Golden Triangle Traverse

In the morning, you board Heritage Line Anouvong in the center of Luang Prabang, where the crew welcomes you on board before the ship begins its three-night sailing along the Upper Mekong.

After settling into your suite, the cruise director provides a welcome and safety briefing as the ship sails towards the Pak Ou Caves. You explore the lower cave, home to thousands of Buddhist statues, before choosing between an optional kayak excursion on the Nam Ou River or a visit to Ban Muang Keo, a village known for silk weaving and Lao whisky production. Depending on time and availability, you may also visit a local distillery.

Later in the afternoon, the ship reaches its overnight mooring near a Khmu village. You walk through the village, meet local residents, and learn about their daily life and farming traditions. The visit concludes with a traditional Baci ceremony led by village elders.

Back on board, you enjoy a welcome cocktail and light snacks while watching the sunset over the Mekong. The evening ends with a preview of the next day's program.

For early risers, a yoga session is available on the terrace deck with views of the Mekong River. As the ship continues sailing, your guide presents a lecture on the history of Lao royalty and King Anouvong, after whom the ship is named.

In the morning, you visit two neighboring villages where Lao Loum and Khmu communities have lived side by side for generations. Most residents are farmers, while women in Ban Baw continue the tradition of cotton and silk weaving. You watch a weaving demonstration and may also join the resident monks at the village temple for a short meditation session.

During the afternoon cruise, your guide gives a lecture on the ethnic groups living along the Mekong River. You then visit another village where Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khmu communities live together. At a local family home, you learn about their traditions, daily life, and cultural differences.

Back on board, you enjoy light snacks in the lounge and receive a preview of the next day's program. In the evening, a traditional dance performance is followed by a barbecue dinner on a Mekong sandbank. After dinner, you may watch a 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.)