10 day Luxury Upper Mekong Journey through Laos
Vientiane – Huay Xai
Cruise in luxury at a leisurely pace through beautiful Laos and experience premium service on this exceptional 10 day upper Mekong cruise. This unhurried cruise journey sails north bound through secluded areas with naturally stunning backdrops, and is paired with mesmerizing excursions and authentic local interactions. With visits to the isolated local riverside villages you will witness how the residents daily lives unfold and experience their long standing cultures and traditions.
As imposing as the upper Mekong River in Laos, Anouvong enchants as a small boutique luxury ship that seamlessly blends traditional Laotian ambiance and artwork with French Colonial finesse. Passengers aboard this exclusive vessel discover the most beautiful, remote areas of Laos along the meandering river in utmost luxury.
Trip code : TWHLL10D
Duration : 10 days
Destination : Laos
Travel Dates :2022
Terms & Conditions
GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS
I. DEFINITIONS
These Terms & Conditions set out the terms on which you contract with Tweet World Travel Tour Operator & Wholesaler Pty. Ltd. (ACN 653 476 316) trading as Tweet World Travel on its website https://agentportal.tweetworldtravel.com/ (collectively referred to in this document as “Tweet World Travel”, “we”, “our” or “us”).
These Booking Conditions set out the terms on which you contract us for the arrangement and delivery of travel arrangements (“Arrangement”) including worldwide river cruises, Croisi Europe Cruises, private tours, group tours, independent tours, lifestyle holidays, travel packages, activities, flights, accommodations, trains, transfers, cruises, air balloons, ferries, boats (collectively referred to in this document as “Service”) for your trip and which we agree to make, provide, or preform as part of our contract with you. These terms and conditions apply to bookings you made with our consultants (over phone or by email) or made directly via our e-commerce websites (“Booking Portal”).
When we refer to ‘you’, we mean any person that accesses or uses the Booking Portal.
By using or accessing the Booking Portal, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions, and you represent that you have read and understood them. The person making the Booking shall be deemed to have accepted these Terms & Conditions on behalf of all the persons named in the booking. Please read the following terms and conditions carefully. You must not make any bookings unless you understand and agree with the following terms and conditions.
By asking us to confirm your booking and paying deposit or full payment, you will be contracting directly with third-party supplier(s) (“Supplier”) who are the principal supplier(s) of the “Service”. Each supplier may have its own terms & cancellation and you agree to be bound by the applicable Supplier’s terms & conditions (“Supplier Terms”) when you make a Booking.
II. AGREEMENT BETWEEN USER AND TWEET WORLD TRAVEL
The Services of Tweet World Travel are offered to you on the condition of your acceptance without modification of the terms, conditions, and notices contained herein. Your use of the Tweet World Travel constitutes your agreement to all such terms, conditions, and notices.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the Supplier Terms conflict with these Terms & Conditions in respect of your legal relationship with Tweet World Travel, these Terms & Conditions shall prevail.
III. MODIFICATION OF THESE TERMS OF USE
Tweet World Travel reserves the right to change the terms, conditions, and notices under which the services of Tweet World Travel are offered, including but not limited to the charges associated with the use of the Tweet World Travel service, without notice.
IV. BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
1. BOOKING
• You warrant that (i) you are 18 years of age or older, (ii) all information supplied by you during your course of using the Services is true, accurate, current, and complete
• By asking us to confirm your booking with an international travel booking, we will assume that all travellers on the booking have a valid passport. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the necessary documentation to comply with the laws and regulations of the countries to be visited.
• Passenger names must be provided exactly as per passport at the time of booking. Any spelling corrections made after a payment is paid must be sent in writing and will incur additional fees, including any ticket/voucher re‐issue fees and any Suppliers’ re-issue fees.
• By sending a payment or /paying for your booking, you acknowledge that the terms and conditions are fully understood, and agree to be bound by the terms, conditions and responsibilities set forth.
• Tweet World Travel reserves the right to correct any errors in rates quoted/invoice or calculated, or any omissions made at any time during your booking. Even once payment has been paid in full but an error in price has been found, Tweet World Travel reserves the right to correct any error.
• Tweet World Travel reserves the right to modify the price in case of exchange rate fluctuation while we provide a quote or make a booking for you. We continue to modify exchange rate even after your booking is made. The price is only guaranteed only when a booking is confirmed, and a full payment is already paid.
• Tweet World Travel reserves the right to substitute hotels, vessels and other forms of accommodation with properties or vessels of a comparable or higher standard.
• Tweet World Travel provides live availability of the Service, and the price is updated daily according to the exchange rate.
• Tweet World Travel is not a principal supplier of any Service, and when you make a booking via Booking Portal, your booking is a direct contract between you and the applicable Supplier.
o By asking us to confirm your booking and paying deposit or full payment, you agree to be bound by the applicable Supplier's terms and conditions and any other rules or policies related to the Service. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the Supplier Terms conflict with these Terms & Conditions in respect of your legal relationship with Tweet World Travel, these Terms & Conditions shall prevail.
o Tweet World Travel will have no liability with respect to the acts, omissions, errors, representations, warranties, breaches or negligence of any Supplier or for any personal injuries, death, property damage, or other damages or expenses resulting from your interactions with any Supplier. Your interactions with Suppliers are at your own risk.
