The Golden Triangle Traverse by Heritage Line Anouvong Cruise

Huay Xai – Khon Teun – Huay Ting (Programme for JUL–OCT)

Heritage Line welcomes guests in the morning after the Lao immigration office. Once all passengers have arrived, travel by minivan to the ship, moored at Huay Xai Per. The team will assist with check-ins and the handling of luggage. Once ready, the captain brings ‘Anouvong’ on course to begin its captivating 3-Night voyage along the Upper Mekong. While ‘Avouvong’ makes its way to its first stop, their expert guide holds an interesting lecture about the intricate tapestry of Laos' diverse ethnic groups living along the Mekong River. Over the next few days, get to know all these fascinating varieties of different cultural lifestyles, characteristics, and traditions in real life. Reaching the confluence of the Mekong and a significant tributary, feel the river's gentle currents  while cruising downstream, granting the gift of uninterrupted natural beauty. 

The upcoming destination is a fairly modern village compared to the ones we are about to experience later, inhabited by 800 residents belonging to the Tai Lu ethnic group. This ethnic group spans across China, Laos, Thailand, Burma, and Vietnam. Walk through the village and gather together for a Baci ceremony. This is a heartfelt Laotian ritual conducted by local elders (and maybe monks), to grace the journey with blessings. The vessel continues its journey downstream, reaching the overnight spot at Huay Ting. For the first time, the cruise will moor in one of these wonderful sandbanks, which sets the stage for a welcome cocktail followed by a welcome dinner with a background of astounding natural beauty. Welcome to the memorable Laotian Mekong. 
Overnight on board Anouvong Cruise   

Huay Xai – Kang Hang Yai (Programme for NOV-APR)

In the morning, Heritage Line welcomes guests at the Lao immigration office. After gathering all passengers, embark on a short minivan ride to the pier, and board a longtail boat for our transfer in cruise to the ship Heritage Line ‘Anouvong’ (transfer time approx. 08 hours).

During the longtail boat day enjoy lunch and snacks onboard. Almost all of the crew will also be on the longtail boat to make this journey downstream as pleasant as possible.  Opt for a neck & shoulder or foot massage, by asking the team.  A designated tour guide is going to share some information and insights about the destination while cruising along as well as give insights to the Lao culture. Enjoy the ride and observe the fascinating scenery and activities going on at the shores.

We arrive to Heritage Line Anouvong ship around 5pm. Check-in to designated cabins, Time to refresh in the comfort of the stateroom before getting invited to the ship’s and safety briefing. Enjoy a multi-course dinner in the restaurant. Option to join the nightly cinema in the lounge showing which is available every evening.  Overnight on board Anouvong Cruise   

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

i. Huay Ting Pakbeng – Khok Ek  (Programme for JUL-OCT)

For those who rise with the sun, join the daily morning yoga class on the terrace deck, where the stunning Mekong scenery serves as a backdrop.

The voyage brings us in the morning to the charming town of Pakbeng. Nestled on the starboard side lies Laos' best-managed elephant sanctuary. Visit these magnificent creatures in an almost complete natural habitat. All the elephants residing here were born once in Laos and toiled mostly as logging elephants. Since finding refuge in this sanctuary, they've been embraced by peace and security, living in very natural territory. Why not release them into the freedom of Mother Nature? The answer lies in their past as working animals: they've lost to some extent the ability to thrive in the wild, where few of their kind remain. The sanctuary stands as a beacon of ecotourism and sustainability, embodying a profound commitment to these principles. It is a one-of-a-kind encounter to see these gentle creatures appear out of nowhere in the rainforest and learn so many interesting things about them. If time permits, visit the hilltop vantage point located at Pakbeng town (by vehicle) that offers breathtaking panoramic views, perfect for capturing lasting memories through the lens of your camera.

After lunch, enjoy a Bamboo weaving workshop. Learn this widespread traditional craft and take home a little bamboo basket as a wonderful memory.

The sailing time into the afternoon offers a breathtaking riverine cinema. Arrive at a village that has a very interesting character to it. In this place, three distinct ethnic groups - Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khamo – live together almost under “one roof”. Each possesses its unique history, traditions, ways of life, family dynamics, and housing styles. Venture into the village to a family home where representatives from each of these ethnic groups are going to show and explain their differences and characteristics in day-to-day life. The theory discussed the day before, suddenly comes alive. If time permits, and the season allows, get a glimpse to the organic gardens where villagers nurture their crops (and we can try one or other local produce).

Back on the ship, when the afternoon gives way to the evening, gather at the bar to indulge in snacks while receiving a preview of the upcoming day's program. Before dinner time, some villagers joins to witness on the terrace deck a performance of the traditional instrument named "Kene, and then let us listen to the hypnotic melodies of this flute along with very unique movements.
After dinner, feel free to come to the lounge for a cosy cinema 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 the next day’s adventure.
Overnight on board Anouvong Cruise

ii.     Kang Hang Yai – Khok Luang – Khok Phou – (Programme for NOV-APR)

Embrace the early morning as the river bathes in the sun's initial rays, offering an open invitation to partake in the daily yoga class while sailing downstream to the first stop.
After breakfast, the morning sojourn leads to the picturesque 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, 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.

Heading back to the ship,  continue  sailing while lunch is served.
The next stop is the charming, small village of Khok Phou. It lies a short walk above an impressive sandbank and is a captivating 200-year-old village. Inhabited predominantly by the ethnic Lao, it is a very nice hamlet with a nice square to observe the afternoon life unfolding. The highlight is the traditional Baci ceremony, a heartfelt Laotian ritual led by local elders, bestowing blessings upon the journey. If time permits, ascend to a small temple and meet the local monk and novices, providing an opportunity for serene moments of meditation.

