9 nights with the Anouvong cruise. beautiful Mekong
Aiden - Canada
Heritage Line Anouvong 3 Nights (Upstream)
Destination: Luang Prabang, Pak Ou, Khok Phou, Khok Luang, Khok Ek, Pakbeng, Huay Xai
Departure date of itinerary: Contact us for details
Highlights of Itinerary
- Explore the ancient streets in Luang Prabang and talk with expert about its hitsory
- Enjoy cinema nights and traditional dance performances on Anouvong Cruise
- Admire stunning landscapes from sundeck and visit the well-known Kuang Si Falls
- Trek through lush jungles to reach Pak Ou Caves
- Visit a modern buffalo dairy farm, almsgiving, weaving and other traditions
Heritage Line Anouvong 3 Nights (Upstream)
In the morning, Laos River Cruises extended a warm welcome to guests at the mooring of the ‘Anouvong’ Heritage Line in downtown Luang Prabang. Our dedicated staff will assist you with check-in and look after your luggage. Once ready, the captain of the ‘Anouvong’ will depart on a captivating 3-night cruise along the Upper Mekong.
Heading to our first destination, the famous Pak Ou Caves, our expert guide will present a fascinating lecture on the intricate tapestry of Laos' diverse ethnic groups along the Mekong River Kong.
Come to Pak Ou Cave, nestled along the rocky banks of the Mekong River, there are two caves containing about 4,000 sacred statues and Buddha statues. We delved into the lower cave, the most impressive and most accessible.
After the cave tour, Laos River Cruises offers two options to enhance your tour: an adventurous kayaking tour along the peaceful Nam Ou River or a tour of Ban Muang Keo village nearby, famous for traditional silk weaving and whiskey distillation of Laos.
As the afternoon wore on, we arrived at our anchorage for the night and explored the 200-year-old village of Ban Khok Phou. This place is mainly inhabited by ethnic Lao people. The highlight is the traditional Baci ceremony, a heartfelt Lao ceremony led by local elders, blessing your journey. If time allows, we can go to a small temple and pray for quiet moments of meditation with local monks and novice monks.
The evening begins with a welcome cocktail on the sand, followed by a BBQ dinner amid incredible natural surroundings. Welcome to a memorable exploration of Lao culture along the Mekong River.
Tourists will have 2 flexible schedules depending on the time you travel
Khok Phou - Had Sako - Khok Ek (July-October)
Join our daily yoga class on the rooftop terrace, surrounded by stunning Mekong river views
The boat departs early, allowing you to enjoy breakfast while observing nature's morning life along the riverbank. A mid-morning stop takes us to the enchanting village of Had Sako. This place thrives with the Hmong ethnic community, famous for its unique corn growing profession. The highlight awaits at a local house, where residents in traditional costumes will introduce the fascinating traditional musical instrument called “Kene” and treat us to the hypnotic melodies of this flute accompanied by a unique dance.
Sailing mid-afternoon, another breathtaking sight on the river awaits as we reach another remarkable village. Here, three distinct ethnic groups - Hmong, Lao Loum and Khamo - coexist almost literally under one roof. Each group has its own history, traditions, lifestyle and housing style. If time permits and the season permits, visitors can be briefly introduced to the organic gardens where villagers tend their crops.
Back on board, as afternoon turns to evening, gather at the bar to enjoy snacks while previewing the day's program ahead. Prepare for an enriching pre-dinner experience as a traditional dance performance takes place on the terrace or sandbank in front of our boat.
After dinner, join us in the lounge to enjoy a cozy cinema setting with 'Chiang' (Lao for “elephant”).
Khok Phou - Khok Luang (November - April)
Join our daily yoga class on the rooftop terrace, surrounded by stunning Mekong river views.
The boat departs early, allowing you to enjoy breakfast while observing nature's morning life along the riverbank. A mid-morning stop takes us to the enchanting village of Khok Luang, home to the Khum people. Visitors will observe their lifestyles and engage in insightful conversations to better understand their unique experiences.
We returned to the ship for lunch. For the rest of the day, you can enjoy a wonderful stay on board. The ship remains moored to the shore with excellent views of the river.
In the afternoon, there is some entertainment on board. Join our Lao cooking class and learn how to make exceptional dishes that can be easily made at home. Relax on deck or in your cabin. Choose a spa or relax in our bar-lounge with a good book or chat with fellow passengers.
