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Sailing

3 Nights Luang Prabang – Huay Xai (4 Days)

Cruise Line
Heritage Line
Ship
Heritage Line Anouvong
24 Dec 2027 - 27 Dec 2027
Virtuoso Benefits
For availability and pricing:

Itinerary

Day 1 24 Dec 2027
Luang Prabang, Laos
Pak Ou Caves, Laos, Laos
Ban Khok Phou, Laos, Laos

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. the 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 and Lao whisky distillation. We also have the opportunity to visit a local alcohol workshop in this village (depending on time and availability). 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. Dining: Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2 25 Dec 2027
Ban Khok Phou, Laos, Laos
Khok Luang, Laos, Laos
Khok Ek, Laos, Laos

For early risers, a 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 morning sojourn leads us to a picturesque village inhabited by Khmu people. Simplicity defines this locale, with bamboo huts elevated on stilts amidst vast rice fields. In this serene setting, we 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. Sailing into mid-afternoon, another breath-taking riverine spectacle awaits as we arrive at another remarkable village. Here, three distinct ethnic groups—Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khmu—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. Back onboard, as the afternoon transitions to evening, gather at the bar to enjoy snacks while receiving a preview of the upcoming day's program. Prepare for an enriching experience before dinner as a traditional dance performance takes place on the terrace deck or the sandbank in front of our ship. After dinner, feel free to visit the lounge for a cozy 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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3 26 Dec 2027
Khok Ek, Laos, Laos
Pak Beng , Laos
Huay Ting, Laos, Laos

Rise with the sun for the option of an invigorating yoga class. As the 'Anouvong' gracefully navigates upstream, indulge your creative side in a bamboo weaving workshop, where you'll craft your own bamboo basket—a cherished memento of this traditional art. Post-lunch, the next stop of our journey is 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. As the afternoon unfolds, our journey continues, culminating in our final overnight mooring spot. Once again, we anchor 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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4 27 Dec 2027
Huay Ting, Laos, Laos
Ban Houayxay, Laos, Thailand

After an exhilarating 3-night cruise, today invites a more leisurely pace, allowing you to savor the memories created during our journey. With a substantial distance to cover before reaching Huay Xai, our 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 we prepare for a diverse culinary brunch later — a prelude to bidding farewell. As we sail into the heart of the Golden Triangle, the morning is yours to relax or engage in our 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, and 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. We are passing the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Tha River, a major tributary known as the "Green River". Our captain expertly navigates through rocks, rapids, and sandbanks, offering a fascinating observation from the terrace deck. Just before appetites awaken, we delve into the lifestyle aspect of our 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 our voyage, with brunch served until approximately an hour before arrival, available in the restaurant, lounge, or on the terrace deck. 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. Please note that we can arrange transfers to Chiang Rai city or airport or to a resort/hotel in Chiang Saen if you extend your stay in the Golden Triangle on the Thai side. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Cruise Benefits

Virtuoso Voyages offer exclusive benefits and experiences you can only get by booking with a Virtuoso Advisor.

Virtuoso Benefits on Your Sailing

Guests may also be entitled to the following complimentary benefits.

Please consult your Virtuoso travel advisor for restrictions that may apply.

Heritage Line Ex Shipboard Credit Per Stateroom

HERITAGE LINE: Virtuoso Guests booked on cruises 2 nights and below will enjoy $25 USD shipboard credit per cabin/stateroom (excluding purchases in onboard boutique shops) along with the following additional benefits:

◉ Free upgrade to higher cabin type if available at the time of boarding.

◉ VIP welcome amenities:

‣ Fruit basket

‣ Sweet surprise/treat

‣ Flower bouquet

In addition to the aforementioned benefits, Virtuoso Guests booked on cruises 3 nights and above will also enjoy a complimentary massage treatment for (2) two guests per cabin/stateroom:

‣ 45 minutes of reflexology or head & shoulder massage per person

***Eligible booking period: March 16, 2025 — March 16, 2026. Other restrictions may apply; for more details, please check the Supplier Terms & Conditions and Booking Instructions section located in the Advisor Info tab.

Product Terms & Conditions

Terms and conditions vary; details will be provided upon request/booking.



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