BlueSun Cruises

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Anouvong, Golden Triangle Traverse ex Luang Prabang to Huay Xai

3 Night Cruise Only


Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
3 Sep 2025 Luang Prabang, Laos Embark
3 Sep 2025 Pak Ou Caves, Laos
3 Sep 2025 Khok Phou, Laos
4 Sep 2025 Khok Phou, Laos
4 Sep 2025 Khok Luang, Laos
4 Sep 2025 Khok Ek, Laos
5 Sep 2025 Khok Ek, Laos
5 Sep 2025 Pak Beng, Laos
5 Sep 2025 Huay Ting, Laos
6 Sep 2025 Huay Ting, Laos
6 Sep 2025 Huay Xai, Laos Disembark
Known in Laos as the “Mae Nam Khong” (“Mother of Water”), the upper Mekong meanders through fascinating riverine scenes, filled with scenes of captivating and unchanged local life in various settings.

Savour this 3-Night “Golden Triangle Traverse” river voyage between Luang Prabang and the Lao-Thai border, known as the famous Golden Triangle. The journey offers insights into Laos’ most captivating landscapes and remote local life and culture paired with interesting and delightful onboard activities.

Day 1: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou - Khok Phou
In the morning, Heritage Line extends a warm welcome to guests at the mooring of the Heritage Line ‘Anouvong’ in the city center of Luang Prabang. Our dedicated team assists with your check-in and attends to your luggage. Once ready, the captain of the ‘Anouvong’ sets the ship on its captivating 3-night journey along the Upper Mekong.

Heading towards our first destination, the renowned Pak Ou Caves, our expert guide presents an engaging lecture on the intricate tapestry of Laos' diverse ethnic groups along the Mekong River. Over the next few days, you'll immerse yourself in the fascinating array of cultural lifestyles, characteristics, and traditions.

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. We delve into the lower cave, the most impressive and easily accessible. Post-cave visit, Heritage Line offers two optional choices to enhance your excursion: an adventurous kayak tour along the serene Nam Ou River or a visit of the nearby village of Ban Muang Keo, known for traditional silk weaving Lao whisky distillation. We also have the opportunity to visit a local alcohol workshop in this village (depending on time and availability).

As the afternoon progresses, we reach our mooring location for the night and explore the 200-year-old village of Ban Khok Phou. Primarily inhabited by the Lao ethnicity, many villagers engage in mountain farming. Gain insight into their practices and witness the collection and processing of agricultural products. The highlight is the traditional Baci ceremony, a heartfelt Laotian ritual led by local elders, bestowing blessings upon your journey. If time permits, we may ascend to a small temple, offering moments of quiet meditation with the local monk and novices.

The evening begins with a welcome cocktail on the sandbank, followed by a barbecue dinner amid astonishing natural beauty. Welcome to a memorable exploration of Laotian culture along the Mekong.

Dining: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Khok Phou - Khok Luang - Khok Ek
For early risers, our daily yoga class on the terrace deck, framed by the stunning Mekong backdrop, offers a refreshing start to the day.

The ship sets sail early, allowing you to enjoy breakfast while observing the morning life of nature along the river. Our morning sojourn leads us to a picturesque village inhabited by Khmu people. Simplicity defines this locale, with bamboo huts elevated on stilts amidst vast rice fields. In this serene setting, we can mingle and meet with different generations - old and young - in the village, both 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 a profound understanding of their unique experiences.

Sailing into mid-afternoon, another breath-taking riverine spectacle awaits as we arrive at another remarkable village. 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.

Back on board, as the afternoon transitions to evening, gather at the bar to enjoy snacks while receiving a preview of the upcoming day's program. Prepare for an enriching experience before dinner as a traditional dance performance takes place on the terrace deck or the sandbank in front of our ship.

After dinner, feel free to join us in the lounge for a cosy cinematic 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 our next day’s adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Khok Ek - Pakbeng - Huay Ting
Rise with the sun for the option of an invigorating yoga class. As the ‘Anouvong’ gracefully navigates upstream, indulge your creative side in a bamboo weaving workshop, where you'll craft your own bamboo basket—a cherished memento of this traditional art.