• If the airport transfers are included on the first and last day of some Tweet World Travel at designated times, no refund will be given for unused transfers. Transfers cannot be re-routed to other pick-up points or destinations.
• Passengers who miss the pre-booked transfers must make their own way to/from the hotel or cruise at their own expense. A group transfer is generally a shared transfer and the type of vehicle used will normally be dependent upon the size of the group.
2. RESERVATION
• You can make a booking via our Booking Portal
• You acknowledge and agree that:
o All persons are fit and physically able to partake unaided in their chosen Service
o All parties acknowledge the physical demands and hazards involved in the Service they will be undertaking and have chosen to participate at their own risk.
o It is your responsibility to notify us of any dietary requests/requirements. We will pass on this information to the Supplier(s) these requests/requirements, however, cannot guarantee that they can always be accommodated.
o All parties understand that any medical or dietary information provided to us does NOT, under any circumstances, make Tweet World Travel and its Suppliers liable if a particular condition exacerbates while using the Service, which might affect their ability to participate in any portion of the Service.
o The Service DOES NOT include Travel Insurance. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance for your trip
• Deposit(s) per person is required within day(s) of us accepting your booking. A deposit will secure your booking/ticket, please note that we may not hold any services for you until we receive payment of your deposit.
• The final balance of the travel arrangements is due no later than day(s) prior to the confirmed tour commencement date.
• Some trips may require payment (including full payment) earlier or in additional instalments and this will be advised with the booking confirmation.
• We will not surcharge for currency fluctuations once full payment has been received by us.
• Air travel is arranged with independent airlines. All airfares are subject to flight and booking class availability. Airfares will be booked and ticketed upon receipt of your full payment. Once air tickets are issued, airline amendment and/or cancellation fees apply and, in some cases, are non-refundable. Name changes and voluntary date and schedule changes will incur fees.
• Special Deals and Special Offers other than those advertised herein may be promoted by Tweet World Travel after the program is released. These new special deals/offers do not apply to existing bookings unless otherwise stated.
3. PRICING
• Price shown on the website is per-person twin share and is in the selected currency set by you while using the sites. Price is based on local rate at the time of booking, converted at the prevailing foreign exchange rate as determined by Tweet World Travel. Tweet World Travel shall not be liable to you if prices change due to currency fluctuations.
o For children aged 2 up to 10: 20% to 25% discount on the adult price
o 30% discount on the adult price will be given to the 3rd occupant from the same family in a triple-occupancy cabin
o Single Traveller must pay Single Supplements
• Price is subject to change without notice, until a booking has been confirmed and paid. Once the security deposit is paid, the price will be guaranteed.
• Price does not include foreign departures port charges, customs, immigration, agricultural, passengers-facility charges.
• Price does not include tips/gratuities; vaccinations; emergency evacuation costs; passport and visa fees; baggage insurance, personal insurance; travel insurance, any item of personal natures.
• We reserve the right to surcharge the cost of your booked travel arrangements prior to commencement for circumstances beyond our control such as minimum passengers requirements not met, or the imposition of new or amended Government charges.
4. PAYMENT
• When you make a booking via the Booking Portal, Tweet World Travel collects your payment information and processes your payment. In doing so, Tweet World Travel acts as the limited payment collection agent of the Supplier, collecting your payment for the applicable Service(s) on behalf of such Supplier.
• You will be required to pay a deposit or full payment when booking. Your agent or our websites will advise you of how much that will be.
• Deposit payment for all booking:
o You will be required to pay deposit(s) after booking is confirmed.
o A deposit will secure your booking/cabin, however prices may change before you make the final payment.
• The final balance is due no later than day(s) prior to the confirmed tour and/or cruise commencement date.
• Any booking valued at or less than $1,000 must be paid in full amount after booking confirmation. Some airfares or services must be paid in full at the time of booking.
• Some trips may require payment (including full payment) earlier or in additional instalments and this will be advised with the booking confirmation.
• We are under no obligation to remind you of a payment becoming due. If we fail to receive a payment from you by the due date for payment in clear funds, then this will be deemed a cancellation by you (see below).
• The value of your booking may be subject to taxes, duties, foreign transaction, currency exchange or other fees. Your bank or payment card company may convert the payment into the local currency and may charge fees. Tweet World Travel recommends that you contact your bank or card company if you have any questions concerning any applicable currency conversion.
• You can make a payment in person in-store, via Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal or Payment Gateway. If you make payment by credit card, the following Card Fees apply:
o Visa Credit Card - 1.8% fee and MasterCard Credit Card ‐ 1.76% fee applies.
o American Express (Amex) ‐ 2.8% fee applies.
o PayPal – 2.6%
***For late payment or urgent bookings, please notify us via email at payments@tweetworldtravel.com.au
5. CANCELLATION & CHANGE FEES
5.1 CHANGE FEES
If you change any aspect of your booking, we will do our best to accommodate your request, but it may not always be possible. Request for change and amendments to your Booking, including name change or date change requests etc., should be made as below:
o These requests can be made in person in-store or via your online account, or via email to contact@tweetworldtravel.com.au . We do not accept any request made verbally or via phone.
