Tour info
Heritage Line Anouvong Cruise is the Heritage Line’s first-ever vessel to cruise the majestic Mekong River in Laos. This lesser-traveled stretch of one of the world’s most spectacular waterways is home to serene nature, quaint villages, and stunning temples. It is only fitting that a luxury Mekong River cruise cruising this pristine and beautiful region of Laos should be named after the Vientiane Kingdom’s last monarch, King Anouvong, who so loved his country that he bravely fought for its independence from neighboring Siam.
To create a true boutique sailing experience, Heritage Line Anouvong has only eight spacious staterooms and two luxurious suites. All cabins feature floor-to-ceiling windows and open onto elegant French balconies or a private terrace overlooking the verdant shores of the Mekong River. The large staterooms and lavish suites welcome guests with an inventive room layout while emphasizing laid-back coziness The intimate restaurant, the tucked-away spa, and the cozy and light-flooded Café-Bar & Lounge with its adjacent wooden terrace deck all have a stake in the singular savoir-vivre lifestyle aboard Heritage Line Anouvong.
What makes Heritage Line Anouvong unique is the blend of traditional Laotian artwork with French-colonial accents. From the intimate onboard restaurant to the refined setting of the lounge, which opens onto the expansive terrace deck, this design theme creates an atmosphere of luxury and savoir-vivre. The ship sails the river on different itineraries between the Thai-Lao border, Luang Prabang and Vientiane (and vice versa).
Stateroom:
Cabin Amenities:
- Individually controlled air conditioner
- Closet
- Coffee table and chairs
- Bathroom with walk-in shower
- Bathrobe
- Bathroom toiletries
- Sandals
- Sun hat
- Luggage rack
- Umbrella
- Hairdryer
- In-house phone
- Tea and coffee facility
- Safety box
- Minibar
- Bluetooth music station with the loudspeaker
- Wi-Fi (subject to mobile network availability).
Feet Launch:
- Number of boats: 01
- Number of cabins: 10
- Length: 48m
- Width: 9m
- Height: 8m
- Number of decks: 02
- Capacity: 20 passengers
Facilities:
- Cafe – Bar Lounge
- Bodhi Spa
- Terrace deck
- De-Lagree Dining Hall
Food & Dining:
On board the Heritage Line Anouvong Cruise, we take immense delight in showcasing the sumptuous and diverse cuisine of Laos and Southeast Asia. Our talented chefs skillfully craft both time-honored Laotian recipes, steeped in generations of tradition, as well as tantalizing delights from around the world.
With an unwavering commitment to quality, we meticulously select the finest and freshest ingredients to satisfy even the most discerning tastes. Throughout your voyage, you will be treated to a lot of culinary experiences, whether indulging in à la carte dining or savoring the abundant offerings of our bountiful buffet in the enchanting De Lagrée Dining Hall.
From open-air barbecues to delightful al-fresco breakfasts, picturesque sandbank aperitifs, and indulgent in-suite afternoon teas, every culinary occasion in this luxury cruise Mekong is thoughtfully curated to elevate your journey.
Activities :
- Local dance & music performances
- Sandbank barbecue and cocktail events
- Tai Chi class
- Interesting lectures and presentations by local experts and historians
- Cooking class
- Evening cinema
- Kayaking
- Traditional welcome ceremony
- Board games
- Public Wi-Fi (subject to mobile network availability)
- Small library
Itinerary
Morning arrival at the Thai immigration office where the Heritage Line Anouvong team assists with immigration procedures (please see details in our embarkation guide) on both Thai and Laos sides. Transfer to the ship at Huay Xai pier on the Laos riverside, with luggage taken care of and available in your room. Settle into your room and familiarize yourself with the ship as we begin the journey. Sail southbound from the Thai-Lao border, observing the wide river and the captain’s careful navigation to ensure a safe passage.