Post-lunch, the next stop of our journey is Pakbeng. Along the riverside opposite of the town and nestled in the jungle lies Laos' most sustainable elephant sanctuary. Here, in an almost 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, their ability to survive in the wild having 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 an unforgettable experience.

As the afternoon unfolds, our journey continues, culminating in our final overnight mooring spot. Once again, we anchor at a splendid sandbank, creating a picturesque setting for a relaxed aperitif, ideally accompanied by a stunning sunset. Subsequently, a farewell dinner is served on the terrace deck, marking the conclusion of this remarkable journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Huay Ting - Huay Xai
After an exhilarating 3-night cruise, today invites a more leisurely pace, allowing you to savour the memories created during our journey. With a substantial distance to cover before reaching Huay Xai, our final destination, the day unfolds with a blend of relaxation and exploration.

Feel free to extend your morning snooze if desired. Breakfast is intentionally simplified, with fewer choices or à la carte, as we prepare for a diverse culinary brunch later- a prelude to bidding farewell. As we sail into the heart of the Golden Triangle, the morning is yours to relax or engage in our captivating presentation unravelling 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 invented by the CIA referring to this area.

We are passing the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Tha River, a major tributary known as the "Green River". Our captain expertly navigates through rocks, rapids, and sandbanks, offering a fascinating observation from the terrace deck.

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.

As we dock at Huay Xai pier in the mid-afternoon, we facilitate a seamless transfer to the Lao-Thai border, bidding you farewell in front of the Lao immigration office. We extend our best wishes for a pleasant onward journey.

(Please note that we can arrange transfers to Chiang Rai city or airport or to a resort/hotel in Chiang Sean if you extend your stay in the Golden Triangle on the Thai side.)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Note: All itineraries, programs, and optional tours are subject to change and will be operated as advertised on our website or through collaterals at the time of boarding.

Heritage Line ANOUVONG is the only luxury ship cruising the majestic Mekong River in Laos. This lesser travelled stretch of one of the world’s most spectacular waterways is home to serene nature, quaint villages and stunning temples. It is only fitting that a boat cruising this pristine and beautiful region of Laos should be named after the Vientiane Kingdom’s last monarch, King Anouvong, who so loved his country that he bravely fought for its independence from neighboring Siam.

To create a true boutique sailing experience, Anouvong features only eight large spacious staterooms and two luxurious suites. and open onto elegant French balconies or a private terrace overlooking the verdant shores of the Mekong River.

What sets Anouvong apart is its seamless blend of traditional Laotian artistry with elegant French-colonial accents. From the exquisitely designed staterooms to the refined ambiance of the public areas, every detail evokes a sense of luxury and intimacy. Heritage Line also offers exclusive onboard amenities, including the only Jacuzzi pool on the upper Mekong, perfect for unwinding while taking in the river’s breathtaking scenery. Additionally, the terrace deck features a state-of-the-art fitness room, open 24/7, allowing guests to maintain their workout routine at any time.


Ship Profile & Stats
  • Maiden voyage: 2023
  • Tonnage: 390 tons
  • Length: 48 m
  • Beam: 9 m
  • Draft: 1 m
  • Speed: 8 knots
  • Passenger capacity (dbl): 20
Ship Amenities
  • Wi-Fi (subject to mobile network availability)
  • Mini Bar
  • Safety Box
  • Tea & Coffee Facility
  • In-house Phone
  • Hair Dryer
  • Individually Controlled Air Conditioning
  • Bluetooth loudspeaker
Ship Facilities
  • Coffee Bar & Lounge
  • Bodhi Spa
  • Jacuzzi Pool & Sun Deck
  • Gym
  • Restaurant & Dining Hall
  • Wheel House
Heritage Line was founded in 2008 and provides luxurious cruise journeys on the Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia. The company is la Swiss-Vietnamese Joint Venture and located in Saigon - now called Ho Chi Minh City.

As the sun slowly sets...Step out on to your private balcony...sip on your drink and become part of the river life unfolding around you.