Change Fee:
o Changes to Domestic/Trans-Tasman bookings will incur a fee of $69 per person in addition to travel service provider fees.
o Changes to International bookings will incur a fee of $99 per booking in addition to travel service provider fees.
Subject to the availability and agreement with the Supplier, Tweet World Travel does not guarantee the success of any Change Request. A Supplier may charge a fee to accommodate a Change Request, and you will be required to pay such fee. To the extent the Supplier is unwilling or unable to accept such Change Request, then your right to a refund (if any) shall be governed by the cancellation terms of your Booking.
5.2 CANCELLATION FEES
In all circumstances, you must check the cancellation policy contained in the invoice or your confirmation document at the time of your Booking, which is the policy that will apply to and govern the terms of your cancellation and any refunds.
Additional charges per booking cancellation
o Administration fees: $50 per person
o Additional $150 per person charges for themed-weekend and Christmas-market cruises are required.
• If you make a Booking using a promotion code, or if you accept a discount or special-offer price during the check-out process, you may invalidate your discount or special-offer price by making a Change Request after Booking. All refunds are determined by the cancellation policy of the specific activity and do not include the sum of the Discount/Promotion.
• No refunds are available for no-show, or once any part of your booking has started to be utilised by you
• Occasionally a Supplier may make a change or cancel to a Service, including but not limited to the date, price, inclusions, coverage, age requirements and/or any other Service features and/or requirement. If the change proposed by the Supplier is material (for example, a change in dates and/or a significant change to the itinerary), and you are dissatisfied with the alternative that is offered, you will be entitled to a full refund of the original purchase price.
5.2.2 CANCELLATION BY TWEET WORLD TRAVEL
• For group set departure, if the minimum number of the group is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel or vary your trip 110 days prior to departure. If this event occurs, an alternative guaranteed travel date will be offered. Should these options not be acceptable by you, Tweet World Travel will offer travel credits to be used up to 24 months less visa cost, fuel surcharge and any other cancellation fees.
• If a booking is cancelled or varied prior to departure due to unforeseeable circumstances such as, but not restricted to, severe weather conditions or force majeure, Tweet World Travel will either change your travel arrangements as reasonably practicable to ensure your safety and invoice you for any additional costs. Tweet World Travel will offer credits to any unused part of your holiday package for future travel up to 24 months.
• During your trip, in the event of strike, bad weather, or force majeure conditions endangering the operation of the vessel safely or extraordinary circumstances, Tweet World Travel may at all times and without notice, advance or delay a departure or a stopover or, if need be, change ports of call, and may not be held responsible in the event of cancellation, earlier or later departure or arrival, modification or substitution. Tweet World Travel will offer credits to any unused part of your holiday package for future travel up to 24 months. Tweet World Travel will not be liable to any additional associated costs incurred to the travellers whatsoever.
• Force majeure events are beyond our control, including but not limited to war, civil disobedience, terrorism, insurrection, accident, explosion, sickness, epidemic, pandemic, fire, floods, severe weather, acts of God, acts of Government, alteration or cancellation of scheduled air services, accidents to or failure of machinery or equipment or industrial action.
5.2.3 CANCELLATION BY THIRD-PARTY SUPPLIER
Tweet World Travel is not the principal supplier of the Service. One or multiple Third-party supplier(s) (“Supplier”) are the principal supplier(s) of the “Service” provided to you.
If the Supplier change its schedules, or cancels their service for reasons beyond our control, we will use our reasonable endeavours to notify you.
If any such changes result in your Service costing more or otherwise being materially different, then you may cancel the Service. This may result in a monetary refund to you or travel credits to use in the future. The refund/credits may subject to cancellation and admin fees charged by us. Please check with your travel agents/ our consultant before cancelling or amending a Service in these circumstances.
VII. LIABILITIES
• Tweet World Travel has no control over, or liability for, the Services provided by third-party Supplier(s). We disclaim and will be exempt from liability for anything to do with the supply of third parties' Services.
• By making a booking, you agree to accept all risks associated with the Supplier. You agree to unconditionally release Tweet World Travel from all liability, including without limitation in contract and in tort, for any cause or action, including any injury, damage, loss, cost, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly as a result of the inherent risks associated with the service made by the Suppliers, or any force majeure events or other events which are beyond our control, including but not limited to war, civil disobedience, terrorism, insurrection, accident, explosion, sickness, epidemic, pandemic, fire, floods, severe weather, acts of God, acts of Government, alteration or cancellation of scheduled air services, accidents to or failure of machinery or equipment or industrial action.
• Tweet World Travel will not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, cost, delay, additional expense or inconvenience associated with unforeseeable circumstances such as force majeure, adverse weather, flight rescheduling and faults with transportation or road conditions may also have an effect on the operation of the Service. We strongly urge you to undertake a high level of personal responsibility in order to ensure that possessions, equipment and personal documents are closely monitored and protected at all times. We also strongly advise you to purchase appropriate travel insurance to protect you from financial loss and personal injuries in the event of an emergency.
