Originally launched in August 2023, Anouvong quickly gained popularity as one of the few luxury vessels sailing the Upper Mekong during its inaugural season. After a pause in 2024 to address some significant upgrades and improvements with the ship, the newly refurbished and re-designed Anouvong made its grand return on January 1, 2025, inviting discerning travelers to experience its blend of traditional Laotian ambiance and French-Colonial elegance.
As majestic as the Upper Mekong itself, Anouvong stands out among Heritage Line’s seven boutique vessels cruising through Southeast Asia. With ten exquisitely appointed staterooms and suites, it promises unparalleled comfort with spacious living quarters and sophisticated design as guests embark on a journey through some of the most breathtaking and remote areas of Laos. The recently transformed upper deck features a reimagined layout, relocating the sun deck and bar lounge to the rear to accommodate large Deluxe Executive Staterooms in the center. These staterooms boast double beds positioned to face panoramic windows, enhancing comfort and privacy. Anouvong will be the first ship on the upper Mekong to offer a small Jacuzzi pool, perfect for guests to unwind and cool off on sunny, hot days. Additionally, Anouvong now features a small gym on the upper deck with amazing views of picturesque shores.
Below deck, Anouvong is equipped with a powerful new engine, ensuring a seamless passage through challenging river sections. A redesigned rudder system enhances maneuverability, giving the ship captains the tools they need to navigate the river with precision. Externally, the ship will unveil a sleek new color scheme that embodies its identity as the “Courageous Monarch” of the Mekong.
“The upper Mekong River is an exceptional waterway. The beauty of sailing this river lies in its sheer remoteness and its slow cadence that emanates the soul of Laos. Providing our guests an exceptional home for such a journey was one of our utmost objectives,” says Heritage Line Director of Sales and Marketing Andreas Schroetter. “These enhancements on the ship underline our commitment to crafting extraordinary experience off and on the ship. The re-designed sundeck with the plunge pool and the much nicer alfresco ambiance together with the gym and the pretty tucked away couple spa are unparalleled facilities for passengers that make a Laos cruise adventure now a truly holistic lifestyle experience.”
Explore Laotian Upper Mekong with Heritage Line
Options include a 3-night cruise from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang, winding through the enchanting Golden Triangle. An extended 7-night adventure to Vientiane, or the reverse journey of 9-night, featuring a sightseeing tour of Luang Prabang and visits to remote corners of the country. Highlights include exploring the sacred Pak Ou Caves, experiencing the traditional Baci ceremony, and engaging with riverside villages like Ban Khok Phou and Had Sako through kayaking and local craft demonstrations.
Heritage Line also offers an all-inclusive lux-package ‘Escapism’ spans 8-day/7-night covers Northern Thailand’s far-flung corner, the upper Mekong River, and the picturesque city of Luang Prabang. The package includes stays at luxurious hotels aligned with the ‘Anouvong’ cruise.
Bookings can be made with Heritage Line directly (or via any travel agent). Cruise prices include accommodation, all activities on and off-shore (excluding spa), all meals, brewed coffee and tea, and mineral water (detailed inclusions/exclusions see website).
Additional Information & Links:
Heritage Line | Collectors. Artisans. Hosts.
Heritage Line is a leading boutique luxury river cruise company in Southeast Asia founded in 2008 by John Tue Nguyen offering one-of-a-kind on-and off-shore cruise experiences. They possess a remarkable collection of small ships plying the region’s most prestigious waterways in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Various cruise itineraries of different lengths per cruise destination are available – all of which promise a very bespoke and authentic venture or expedition like travelling on waters. Driven by a deep passion for art and local heritage, each of their ship embodies a refined & themed design and aura transporting guests into a different world. Personalised service, attention to detail, and fond family values complete a stay aboard a Heritage Line cruise to become a truly holistic and memorable voyage.
