Kingdoms of the Mekong & Ancient China

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Itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 London to Chiang Rai, Thailand.

   Fly by scheduled indirect flight.

2. 2

   Day 2 Chiang Rai.

   Arrive today and transfer to Le Meridien Hotel for our two night stay. Enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure.

3. 3

   Day 3 Chiang Rai.

   Founded in 1262, Thailand's northernmost city boasts a fascinating architectural history in a mix of Thai and Burmese styles. After breakfast we begin our morning tour with a visit to the ancient temple of Wat Phra Kaew, original home of the Emerald Buddha which is now housed in Bangkok. A replica was made and placed in the same spot where it was found. We continue to Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong with its large gold stupa. Our final stop brings us to Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple, which is different from any other temple in Thailand. In contrast to the ancient temples, this temple was built in 1997 and was designed using white glass. While travelling through the city, observe the influence of the city's Chinese communities. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure and this evening join your fellow travellers for dinner. (B, D)

4. 4

   Day 4 Chiang Rai to Huay Xai, Laos.

   This morning we transfer to the border and after passing Lao immigration we head to Huay Xai Pier to embark the Anouvong for our three night river journey along the Mekong. After settling into our cabins, we begin our journey downstream surrounded by uninterrupted views of natural beauty. Later, we call at Ban Pak Sith, a small riverside village mainly inhabited by the Khmu ethnic minority. Life here is simple and closely tied to nature, with families primarily sustained by rice and vegetable farming. Some households continue the traditional craft of blacksmithing, producing essential tools such as knives, hoes, and spades. Here, if available, the village blacksmith will demonstrate his time-honoured methods and skills. Join the expert onboard guide for a lecture delving into the rich history of the country and its former royal dynasties before dinner on board. (B, L, D)

5. 5

   Day 5 Pakbeng & Khok Aek.

   Early risers can join a morning yoga class on the terrace deck, where the breathtaking Mekong scenery becomes a serene backdrop as we sail to the charming village of Pakbeng. Along the riverside opposite Pakbeng 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. Once employed in the logging industry, they now live 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. After lunch you can find a spot to relax on board or maybe join a cooking class where you will learn to prepare Lao and Thai classics that you can easily recreate at home. Later this afternoon another breathtaking riverine spectacle awaits as we arrive at Khok Aek. Here the ethnic Lao, Khmu and Hmong tribes live a sustainable life growing organic fruit and vegetables, each with their 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. Tonight we will enjoy a performance by local villagers on the Terrace Deck, featuring the traditional “Kene” instrument. (B, L, D)

6. 6

   Day 6 Ban Baw & Khok Luang.

   After breakfast, our morning excursion leads us to two traditional adjacent villages, where Lao Loum and Khmu communities have lived side by side for generations, each preserving their own traditions in quiet harmony. Most villagers are farmers, cultivating seasonal crops and tending small gardens, while in Ban Baw, a handful of women keep alive the intricate art of cotton and silk weaving. During our visit, we can witness a demonstration of this enduring craft, observing weavers as they work on traditional handlooms using labour-intensive methods that have remained unchanged through the ages. The village also has a small temple tending to the community's spiritual life, where those who wish can join the resident monks for a short private meditation session. Return to the ship for lunch as we resume our meandering journey down the river toward Khok Luang. This village is home to the Khmu ethnic group whose communities span China, Laos, Thailand, Burma and Vietnam. Strolling through the village, we gather for a Baci ceremony, a heartfelt Laotian ritual led by local elders (and possibly monks), bestowing blessings for your onward journey. Our evening unfolds with a cocktail on the sandbank, followed by a farewell dinner served in this memorable setting (B, L, D)

7. 7

   Day 7 Pak Ou Caves & Luang Prabang.

   This morning we approach the illustrious 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 explore the lower cave, the most impressive and easily accessible. Return to the ship for lunch as we sail into Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Disembark in the early afternoon and transfer to the Avani+ Hotel for our three night stay. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure before we meet for dinner this evening. (B, L, D)

8. 8

   Day 8 Luang Prabang.

   After breakfast in the hotel we start our day with a visit to the National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace. Displayed inside is a collection of personal artefacts of the former Laotian Royal Family. Later we follow the quiet back lanes to the beautiful Heuan Chan Heritage House. Explore the house and its historical items and architectural charms while learning about the connection it has with the Royal Palace. We continue our walk up the peninsula to the country's most historic and enchanting temple, Wat Xieng Thong. With its roof that sweeps low towards the ground, this temple's architecture best represents the classical Luang Prabang style. After lunch the remainder of the day and evening is free to explore at your own pace or relax in the hotel. (B, L)

9. 9

   Day 9 Kuang Si Falls & Luang Prabang.