• You acknowledge and agree that there are inherent risks involved in participating in the Service, including without limitation of possible contact with native flora/fauna, local residents, unforeseen events (force majeure) and travel in remote locations. You agree to release Tweet World Travel from any liability associated with these risks.
• If the Service is affected in any way by a force majeure event, we or the Supplier(s) may in our discretion vary or cancel any itinerary or arrangement in relation to the Service as we consider necessary. You agree to release Tweet World Travel and its Supplier(s) from any liability associated with any variation or cancellation.
• The Supplier(s) are not our consultants or employees and are not under our direct control. We therefore do not warrant the performance of any Supplier. We do not accept, and you release us from, all liability for any injury, loss, damage, costs or expenses, including without limitation any property damage or personal injury, that you may suffer which arises out of any act or omission of a Supplier who provides arrangements for the Service(s) that you book. Any claim that you may have in relation to a Supplier should be raised directly with that Supplier.
• You are responsible for any injury, loss, damage, costs or expenses arising through your own fault. You agree to indemnify us against all actions, proceedings, claims, demands, expenses and costs (including legal costs on a full indemnity basis and whether incurred by or awarded against us) as a result of, or arising in relation to, whether directly or indirectly, your participation in the Service or any act or omission by you in relation to the Service.
• To the extent permitted by law, we do not accept any liability in contract, or otherwise for any injury, damage, loss (including consequential loss), delay, additional expenses or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of the Supplier(s) over which we have no direct control. We do not accept any liability for any loss (including consequential loss or any associated costs) caused in case the Supplier becomes insolvent and goes out of business. Any payment already made to the Supplier in such case might be unrecoverable, and no refund will be made.
• Under circumstances where our liability cannot be excluded and where liability may be lawfully limited, such liability is limited to the remedies required of us under applicable law (including the Australian Consumer Law). This liability clause is subject to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law and nothing in these terms and conditions is intended to limit any rights you may have under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth).
VIII. AGENT RESPONSIBILITIES
• It is your responsibility to advise us, your travel agent or the Supplier of your departure and arrival time, or any changes or delays you might encounter. If you do not notify us, your travel agent or the Supplier in a timely manner and you arrive on a delayed flight and miss your allocated pick up (if the Service provide Airport Transfer), you will need to make alternative arrangements at your own expense.
• If your Service include Airport Transfer, your arranged Airport Transfer service will pick you up as scheduled and may attempt to wait for your scheduled arrival up to 30 minutes. If your delay is longer than this waiting period, you will have to make alternative arrangements at your own expense.
• If your Service provides a pick-up venue and pick-up time, it is your responsibility to be present at the advised venue and time. The Supplier will not wait for you, and if you are late, you will miss out the pick-up time. Passengers who miss the pre-booked transfers must make their own way to/from the hotel at their own expense. A group transfer is generally a shared transfer and the type of vehicle used will normally be dependent upon the size of the group
• The Supplier will not accept any participation once the Service has already commenced. No refund will be provided in these circumstances.
• Make sure you collect your travel voucher and any other necessary documentations 7 day prior to departure. You are responsible to check if all details and documents are correct for your booking.
• It is your responsibility to notify us of any dietary requests/requirements. We will pass on this information to the Supplier(s) these requests/requirements, however, cannot guarantee that they can always be accommodated.
• All parties understand that any medical or dietary information provided to us does NOT, under any circumstances, make Tweet World Travel and its Suppliers liable if a particular condition exacerbates while using the Service, which might affect their ability to participate in any portion of the Service.
• It is your responsibility to ensure that all invoice, itinerary details and documentation issued by Tweet World Travel, your travel agent or the Supplier(s) are received and correct, and that the customer is aware of amendment and cancellation conditions and other clauses in these Booking Terms & Conditions. You acknowledge that you fully understand and agree to Tweet World Travel ‘s Terms & Conditions at the time of booking.
• After a booking is made, if the Supplier(s) require information of your legal documents, you will need to provide us or the Supplier this information via your online account, Passenger Online Booking Form or via email to us or your travel agents. If these required documents are not received within 3 working days, the respective booking will be void.
• Travel voucher may be issued instantly depending on the Service you book, or will be issued and sent to you or your travel agents from 7 -15 days prior to departure. Make sure all travellers have obtained their travel voucher before travelling. The Supplier may require you to present the travel voucher to participate in the Service.
• If the traveller(s) travels without our provided travel voucher, they might be denied embarking/joining the Service. It is your responsibility to contact to obtain all necessary travel documents.
• Please make sure you read and understand the travel vouchers, and that the travel voucher matches your booking. If there are any un-booked services / mistakes, you have to contact us or your travel agent immediately to rectify. Once the traveller has already embarked or joined the Service at the destination, we are not liable for any un-booked services / mistakes.
• It is the customer’s responsibility to make sure that the travellers have the valid passport and visas and/or correct visa type to enter the destination country they are travelling to. Travellers might need to present the visas at multiple checkpoints and may be refused to fly out of their countries, if the visa documents cannot be presented. If such event occurs, we won’t be liable and the travellers will be deemed as “no-show”. The respective service booking will be cancelled with the applicable cancellation charge.
• Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date information.
