Thailand & Laos: A Journey along the Mekong on Anouvong

We are looking forward to safely traveling once again with alumni and faculty. Our hopeful planning is informed by University precautions and protocols. Due to the pandemic, Harvard has prohibited all University-related travel, both international and domestic, until further notice. Since group travel is planned far in advance, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to confirm your study leader’s participation before cancellation fees begin for your program.

Date: December 27, 2022 - January 6, 2023
Trip Type: By River

Group Size: Up to 16 guests
Price: Starting from approximately $10,999 per person

Activity Level 3

General Terms & Conditions

More information coming soon

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. 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. Begin in Bangkok and spend two nights at the luxurious Peninsula Bangkok Hotel. After exploring the city’s exquisite temples, lively markets, and grand palaces, fly to Chiang Rai. Transfer and embark Anouvong at the Thai-Lao border town of Huay Xai, and start your three-night voyage downstream along the Upper Mekong. As you make your way to the ancient town of Luang Prabang, highlights of the cruise include the village of Huay Palang, home of a local ethnic Khmu tribe; the riverside settlement of Pak Beng, with its market and elephant sanctuary; and Pak Ou Caves, with their 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues. Conclude the river journey with a New Year’s Eve celebration in Luang Prabang, followed by two days discovering the serene heart of Laotian culture.

Schedule by Day

Dec 23: Departure
Dec 24: Bangkok, Thailand
Dec 25: Bangkok
Dec 26: Bangkok / Fly to Chiang Rai
Dec 27: Chiang Rai / Huay Xai, Laos / Embark Anouvong
Dec 28-29: Sail along the Upper Mekong
Dec 30: Luang Prabang / Disembark
Dec 31 - Jan 1: Luang Prabang
Jan 2: Luang Prabang / Fly to Bangkok, Thailand / Return

Pricing

Starting from approximately $10,999 per person

Accommodations

Two nights in hotel accommodations, Bangkok*
One night hotel accommodations, Chiang Rai*
Three nights aboard Anouvong
Two nights hotel accommodations, Luang Prabang*

*specific hotels to be announced

Extensions

To be announced

What to Expect

Activity Level 3

Busy pacing may include multiple hotel changes plus internal flights or long drives. May involve exposure to the outdoors, full days of touring, and walking up to two hours.

Study Leader(s)

To be announced

Mode of Travel

Anouvong

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.