LAOTIAN JEWEL (NORTHBOUND)
DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG – BAN KHOK KHAM
After boarding our luxury river ship Anouvong this morning, we will meet Mr Francis Engelmann, who previously worked for UNESCO on heritage preservation projects. Born in Paris in 1947, he has lived in Laos for over 20 years. In his fantastic presentation, he shares some of his expertise on the country’s rich cultural heritage and fascinating history.
After arriving at the confluence of the Mekong and one of its larger tributaries, we offer our
adventurous guests an optional kayak tour on the Nam Ou River. Hop in a kayak and feel the river’s waters carrying you downstream with almost no effort while enjoying the natural beauty.
We then explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, located on the Mekong’s rocky shore and opposite the mouth of the Ou River. There are two limestone grottoes that house approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images ranging from mere centimetres up to 2m in height. We arrive first at the lower, impressive cave and then head up the stairs (approx 200 steps) to the smaller chamber.
Next, we meet a local medicine man at the cave of a nearby local village. We take a small trek
leading into the jungle while our local expert explains various fascinating things about the flora and nature in this area. Arriving in the village, we see traditional weaving and the art of local whisky distilling. A basic fitness level is required for the 45 min trek with relatively easy downhill walking and some short uphill sections. Guests not wanting to do the walk can return to the ship moored in front of the Pak Ou caves.
Our journey takes us further up the river into the golden evening sun in the late afternoon. We will have an opportunity to wander through another local village if we arrive still in daylight. A mixture of Lao Loum and Lao Theun (lowland and midland Laotians) live in this idyllic riverside settlement. The town has a Buddhist temple though many of these tribes and ethnicities in the Golden Triangle are not religious and follow beliefs in ancestorship and nature.
Meanwhile, our culinary team will prepare an impressive dinner – a BBQ on a peaceful sandbank nearby. Tonite, some local villagers will join us and entertain us with a traditional dance and music performance. Soak in this truly unique dining experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: BAN KHOK KHAM – BAN KOK AEK
Our local expert hosts a lecture with exciting insights and facts about the local Laotian cultures living along the Upper Mekong during our morning cruising.
We arrive at a very rural and charming village inhabited by the Khmu people. The village has a
small primary school for the few children that reside here with their families. We take a leisurely walk into the surrounding neighbourhood of the village. In the simple bamboo huts built on stilts and scattered across rice fields, the local people still perform all work manually, processing agricultural products. Once back on board, the ship continues its slow meandering upriver.
This afternoon we arrive at a secluded sandbank. The local ethnic Lao, Khmu and Hmong live in a tiny village named Kok Aek. These residents have committed themselves to the organic growth of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. They have set up a small parcel of land at the riverside as an organic garden, caringly maintained and enclosed by bamboo fences.
hese plots are unusable at certain times of the year due to flooding. However, the nutrientrich
Mekong irrigation ensures bountiful annual harvests. As we get to know the villagers who
proudly display their gardening achievements, we sample a local specialty, kai paen. Made of
dried freshwater seaweed and topped with sesame and vegetables, it is wholesome, unique, and delicious! The village also has a little temple where we can arrange an optional meditation session.
After taking in a bit of Zen, dinner is served in Anouvong’s elegant De-Lagree Dining Hall. Afterwards, you might like to relax in the lounge or join the cinema-under-the-stars on the open terrace deck. The movie “Chang” (Laotian for elephant) was shot in this region in 1927 and was made by the same producer as the first King Kong movie. Enjoy your night’s sleep moored mid-river.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: KOK AEK – PAK NGUI
Wake up early to catch the sun’s first rays on the river, which is always a magical moment.
Earlybirds can join the morning exercise on the terrace deck (Tai Chi or Yoga).
After breakfast and on our way to Pakbeng, our local expert guide hosts a lecture about Laotian elephants. You will learn about their cultural importance and current situation, which places them on the brink of extinction. It is an informative session and a good preparation for meeting these fascinating animals this afternoon.
In the early afternoon, we arrive in the small town of Pakbeng. This riverside settlement is halfway between our embarkation at Huay Xai and Luang Prabang. Many locals also stop here when they travel or transport goods between these two hubs on the river.
Opposite the town is the country’s most sustainably managed elephant sanctuary. If we arrive early enough, we might still see elephants freely walking along the shoreline and taking a bath. All the elephants at the conservation sanctuary used to work as logging elephants but now live in peace and safety. After their time as working animals, they cannot live and survive in the wild. The sanctuary is fully committed to the tenets of ecotourism and sustainability.