VII. PASSPORTS & VISAS
• All travellers must have a valid passport for international travel and most countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return and some countries require a machine-readable passport. When making a booking, all travellers on the booking must have a valid passport. It is important that you ensure that you have valid passports, visas and re-entry permits which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. It is your sole responsibility if any fines, penalties, payments or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not satisfying the requirements of those authorities.
• It is your responsibility to make sure that the travellers have the valid visas and/or correct visa type to enter the destination country they are travelling to. Travellers might need to present the visas at multiple checkpoints and may be refused to fly out of their countries, if the visa documents cannot be presented. If such event occurs, we won’t be liable and the travellers will be deemed as “no-show”.
• Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date information.
VIII. HEALTH
• Please ensure that you are aware of any health requirements and recommended precautions relevant to your travel, and ensure that you carry all necessary vaccination documentation. In some cases, failure to present required vaccination documentation may deny your entry into a country.
• We recommend that you consult with your local doctor or health specialist before commencing your travel. General health advice for the destination you wish to visit is also available from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
• We recommend that you contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (“DFAT”) or visit their website at https://www.smartraveller.gov.au for general travel advice, as well as specific advice (including safety alert levels) relating to the destination you wish to visit. You can also register your travel plans with DFAT, so that you may be more easily contacted in an emergency.
• We strongly recommend that you familiarise yourself with the current status and updates to Australia's immigration and border arrangements during the COVID-19 outbreak, available at https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au.
• You also acknowledge and agree that:
o All persons are fit and physically able to partake unaided in their chosen Service etc. as outlined in the itinerary.
o All parties acknowledge the physical demands and hazards involved in the Service they will be undertaking and have chosen to participate at their own risk.
o All parties understand that any medical or dietary information provided to us DOES NOT, under any circumstances, make Tweet Tour Operator liable if a particular condition exacerbates while on the trip which might affect their ability to participate in any portion of the trip
IX. TRAVEL INSURANCE
• The Service you book DOES NOT include Travel Insurance
• For your protection, we strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance for your travel arrangements (without limitation) that include coverage for medical expenses, loss of luggage, cruise, land content and airfare charges that may occur.
X. PUBLICITY
• When you book with Tweet World Travel, you agree that we or our Supplier(s) may use images of you taken during the trip and any comments made in writing or in video by you regarding the trip, without recourse to you and without compensation to you, for publicity and promotion purposes only through whatever medium we or our Supplier so choose.
• If you do not want your images to be displayed or taken during the trip, you have to advise us and Supplier in writing at the time of booking, or when you collect your travel documents.
• If you didn’t advise us during your booking or during your trip, we or our Supplier may use your image for promotion purposes. You reserve the right to request us to remove your images from online publications, however we cannot remove your images from any printed promotion materials. You cannot take legal action against these printed materials as we did not have your advice at the time of print.
XI. PRIVACY
• Tweet World Travel collects information about you (including health information where necessary) to process your travel arrangements, facilitate your participation in loyalty programs and conduct marketing activities and market research. If the information is not provided, we may not be able to make travel arrangements for you.
• We may disclose your personal information to our related companies, carriers, travel service providers, organisations which provide services to you.
XII. GOVERNING LAWS
• If any dispute arises between you and Tweet World Travel, the laws of Australia will apply.
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Cruise on a 5-Star resort-like, designer ship
- Stay in the most luxurious staterooms & suites
- Participate in daily guided tours
- Sumptuous full-board dining
- Complimentary drink package
- Insightful lectures & presentations
- Diverse on-board entertainment
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
In the early morning, we welcome our guests directly at the ship docked at the pier in Vientiane (not far from the city centre - time to be advised). Our team assists with your check-in and takes care of your luggage, which we bring directly to your room. Upon check-in, get acquainted with the ship and settle in your cabin as we start our journey. We depart from Vientiane on a wonderful slow journey to explore the Laotian upper Mekong.
Today is a full sailing day and you can let your mind wander while we travel slowly through the hinterland countryside. A wonderful brunch is available during the late morning, and over noontime and you can dine alfresco on the terrace deck or inside the lounge as your preference.
In the afternoon, our local expert guide presents a lecture on the history of Lao royalty with a focus on King Anouvong – this vessel’s namesake. Until we reach our first overnight stop, just relax in your room or in our comfortable public lounge and bar area. You may like to opt for a wellness treatment in our tucked away spa area.
Dinner is served in the ship’s elegant De-Lagree Dining Hall tonight. Afterwards, while some time away in the lounge or join the cinema under the stars on the open terrace deck.
Wake up early to catch your first sunrise in Laos on the Mekong River. Early birds are welcome to join our daily morning exercise on the terrace deck (Tai Chi or Yoga). We think there is no better backdrop than the stunning river scenery to do some revitalizing morning exercise to start the day. We offer this wonderful and energetic open-air activity daily around sunrise.
After some hours, we stop at Phalat village, a small hamlet which looks over the Mekong, right at Thailand. By local means of transportation, “Tok Tok”, we drive to a nearby chopstick factory. Have you ever wondered how chopsticks become perfectly round and all have the same dimensions? Here you will learn the answers to these questions, and besides, it is interesting to get some look behind the scenes of a local factory.
