Golden Triangle Traverse

You are welcomed in the morning at the mooring point in central Luang Prabang aboard the Heritage Line Anouvong. The crew assists with your check-in and luggage before the ship sails along the Upper Mekong River.

You travel toward Pak Ou Caves while your guide introduces you to the diverse ethnic groups living along the Mekong River. Upon arrival, you visit the lower Pak Ou Cave, which contains thousands of Buddhist statues and images.

After the visit, you may choose an optional kayaking trip on the Nam Ou River or visit Ban Muang Keo village, known for silk weaving and local whisky production, subject to time and availability.

In the afternoon, you continue to Ban Khok Phou village, where you observe local mountain farming and bamboo weaving practices. You also join a traditional Baci ceremony led by local elders. If time allows, you may visit a nearby temple for a quiet moment with local monks and novices.

For early risers, a yoga session is available on the terrace deck with views of the Mekong River.

The ship departs early, allowing you to have breakfast while watching morning life along the river. You then visit a Khmu village with bamboo houses on stilts surrounded by rice fields, where you meet locals and observe daily rural life.

In the afternoon, your guide gives a lecture on Laos’ ethnic groups before you visit a village where Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khamu communities live together. You enter a local home to learn about their different traditions and ways of life.

Back on board, you enjoy snacks at the bar and receive a preview of the next day’s program. After dinner, you may watch a film screening of “Chiang” in the lounge.

Wake up with the sun for the option of an invigorating yoga class in communion with the Mekong.

Your first stop of the day brings you to Pak Beng. Along the riverside opposite the town and nestled in the jungle lies Laos' most sustainable elephant sanctuary. Here, in an almost pristine natural setting, you 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, engage in a cooking class where you’ll learn a Lao-Thai dish simple enough to recreate at home later. Food brings back memories, doesn’t it?

As the afternoon unfolds, your journey continues, culminating in your final overnight mooring spot. Once again, the ship anchors at a splendid sandbank, creating a picturesque setting for a relaxed aperitif, ideally accompanied by a stunning sunset. Subsequently, a farewell dinner is served on the terrace deck, marking the conclusion of this remarkable journey.

After an exhilarating 3-night cruise, today invites a more leisurely pace, allowing you to savor the memories created during your journey. With a substantial distance to cover before reaching Huay Xai, your final destination, the day unfolds with a blend of relaxation and exploration.

Feel free to extend your morning snooze if desired. Breakfast is intentionally simplified, with fewer choices or à la carte, as the team prepares for a diverse culinary brunch later- a prelude to bidding farewell. As you sail into the heart of the Golden Triangle, 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. 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.

You are passing the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Tha River, a major tributary known as the “Green River”. The captain expertly navigates through rocks, rapids, and sandbanks, offering a fascinating observation from the terrace deck. Relax and relish the concluding tranquil hours of your voyage, with lunch served until approximately an hour before arrival.

Just before appetites awaken, you delve into the lifestyle aspect of your 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 your voyage, with brunch served until approximately an hour before arrival, available in the restaurant, lounge, or on the terrace deck.

As you dock at Huay Xai pier in the afternoon, the team facilitates a seamless transfer to the Lao-Thai border, bidding you farewell in front of the Lao immigration office. The team extends its best wishes for a pleasant onward journey.

(Please note that the team can arrange transfers to Chiang Rai city or airport or to a resort/hotel in Chiang Sean if you extend your stay in the Golden Triangle on the Thai side.)