Laos Upper Mekong Cruise

This morning at 8.00 am, meet at the Lao immigration Office, and after completing immigration formalities and meeting your fellow passengers, embark on a minivan journey to Huay Xai Pier, where the Anouvong vessel
awaits. Our dedicated team facilitates your check-in and ensures the smooth handling of your luggage.
Once preparations are complete, the captain charts the course for ‘Anouvong’ enthralling 3-night voyage along the Upper Mekong. As ‘Anouvong’ progresses towards its initial destination of the day, our
expert Guide provides a lecture on the rich tapestry of Laos’ diverse ethnic groups residing along the
Mekong River. In the upcoming days, you’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures and traditions of these
fascinating communities. Arriving at the confluence of the Mekong and a significant tributary, this time
provides uninterrupted views of natural beauty of the river. Our next stop is a relatively modern village,
home to 800 residents of the Tai Lu ethnic group spanning China, Laos, Thailand, Burma, and Vietnam.
Strolling through the village, we gather for a Baci ceremony – a heartfelt Laotian ritual led by local
elders (and possibly monks), bestowing blessings upon your journey. Continuing our downstream journey,
we reach our overnight mooring spot at Huay Ting. For the first time, we dock on a sandbank, where a
welcome cocktail precedes. A delightful dinner against the backdrop of the natural beauty and after, enjoy
the evening at leisure.

If you are an early riser, an open invitation awaits at our daily morning yoga class on the terrace deck,
as the sun rises, where the Mekong scenery becomes a serene backdrop. Our journey unfolds, as we arrive
in the charming town of Pakbeng in the morning, and along the riverside opposite the town and nestled
in the jungle, lies Laos’ most sustainable elephant sanctuary. Here, in a 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, as their ability to survive in the wild has
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 a wonderful experience. If time allows, we’ll take you to a hilltop vantage point in Pakbeng town (by vehicle), offering breathtaking panoramic views, perfect for capturing enduring memories. There is a remaining small Buddhist temple on the hilltop of the former Lan Na Kingdom. Many of the temples
had been destroyed during wars with the Thai Kingdom 300 years ago. Following lunch, we invite you to express your creativity in a bamboo weaving workshop, learn this traditional craft and craft your bamboo
basket as a delightful keepsake. Sailing into the afternoon, another breathtaking riverine spectacle awaits
as we arrive at Ban Kok Ek. Here, three distinct ethnic groups—Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khamo—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. If time allows and the
season permits, we may offer a glimpse of the organic gardens where villagers nurture their crops (and we can
try one or other local produce). As the afternoon transitions into the evening, join us at the bar for snacks and
a preview of the next day’s program. Before dinner, villagers grace us with a performance on the terrace deck,
featuring the traditional “Kene” instrument and/or a unique dance. After dinner, feel free to join us in the
lounge for a cosy 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 our next
day’s adventure.

Embrace the early morning as the river bathes in the sun’s initial rays, offering an open invitation to join our
daily yoga class. After breakfast, our morning sojourn leads us to a picturesque village inhabited by the Khum
people. Simplicity describes this location, with bamboo huts elevated on stilts amidst vast rice fields.
In this authentic setting, we 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,
observe their way of life, and engage in insightful conversations to garner an understanding of their unique
experiences. Returning to the ship for lunch, we resume our meandering journey down the river, eventually
docking at our overnight mooring spot. Here, we explore the captivating 200-year-old village of Ban Khok
Phou, perched just above an expansive white sandbank. Inhabited predominantly by the ethnic Lao, this 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 refreshment, the evening unfolds with a cocktail on the
sandbank, followed by a farewell dinner meticulously arranged in this perfect setting. Revel in the ambience
of your last evening on the Laotian Mekong River, as the hues of the blue hour gracefully give way to the
tranquillity of the night.

Concluding our 3-night cruise, we approach the illustrious Pak Ou Caves, a prelude to our arrival in
Luang Prabang. Today’s breakfast, thoughtfully curated with a streamlined à la carte selection, Paves
the way for a diverse culinary brunch before our guests disembark. Arriving at the Pak Ou Caves, nestled
along the rocky shore of the Mekong, two grottoes shelter approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues
and images. We delve into the lower cave, the most impressive and easily accessible. Post-cave visit, we
offer two optional choices to enhance your excursion: an adventurous kayak tour along the serene
Nam Ou River or a visit to the nearby village of Ban Muang Keo, known for traditional silk weaving Lao
whisky distillation. We also meet in this village 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, 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.
During this final sailing stretch, we offer a captivating presentation unravelling the intricate history of
the Golden Triangle, exploring the 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.
Our anticipated arrival time in Luang Prabang is around 3.00 pm, and upon check-out, we extend our
assistance with luggage and any additional requirements, bidding you farewell at the pier in the town centre,
and wishing you a pleasant onward journey.