Laotian Serendipity

In the morning, you receive a warm welcome from Heritage Line at the Lao immigration office. After all guests are gathered, you travel by minivan to Huay Xai Pier, where the Heritage Line Anouvong awaits. The crew assists with check-in and luggage. Once everything is ready, the captain begins Anouvong’s seven-night voyage along the Upper Mekong River.

As the ship sails toward the first destination, the guide shares an informative talk about the diverse ethnic groups living along the Mekong. Learn more about their cultures and traditions in the days ahead.

At the confluence of the Mekong and a major tributary, you enjoy scenic river views before arriving at Huay Phaluang village, home to the Khmu people. During your village visit, you take part in a traditional Baci ceremony, a blessing ritual performed by local elders to wish you good fortune on your journey.

Later, the ship docks on a peaceful sandbank for the night. You are served a welcome cocktail followed by dinner surrounded by the natural beauty of the Mekong. Afterward, you can relax in the lounge to watch Chiang (“elephant”), a 1927 film made in this region, setting the tone for the next day’s exploration.

Start your morning with an optional yoga session on the terrace deck, surrounded by the calm scenery of the Mekong River.

After breakfast, the ship arrives in Pakbeng. Across the river, hidden in the jungle, you visit one of Laos’ most sustainable elephant sanctuaries. Here, you observe elephants that were once used for logging and now live in a protected, natural environment. You learn about their stories and how the sanctuary supports responsible tourism and wildlife care.

In the afternoon, the journey continues to Ban Khok Aek village, where three ethnic groups—the Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khmu—live together. You visit a local home and see how each group’s traditions, lifestyles, and family customs differ. This visit gives a real-life view of what you learned about the previous day.

As evening approaches, you can enjoy snacks and a short preview of the next day’s activities at the bar. Before dinner, villagers perform traditional music or dance on the terrace deck. After dinner, you can relax in the lounge with a screening of The Rocket, a Lao film about a boy’s search for hope and redemption.

Embrace the early morning as the river bathes in the sun's initial rays, offering an open invitation to partake in the daily yoga class.

As you sail along the outskirts of the Golden Triangle towards Luang Prabang, the morning is yours to relax or engage in the 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, and more. 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.

Afterwards, this morning sojourn leads you to the picturesque village of Khok Luang inhabited by the Khmu people. Simplicity defines this locale, with bamboo huts elevated on stilts amidst vast rice fields. In this serene setting, you 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 ship zig-zags down the river until you reach 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. You 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. You also have the opportunity to visit a local alcohol workshop in this village (depending on time and availability).

Continuing the course, you head to Luang Prabang, one of Southeast Asia's most enchanting towns. Arriving in the early evening, there's time for a stroll through downtown Luang Prabang after dinner. Immerse yourself in the town's therapeutic aura, slowing down to the depths of your soul.

Start your day with the beauty of a sunrise, accompanied by freshly brewed coffee and a selection of teas in the bar lounge. Rejuvenate your mind and body with the daily Yoga class on the terrace deck, nestled at the footsteps of one of Laos' most iconic temples.

After breakfast, embark on an enchanting walking tour through Luang Prabang’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the old town and its scenic peninsula, where the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers converge. Marvel at Luang Prabang’s distinctive architecture, accompanied by fascinating tales of the houses and landmarks. Take a leisurely stroll along small roads adorned with antique structures and majestic mango trees.

Return to the ship for lunch and refreshment. The afternoon explores Luang Prabang’s cultural heritage, visiting the former Royal Palace transformed into the National Museum. Admire local art and historical treasures once owned by the Lao royal family. After the museum, explore the city center at your pace or relax in one of the street cafés before joining an insightful lecture on Lao life by a regional professor onboard. As evening approaches, a thoughtfully curated dining experience awaits - An invitation to embrace Luang Prabang’s serene tempo, wherever the night may lead. Afterward, you may continue exploring the town, including a visit to the vibrant Night Market.

Before the sun is fully risen, witness the spiritual Buddhist tradition of the morning alms round, known as “Tak Bat” in Lao. Wake before dawn to observe hundreds of saffron-robed monks in a serene procession—a tradition deeply rooted in Lao culture.

Bid farewell to Luang Prabang as you continue your downstream cruise on the Mekong River. Your first stop is the innovative and socially responsible Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm. From a lack of dairy products decades ago, Laos now produces locally made cheeses, ice cream, and yogurt distributed to markets. Your journey proceeds to the cascading Kuang Si waterfalls, a picturesque park offering a leisurely hike to marvel at the turquoise waters and immerse in the beauty of Mother Nature. Refresh with a swim in the waterfall's shallow pools.

Returning to the vessel, you cruise toward the nation's first famous dam and hydroelectric power plant. Before reaching the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Dam, delve into an insightful lecture on energy production's role in Laos' economy and its potential to become the 'battery' of Southeast Asia. The ship moor near the dam in preparation for the early passage the next day. After dinner, the lounge cinema screens another classic movie.

In the morning, guests can witness the passing of the structure of Xayaburi Hydroelectric Dam which stands tall at an impressive 32.6 meters (107 feet). It is an imposing elevation that the ship has to overcome with the help of this massive water gate.

During the morning sail, two onboard activities are available. The guide presents a captivating lecture on the history of Lao royalty, with a focus on King Anouvong —the namesake of the vessel. Join a cooking class featuring a Lao-Thai dish, making this delightful cuisine more accessible for you to recreate at home. As the shorelines become rockier with narrow passages, you reach Don Saynhan in the afternoon. Once ashore, you explore the surrounding area, taking a local “Tuk Tuk” inland to visit the ‘Khao Cave’. Traveling through lush jungle-like surroundings, the cave, home to a longstanding bat population, serves as a crucial fertilizer source for the village. Stroll inside to witness stalagmites and stalactites.

In the evening, enjoy some prelude snacks at the bar with the guide to provide you with an outlook for the next day. Later, the ship anchor at a splendid sandbank for a romantic barbecue dinner under the stars, followed by a cosy outdoor movie screening.

On your final full day, the expedition leads you to the enchanting village of Pha Liep, framed by majestic limestone mountains, creating a breath-taking backdrop.

In this region, the Lao Loum community predominantly relies on agriculture. Today, you delve into two distinct "industrial" pursuits. First, witness the craftsmanship involved in producing traditional longtail boats. Though termed a factory, the construction of these iconic watercraft, still vital for transportation in Laos, is a labor-intensive manual process. The second venture is perhaps more enjoyable - a local whiskey distillery. Being the owner not only grants the craftsman the occasional quality check but also ensures a business that never runs dry in Laos. Lao whiskey is a national staple, with every Laotian having a bottle at home. Try a bottle, mixing the classic “Laotian whiskey cola” - a delightful variation of the renowned Cuba Libre.

After this mix of entertaining local culture on the ground, you set sail once more, gliding along the Mekong’s gentle currents to your mooring location for the night. Subsequently, a farewell dinner is served on the sun deck, marking the conclusion of this remarkable journey.

Start your last day on board with a morning Yoga session on the deck. Today, breakfast is arranged on the terrace deck (weather permitting), allowing you to relish the last sailing hours with panoramic views. Check-out is by 9 o’clock with an adjacent transfer to Vientiane and an estimated arrival in the city around 12:30 hrs. The cruise concludes at your designated hotel in the center, wishing you a pleasant onward journey.