Northern Thailand & Laos

Day 1: Chiang Mai Arrival

Chiang Mai Arrival

Upon your arrival in Chiang Mai, a centuries-old city in Thailand’s mountainous north, you will meet a local representative at the airport and transfer to your accommodation.

Depending on traffic, the journey is estimated to take around 40 minutes.

Accommodation: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort (or alternative hotel of equal standard).

Day 2: Chiang Mai

City Lifestyle Tour, Doi Suthep, Rickshaw Ride, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Spend the morning discovering the highlights of Chiang Mai. You’ll begin with a visit to a vibrant food and flower market where the locals flock to do their shopping. After immersing yourself in the market’s buzzing crowds, you’ll continue to Wat Suan Dok, the final resting place for the ashes of Chiang Mai’s former kings and royal family which is centred by a gleaming gold chedi of Sri Lankan Buddhist style.

Afterwards, you’ll be driven approximately 30 minutes to Doi Suthep, a mountain which looms on the outskirts of Chiang Mai that is home to the brilliant Wat Phra That, one of Northern Thailand’s most sacred temples. From here, you can take in stunning vistas of the forest-clad mountains of Northern Thailand. The temple, founded in 1383 AD, is reached by ascending 309 steps – alternatively, you can reach the summit via a tram. Following your visit to Doi Suthep, you’ll return to the centre of Chiang Mai and enjoy a rollicking rickshaw ride through the quieter streets of the old town before returning to your hotel to spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

In the evening, your guide will escort you to the bustling Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, where myriad stalls sell everything from handicrafts and portrait painting to jewellery, toys, clothing and authentic Northern Thai cuisine.

Accommodation: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort (or alternative hotel of equal standard).

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 3: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai with Wat Rong Khun Visit

At a prearranged time, you will meet with your guide and transfer to your hotel outside Chiang Rai, located in the Golden Triangle, the meeting point of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. This scenic road transfer passes through Northern Thailand’s rolling landscapes, with a journey time of approximately six hours.

En route, you’ll stop to visit Wat Rong Khun, an elaborate temple which is altogether different from any other in Northern Thailand since it was built in 1997 and constructed using white glass, a striking contrast to the region’s ancient religious structures.

During your stay at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, you will have access to a wealth of benefits as part of the Golden Triangle Luxury Explorer Package.

These include:

A ticket to the Opium Museum (once per person).

One activity per person for each night stayed, choosing from: Elephant Camp Experience, Golden Triangle Excursions, Spice Spoons Cooking Class, 60-minute spa treatment, 60-minute private yoga and 60-minute private Pilates.

Accommodation: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort (or alternative hotel of equal standard).

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 4-5: Chiang Rai

At Leisure

Spend the day at your own pace, enjoying the resort’s host of luxurious facilities, enthralling activities and superb dining.

The resort is known for its ethical and award-winning elephant experiences and undertakes scientific research and a conservation programme to help protect these impressive mammals.

Accommodation: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort (or alternative hotel of equal standard).

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Chiang Rai to Huay Xai, Mekong River Cruise

Huay Xai to Huay Ting (Jul-Oct) / Huay Xai to Kang Hang Yai (Nov-Apr)

In the morning, you will meet with your guide and transfer to Thailand’s border with Laos, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours.

At the border, you will be assisted through the immigration process of both countries by a representative from Heritage Line and thereafter escorted to your luxurious cruising vessel for your three-night cruise down the fabled Mekong River towards the ancient Lao city of Luang Prabang.

Cruise itineraries will differ depending on the season.

For those travelling between July and October, you will be welcomed on board and shown to your cabin before the Anouvong embarks on her journey downriver. As the ship heads towards the first stop, an expert guide will host a compelling lecture about the intricate cultural tapestry of Laos’ diverse ethnic groups that live along the Mekong River. The ship will soon reach the confluence of the Mekong and one of its major tributaries before dropping anchor at a modern village whose 800 residents belong to the Tai Lu ethnic group, who span Laos, China, Myanmar and Vietnam. At the village, you’ll gather for a traditional Baci ceremony, a Lao ritual whereby local elders (perhaps monks also) will bless your journey. The Anouvong will then continue drifting downstream, reaching the overnight mooring spot at Huay Ting. Here, you can enjoy a delicious cocktail as the sun sets followed by a sumptuous dinner, the breathtaking Mekong scenery forming a captivating backdrop as you dine.

For those travelling between November and April, your Mekong voyage will commence with a ride aboard a traditional longtail boat that will take you to the Anouvong by Heritage Line. Passing through some of the astounding Upper Mekong scenery, this transfer will last for approximately eight hours. During the cruise aboard the longtail boat, you can enjoy lunch and snacks, with the option for neck and shoulder massages also available. As you journey downstream, the team onboard will provide insight into the cultures and landscapes that surround the Mekong River and the Lao hinterland. Arriving at the Anouvong, you will board the vessel and check into your cabin. This will be followed by a safety briefing and a multi-course dinner in the ship’s restaurant. Should you wish, you can then join a nightly cinema experience in the ship’s comfortable lounge.

