the Khmu ethnic minority. Life here is simple and closely tied to nature, with families primarily sustained by rice and vegetable farming. Some households continue the traditional craft of blacksmithing, producing essential tools such as knives, hoes, and spades. Here, if available, the village blacksmith will demonstrate his time-honored methods and skills. Before returning on board, we also spend some time connecting with local students and enjoy their lively skill performance.

Before dinner, step into the storied past of Laos with an engaging onboard talk aboard Anouvong, where our expert guide delves into the rich history of the country and its former royal dynasties. Then, 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: Lunch, Dinner

For the early risers, an open invitation awaits at our daily morning yoga class on the terrace deck, where the breath-taking Mekong scenery becomes a serene backdrop.

Our journey unfolds as we arrive in the charming town of Pakbeng in the morning. 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, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class where you will learn to prepare Lao-Thai classics that you can easily recreate at home. Because nothing stirs up memories quite like the taste of a good meal.

Sailing into the afternoon, another breath-taking riverine spectacle awaits as we arrive at another Ban Khok Aek. Here, three distinct ethnic groups—Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khmu—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. The theory provided the day before, through our lecture, suddenly comes alive before your eyes.

As the afternoon transitions into evening, join us at the bar for snacks and a preview of the next day’s program. Before dinner, villagers grace us with a performance on the terrace deck, featuring the traditional “Kene” instrument and/or a unique dance. Later, join us in the lounge for a cosy screening of “The Rocket”, a 90-minute Lao film about a boy seeking redemption in a land scarred by war.



Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 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.

We go back to the ship for lunch, and we resume our meandering journey down the river toward Khok Luang. This village is home to the Khmu ethnic group spanning China, Laos, Thailand, Burma, and Vietnam. Strolling through the village, we gather for a Baci ceremony - a heartfelt Laotian ritual led by local elders (and possibly monks), bestowing blessings upon your journey.

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.



Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 to the nearby village of Ban Muang Keo, known for traditional silk weaving and Lao whisky distillation. We also have the opportunity to visit a local alcohol workshop in this village (depending on time and availability).

Back on board, relax and relish the concluding tranquil hours of our voyage, with lunch served until approximately an hour before arrival.

We arrive in the later afternoon. 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.



Dining: Breakfast, Lunch