The ship travels along the Thai-Lao border, something you are reminded of by the large Buddha greeting us from the opposite shore. After lunch on board, the ships sails through an area where the Mekong is very calm and shallow with many small sandy islands along its shoreline. The ideal area to to explore the river by kayak on your own within this active river outing.
We moor this evening at a sandbank in the middle of Laos allowing for the opportunity to treat you with a culinary event. Leave the ship to set foot on one of this deserted islands surrounded by the river. Enjoy an aperitivo during sun set as our team get ready for an unforgettable long-table dining, festively set up mid-river in the middle of nowhere. Afterwards you may like to continue enjoying the outdoors with our open-air cinema on the terrace deck where we screen a popular classic movie.
The morning hours are free as the ship meanders upstream, giving you time to observe the life on and off the shores. We shortly pass then Pak Lay on the west bank. To the west of Pak Lay lies actually the Nam Phouy National Biodiversity Conservation Area (approx. 10-15 km from the river) , which is home to the largest wild population of elephants in Laos. Despite its small stature, Pak Lay is the last sizeable town with access to a national road along the Mekong River until we reach Luang Prabang two days and nearly 200 km later.
In the afternoon we stop at Don Saynhan village, from where we take a short local “Tuk Tuk” ride to visit the so-called Khao Cave. The cave has been home to a large bat population for many generations and supplies the village with very potent fertilizer. You can venture inside and discover the stalagmites and stalactites.
Back on board, we continue cruising until we reach a quiet area for our mooring for the night. When the weather is right we set up the dinner al-fresco style on the terrace to immerse in Laotian serendipity to the fullest (otherwise in our restaurant).
The daybreak starts – if you like – with our daily sunrise Tai Chi/Yoga or just snooze a bit longer in your room as the sun gently wakes you up. Anouvong sails further north towards the nation’s famous hydroelectric power plant. During the morning hours you should join our interesting lecture about the role of energy in Laos’ economy and how the country is set to become Southeast Asia’s battery. After lunch we offer two different excursion or activities to chose from:
Set out in a long-tail boat and go on an exploratory and adventurous joyride upstream through the lush jungle along the remote, beautiful Nam Fuang River. We stop over at the shore to explain some facts about the interesting jungle life of the local tribes residing in this area. Alternatively, you may stroll through the small village of Khok Akha sitting right on the riverside plateau. The village’s population is mainly comprised of “Lao Loum” (which translates to “lowland Laotian”) whose main income is from planting rice, fishing and selling wood. The elevated location of the village allows for some great views on the meandering Mekong to take home some great photos.
Eventually, in the later afternoon, we arrive at the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Dam. The ship slowly passes through two ship locks, bringing the vessel up by about 30 meters. We also have the chance to discover this enormous structure during a short guided tour.
The vessel moors tonight in a quiet corner of the river some kilomaters upstream from the dam.
The morning is again entirely at your own pace. Enjoy a relaxed and extended breakfast as you look out over the beautiful Mekong River and while away the time on the terrace or in the lounge with a good book and coffee.
In the early afternoon, we set out for our today’s sightseeing and pay a visit to an innovative and socially responsible Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm. Having almost no dairy products some decades ago, these milk based products have become more and more popular in recent years in Asia and also in Laos. It is interesting to see how various dairy products, such as cheeses, ice cream and yoghurt are made locally and distributed to local markets. We continue with a visit to a breath-taking sight in the area, the cascading Kuang Si waterfall with its rushing turquoise waters. It is a pleasure to hike leisurely through the surrounding natural park, and if you like you can also refresh yourself with a swim in the natural pools of water at the waterfall’s base. So refreshing!
Back on board, the ship now sails towards Luang Prabang, where we should arrive in the early evening at the enchanting town of Luang Prabang in the early evening. After dinner, you may like to have a first look of the mesmerizing charm of this old town by a promenade through the small streets by yourself.
DAY 6
This morning after breakfast we explore one of Southeast Asia’s most unique and charming cities. We head out for a walking tour to discover ancient Luang Prabang (almost flat terrain, easy walking, tour duration about 3.5 hours including refreshment stops).
In celebration of the 20th UNESCO Anniversary in 2015, a book was published which highlights numberless aspects of this unique World Heritage Site. Our “off the beaten track” guided walking tour explores the old town and its peninsula where the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers meet. See Luang Prabang’s distinct architecture and hear interesting stories about the houses and the places we pass. We stroll leisurely along the crisscross of small roads and streets lined with antique structures and mango trees. Some of the 100-year-old Lao-style buildings brim with a by-gone era atmosphere. One of the houses, the Lamache, was once home to noble families and later was the appointed ice cream supplier to the royal family. There is no better place to have a “Lao Tea Break” with Lao coffee or herbal tea, traditional snacks and artisan ice cream.
We return to the vessel for lunch and refreshments before we continue in the afternoon on our discovery of Luang Prabang. The afternoon is dedicated to a visit to the former Royal Palace – which is now the National Museum. The museum displays interesting local art and other exhibits which used to belong to the Lao royal family. After the museum tour, you have some time on your own to walk around the small city center further - or just pick one of the inviting street cafés and enjoy the laid back, or “sabai-sabai”, atmosphere before we return to the ship.