Accommodation: Heritage Line Cruises - Anouvong.

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Chiang Rai to Huay Xai, Mekong River Cruise

Day 7: Mekong River Cruise

Huay Ting to Khok Ek (Jul-Oct) / Kang Hang Yai to Khok Phou (Nov-Apr)

Travellers during both date bands can opt to join an invigorating morning yoga class on the terrace deck as the morning mists rising off the river and rainforest gently subside.

For travellers between July and October, the itinerary will then take you to the charming town of Pakbeng. Here operates one of Laos’ best elephant sanctuaries, which houses elephants rescued from the harsh conditions of the logging industry. A beacon of sustainability and ecotourism, at the sanctuary you can learn about the elephant conservation endeavours and observe these majestic mammals lumbering through the rainforest. Time permitting, you can reach a hilltop vantage point that affords stunning panoramas of Pakbeng and the surroundings mountains. After lunch, you can join a bamboo weaving workshop, a traditional Lao craft, and create a bamboo basket to take home as a souvenir. In the afternoon, the Anouvong will continue floating along to a rural village inhabited by three distinct ethnic communities: Hmong, Lao Loum and Khamo. Meet members of each group and learn about their cultural differences and day-to-day lives. Back on board, enjoy a traditional khene performance as the hypnotic melodies of this traditional reed instrument are complemented by unique dance. After a delicious dinner, you can head to the boat’s cinema lounge to enjoy a viewing of the 1927 film Chiang, which was shot in the region.

For those travelling between November and April, your first morning includes a visit to the picturesque village of Khok Luang, which is inhabited by members of the Khum people. This simple village comprises rustic bamboo huts raised on stilts that sit amid vast and verdant rice fields. Meet either an elderly couple or a multigenerational family whose lives are deeply rooted in the land, learning about their livelihood of manual agriculture. Afterwards, you’ll head back to the Anouvong for a replenishing lunch before continuing to the charming village of Khok Phou, a 200-year-old settlement inhabited mainly by ethnic Lao people. Here you can observe daily life in rural Laos and take part in a traditional Baci ceremony. Should time permit, you can also walk to a small temple and meet a local monk who will guide you through the basic of meditation. As the sun sets, enjoy a delicious cocktail before sitting down for dinner. After dinner, you can head to the Anouvong’s cosy lounge to watch the 1927 movie Chiang, which was filmed in the region.

Accommodation: Heritage Line Cruises – Anouvong.

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Mekong River Cruise

Khok Ek to Khok Phou (Jul-Oct) / Khok Phou to Ban Mueng Kay (Nov-Apr)

Those travelling between July and October can begin the morning with an optional yoga session as the Anouvong journeys towards to a picturesque village inhabited by the Khum people. This simple village comprises rustic bamboo huts raised on stilts that sit amid vast and verdant rice fields. Meet either an elderly couple or a multigenerational family whose lives are deeply rooted in the land, learning about their livelihood of manual agriculture. Afterwards, you’ll head back to the Anouvong for a replenishing lunch before continuing to the charming village of Khok Phou, a 200-year-old settlement inhabited mainly by ethnic Lao people. Here you can observe daily life in rural Laos and peel back the layers of the villagers’ existence alongside the Mekong River. Return to the ship for lunch as it resumes its meandering route downriver, eventually docking overnight near the village of Khok Phou, which sits perched above an expansive sandbank. Inhabited mainly by the ethnic Lao people, you can wander through the village to observe local life. If time permits, you can walk up to a small temple to meet a local monk who will guide you through the basics of meditation. The evening unfolds with a refreshing cocktail followed by dinner as the rubescent sky gives way to the ink-black night of the tropics.

For those travelling between November and April, begin the day with a mindful yoga session on the terrace as the ship makes its way to one of the most spectacular cave systems in Asia. Nestled along the banks of the Mekong River, the Pak Ou Caves comprise two mystical grottoes which house more than 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images. After exploring the caves, you have a choice of two enthralling excursions: a kayaking adventure along the serene Nam Ou River or a visit to the nearby village of Ban Muang Keo, renowned for its traditional silk weaving and Lao whisky distillation. In the village, you can meet a local medicine man who will explain the ways in which mother nature can act as a natural pharmacy. Back on board, enjoy lunch as the boat continues downstream towards Luang Prabang. In the afternoon, you can join a fascinating presentation that unravels the complex history of the Golden Triangle, learning about the region’s colonialism, opium production, conflicts and the roles played by Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Laos, Britain and China. The place where Myanmar, Thailand and Laos meet, the name “Golden Triangle” was coined by the CIA when they operated in the area. The ship will then moor overnight, and you can enjoy an onshore dinner followed by a traditional local dance performance.

Accommodation: Heritage Line Cruises – Anouvong.