Remaining moored at this nice spot, join at the lounge for a sunset cocktail and mingle with fellow passengers before heading to dinner. After dinner, feel free to join again in the lounge for a cozy screening of "Chiang" (Laotian for "elephant"). This cinematic gem, filmed in this very region in 1927 and produced by the visionary behind the first King Kong movie, sets the mood for the next day’s adventure. Overnight on board Annouvong Cruise

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

i. Khok Ek – Khok Luang – Khok Phou  (Programme for JUL – OCT) 

Embrace the early morning as the river bathes in the sun's initial rays, offering an open invitation to partake in the daily yoga class.
After breakfast, the morning sojourn leads to a picturesque village inhabited by the Khum people. Simplicity defines this locale, with bamboo huts elevated on stilts amidst vast rice fields. In this serene setting, 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.

Returning to the ship for lunch, resume the meandering journey down the river, eventually docking at the overnight mooring spot. Here, explore the captivating 200-year-old village of Ban Khok Phou, perched just above a splendid expansive white sandbank. Inhabited predominantly by the ethnic Lao, it is a very nice hamlet with a nice square to observe the afternoon life unfolding. If time permits, ascend to a small temple, where you can meet the local monk and novices, providing an opportunity for serene moments of meditation.

Upon returning to the ship for a refresh, the evening unfolds with a cocktail on the sandbank, followed by a farewell dinner meticulously arranged in this perfect setting. Revel in the ambiance of the last evening on the Laotian Mekong River, as the hues of the blue hour gracefully give way to the tranquility of the night. Overnight onboard Anouvong Cruise 

ii.     Khok Phou – Pak Ou – Ban Meung Kay  (Programme for NOV - APR) 

Wake up early to engage in yoga exercises before moving to breakfast. The journey takes us to one of the most spectacular caves in Asia.

Nestled along the rocky shore of the Mekong, there are two grottoes sheltering approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images. By tender boat, we reach the entrance of the cave at the bottom and ascend some stairs to the lower cave, the most impressive and easily accessible. 
Post-cave visit, Heritage Line offers two optional choices to choose from: 
1. Join in for an adventurous kayak tour along the serene Nam Ou River (or)
2. Visit the nearby village of Ban Muang Keo, known for traditional silk weaving and Lao whisky distillation. In this village, we also meet a local “medicine man” (if time and availability permit) who explains the traditional ways of treatments using mother nature as a natural pharmacy.

Back on board, lunch is served as the boat sails further downstream, passing Luang Prabang. During the afternoon sailing, a presentation unravels the intricate history of the Golden Triangle, exploring its complexities of colonialism, opium, conflicts, and the roles played by Burma, Thailand, Laos, Britain, China. The Golden Triangle, where Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos meet, extends far into each country. The name "Golden Triangle" was originally coined by the CIA referring to this area.

Mooring overnight at a sandbank, we invite you to a farewell dinner on-shore. Enjoy the last night with fellow passengers and crew who are eager to entertain with a local dance performance. Overnight onboard Anouvong Cruise 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

i. Khok Phou – Luang Prabang  (Programme for JUL-OCT)
Concluding the exhilarating 3-night cruise, the illustrious Pak Ou Caves come into view, serving as a prelude to the arrival in Luang Prabang. The day's Brunch, thoughtfully curated with a streamlined à la carte selection, paves the way for a diverse culinary brunch before disembarkation. 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. Delve into the lower cave, the most impressive and easily accessible. Post-cave visit, Heritage Line offers two optional choices: 1. An adventurous kayak tour along the serene Nam Ou River (or)
2 Visit to the nearby village of Ban Muang Keo, known for traditional silk weaving and Lao whisky distillation. Also available in this village is a meeting with a local “medicine man” (if time and availability permit) who explains the traditional ways of treatments using mother nature as a natural pharmacy.

Back on board, just before appetites awaken, delve into the lifestyle aspect of the 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 taste buds. Relax and relish the concluding tranquil hours of the voyage, with brunch served until approximately an hour before arrival, available in the restaurant, lounge, or on the terrace deck. During this final sailing stretch, a captivating presentation unravels the intricate history of the Golden Triangle, exploring its complexities of colonialism, opium, conflicts, and the roles played by Burma, Thailand, Laos, Britain, China. The Golden Triangle, where Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos meet, extends far into each country. The name "Golden Triangle" was originally coined by the CIA referring to this area.

The anticipated arrival in Luang Prabang is around 15:00. Upon check-out, assistance is extended with luggage and any additional requirements, bidding guests farewell at the pier in the town centre, wishing them a pleasant onward journey. 

ii.     Ban Meung Kay – Luang Prabang  (Programme for NOV-APR)

On the last day of the journey, two more highlights are offered. After an enjoyable breakfast, visitors set out by minivan to visit a local elephant site. There, one has the chance to meet very closely one of the finest local creatures in Laos. Laotian mahouts take care of former logging elephants that have found a new home and receive a lot of TLC there. A morning walk with the elephants along the riverbank and small path winding the bordering rainforest is arranged. The elephants love to bathe in the river, and the mahouts explain more about this unique Laotian creature.

The morning trip continues with travel by minivans to the next highlight in Laos, the nearby cascading Kuang Si waterfalls. Famed for its beauty and with its rushing turquoise waters, it is an amazing natural park allowing for a leisurely walk to marvel at Mother Nature's creativity. One can also refresh oneself with a swim in the shallow pools of water at the waterfall’s base.

Afterwards, a return to the ship is arranged, and lunch is served onboard while Anouvong makes its way to Luang Prabang, the final destination of this cruise. The ship arrives at Luang Prabang around 15:00 o’clock. Upon check-out, assistance is provided with luggage, and a farewell is bid at the pier in the town centre. A pleasant onward journey is wished to all

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast