Heritage Line welcomes guests in the morning after the Lao immigration office. Once all passengers have arrived, we transfer by minivan to the ship, moored at Huay Xai Pier, where our team assists with check-in and luggage. With everything set, the captain sets ‘Anouvong’ on course for an unforgettable 7-night voyage along the Upper Mekong.

As we sail, our expert guide presents a fascinating lecture on Laos’ diverse ethnic groups, offering insights into their rich traditions and way of life.

Our first stop is a Tai Lu village, home to 800 residents and a culture that spans China, Laos, Thailand, Burma, and Vietnam. Here, we experience a traditional Baci ceremony, a heartfelt Laotian ritual performed by local elders to bless our journey.

Continuing downstream, we reach our overnight mooring at Huay Ting, where we enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner on a beautiful sandbank, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Mekong.

Start your day with a peaceful morning yoga session on the terrace deck, overlooking the stunning Mekong River.

In the morning, we arrive in Pakbeng, home to Laos' best-managed elephant sanctuary. Here, rescued logging elephants now live in peace, offering a rare opportunity to observe them in a near-natural habitat. If time allows, we’ll also visit a hilltop viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas of the town.

After lunch, unleash your creativity in a bamboo weaving workshop, crafting your own souvenir basket.

As we sail in the afternoon, enjoy the ever-changing riverside scenery before reaching a unique village where Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khamo communities coexist. A guided visit to a family home reveals their distinct cultures, traditions, and daily life. Season permitting, we may also explore their organic gardens.

Back on board, unwind with snacks and a preview of the next day's journey. As evening sets in, enjoy a mesmerizing Kene flute performance, followed by a special screening of Chiang (1927), a cinematic tribute to Laos' majestic elephants.

Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the river and join our morning yoga session.

As we sail towards Luang Prabang, relax on board or attend an insightful presentation on the Golden Triangle’s complex history of colonialism, opium trade, and geopolitical influences.

Our morning stop takes us to Kok Luang, a serene village of the Khum people. Here, we meet locals who sustain their simple way of life through traditional farming, offering a glimpse into their daily routines and rich heritage.

After lunch, we arrive at the Pak Ou Caves, home to around 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues. Following our cave visit, choose between an adventurous kayak ride along the tranquil Nam Ou River or a visit to Ban Muang Keo to observe traditional silk weaving and meet a local medicine man who shares insights into natural healing.

In the early evening, we reach the enchanting town of Luang Prabang. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through its charming streets or unwind in a cozy café, soaking in the town’s peaceful and timeless atmosphere.

Start your day with a tranquil sunrise, accompanied by freshly brewed coffee and tea in the bar lounge. Rejuvenate with a morning yoga session on the terrace deck, set at the foot of one of Laos' most iconic temples.

After breakfast, embark on a guided walking tour through the UNESCO-listed streets of Luang Prabang. Stroll along quiet lanes, admire colonial and Lao architecture, and hear captivating stories of the town’s history. Pause for a Lao Tea Break at ‘Lamache’ house, once the royal family's ice cream supplier, where you’ll enjoy traditional snacks and artisan ice cream.

Return to the ship for lunch and relaxation before an afternoon visit to the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, displaying treasures of the Lao monarchy. Then, take time to explore the city at your own pace, perhaps unwinding in a cozy street café.

In the evening, enjoy an outside dining experience at Le Caloa restaurant, followed by free time to explore the lively Night Market or continue discovering Luang Prabang’s charm before returning to the ship.

INSIGHT: At Wat Xieng Thong, admire the stunning glass mosaic of the Bodhi Tree, a sacred Buddhist symbol of enlightenment and refuge from worldly desires.

Rise before dawn to witness Tak Bat, the sacred morning alms-giving ritual, as hundreds of saffron-robed monks walk through the streets in a centuries-old Buddhist tradition. After this serene experience, we bid farewell to Luang Prabang and continue our journey downstream on the Mekong.

Our first stop takes us to the Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm, a socially responsible initiative producing cheese, ice cream, and yogurt—rare dairy delicacies in Laos until recent years. We then visit the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfalls, where turquoise cascades and natural pools invite you for a refreshing swim or a leisurely nature walk.

Back on board, our cruise continues toward the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Dam. Before arriving, enjoy a fascinating lecture on Laos’ energy sector and its ambition to become the “battery of Southeast Asia.”

In the evening, we anchor near the dam, enjoy a delightful dinner, and unwind with a classic movie screening in the lounge.

In the morning, witness the impressive Xayaburi Hydroelectric Dam, standing 32.6 meters (107 feet) tall, as our ship navigates its massive water gate.

During the morning sail, choose between two enriching onboard activities: a lecture on Lao royalty, focusing on King Anouvong, or a Lao-Thai cooking class, where you’ll learn a new dish to recreate at home—because food always brings back memories.

As the river narrows and the rocky shorelines appear, we reach Don Saynhan in the afternoon. From here, we take a Tuk Tuk ride through lush jungle landscapes to explore Khao Cave, home to a vast bat population and stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

We moor here overnight. Before dinner, join us at the bar for snacks and a preview of the next day’s journey. End the evening on the deck under the stars or unwind with a reflexology session for a restful sleep.

On our final full day, the journey takes us to the charming village of Pha Liep, framed by majestic limestone mountains, creating a breathtaking, picture-perfect backdrop.

The ethnic Lao Loum community here primarily relies on agriculture, but today, we explore two fascinating local industries. First, we visit a traditional longtail boat workshop, where skilled craftsmen manually construct these iconic water vehicles, still essential for transportation in Laos. Then, we step into a local whiskey distillery, where the famous Lao whiskey is produced - a staple in every Laotian household. Be sure to pick up a bottle and try the classic “Laotian whiskey cola”, a Southeast Asian twist on the famous Cuba Libre.

As the afternoon unfolds, we set sail again, drifting along the Mekong’s gentle currents to a truly special mooring location for our final night. Here, on a remote sandbar, we celebrate our journey with a cocktail reception, reminiscing about the unforgettable experiences along the river. The night culminates with a romantic barbecue dinner under the Laotian sky, a perfect farewell to this extraordinary adventure.

Savor your last sunrise aboard with a peaceful morning yoga session on the deck, embracing the tranquility of the Mekong one final time. For this special morning, breakfast is served on the terrace deck (weather permitting), allowing you to soak in the breathtaking scenery during our final sailing hours toward Pak Lay.

As we approach our disembarkation point, we kindly ask you to prepare your luggage and be ready for check-out by 9:00 a.m.. Our team will assist with a smooth transition as we transfer you by minivan to Vientiane, arriving in the city around 12:30 p.m.

We hope this journey along the Mekong has left you with unforgettable memories, and we wish you safe travels ahead!