In the early evening, you are warmly invited for a sunset aperitif on the terrace deck which is accompanied by a classical local dance or music performance. Afterwards, we leave the vessel for an evening out, dining in one of the city’s fine venues for a distinctively Lao-style ambiance. After dinner, the rest of the evening can be spent exploring the night market or back on board.
For the very early risers, we have a special treat today. Before the daylight basks the town in warm golden tones, the morning alms round, referred to as “Tak Bat” in Lao, is a spiritual Buddhist tradition where hundreds of saffron-robed monks walk along the streets. After the alms giving, stroll through the morning market and watch as the town comes to life before returning to the ship in time for breakfast. This morning you 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. Join his fantastic presentation, in which he shares some of his expertise of the country’s rich cultural heritage and fascinating history.
After arriving at the confluence of the Mekong and one of its larger tributaries, we offer our adventurous guests an optional kayak tour on the Nam Ou River. Hop in a kayak and feel the waters of the river carrying you downstream with almost no effort while enjoying the natural beauty.
We then explore the famous Pak Ou Caves, 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 from mere centimetres up to 2m (7ft) in height. We arrive first at the lower, impressive cave and then head up the stairs (approx. 200 steps) to the smaller chamber.
At the cave, we meet a local “medicine man” of the nearby local village. We take a small trek leading into the jungle while our local expert explains various kinds of interesting things about the flora and the nature in this area. Arriving in the village we are able to see households with traditional weaving and the ‘the art of local whisky distillery’. (Kindly note a basic fitness level is required for the approx. 45 min trek, relatively easy walking downhill with some short uphill terrain. Guests can also skip the hike and return to the ship moored in front of the Pak Ou caves.)
The journey takes us further up the river into the golden evening sun. If we arrive at daylight we have time to stroll through another gem of a local village. A mixture of Lao Loum and Lao Theun (lowland and midland Laotians) reside in this idyllic riverside settlement. The village does have a Buddhist temple – though many of these tribes and ethnics in the Golden Triangle are not religious and follow beliefs in ancestorship and nature.
Meanwhile our culinary team is in full preparation of a very special happening for tonight. On a nearby, very beautiful peaceful sandbank our chefs invite to a BBQ dinner. Some villagers join to entertain us with some classic traditional dance and music performance. Have a grand time together with newly made friends and soak in this truly unique atmosphere of dining on a remote little sandbank in the midst of Laos.
As we cruise along in the morning, our local expert hosts a lecture with interesting insights and facts about Laotian culture of the diverse tribes living along the upper Mekong.
We arrive at a very rural and utmost charming village inhabited by Khmu people. The village also has a small primary school for the few kids residing here remotely with their families. We take a leisurely walk into the surrounding neighborhood of the village. In the simple bamboo huts built on stilts and scattered across rice fields the local people today still perform all work manually which basically consists of processing agricultural products.
Once back onboard the ship continues its slow meandering upriver. After lunch and in the afternoon we arrive at a secluded sandbank spot. The local ethnic Lao, Khmu and Hmong live in the tiny village of Kok Aek. These residents have committed themselves to the organic growth of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. At the riverside they have set up a little parcel of land as an organic garden, caringly maintained and enclosed by bamboo fences. Though these plots are unusable at certain times of the year due to flooding, the nutrient-rich Mekong irrigation promises bountiful annual harvests. As we get to know the villagers proudly displaying their gardening achievements, be sure to sample a local specialty, kai paen, which is made of dried freshwater “seaweed” topped with sesame and vegetables - so wholesomely unique and yummy!
We stay overnight at this pleasant place. The village also has a little temple in which we can arrange an optionals meditation session (limited availability). After taking in a bit of ‘Zen’, dinner is served in Anouvong’s elegant De-Lagree Dining Hall. Afterwards you may like to while some time away in the lounge or join the cinema under the stars on the open terrace deck. The movie named “Chang” (Laotian for “elephant”), was shot in this region in 1927 and was made by the same producer as the first King Kong movie. Enjoy your night’s sleep mid-river in the middle of nowhere.
Wake up early to catch the sun’s first rays on the river which is always a magacial moment. Early birds are welcome to join the daily morning exercise on the terrace deck (Tai Chi or Yoga).
After breakfast and during our way to Pakbeng, our local expert guide hosts a lecture about the Laotian elephants and their cultural importance in the past and their current situation which have brought them to the brink of extinction. A good and interesting preparation as tomorrow we will meet these fascinating animals in real. Enjoy the rest of the morning and your lunchtime while we sail along over mid-day.
In the early afternoon, we arrive in the small town of Pakbeng. This riverside settlement is halfway between our embarkation at Huay Xai and Luang Prabang. Many locals also stop here when they travel or transport goods between these two “hubs” on the river. Opposite of the town – so to say on the port side of cruising direction – is the country’s most sustainably managed elephant sanctuary. If we arrive early enough, we may still see elephants freely walking along the shoreline and taking a morning bath. To expand your knowledge from our morning lecture about these majestic animals, we then visit the conservation sanctuary. All the elephants here used to work as logging elephants, and since they have ‘checked-in’ here, they have lived in peace and safety. One may ask why not let them live in the wild and enjoy the freedom of mother nature? After their time as working animals, they lack the ability to live and survive in the wild (there still exists very few wild elephants). The sanctuary is fully committed to the tenets of ecotourism and sustainability.