Start your day on the Mekong with Thai Chi lessons on the Sun Deck. Or bathe in the rays of dawn shining through your balcony as you lay in bed. A journey full of reverberating sights, colors and sounds awaits you.

Whether it is a refreshing sundowner drink at the lounge or a pampering time at the "Apsara" beauty salon, this is a time for reflection and relaxation.

When night falls, dancers perform and dinner is served. The ship changes hue at night and the staff emerge the following morning in their exquisite Cambodian traditional outfit.

Main Deck

Terrace Deck

Signature Suite Signature Suite
The two luxurious Signature Suites (both doubles) are the largest accommodations aboard Heritage Line ANOUVONG, offering a generous 30 sqm (323 sqft) of total floor space, including a private balcony. Situated at the front of the main deck, each suite features a unique design theme inspired by Laotian patterns and distinctive artwork.
Large floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural daylight to flood the suite’s living areas. Plush French-Colonial beds face the windows, offering spectacular views of Laos’ pristine riverscapes -perfect for drifting away in Laotian reverie. The private balconies, equipped with chairs and a coffee table, provide an unparalleled open-air experience and breathtaking cruising vistas.

The Nam Ming Signature Suite showcases hand-carved traditional Laotian patterns and an exquisite brass artwork depicting Buddha’s fingerprints, creating a striking backdrop to the bed. The Nam Khan Signature Suite features a handcrafted mosaic on the main wall, illustrating life in a Laotian village. Both suites boast brightly lit ceramic mosaic-tiled bathrooms, outfitted with a couple’s vanity, a spacious walk-in shower, and a Jacuzzi overlooking the passing landscape.
Each Signature Suite is bathed in natural light and adorned with intricate hand-carved Laotian designs. Stunning brass artwork featuring Buddhist imagery serves as a captivating focal point above the bed.

Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioner, writing desk with chair, closet, coffee table and chairs, bathroom with walk-in shower and Jacuzzi, bathrobe, bathroom toiletries, sandals, sun hat, luggage rack, umbrella, hair dryer, in-house phone, tea and coffee facility, espresso machine, safety box, mini bar, LCD TV with movie library, Bluetooth music station with loudspeaker, Wi-Fi (subject to cellular network).

Deluxe Executive Stateroom Deluxe Executive Stateroom
The four Deluxe Executive Staterooms (21 sqm / 226 sqft, each with a double bed) are located on the terrace deck, offering superior views from one level higher than the Deluxe Staterooms. Designed and equipped to the same high standards, these staterooms feature a French balcony for an enhanced riverside experience.
Each stateroom is elegantly decorated with handpicked Laotian artwork and furniture inspired by the French Colonial era, creating a refined yet culturally immersive ambiance.

Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioner, closet, luggage rack, safety box, coffee table and chairs, French balcony, bathroom with walk-in shower, bath-robe, bathroom toiletries, sandals, sun hat, umbrella, hair dryer, in-house phone, tea and coffee facility, mini bar, Wi-Fi (subject to cellular network).

Deluxe Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom
Anouvong's four Deluxe Staterooms (each with twin beds) are located on the main deck, offering 20 sqm (215 sqft) of well-appointed space. Panoramic sliding doors with a French balcony flair provide unobstructed, breathtaking views of the passing riverscape.

Soft, gentle color tones create the perfect backdrop for local artwork and hand-painted Laotian patterns, which elegantly adorn the headboard. A harmonious blend of French Colonial charm and Laotian spirituality is reflected in the stateroom’s refined furniture and décor. Two finely crafted wooden chairs and a small table invite guests to unwind with a cup of tea while admiring the tranquil scenery.

The ensuite bathroom features a walk-in shower, an art-deco vanity, and a selection of luxurious toiletries, ensuring a sophisticated onboard experience.

Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioner, closet, luggage rack, safety box, coffee table and chairs, French balcony, bathroom with walk-in shower, bath-robe, bathroom toiletries, sandals, sun hat, umbrella, hair dryer, in-house phone, tea and coffee facility, mini bar, Wi-Fi (subject to cellular network).
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*All prices are per person twin share unless stated as solo, triple or quad share.
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