After we visit the sanctuary, we cross the river and look at the town of Pakbeng. We get fantastic river views of the zig-zagging Mekong River at a lovely hill-top temple.
Back on board, we will be cruising for a few hours. Lay back and take in the fantastic scenery or enjoy your downtime in the spa.
Tonight we drop anchor at a protected area mid-river. Kick back with an aperitif on the open deck and prepare for your last dinner on board. The culinary team is pleased to spoil you with a gala and farewell dinner in alfresco style on the terrace deck.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: PAK NGUI – HUAY XAI
Enjoy your last sunrise Yoga or Thai Chi on board, and then enjoy a relaxed brunch as we cruise towards the Thai-Lao border.
Before lunch, the ship passes the junction with the Nam Tha River, one of the Mekong’s major
tributaries. The Nam Tha, which translates to ‘Green River’, begins near the Chinese border, 325 km to the northeast, and ends at this crossing with the Mekong.
Kick back and enjoy these last quiet sailing hours as the river scenery slowly opens up. The river is now broader, and our captain has to watch for rocks and stones or sandbanks while navigating, making the sailing interesting to observe from the open deck.
After a few hours, you will notice that the landscape has become mountainous, and the river has narrowed. Join a Lao cooking class onboard and learn how to prepare some of the tasty and easy-tomake snacks and local dishes. The rest of the cruising time is at leisure until we reach Huay Xai (approximately 15:00). Check-out is on arrival. The crew will assist with luggage and transfer us to the Lao-Thao border. The team will also help with the border crossing before bidding us farewell on the Thai side in front of the immigration building. From here, we will transfer to Chiang Rai.
Meals: Breakfast
LAOTIAN JEWEL (SOUTHBOUND)
DAY 1: HUAY XAI – PAK NGUI
After travelling from Chiang Rai, Thailand, to the Thai-Laos border, our ship’s crew will meet us and assist with immigration procedures on both the Thai and Laos sides of the border.
After the formalities are finalised, we will continue to Huay Xai pier, where we will board our luxury river ship, Anouvong. After check-in, we have time to relax and get acquainted with our ship as we start our journey.
As we enjoy our first hours onboard on our southbound cruise, you may notice that the Mekong River in this area is quite broad. Our captain has to watch for rocks and stones or sandbanks while navigating, making the sailing interesting to observe from the open deck.
After a few hours, you will notice that the landscape has become mountainous, and the river has narrowed. Our first stop in the afternoon is Khon Teun, a relatively modern Laotian village showcasing various wooden sculptures and home to roughly 800 residents belonging to the Tai Lu ethnic minority. The village elders welcome us with a time-honoured “Baci ceremony”, a traditional Laotian greeting wishing us a safe journey.
Here, the villagers practice long-held traditions, including weaving handmade garments with
distinguishing patterns. Making their living from it, the families here have passed their weaving knowledge from generation to generation. The village also has a lovely temple nearby in which we can arrange an optional meditation session. Resident monks and novices (boys who typically pledge to adopt a monk’s lifestyle for at least a few months but often much longer) are eager to interact and socialise with visitors.
After taking in a bit of ‘Zen’, the ship cruises to our overnight mooring spot. Our local expert guide hosts a lecture about Laotian elephants. You will learn about their cultural importance and current situation, which places them on the brink of extinction. It is an informative session and a good preparation for meeting these fascinating animals this tomorrow.
Dinner is served in Anouvong’s elegant De-Lagree Dining Hall. Afterwards, you might like to relax in the lounge or join the cinema-under-the-stars on the open terrace deck. The movie “Chang” (Laotian for elephant) was shot in this region in 1927 and was made by the same producer as the first King Kong movie. Enjoy your night’s sleep moored mid-river.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: PAK NGUI – BAN GAENG HANG NGAI
Wake up early to catch your first sunrise in Laos on the Mekong River. Early birds can join our daily morning exercise on the terrace deck (Tai Chi or Yoga). The stunning river provides an excellent backdrop for some morning exercise to start the day. This energetic open-air activity is offered daily around sunrise.
After breakfast, we arrive in the small town of Pakbeng. This riverside settlement is halfway between our embarkation at Huay Xai and Luang Prabang. Many locals also stop here when they travel or transport goods between these two hubs on the river.
Opposite the town is the country’s most sustainably managed elephant sanctuary. If we arrive early enough, we might still see elephants freely walking along the shoreline and taking a bath. All the elephants at the conservation sanctuary used to work as logging elephants but now live in peace and safety. After their time as working animals, they cannot live and survive in the wild. The sanctuary is fully committed to the tenets of ecotourism and sustainability.
