Huay Xai - Khon Teun – Huay Ting (Jul-Oct)

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.



Huay Xai – Kang Hang Yai (Nov-Apr)

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.

Dining: Lunch, Dinner

Huay Ting - Pakbeng - Khok Ek (Jul-Oct)

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.



Kang Hang Yai - Khok Luang - Khok Phou (Nov-Apr)

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.

Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Khok Ek - Khok Luang - Khok Phou (Jul-Oct)

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 a picturesque village 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.

Returning to the ship for lunch, we resume our meandering journey down the river, eventually docking at our overnight mooring spot. Here, we explore the captivating 200-year-old village of Ban Khok Phou, perched just above a splendid expansive white sandbank. Inhabited predominantly by the ethnic Lao, this is a very nice hamlet with a nice square to observe the afternoon life unfolding. 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.

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.



Khok Phou - Pak Ou - Ban Mueng Kay

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.

Nestled along the rocky shore of the Mekong, there are two grottoes sheltering approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images. By tender boat we reach to the entrance of the cave in the bottom and walk up some stairs to the lower cave. This is the most impressive and easily accessible. Post-cave visit, Heritage Line offers two optional choices to chose from: Join in for 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 and Lao whisky distillation. We also meet in this village a local “medicine man” (if time and availability permit) who explains the traditional ways of treatments using mother nature as a natural pharmacy.

Back on board, we enjoy our lunch as the boats sails further downstream passing actual Luang Prabang. During the afternoon sailing we offer a 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 mooring overnight moored to a sandbank where we invite you to a farewell dinner on-shore. Enjoy your last night with your fellow passenger and our crew who is eager to entertain you with a local dance performance.

Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Khok Phou - Luang Prabang (Jul-Oct)

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 of the nearby village of Ban Muang Keo, known for traditional silk weaving Lao whisky distillation. We also meet in this village a local “medicine man” (if time and availability permit) who explains the traditional ways of treatments using mother nature as a natural pharmacy.

Back on board, just before appetites awaken, we delve into the lifestyle aspect of our final cruising day. Engage in a culinary Lao cooking class, setting the stage for a brunch featuring a buffet spread of enticing mains and desserts to tantalize your taste buds. Relax and relish the concluding tranquil hours of our voyage, with brunch served until approximately an hour before arrival, available in the restaurant, lounge, or on the terrace deck. During this final sailing stretch, we offer a 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.

Our anticipated arrival in Luang Prabang around 15:00. 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.



Ban Mueng Kay - Luang Prabang (Nov-Apr)

On your last day of your journey, we offer you two more highlights. After an enjoyable breakfast, we set out by minivan to visit a local elephant site. You have the chance to meet very closely one of the finest local creatures in Laos. Laotian mahouts taking care of former logging elephants that have found a new home and receive a lot of TLC there. We will have a morning walk with the elephants along the riverbank and small path winding the bordering rainforest. The elephant love to bath in the river and the mahouts explain more about this unique Laotian creature.

We continue our morning trip and travel with the minivans to the next highlight in Laos, the nearby cascading Kuang Si waterfalls. Famed for its beauty and with its rushing turquoise waters it is an amazing natural park allowing for a leisurely walk 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.

Afterwards we return to the ship and serving a lunch onboard whilst Anouvong is making its way now to Luang Prabang, the final destination of this cruise. We arrive at Luang Prabang around 15:00 o’clock. Upon check-out, we help you with your luggage and bidding you farewell at the pier in the town centre. We wish you a pleasant onward journey.

Dining: Breakfast, Lunch

Huay Xai - Khon Teun – Huay Ting (Jul-Oct)

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.



Huay Xai – Kang Hang Yai (Nov-Apr)

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.

Dining: Lunch, Dinner

Huay Ting - Pakbeng - Khok Ek (Jul-Oct)

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.



Kang Hang Yai - Khok Luang - Khok Phou (Nov-Apr)

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.

Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Khok Ek - Khok Luang - Khok Phou (Jul-Oct)

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 a picturesque village 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.

Returning to the ship for lunch, we resume our meandering journey down the river, eventually docking at our overnight mooring spot. Here, we explore the captivating 200-year-old village of Ban Khok Phou, perched just above a splendid expansive white sandbank. Inhabited predominantly by the ethnic Lao, this is a very nice hamlet with a nice square to observe the afternoon life unfolding. 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.

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.



Khok Phou - Pak Ou - Ban Mueng Kay

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.

Nestled along the rocky shore of the Mekong, there are two grottoes sheltering approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images. By tender boat we reach to the entrance of the cave in the bottom and walk up some stairs to the lower cave. This is the most impressive and easily accessible. Post-cave visit, Heritage Line offers two optional choices to chose from: Join in for 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 and Lao whisky distillation. We also meet in this village a local “medicine man” (if time and availability permit) who explains the traditional ways of treatments using mother nature as a natural pharmacy.

Back on board, we enjoy our lunch as the boats sails further downstream passing actual Luang Prabang. During the afternoon sailing we offer a 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 mooring overnight moored to a sandbank where we invite you to a farewell dinner on-shore. Enjoy your last night with your fellow passenger and our crew who is eager to entertain you with a local dance performance.

Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Khok Phou - Luang Prabang (Jul-Oct)

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 of the nearby village of Ban Muang Keo, known for traditional silk weaving Lao whisky distillation. We also meet in this village a local “medicine man” (if time and availability permit) who explains the traditional ways of treatments using mother nature as a natural pharmacy.

Back on board, just before appetites awaken, we delve into the lifestyle aspect of our final cruising day. Engage in a culinary Lao cooking class, setting the stage for a brunch featuring a buffet spread of enticing mains and desserts to tantalize your taste buds. Relax and relish the concluding tranquil hours of our voyage, with brunch served until approximately an hour before arrival, available in the restaurant, lounge, or on the terrace deck. During this final sailing stretch, we offer a 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.

Our anticipated arrival in Luang Prabang around 15:00. 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.



Ban Mueng Kay - Luang Prabang (Nov-Apr)

On your last day of your journey, we offer you two more highlights. After an enjoyable breakfast, we set out by minivan to visit a local elephant site. You have the chance to meet very closely one of the finest local creatures in Laos. Laotian mahouts taking care of former logging elephants that have found a new home and receive a lot of TLC there. We will have a morning walk with the elephants along the riverbank and small path winding the bordering rainforest. The elephant love to bath in the river and the mahouts explain more about this unique Laotian creature.

We continue our morning trip and travel with the minivans to the next highlight in Laos, the nearby cascading Kuang Si waterfalls. Famed for its beauty and with its rushing turquoise waters it is an amazing natural park allowing for a leisurely walk 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.

Afterwards we return to the ship and serving a lunch onboard whilst Anouvong is making its way now to Luang Prabang, the final destination of this cruise. We arrive at Luang Prabang around 15:00 o’clock. Upon check-out, we help you with your luggage and bidding you farewell at the pier in the town centre. We wish you a pleasant onward journey.

Dining: Breakfast, Lunch