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Crossing the Golden Triangle, Huay Xai to Luang Prabang in 4 days

Looking for a holiday with a change of scenery, relaxation, exclusivity and a wealth of cultural visits?

By Pierre VO your cruise expert
Main characteristics
Type of boat: traditional ship
Number of cabins: 10
Maximum capacity: 20 travelers

Cabins

Deluxe
Capacity: 2 Beds maximum
Deluxe cabins feature bay windows opening onto a French balcony.
Deluxe Executive
Capacity: 2 Beds maximum
Deluxe executive cabins are designed and equipped in the same way as staterooms, while offering a view from a higher floor, on the terrace.
Signature Suites
Capacity: 2 Beds maximum
The large suites are located at the front of the main deck, with their own lounge area and private balcony.
NB: The photos, information and visuals presented are not contractually binding. The indicated itinerary and program may be modified without prior notice for technical reasons (decision of the captain).

Sailing itineraries

Huay Xai Huay Ting
In the morning, passengers receive a warm welcome at the Laotian immigration office. Once everyone... see+ has gathered, you’ll be transferred by minivan to the Huay Xai pier, where the boat is waiting for you. Our team will assist you with check-in and ensure your luggage is taken care of.
Once preparations are complete, your 3-night cruise on the Upper Mekong begins.
As the boat sails toward its first stop, head to the lounge to attend the welcome presentation and safety briefing with the cruise director. Upon arrival at the confluence of the Mekong and a major tributary, let the peaceful waters carry you downstream while you enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscapes.
The exploration begins at Ban Pak Sith, a small village located on the riverbank, inhabited primarily by the Khmu ethnic group. Life here is simple and closely tied to nature, with families living primarily off rice and vegetable farming.
Some families still carry on the traditional craft of blacksmithing, forging essential tools such as knives, hoes, and spades. Weather permitting, the village blacksmith will introduce you to his methods and the expertise passed down through generations.
Before returning to the boat, enjoy a special opportunity to interact with the village schoolchildren, followed by a performance showcasing their talents.
Before dinner, immerse yourself in the history of Laos during a captivating lecture on board. An expert guide will introduce you to the country’s rich history as well as that of its ancient royal dynasties.
In the evening, head to the lounge for a movie screening in a cozy atmosphere featuring the film “Chiang” (“elephant” in Lao). Filmed in this very region in 1927 and directed by the same filmmaker behind the first King Kong movie, this film will help you immerse yourself in the atmosphere ahead of the next day’s explorations. 
Included activities: Traditional show, see+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Huay Ting Pak Beng Khok Aek
For early risers, a daily yoga session is offered in the morning on the deck, in a peaceful setting... see+ with breathtaking views of the Mekong River.
The cruise continues to the charming town of Pakbeng, where we arrive in the morning. On the opposite bank from the town, deep in the jungle, lies one of the most sustainable elephant sanctuaries in Laos.
In this nearly pristine natural environment, you’ll encounter these majestic animals. Born in Laos and once used for transporting timber, they have now found refuge in a peaceful, natural setting. Having been raised in captivity, they are unfortunately no longer able to survive in the wild.
This sanctuary, a true symbol of ecotourism and sustainable development, reflects a deep commitment to protecting these animals. Observing these gentle giants in the heart of the rainforest and discovering their unique history is an unforgettable experience.
After lunch, it’s time for a hands-on cooking workshop. Put on your apron and learn how to prepare some classic Lao-Thai dishes that are easy to make at home. After all, nothing brings back memories quite like the flavor of a good meal.
In the afternoon, the cruise continues to Ban Khok Aek, where a new cultural discovery awaits you. Three distinct ethnic groups—the Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khmu—live there almost literally under the same roof.
Each has its own history, traditions, way of life, family structures, and housing styles. Explore the village and visit a family’s home, where representatives from each group will explain their differences and unique aspects of daily life. The concepts discussed during the previous day’s lecture will then come to life before your eyes.
As evening approaches, head to the bar to enjoy some snacks while reviewing the next day’s itinerary.
Before dinner, the villagers will put on a performance on the terrace deck, featuring the traditional “Kene” instrument and/or a traditional dance.
Later, head to the lounge for a screening of “The Rocket,” a 90-minute Laotian film telling the story of a young boy seeking redemption in a war-torn country. 
Included activities: Visit to the Elephant Conservation Sanctuary, Yoga session, see+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Khok Aek Ban Khok Phou
Start the day by enjoying the first rays of sunlight reflecting off the Mekong River and, if... see+ you’d like, join the daily yoga session.
After breakfast, set out to explore two neighboring traditional villages, where the Lao Loum and Khmu communities have lived side by side for generations, each preserving its own traditions in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
Most of the residents are farmers who grow seasonal crops and tend small vegetable gardens. In Ban Baw, a few women also carry on the meticulous art of weaving cotton and silk. During the visit, you’ll have the opportunity to witness a demonstration of this ancestral craft and watch the weavers at work on traditional looms, using meticulous methods that have remained virtually unchanged over the centuries.
The village is also home to a small temple that plays an important role in the community’s spiritual life. Those who wish may participate in a short private meditation session alongside the resident monks.
Return to the ship for lunch, then continue sailing toward Khok Luang, following the river’s meandering course.
This village is home to the Khmu ethnic group, found in several Southeast Asian countries, including China, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Take a stroll through the village before participating in a Baci ceremony, a traditional Lao ritual steeped in spirituality, led by the village elders and possibly by monks. This ceremony is an opportunity to receive their blessings for the rest of your journey.
After returning on board to freshen up, the evening continues with cocktails served on a sandbar, followed by a farewell dinner carefully prepared in this exceptional setting.
Make the most of your final evening on the Laotian Mekong, as the last hues of twilight gradually give way to the calm of the night. 
Included activities: Visit of a small village, Visit to a village inhabited by Lao Loum and Lao Theun people, see+
Optional services: Optional meditation session see+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ban Khok Phou Luang Prabang
Today - on your last day of your cruise through the Golden Triangle of Laos - some final highlights... see+ await. After enjoying a sumptuous breakfast, we offer a unique activity to experience the calmly flowing lower Mekong from a different perspective. Hop in a kayak and paddle along on your own in total symbioses with the peacefully flowing stream. Feel the waters of Mekong carrying you downstream with almost no effort, relax and enjoy the passing natural beauty and immerse yourself in this very special trip. You may like to paddle all the way to the famous caves of Pak Ou, which is our next stop and highlight to come (or return back on board). We stop close to Pak Ou, and go ashore where we will meet the local “medicine man” who takes us on a jungle trek explaining various interesting facts and astonishing things about the flora and the nature in this area. In the village we may one more time be able to observe local weaving, and find here as well ‘the art of local whisky distilling’. (Kindly note a basic fitness level is required for the approx. 45-minute trek which is relatively easy walking but does involve some uphill terrain; guests may opt to stay on the ship to reach our next stop, the Pak Ou caves). The trekking group reaches the caves via the “backdoor”. The famous Pak Ou Caves are located directly on the Mekong’s rocky shore and opposite the mouth of the Ou River. There are two limestone grottoes which house approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images ranging in size from mere centimeters up to 2m (7ft) in height. We arrive first at the upper cave and then take steps down (approx. 200 steps) to the lower, most impressive grotto. Once back on board you can refresh yourself and lunch is served afterwards. From Pak Ou we have about three more hours to sail. During this time, meet Mr Francis Engelmann, who used to work for UNESCO on heritage preservation projects. Born in Paris in 1947, he has lived in Laos for over 20 years and knows Luang Prabang like the back of his hand. Join his fantastic presentation, in which he shares some of his expertise of the country’s and Luang Prabang’s rich cultural heritage and fascinating history. A lunch is served, before we finally arrive at the enchanting town of Luang Prabang in the afternoon (approx. 15:00 o’clock). Our team assists with your check-out and helps with your luggage. We thank you very much for cruising with Heritage Line on the upper Mekong in Laos and bid you farewell, wishing you a pleasant onward journey. 
Included activities: Visit the Pak Ou Caves, Visit to a local whisky distillery, see+
Optional services: Kayaking on the Nam Ou River, Visit to the vi... see+
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Included