In the evening, we invite you to have dinner on the terrace (if conditions allow). After dinner, join us in the lounge to enjoy a cozy cinema setting with "Chiang" (Lao for “elephant”).
Tourists will have 2 flexible schedules depending on the time you travel
Khok Ek - Pakbeng - Huay Ting (July-October)
Wake up to the sun for an invigorating yoga class.
As 'Anouvong' moves upstream, get creative in the bamboo weaving workshop, where you'll make your own bamboo basket-a cherished memento of this traditional art.
After lunch, the next stop on our journey is Pakbeng. Along the riverbank opposite town and nestled in the jungle lies Laos's most sustainable elephant sanctuary. Here, in an almost pristine natural setting, we are privileged to meet these majestic creatures.
If time permits, we'll take you to the top of the hill in Pakbeng town (by vehicle), offering breathtaking panoramic views - perfect for capturing lasting memories. There is a small Buddhist temple left on the hilltop of the former Lan Na Kingdom.
As afternoon fell, our journey continued. Once again, we moored to a splendid sandbar, creating a picturesque setting for a leisurely aperitif, ideally accompanied by a stunning sunset. A farewell dinner was then served on the terrace, marking the end of this remarkable journey.
Khok Luang - Khok Ek - Pakbeng (November - April)
This morning, after having breakfast on the 'Anouvong' boat, we had to temporarily leave the 'Anouvong' boat to switch to a traditional long-tail boat and continue the journey upstream. Because the water level and rapids above the river did not allow our boat to pass.
Enjoy the passing scenery and reach Khok Ek village. Here, three distinct ethnic groups - Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khamo - coexist almost literally under one roof. Each group has its own history, traditions, lifestyle and housing style.
Our chef will serve lunch on the longtail boat while we cruise around Pakbeng. Along the riverbank opposite town and nestled in the jungle lies Laos's most sustainable elephant sanctuary. Here, in an almost pristine natural setting, we are privileged to meet these majestic creatures.
If time permits, we'll take you to a hilltop vantage point in Pakbeng town (by vehicle), offering breathtaking panoramic views - perfect for capturing lasting memories.
After the tour, you'll check in to Le Grand Hotel & Resort with great views of the town and river below. Dinner is served at the hotel's restaurant.
Tourists will have 2 flexible schedules depending on the time you travel
Huay Ting - Huay Xai (July-October)
After an exhilarating 3-night cruise, today invites you to a more leisurely pace, allowing you to savor the memories created during our journey.
Feel free to extend your morning sleep time if you wish. Breakfast was deliberately simplified, with fewer options or a la carte options, as we prepared for the culinary-rich brunch that followed - a prelude to saying goodbye.
We then sail into the heart of the Golden Triangle, the morning is yours to relax or take part in our fascinating presentation that unravels the complex history of the Golden Triangle.
Just before the appetite awakens, visitors will participate in a Lao cuisine cooking class, preparing for a late brunch with a buffet of main dishes and attractive desserts to stimulate their taste buds. Friend.
When we docked at Huay Xai wharf mid-afternoon, we said goodbye in front of the Lao immigration office. We extend our best wishes for an exciting journey ahead.
Pakbeng - Huay Ting (November - April)
This morning wake up to the sunshine and get ready for your final day on the river. We had to leave quite early to be able to manage the distance to Huay Xai.
Breakfast is served on the longtail boat while you can enjoy the morning breeze and wonderful riverside scenery passing by. During the middle of the day, lunch is served and fruit and drinks are provided at intervals.
When we docked at Huay Xai wharf mid-afternoon, we said goodbye in front of the Lao immigration office. We extend our best wishes for an exciting journey ahead.
What's included
All group excursions, entrance fees & activities as mentioned in the itinerary
Breakfast, lunch, dinner as mentioned in the itinerary
Coffee, tea and water at all times
Fruit juices are included in addition during breakfast
Breakfast on private balcony (on request)
Daily turn down gift
Tour guides (English speaking)
Transfers from meeting points to ship and vice versa
Passenger liability insurance
Internet on the ship (subject to cellular network signal)
Port and anchorage fee
Crew and guide gratuities
Visa fees
Private transfers
Personal expenses
Other beverage not included
Fuel surcharges
Medical services
Spa treatments
All other services or items not listed under inclusions