We cross the river and have a look at the town of Pakbeng and drive up to a lovely hill-top temple. The locations allows for fantastic river views to the left and right of the zig-zagging Mekong river.
Back on board, we cruise for some more hours. Lay back and take in the this absolutely amazing scenery or enjoy some downtime in our tucked away spa. We drop anchor at a protected area mid-river. Kick back with an aperitif on the open deck and get prepared for your last dinner on board. Our culinary team is pleased to spoil you with a gala and farewell dinner in al-fresco style on the terrace deck. Have a grand time together with newly made friends and soak in this truly unique atmosphere of sights and soothing sounds of nature.
Enjoy your last sunrise aboard with a morning exercise again. This morning you can take all the time for a long and relaxed brunch (which we can serve to you also on the the terrace deck) as we voyage along and towards the Thai-Lao border.
Pre-lunch, the ship passes at the junction with the Nam Tha River, one of the Mekong’s major tributaries. The Nam Tha, which translates to “Green River”, begins near the Chinese border, 325 km to the northeast, and ends at this crossing with the Mekong.
Kick back and enjoy these last quiet sailing hours as slowly the river scenery begins to open up bit. The river in this area is now wider, however our captain always has to watch out for rocks and stones or sandbanks in order to navigate safely - making the sailing an interesting one to observe from the open deck. After some hours the landscape and the river starts to change, becoming more mountainous and the river increasingly narrow.
We also offer a Lao cooking class to learn how to prepare some of the tasty and easy-to-make snacks and local dishes. The rest of the cruising time until we reach Huay Xai (approximately 15:00 o’clock) is at your own liking. Upon arrival and check-out, we assist you with your luggage and we transfer you to the Lao-Thao boarder. We also help you with the border crossing before bidding you farewell on the Thai side in front of the immigration building. End of our services.
ACCOMMODATION
- Stay in excellent luxury ship, with all meals included while on board
- 9 nights accommodation in luxury cruise ship Anouvong
- All rooms with large private balcony
- Resort-like facilities such as vast sun deck with pool, open-air bar & lounge
GUIDE
- English-speaking tour guide on and off-shore
- English-speaking local tour guides who live and breathe the destination – they will bring your itinerary to life
MEALS
- Full-board dining while on cruise
- Multi-course a la carte dinner of Asian and Western cuisine
- Sumptuous buffets breakfast and lunch
- Welcome drink
- Complimentary beverage package (water, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices)
- Farewell party
TRANSPORT
- Transfers from/to Heritage Line’s meeting point to/from the ship
- 10 days onboard RV Anouvong a 5* resort like designer ship
- Stay in the most luxurious staterooms & suites
FIRST-CLASS SERVICE
- Assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
- Expert services of English-speaking local guides throughout your trip
- 24/7 local assistance and travel guidance
-
SIGHTSEEING
- Daily (group) shore-excursions & entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Sightseeing and transfers during the cruise
OTHER
- Insightful lectures & presentations
- Entertainment/activities during the cruise as mentioned in the program
- Passenger liability insurance
- Internet on the ship (subject to cellular network signal)
- Complimentary usage of ship facilities (exclusive of spa treatments)
- Port or anchorage fees
- Fuel and taxes
| Ship | Ship Category | Cabin Type | Start Date | End Date | Price pp Twinshare (AUD) | Available Cabins | Special | Special | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RV Anouvong |
Luxury
|
Deluxe | 13/08/2022 | 22/08/2022 | 6,515 | 2 | 9,448 | Book now | |
| RV Anouvong |
Luxury
|
Deluxe Executive | 13/08/2022 | 22/08/2022 | 7,493 | 2 | 10,866 | Book now | |
| RV Anouvong |
Luxury
|
Signature Suite | 13/08/2022 | 22/08/2022 | 8,797 | 1 | 12,755 | On Request | |
| RV Anouvong |
Luxury
|
Deluxe | 02/10/2022 | 11/10/2022 | 8,144 | 2 | 11,808 | Book now | |
| RV Anouvong |
Luxury
|
Deluxe Executive | 02/10/2022 | 11/10/2022 | 9,366 | 2 | 13,581 | Book now | |
| RV Anouvong |
Luxury
|
Signature Suite | 02/10/2022 | 11/10/2022 | 10,995 | 1 | 15,942 | On Request | |
| RV Anouvong |
Luxury
|
Deluxe | 23/11/2022 | 02/12/2022 | 8,144 | 2 | 11,808 | Book now | |
| RV Anouvong |
Luxury
|
Deluxe Executive | 23/11/2022 | 02/12/2022 | 9,366 | 2 | 13,581 | Book now | |
| RV Anouvong |
Luxury
|
Signature Suite | 23/11/2022 | 02/12/2022 | 10,995 | 1 | 15,942 | On Request |
All daily shore excursions and entrance fees, as per the itinerary are included in cruise price.
On Request
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PACKAGES
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10 day Luxury Upper Mekong Journey through Laos
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