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Mekong River Cruise

Khok Phou to Luang Prabang (Jul-Oct) / Ban Mueng Kay to Luang Prabang (Nov-Apr)

For travellers between July and October, your Mekong River voyage will conclude with a visit to the illustrious Pak Ou Caves before your disembarkation at Luang Prabang. Nestled on the banks of the river, this two-cave phenomena houses approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images. After exploring the two mystical grottoes, you can choose from two enrapturing excursions: a kayaking adventure along the serene Nam Ou River or a visit to the nearby village of Ban Muang Keo, renowned for its traditional silk weaving and Lao whisky distillation. In the village, you can meet a local medicine man who will explain the ways in which mother nature can act as a natural pharmacy. In the afternoon, you can join a fascinating presentation that unravels the complex history of the Golden Triangle, learning about the region’s colonialism, opium production, conflicts and the roles played by Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Laos, Britain and China. The place where Myanmar, Thailand and Laos meet, the name “Golden Triangle” was coined by the CIA when they operated in the area. The Anouvong will arrive at Luang Prabang at around 15:00, after which you will meet with your guide and check into your hotel.

Those travelling between November and April will head out via minivan to a local elephant site, where you will have the opportunity to meet some of these extraordinary creatures. See the local Lao mahouts care for their elephants, rescued from the logging trade, before enjoying a tranquil morning walk with the elephants along the riverbank and along a small path that winds through the rainforest. You will then continue by minivan to the breathtakingly Kuang Si waterfalls, whose glistening blue waters amid the deep-green jungle create a scene of elysian quality. Should you feel the need to cool off and refresh, you can even enjoy a swim in the falls’ crystal-clear water at the base of the waterfalls. Following this, you will return to the ship for lunch as the Anouvong navigates towards Luang Prabang. You will disembark at approximately 15:00, upon which you will meet with a guide and transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation: Rosewood Luang Prabang (or alternative hotel of equal standard).

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Luang Prabang

Early Morning Alms Giving, Luang Prabang Heritage Talk and Walk, Baci Ceremony at Local Home

A generations-old Buddhist tradition in Luang Prabang, the morning alms (“Tak Bat” in Lao) is an integral fabric of the city’s culture and its close-knit community. Wake up before dawn to witness a steady stream of saffron-robed monks progressing through the city streets, with residents lining the pavements to hand out alms (gifts). If you wish to make an offering yourself, inform your guide a day in advance so that a gift of alms can be prepared. After the almsgiving ceremony, the town will burst into life, making it an opportunistic time to explore the bustling morning market.

With architecture that combines influences from both East and West, Luang Prabang is a truly charming city brimming with culture. Enjoy a stimulating presentation on some of the various preservation projects and initiatives designed to help preserve the city’s cultural heritage and identity, followed by a walking tour to some of the city’s architectural centrepieces. You’ll meet Francis Engelmann, a writer and consultant to UNESCO on heritage preservation projects since 1994. Born in Paris in 1947, he has lived in Laos for over 20 years, dedicating his life to preserving its unique identity. Listen as he shared some of his expertise regarding Laos’ cultural heritage as well as providing insight into the history of Laos and its people. The walking tour will see you walk through the city’s small streets and alleys to observe the rural lifestyle practised by Luang Prabang’s warm and inviting residents, maintained over centuries. If time permits, you will be able to stop by a local home and meet some local Lao people for a glimpse into their daily lives in this laidback town.

Baci ceremonies are an integral fabric of Lao culture and are held to celebrate special events like marriages or a homecoming. The ceremony is believed by Lao people to realign the kwan (soul), which watches over the body. During the ceremony, a village elder will wrap a white cotton thread around your wrist while chanting an invocation to strengthen the power of the blessing. In Laos, the colour white is a symbol of peace, good fortune and health. Experience an authentic part of Lao culture during the Baci ceremony, which will take place in a local family’s humble home and see you come away enlightened by one of Laos’ most unique, traditional and ancient practises.

Accommodation: Rosewood Luang Prabang (or alternative hotel of equal standard).

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 11: Luang Prabang

Tuk Tuk Library & Luang Prabang Evening Food Corner

Today you will join the Tuk Tuk Library on a tour to a nearby village. The Tuk Tuk Library’s goal is to visit the schools and villages which surround Luang Prabang, delivering books and participating in activities and games. This library on wheels provides books for people between the ages of three and eighteen, dropping off sacks bulging with around 100 books that are loaned to students for a period of two to six weeks. The library also encourages hygiene practising, delivering soap, toothbrushes and other personal items for children to use.

In the evening, you will head to Luang Prabang’s famous night market, where you can navigate the thrumming crowds to explore the fragrant food stalls bursting with sumptuous, fresh produce. Take in the sights, sounds and smells as your guide explains the various unique ingredients and cooking methods used in Lao cuisine. After browsing the stalls and sampling the food, you’ll continue to a renowned local restaurant for a traditional sindad barbecue, where diners grill their food right at the table, with your guide recommending some of the house specialties and classic Lao dishes.

Accommodation: Rosewood Luang Prabang (or alternative hotel of equal standard).

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Dinner