We will be open at 8:30 am. Call 020 7590 0613
Heritage Line Anouvong

A River Journey from Laos to Thailand

14-day tailor-made holiday from £7,745 pp incl. flights

Summary

Short description

A luxury river cruise along the Upper Mekong, paired with stays in the Golden Triangle, Luang Prabang and Bangkok.

Highlights

  • Discover the secrets of authentic Laotian cuisine with a street food tour and cooking masterclass in Luang Prabang
  • Embark on a three-night river cruise along the Upper Mekong aboard an elegant boutique ship, including superb full-board dining and expert-led land excursions
  • Visit an elephant sanctuary and a black bear rescue centre
  • Spend two nights at a secluded mountain hotel in the Golden Triangle region, featuring its own elephant sanctuary, an infinity pool, a spa and an exclusive treetop dining venue
  • Round off your trip in Bangkok, with an included half-day tour to the famous floating market at Damnoen Saduak

In Brief

  • 3 Nights Luang Prabang
  • 3 Nights Upper Mekong cruise
  • 2 Nights Golden Triangle
  • 1 Night Chiang Rai
  • 2 Nights Bangkok

About

Recommended for:
History & culture | River cruise

Discover the multi-layered cultural heritage, fascinating history and natural beauty of Laos and Thailand on this richly immersive adventure. It all begins in Luang Prabang, a city of ornate Buddhist temples and elegant French architecture in the far north of Laos, where you’ll enjoy a street food and cocktail tour, a cooking masterclass and a visit to spectacular waterfalls in the nearby countryside. From here, you’ll embark on a captivating three-night cruise along the Upper Mekong, sailing in style aboard the boutique Heritage Line Anouvong, with delicious meals, opportunities to explore remote villages and a visit to an elephant sanctuary along the way. Eventually, you’ll enter the Golden Triangle region, where the borders of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar converge, spending two nights at a delightful mountain sanctuary surrounded by bamboo forests near the northernmost tip of Thailand. Then, after a night in the provincial capital of Chiang Rai, you’ll fly south, rounding off your adventure with a couple of nights in Bangkok, including a half-day tour to one of Thailand’s most renowned floating markets.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1
Depart UK

Enjoy complimentary UK airport lounge access before boarding your overnight flight from the UK to Luang Prabang, arriving on day two. 

Day 2
Arrive in Luang Prabang, Laos

On arrival in Luang Prabang, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll be based for the next three nights. Nestled in a valley surrounded by forested mountains at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, Luang Prabang offers a delightful introduction to Laos, with its scenic setting, relaxed ambience and attractive blend of French colonial architecture and ornate Buddhist temples. Although no longer the capital, it remains the largest city in the north of the country and holds UNESCO World Heritage status in recognition of its rich cultural heritage. In the evening, you might be tempted to visit the night market, where local vendors sell a vast array of handicrafts, including ceramics, jewellery and paintings. 

Stay: Sofitel Luang Prabang (Deluxe)

Days 3-4
Luang Prabang, Laos

On your first morning in Luang Prabang, you’ll have the chance to witness ‘Tak Bat’, a traditional ritual whereby saffron-robed monks move through the streets collecting alms (food donations) from local residents, before visiting the morning market and returning to the hotel for breakfast. You’ll then be met by a local guide for a guided walking tour, in which you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the history of Luang Prabang while taking in its architectural highlights and lesser-known gems. A traditional lunch is served at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the Kuang Si waterfalls and the Bear Rescue Centre, where you’ll learn all about the conservation of black bears in northern Laos. The three-tiered waterfalls are a majestic sight, and you’ll have the chance to take a refreshing dip in them if you fancy. Later on, back in Luang Prabang, you’ll venture out on a food and cocktail tour, as a local guide will lead you between the city’s bustling bars, food markets and street vendors – a wonderful way to sample authentic Laotian cuisine and experience the local nightlife scene.

Having had your first taste of Laotian cuisine, the following day presents the opportunity to learn how to make it yourself, as you join a local family in a cooking workshop, preparing a delicious lunch accompanied by traditional drinks. In the afternoon, you’ll visit several of Luang Prabang’s most majestic Buddhist temples, with the chance to receive your own personal blessing from a monk as you go. If there’s enough time, you might also climb Phou Si hill for wonderful views overlooking the city and the surrounding nature. 

* Dinner is also included on day three.

Stay: Sofitel Luang Prabang (Deluxe)

Meals: B L

Days 5-7
Heritage Line river cruise

This morning, you’ll board Heritage Line Anouvong as you embark on a three-night river cruise along the Upper Mekong. It’s a small, boutique luxury ship that seamlessly blends Laotian artwork and decor with French finesse, featuring elegant staterooms and suites and a host of superb onboard amenities. The first stop of your voyage is the Pak Ou Caves, two riverside grottoes that house around 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images. After this, you’ll have the choice between kayaking or visiting Ban Muang Keo, a village known for silk weaving and whisky distilling. In the evening, you’ll moor at the village of Ban Khok Phou, where you’ll learn about the local practices of mountain farming and enjoy a welcome cocktail and barbecue dinner on the sandbank.