The price includes
Tours and admission to the sites listed in the itinerary
All transfers from the boat to tourist sites
Transfer from meeting point to ship and vice versa
English-speaking tour guide
Welcome drink
Mineral water available
unlimited tea and coffee on board
Passenger liability insurance
Port tax
Fuel
Taxes
A French-speaking guide
The activities included in the program
Meals included in the program
The price does not include
Tips for crew and guides
Visa fees
Private transfers
Personal expenses
Beverages other than those listed
Medical service
Spa
Activities not included in the program
Meals not included in the program
Filovent cancellation insurance see+
Filovent comprehensive insurance see+
Optional services
Flights not included in the program are available on request
Activities and excursions on request see+

Activities

Traditional show
Included
Visit to the Elephant Conservation Sanctuary
Included
Yoga session
Included
Visit of a small village
Included
Visit to a village inhabited by Lao Loum and Lao Theun people
Included
Visit the Pak Ou Caves
Included
Visit to a local whisky distillery
Included
Optional meditation session
Not included
Kayaking on the Nam Ou River
Not included
Visit to the village of Ban Muang Keo
Not included

Customer reviews

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The service

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Information about the partner

  • Filovent partner since 2024
  • Last booking with this partner in May 2025
  • 3 bookings with this partner
  • Partner's overall rating: 4,2 / 10 (1 avis)
  • Average rating of the partner's boats: 3,3 / 10
  • Average rating of the partner's service: 5,0 / 10
    • Pierre
    With Pierre your cruise expert

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