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.

Dining: Lunch, Dinner

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.

Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up early to catch the sun’s first rays on the river and join our daily yoga class if you like.

Following breakfast, our morning journey leads us to a picturesque village inhabited by the Khum people. Here, simplicity reigns, with bamboo huts built on stilts nestled amidst expansive rice fields. In this idyllic setting, we'll have the privilege of meeting an elder couple or a multigenerational family deeply rooted in this land, deriving their livelihood from manual agriculture. We have a glance behind the curtain at how the people make their living and the inimitable chance to ask individual questions to better understand their day-by-day lives and existence.

We head back to the ship for lunch, and the ship continues its zig-zag down the river, eventually reaching the mooring place for the night. Here, we are going to wander into the absolutely amazing 200-year-old little village of Ban Khok Phou, which is situated just above a beautiful large white sandbank. The villagers here are ethnic Lao. Many villagers are doing mountain farming. Get to know and see how the farmers collect and process their goods. Should time permit, we will ascend to see a little temple and meet the local monk and the novices, who can introduce us to some quiet moments of meditation.

We return to the ship to freshen up, and when the blue hour fades into the night, we start the evening with a cocktail on the sandbank, followed by a farewell dinner set up at this perfect location to enjoy your last evening at the Laotian Mekong River.

Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an excitement-packed 3-night cruise, our next and last destination before we arrive in Luang Prabang is the famous Pak Ou caves. By intention, our breakfast is sampled out with fewer choices (or a la carte) than usual this morning, given that we will offer our guests some different culinary brunch settings later before leaving us.

We reach 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 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 and the Lao whisky distillery technique. In the village, we meet a local “medicine man” (if time and availability permit) who explains the local and traditional ways of treatment using simple mother nature as a natural pharmacy.

Back onboard, right before the appetite kicks in, we are starting with the lifestyle part of this final cruising day. Join a culinary Lao cooking class as the entry activity to a brunch, indulging in a buffet spread of mains and desserts that tantalize your taste buds. Kick back and enjoy the final peaceful hours of our voyage. The brunch will be served until one hour prior to arrival (approx.), and you can enjoy it either in the restaurant, in the lounge, or on the terrace deck.

During the last hours of sailing, we would like to invite you to an enthralling final presentation that unravels the intricate history of the Golden Triangle, composed of its complexities of colonialism, opium, conflicts, and the multifaceted roles played by Burma, Thailand, Laos, Britain, China, and more. We are approximately at the confluence of the Mekong with the Nam Tha River, one of the Mekong's major tributaries, known as the "Green River." Originating near the Chinese border, 325 km to the northeast, it joins the Mekong at this juncture.

Cherish the remainder of the cruise until our arrival in Luang Prabang at approximately 15:00 o'clock, at your own pace. Upon arrival and check-out, we'll provide full assistance with your luggage and any other requirements you may have. We bid you farewell right at the pier right in the centre of town and wish you a pleasant onward journey.

Dining: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Dining: Lunch, Dinner

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.

Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up early to catch the sun’s first rays on the river and join our daily yoga class if you like.

Following breakfast, our morning journey leads us to a picturesque village inhabited by the Khum people. Here, simplicity reigns, with bamboo huts built on stilts nestled amidst expansive rice fields. In this idyllic setting, we'll have the privilege of meeting an elder couple or a multigenerational family deeply rooted in this land, deriving their livelihood from manual agriculture. We have a glance behind the curtain at how the people make their living and the inimitable chance to ask individual questions to better understand their day-by-day lives and existence.

We head back to the ship for lunch, and the ship continues its zig-zag down the river, eventually reaching the mooring place for the night. Here, we are going to wander into the absolutely amazing 200-year-old little village of Ban Khok Phou, which is situated just above a beautiful large white sandbank. The villagers here are ethnic Lao. Many villagers are doing mountain farming. Get to know and see how the farmers collect and process their goods. Should time permit, we will ascend to see a little temple and meet the local monk and the novices, who can introduce us to some quiet moments of meditation.

We return to the ship to freshen up, and when the blue hour fades into the night, we start the evening with a cocktail on the sandbank, followed by a farewell dinner set up at this perfect location to enjoy your last evening at the Laotian Mekong River.

Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an excitement-packed 3-night cruise, our next and last destination before we arrive in Luang Prabang is the famous Pak Ou caves. By intention, our breakfast is sampled out with fewer choices (or a la carte) than usual this morning, given that we will offer our guests some different culinary brunch settings later before leaving us.

We reach 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 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 and the Lao whisky distillery technique. In the village, we meet a local “medicine man” (if time and availability permit) who explains the local and traditional ways of treatment using simple mother nature as a natural pharmacy.

Back onboard, right before the appetite kicks in, we are starting with the lifestyle part of this final cruising day. Join a culinary Lao cooking class as the entry activity to a brunch, indulging in a buffet spread of mains and desserts that tantalize your taste buds. Kick back and enjoy the final peaceful hours of our voyage. The brunch will be served until one hour prior to arrival (approx.), and you can enjoy it either in the restaurant, in the lounge, or on the terrace deck.

During the last hours of sailing, we would like to invite you to an enthralling final presentation that unravels the intricate history of the Golden Triangle, composed of its complexities of colonialism, opium, conflicts, and the multifaceted roles played by Burma, Thailand, Laos, Britain, China, and more. We are approximately at the confluence of the Mekong with the Nam Tha River, one of the Mekong's major tributaries, known as the "Green River." Originating near the Chinese border, 325 km to the northeast, it joins the Mekong at this juncture.

Cherish the remainder of the cruise until our arrival in Luang Prabang at approximately 15:00 o'clock, at your own pace. Upon arrival and check-out, we'll provide full assistance with your luggage and any other requirements you may have. We bid you farewell right at the pier right in the centre of town and wish you a pleasant onward journey.

Dining: Breakfast, Lunch