On the second day of your cruise, you might be keen to take part in an early morning yoga session on the terrace deck before breakfast. You’ll visit two villages today, offering an immersive introduction to the region’s distinct ethnic communities and an insight into the traditional way of life in this rural northern region of Laos. Later on, a traditional dance performance will take place on the ship or on the sandbank, followed by dinner and a movie screening in the cosy lounge area.

The final full day of your river cruise is sure to be a memorable one. First, you’ll get to tap into your creative side in a bamboo weaving workshop, before heading to Laos’ most sustainable elephant sanctuary in the jungle just outside Pakbeng. After spending some time in the company of these majestic creatures, there may also be time for a short hike to a hilltop vantage point for magnificent views overlooking Pakbeng. As the sun begins to set, savour an aperitif and a farewell dinner onboard – the perfect way to cap off your Mekong river cruise in style. 

Stay: Heritage Line Anouvong (Deluxe)

Meals: B L D

Days 8-9
Golden Triangle, Thailand

As your journey along the Mekong draws towards a conclusion, you’ll approach the Golden Triangle region, where the borders of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar meet. An onboard cooking class then sets the stage for a bountiful farewell brunch, which you can enjoy in the restaurant, on the terrace deck or in the lounge while taking in the scenery. Docking in Huay Xai in the mid-afternoon, you’ll disembark Heritage Line Anouvong for a transfer to the Laos-Thailand border. From there, you’ll be taken to your mountain sanctuary hotel, tucked away in a remote jungle area that hosts its own elephant camp, a spa, a gorgeous infinity pool, a fabulous restaurant and a unique treetop dining experience.

As well as a ticket to the nearby Opium Museum, one activity is included per person for each night stayed; choose from an elephant camp experience, local Golden Triangle excursions, a Thai cooking class, a 60-minute private yoga or pilates session or a 60-minute spa treatment. Additional activities are also available for an extra supplement, ranging between boat trips, temple visits and tea plantation tours. Thrill seekers, meanwhile, might try the Sky Bike ride, tandem biking along a 300-metre zipline through the treetops of the bamboo forest. There’s plenty of scope for both blissful relaxation and captivating adventures here – with no set agenda, it’s entirely your choice how you choose to spend your time. 

Stay: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort (Superior)

Meals: B L D

Day 10
Chiang Rai, Thailand

After breakfast, a private transfer will bring you from your hotel to Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost major city and the first capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. A half-day guided sightseeing tour by rickshaw will introduce you to several of its most significant landmarks, including the Chiang Rai Clock Tower, the Lanna king monument, the local fresh food market and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, considered to be among Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist temples. The latter is named as such because it once housed the Emerald Buddha statue in the 13th century, which is now found in the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. 

Stay: The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa

Meals: B

Days 11-12
Bangkok, Thailand

Today, you’ll check out of your hotel in Chiang Rai and head to the airport in time for your southbound flight to Bangkok. On arrival in Thailand’s capital, you’ll be met for a transfer to your boutique riverside city centre hotel, where you’ll be based for the final two nights of your trip. Take some time to settle in, unwind and familiarise yourself with your new surroundings, perhaps taking the opportunity for a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool and a drink or two at the riverside bar.

The next day, you’ll set off on a half-day sightseeing tour, taking a boat ride along the canals to the floating market at Damnoen Saduak, around 100 kilometres north of Bangkok, where merchants paddle along canals in boats filled with an eclectic variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and handicrafts to sell to passers by. It’s a wonderful place to try some local delicacies and interact with the locals while soaking up the vibrant, humming atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll also make a short stop at a coconut farm and the Railway Market, where trains run right through the heart of the market between the stalls. Finally, it’s time to return to Bangkok for the last evening of your trip. 

Stay: Riva Surya Hotel Bangkok

Meals: B

Days 13-14
Return to UK

Enjoy one last breakfast and a final morning at leisure before a transfer brings you back to Bangkok Airport in time for your overnight flight back to the UK, arriving the following day.

Meals: B

Map

Pricing

Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.

Accommodation rating: Superior

14-day tailor-made holiday
from £7,745 pp incl. flights

Deluxe

April to October

from £7,745 pp. incl. flights

November to March

from £9,855 pp. incl. flights

Includes:

  • Complimentary UK airport lounge access
  • Return flights between London, Luang Prabang, Bangkok and London, plus domestic flight from Chiang Rai to Bangkok
  • Private transfers throughout
  • 6 nights accommodation staying in a mixture of 4* (Superior) and 5* (Deluxe) hotels on a B&B basis
  • 3 nights accommodation aboard Heritage Line Anouvong on a full board basis including all activities
  • 2 nights accommodation staying in a 5* (Deluxe) hotel on a full board basis including a choice of daily activities
  • Private touring with local guides including some meals (lunch & dinner) as per itinerary

Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.

Meet our experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0613

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0613 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ATOL & ABTOT protected