Anouvong, Golden Triangle Traverse (November to April) ex Luang Prabang to Huay Xai

2 Night Cruise sailing from Luang Prabang to Khok Luang aboard Anouvong. Hotel stay post-cruise in Pak Beng and a longtail boat transfer to Huay Xai.

IMPORTANT CRUISE UPDATE:

Low water levels between November – April coupled with weight of the ship ANOUVONG do not allow safe navigation of specific areas of the upper Mekong. Notably, there are shallow and narrow river section with strong rapids located between Luang Prabang – Pakbeng and – Huay Xai that are particularly challenging for the ship.

Therefore, itineraries have been amended and now include a special longtail boat (tender boat) operation:

* UPSTREAM ITINERARIES (3 & 9 Nights): The last two sailings days will be operated on a longtail boat including one overnight on land in Pakbeng.

* DOWNSTREAM ITINERARIES (3 & 7 Nights): On the first sailing day a longtail boat transfer is operated to reach the ship.

DAY 1 - Luang Prabang - Pak Ou - Khok Phou
In the morning, Heritage Line extends a warm welcome to guests at the mooring of the Heritage Line ‘Anouvong’ in the city center of Luang Prabang. Our dedicated team assists with your check-in and attends to your luggage. Once ready, the captain of the ‘Anouvong’ sets the ship on its captivating 3-night journey along the Upper Mekong.

Heading towards our first destination, the renowned Pak Ou Caves, our expert guide presents an engaging lecture on the intricate tapestry of Laos' diverse ethnic groups along the Mekong River. Over the next few days, you'll immerse yourself in the fascinating array of cultural lifestyles, characteristics, and traditions.

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.

As the afternoon progresses, we reach our mooring location for the night and explore the 200-year-old village of Ban Khok Phou. Primarily inhabited by the Lao ethnicity, many villagers engage in mountain farming. Gain insight into their practices and witness the collection and processing of agricultural products. The highlight is the traditional Baci ceremony, a heartfelt Laotian ritual led by local elders, bestowing blessings upon your journey. If time permits, we may ascend to a small temple, offering moments of quiet meditation with the local monk and novices.

The evening begins with a welcome cocktail on the sandbank, followed by a barbecue dinner amid astonishing natural beauty. Welcome to a memorable exploration of Laotian culture along the Mekong.

DAY 2 - Khok Phou - Khok Luang (Nov - Apr)
For early risers, our daily yoga class on the terrace deck, framed by the stunning Mekong backdrop, offers a refreshing start to the day.

The ship sets sail early, allowing you to enjoy breakfast while observing the morning life of nature along the river. Our mid-morning stop takes us to the enchanting village of 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 return to the ship for lunch. During the rest of the day, you can enjoy a wonderful sojourn onboard. The ship remains moors at the shores with great views on the river. During the afternoon some onboard entertainment is available. Join us for a Laotian cooking class and learn to make special dishes which can be easily made at home. Relax on the deck or in your cabin. Opt for a spa or rewind in our bar-lounge with a good book or chat with fellow passengers. In the evening, we invite you for a terrace deck dinner (if conditions allow). After dinner, feel free to join us in the lounge for a cosy cinematic 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 the mood for our next day’s adventure.

DAY 3 - Khok Luang - Khok Ek - Pakbeng (Nov - Apr)
This morning, after breakfast on the ship ‘Anouvong’ we unfortunately have to change the mean of transportation and leaving the ship ‘Anouvong’. The water levels and rapids further up the river do not allow us to pass through with our ship. We transfer to a traditional longtail boat and continue our journey upstream. Enjoy the passing scenery and adventurers ride until we reach the village of Khok Ek. Here, three distinct ethnic groups—Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khamo—coexist almost literally under one roof. Each group possesses its own unique history, traditions, ways of life, family dynamics, and housing styles. Venture into the village to a family home where representatives from each ethnic group will showcase and explain their differences and characteristics in day-to-day life. The theory provided the day before, through our lecture, suddenly comes alive before your eyes. If time allows and the season permits, we may offer a glimpse of the organic gardens where villagers nurture their crops.

Our chef serves lunch aboard the longtail boat whilst we meander towards Pakbeng. Along the riverside opposite of the town and nestled in the jungle lies Laos' most sustainable elephant sanctuary. Here, in an almost pristine natural setting, we 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. If time allows, we'll take you to a hilltop vantage point in Pakbeng town (by vehicle), offering breath-taking panoramic views—perfect for capturing enduring memories.

After the excursion you are checking in the Le Grand Hotel & Resort with great views over the town and the river below. Dinner is served at the hotel restaurant.

DAY 4 -Pakbeng - Huay Xai (Nov - Apr)
Rise with the sun this morning and get ready for your last day on the river. We have to start quite early to be able to manage the distance to Huay Xai. Breakfast is served onboard the longtail boat whilst you can enjoy the morning breeze and the amazing riverbank scenery passing by.

We are passing the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Tha River, a major tributary known as the "Green River" where the captain of our small boat must navigate carefully through rocks, rapids, and sandbanks, allowing us to experience closely the elements of this. During mid-day lunch is served and fruit and drinks are available in between. As we dock at Huay Xai pier in the mid-afternoon, we facilitate a seamless transfer to the Lao-Thai border, bidding you farewell in front of the Lao immigration office. We extend our best wishes for a pleasant onward journey.