   This morning we drive south of Luang Prabang and take a leisurely hike through the natural park to the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, established by the Free the Bears Project and home to a group of rescued Asiatic Black (Moon) Bears. Afterwards we will continue to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls. Below the 90 metre drop of the main cascade are a series of pools, connected by smaller falls and cascades. At low water levels the water is a remarkable turquoise, and swimming in the lower pools is a great way to cool off. Return to Luang Prabang for an afternoon at leisure before we meet for dinner this evening. (B, D)

10. 10

    Day 10 Luang Prabang to Kunming, China.

    Today, those wishing to rise early can witness and partake in the daily morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat' or giving alms to the monks. Return to the hotel for breakfast before we check out and transfer to the railway station for our scheduled train to Kunming (please note the journey will be approximately eight hours). Spend the day travelling through the Laos countryside before crossing the border into China. On arrival in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, known as the ‘Spring City' thanks to its temperate climate, we will transfer to the Sofitel Hotel for a two night stay. (B, L*, D)

11. 11

    Day 11 Kunming.

    After breakfast in the hotel we visit the famous Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 270-million-year-old limestone karst pinnacles, creating a maze-like “forest” of stone. Here we learn about the formation of karst landforms and Yi ethnic legends. Following lunch, there will be free time to explore independently before we meet for dinner this evening. (B, L, D)

12. 12

    Day 12 Kunming to Lijiang.

    This morning we transfer to the railway station to join the high-speed train to Lijiang, which blends Naxi ethnic culture with breathtaking natural scenery. Lijiang features stone-paved alleys, traditional wooden houses, and clear streams in the old town. On arrival enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before we check in to the Intercontinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort for our three night stay. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore Dayan Ancient Town before we meet for dinner this evening. (B, L, D)

13. 13

    Day 13 Lijiang.

    After breakfast, we visit the Black Dragon Pool where we see the mirror-like reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from Suocui Bridge, then visit Ming and Qing-era ancient buildings like Wufeng Tower and Deyue Tower. We continue on to visit Shuhe Ancient Town, one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi people. It is also an important and well-preserved post of the Ancient Tea Horse Route, an important trading route across south-west China where horses were the principal means of transport. After lunch, enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Meet for dinner this evening (B, L, D)

14. 14

    Day 14 Lijiang.

    Today we visit Baisha Village, where we wander through this ancient Naxi settlement, exploring century-old courtyards and handcraft shops. Later, we continue to the Baisha Mural Paintings to admire the exquisite Ming-dynasty religious fresco art. After lunch, we visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Ride the cable car to Spruce Meadow to enjoy the snow-covered alpine scenery, then head to Blue Moon Valley to take in the views of its turquoise waters. Enjoy the live performance ‘Impression Lijiang', immersing yourself in the stunning cultural charm of local folklore. Meet for dinner this evening. (B, L, D)

15. 15

    Day 15 Lijiang to Chengdu.

    This morning we transfer to the airport for a flight to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and a vibrant blend of ancient history and modernity. On arrival enjoy lunch and check in to the Kempinski Hotel for our two night stay. This afternoon we visit People's Park and continue to Heming Teahouse to experience authentic gaiwan tea culture over a cup of jasmine tea accompanied by salted peanuts. (B, L, D)

16. 16

    Day 16 Chengdu.

    This morning we visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Centre, which is beautifully landscaped with lush plants and lakes. A highlight will be observing the panda cubs play with each other, climbing up and down trees, rolling and tumbling with endless energy. Also, visit the Small Red Panda Centre with 40 red pandas in residence who roam freely. After lunch we visit the Sanxingdui Museum, a major archaeological museum showcasing an extensive collection of Bronze Age relics from the Shu Kingdom. This evening we enjoy a farewell Sichuan hot pot dinner accompanied by a traditional face-changing performance, a 300-year old highly skilled dramatic form of art from Sichuan opera. (B, L, D)

17. 17

    Day 17 Chengdu to London.

    Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. Arrive this evening. (B)

The Ship

Anouvong

Deck plan

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Departures & pricing