During lunch, we continue our cruise with stunning views of the shores from the comfort of the dining room. This afternoon we arrive at a secluded sandbank. The local ethnic Lao, Khmu and Hmong live in a tiny village named Kok Aek. These residents have committed themselves to the organic growth of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. They have set up a small parcel of land at the riverside as an organic garden, caringly maintained and enclosed by bamboo fences.
These plots are unusable at certain times of the year due to flooding. However, the nutrientrich Mekong irrigation ensures bountiful annual harvests.
As we get to know the villagers who proudly display their gardening achievements, we sample a local specialty, kai paen. Made of dried freshwater seaweed and topped with sesame and vegetables, it is wholesome, unique, and delicious!
Back on board, we have time to relax and take in the amazing scenery or enjoy some pampering time in the spa and wellness area. We drop anchor overnight near another small and secluded village.
Subject to our arrival time and daylight availability, we may explore this tiny village with around 300 inhabitants. It has no electricity or any semblance of modernity, but it still has an abundance of charm.
As we remain here overnight, kick back with an aperitif while being serenaded by some local
villagers who have come on board to perform on their ‘Khene’ – a handheld, ancient instrument made of bamboo and originating here in Laos. We end the day with a culinary highlight as we dine tonight on the terrace deck, with nature’s sights and soothing sounds all around us.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: BAN GAENG HANG NGAI – BAN KHOK KHAM
Our local expert hosts a lecture with exciting insights and facts about the local Laotian cultures living along the Upper Mekong during our morning cruising.
We arrive at a very rural and charming village inhabited by the Khmu people. The village has a
small primary school for the few children that reside here with their families. We take a leisurely walk into the surrounding neighbourhood of the village. In the simple bamboo huts built on stilts and scattered across rice fields, the local people still perform all work manually, processing agricultural products.
We walk further through the fields to a nearby waterfall. The sheer serenity and beauty of this place does not need many words. Some locals may accompany us, explaining their daily life, crops, and harvest methods to help us understand their life and culture.
Our journey takes us further up the river into the golden evening sun in the late afternoon. We will have an opportunity to wander through another local village if we arrive still in daylight. A mixture of Lao Loum and Lao Theun (lowland and midland Laotians) live in this idyllic riverside settlement. The town has a Buddhist temple though many of these tribes and ethnicities in the Golden Triangle are not religious and follow beliefs in ancestorship and nature.
Meanwhile, our culinary team will prepare an impressive dinner – a BBQ on a peaceful sandbank nearby. Tonight, some local villagers will join us and entertain us with a traditional dance and music performance. Soak in this truly unique dining experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: BAN KHOK KHAM – LUANG PRABANG
Today is the last day of our cruise, and we cruise through the Golden Triangle of Laos, where some final highlights await. After enjoying a sumptuous breakfast, we have a unique activity to experience the calmly flowing lower Mekong from a different perspective.
Hop in a kayak and paddle in total symbioses with the peacefully flowing stream. Feel the waters of the Mekong carrying you downstream with almost no effort, relax and enjoy the passing natural beauty and immerse yourself in this exceptional trip. You may like to paddle to the famous caves of Pak Ou, which is our next stop or return to the ship.
We stop close to Pak Ou and go ashore. Here we meet the local medicine man who takes us on a jungle trek and explains various fascinating things about the flora and nature in this area. Arriving in the village, we see traditional weaving and the art of local whisky distilling. A basic fitness level is required for the 45 min trek with relatively easy downhill walking and some short uphill sections.
Guests not wanting to do the walk can return to the ship moored in front of the Pak Ou caves.
The trekking group reaches the caves via the backdoor. The famous Pak Ou Caves are located
directly on the Mekong’s rocky shore and opposite the mouth of the Ou River. There are two
limestone grottoes that house approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images ranging in size from mere centimetres up to 2m in height. We arrive first at the upper cave and then take steps down (approx. 200 steps) to the lower, most impressive grotto.
Once back on board, there is just enough time to refresh yourself before lunch.
From Pak Ou, we have about three more hours to sail, and we meet Mr Francis Engelmann during this sailing time. Me Engelman previously worked for UNESCO on heritage preservation projects. Born in Paris in 1947, he has lived in Laos for over 20 years. In his fantastic presentation, he shares some of his expertise on the country’s rich cultural heritage and fascinating history.
We arrive at the enchanting town of Luang Prabang in the afternoon (approx. 15:00), where, sadly, our cruise journey comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
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