Date
Dec 27, 2023 - Jan 6, 2024
Trip Type
By River By Land

Group Size: Up to 16 guests
Price: Starting from $11,999 per person double occupancy / $17,999 single occupancy
Co-sponsored with: Harvard exclusive

Activity Level
3
Terms & Conditions (155.95 KB)
Trip Brochure (1.08 MB)

Trip Overview

Float along a lesser-traveled stretch of the Mekong aboard the elegant Anouvong, a boutique riverboat with only eight spacious staterooms and two luxurious suites. Begin in the ancient town of Luang Prabang, Laos, and spend three nights discovering the serene heart of Laotian culture. Embark Anouvong in Luang Prabang, and celebrate New Year’s Eve on board, followed by a three-night voyage along the Upper Mekong. In this timeless exploration of the Golden Triangle region, marvel at scenic riverscapes, ancient Buddhist holy sites, and the rich culture and heritage of Laos. Highlights of the cruise include Pak Ou Caves, with their 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues; the village of Huay Palang, home of a local ethnic Khmu tribe; and the riverside settlement of Pak Beng, with its market and elephant sanctuary. Disembark at the Thai-Lao border town of Huay Xai and transfer to Chiang Rai for an overnight stay and a chance to visit the Akha and Yao hill tribe villages. The next day, fly to Bangkok, and spend two nights at the luxurious Peninsula Bangkok Hotel while exploring the city’s exquisite temples and grand palaces.

Schedule by Day

  • Wednesday, December 27: Independent departures for Luang Prabang, Laos
  • Thursday, December 28: Luang Prabang
  • Friday, December 29: Luang Prabang
  • Saturday, December 30: Luang Prabang
  • Sunday, December 31: Luang Prabang / Embark Anouvong / Ban Khok Kham
  • Monday, January 1: Ban Khok Kham / Ban Khok Aek
  • Tuesday, January 2: Kok Aek / Pakbeng / Pak Ngui
  • Wednesday, January 3: Pak Ngui / Huay Xai / Disembark / Chiang Rai, Thailand
  • Thursday, January 4: Chiang Rai / Bangkok
  • Friday, January 5: Bangkok
  • Saturday, January 6: Return to U.S.

Pricing

  • Deluxe Staterooms: $11,999 per person, double occupancy / $17,999 single occupancy
  • Deluxe Executive Staterooms: $13,499 per person, double occupancy
  • Signature Suites: $15,999 per person, double occupancy

Accommodations

  • Three nights at Avani+ Luang Prabang Hote
  • Three nights about Anouvong
  • One night at The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa
  • Two nights at Peninsula Hotel, Bangkok

Extensions

Not applicable

What to Expect

Activity Level 3

The three-night cruise along the Upper Mekong aboard Heritage Line ANOUVONG requires moderate to basic fitness and sure-footedness when getting on and off the ship or during excursions off the ship. Short walking distances are part of the excursions. There is one longer walking trek excursion (45-60 min) which will require a basic to good fitness level, however passengers who do not feel fit enough can opt out of the excursion. There is also a longer walk up (steps) to the famous Pak Oo Caves. The first cave is reached fairly easily in about 5-10 minutes, but continuing to the second cave will take another 10-15 minutes along steep steps. Heritage Line ANOUVONG does not have an elevator, but there are only very short walking distances onboard with one staircase connecting the main deck with the terrace deck. At most of the ports of call, the ship moors alongside with guests using a gangway or tender boat to reach the shore. Heritage Line staff will assist all passengers at all times to get safely on and off the ship. The ship has air-conditioning in the cabins and public spaces. Outside temperatures in December should be excellent with blue skies and temperatures around 20°C. It is advisable to bring some warm clothes; a windbreaker jacket or pullover, and also a sun hat and sunscreen. Smart casual dress is appropriate most of the time, and the emphasis is on layered clothing as temperatures vary between daytime and evening. Comfortable but sturdy walking shoes are essential. For dinners and special occasions like the welcome and farewell events, a more formal attire is nice to bring (jacket and tie however are not required).

Study Leader(s)

Charles H. Carswell Professor of East Asian Languages and Civilizations

Mode of Travel

As imposing as the upper Mekong River in Laos, Anouvong enchants as a small boutique ship that seamlessly blends traditional Laotian ambiance and artwork with French-Colonial finesse.

For More Information

Please email haatravels@harvard.edu or call our office at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806.