Afternoon
The first stop is Khon Teun, a modern Laotian village known for wooden sculptures and home to the Tai Lu ethnic minority. Experience a traditional Laotian greeting with a “Baci ceremony” performed by village elders, and witness the weaving traditions passed down through generations. Optional meditation session available at the nearby temple, where resident monks and novices welcome interaction. Enjoy a lecture by the local guide on Laotian elephants and their cultural significance
Evening
Dinner is served in Anouvong’s elegant De-Lagree Dining Hall. Relax in the bar or join the outdoor cinema screening of the movie “Chang,” filmed in the region in 1927. Spend the first night on a secluded sandbank in the middle of the river, surrounded by tranquility.
Wake up early to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the Mekong River. Join a revitalizing morning exercise session (Tai Chi or Yoga) on the terrace deck, surrounded by the stunning river scenery. After breakfast, we arrive at Pakbeng, a small riverside town that serves as a vital stop for locals traveling between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang. On the opposite side of the town, you’ll find Laos’ most sustainable elephant sanctuary. If we’re lucky, we may witness elephants freely strolling along the shoreline and bathing. Visit the sanctuary to learn more about these majestic animals and their conservation efforts. Enjoy lunch while admiring the picturesque riverside views from the dining room.
Afternoon
Further down the river, we encounter the tiny village of Kok Aek, where the local Lao, Khmu, and Hmong communities have an organic garden, growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Sample the local specialty, kai paen, made with dried freshwater “seaweed” topped with sesame and vegetables. Relax and take in the breathtaking scenery or indulge in some spa time onboard as we continue cruising. We anchor near a secluded village for the night, offering an opportunity to explore the charming community.
Evening Experience a cultural treat as local villagers come aboard to serenade us with traditional music played on the Khene instrument, made of bamboo. End the day with a memorable dining experience on the terrace deck, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.
Engage in a morning lecture after breakfast, gaining fascinating insights into the diverse tribes and cultural traditions along the upper Mekong. Reach a rural and enchanting Khmu village, where bamboo huts on stilts dot the rice fields and manual agricultural practices prevail. Take a leisurely walk through the village’s neighborhood, accompanied by locals who share their daily lives and agricultural methods. Explore a nearby waterfall, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the surroundings while learning more about the locals’ way of life.
Afternoon
Continue the journey downstream, basking in the golden evening sun, and potentially visit another charming riverside village before sunset. Discover a village inhabited by a mix of Lao Loum and Lao Theun communities (lowland and midland Laotians), known for their traditional basket weaving and an unassuming Buddhist temple.
Evening
Anticipate a memorable culinary experience as the culinary team prepares a special farewell BBQ dinner on a picturesque sandbank. Delight in the company of villagers who entertain with traditional dance performances, creating a truly unique ambiance in this remote setting amidst Laos.
Begin the day with a sumptuous breakfast before embarking on a unique activity to explore the lower Mekong from a different perspective. Hop into a kayak and paddle along the peacefully flowing stream, immersing yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of the surroundings. Optional: Paddle to the famous Pak Ou caves, where we make a stop and disembark to meet the local “medicine man” for a jungle trek, learning about the flora and nature of the area. In the village, witness local weaving and discover the art of local whisky distilling. Trek through the “backdoor” to reach the Pak Ou Caves, limestone grottoes housing around 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images. (Kindly note a basic fitness level is required for the approx. 45-minute trek which is relatively easy walking but does involve some uphill terrain; guests may opt to stay on the ship to reach our next stop, the Pak Ou caves). Return to the ship to refresh and enjoy a delicious lunch onboard.
Afternoon
Spend the remaining three hours sailing, during which Mr. Francis Engelmann, an expert on Laos’ cultural heritage, presents his fascinating insights on the country and Luang Prabang. Enjoy a meal onboard before reaching the enchanting town of Luang Prabang in the afternoon (around 15:00). Complete the check-out process with the assistance of the onboard team, bidding farewell and expressing gratitude for cruising with Heritage Line on the upper Mekong in Laos.
