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LAOS & THE UPPER Journey through the beautiful landscapes & villages of aboard the Anouvong 11th to 26th November 2022; 11th to 26th February & 11th to 26th November 2023 Buddha, Chiang Rai

Luang Prabang

oin us aboard the newly-built Anouvong and discover the lesser-travelled stretch of the Mekong River in Laos, Jall the way from Huay Xai to as it flows past remote villages, quiet riverbanks with grazing buffalo and through lush forests and gently rolling verdant hills. Each day of this fascinating tour offers incredible experiences as we take in the stunning unspoiled countryside and learn of the diverse local tribes living along the river. One of the greatest experiences of our journey will be encountering the great charm and natural warmth of the local people for whom the Mekong plays such an important role and we will stop at many of the villages along the way as well as the famous Pak Ou Caves. Here we will witness two of the caves in the limestone cliff that have been filled with a myriad of Buddha images over the centuries before continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of . This mystical city is sure to captivate even the most jaded of travellers with its crumbling French colonial architecture, splendid gold wats with their hundreds of resident monks and its river activity and markets. We have combined our cruise with hotel stays in Chiang Rai in northern , allowing the opportunity to visit the magnificent temples, and Hanoi, Vietnam’s small and alluring

capital renowned for its architecture, rich culture and Duong Lam Hanoi wealth of sights. LAOS Huay Xai Doi Tung There will also be ample time to relax on board our Huay Palang Pak Ou Caves VIETNAM Chiang Rai Luang Prabang beautiful vessel admiring the passing scenery and, with Pakbeng no more than 20 guests on board, we can offer an Kop Aek intimate experience and close-up perspective of the river THAILAND including some ports of call which are virtually untouched Khok Akha Pak Lay by tourism. This truly is a journey of a lifetime full of Vientiane contrasting sites and relaxing interludes spent on board a unique vessel in a very special corner of Asia.

THE ITINERARY

Day 1 London to Chiang Rai, tour with a visit to the ancient observe the influence of the city’s and the beautiful Mae Fah Luang Thailand. Fly by scheduled indirect temple of Wat Phra Kae, original Chinese ethnic minorities. Return Park. The Mae Fah Luang Botanical flight to Chiang Rai. home of the to the hotel for an afternoon at Garden features hundreds of which is now housed in . leisure and this evening join your different tropical flowers and Day 2 Chiang Rai. Arrive this A replica was made and placed in fellow travellers for dinner at the covers ten acres of hillside that morning and transfer to our hotel the same spot where it was found. hotel. (B, D) was originally home to the Akha for a three night stay. Enjoy the We continue to Wat Phra That Doi village, Pa Kluay. This community remainder of the day at leisure. Chom Thong with its large gold Day 4 Chiang Rai & Doi Tung. was once a major production and stupa. Our final stop brings us to After breakfast we depart on a transportation hub of opium within Day 3 Chiang Rai. Founded in Wat Rong Khun, which is different morning tour to Doi Tung (The the infamous Golden Triangle. 1262 AD, Thailand’s most from any other temple in Thailand. Flag Mountain) where new villages Her Royal Highness Princess northern city boasts a fascinating In contrast to the ancient temples, have been constructed under the Srinagarindra, the late Princess architectural history in a mix of this temple was built in 1997 and auspices of the Princess Mother’s Mother (the late King’s mother) Thai and Burmese styles. After was designed using white glass. Foundation. Our tour includes a was responsible for setting up this breakfast we begin our morning While travelling through the city, visit to the Doi Tung Royal Villa garden and to this day it provides www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden Royal Palace, Luang Prabang

Mekong River, Fisherman

Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai

ethical working opportunities which have brought them to the and images ranging from mere art and other exhibits which used to for the local villagers who were brink of extinction. After lunch we centimetres up to two metres belong to the Lao royal family. After trained to grow and tend to the arrive in the small town of Pakbeng in height. Return to the ship for our visit to the museum, enjoy some organic plants and flowers instead and take a walk through the local lunch and this afternoon there is free time to explore the city centre of harvesting opium. After lunch in market and visit a beautiful hilltop an opportunity to kayak along the further before returning to the ship. a local restaurant we return to the temple with amazing views of the peaceful flowing river. This evening In the early evening there will be a hotel with the remainder of the day gently flowing Mekong below. we meet Mr Francis Engelmann, classical local dance performance. at leisure. (B, L) We will also have the chance to a writer and retired consultant to We depart from the ship for dinner visit a professionally managed UNESCO on heritage preservation ashore to enjoy delicious food in Day 5 Chiang Rai, Chiang Khong elephant sanctuary; the elephants projects since 1994 who has lived a wonderful Lao-styled ambiance. & Huay Xai, Laos. After breakfast here used to work as logging in Laos for over 20 years. During After dinner explore the night transfer to the Anouvong in Huay elephants but can now live in his presentation he will share some market of Luang Prabang or return Xai (approximately 2.5 hours drive) peace and safety. Back on board of his expertise on the country’s to the ship and relax on board. and embark. Settle in to your our journey continues towards our rich cultural heritage, the turbulent (B, L, D) cabin as we start our downstream next destination. At a secluded history and the day-to-day life journey. Our first stop during our sandbank, the local ethnic Lao, of . Continue sailing Day 9 Luang Prabang & Khok voyage is Huay Palang village, Khmu and Hmong residents towards Luang Prabang, arriving in Akha. The morning alms round, home of the Khmu minority. The welcome us to the tiny village of the early evening. Dinner is served referred to as “Tak Bat” in Lao, locals’ lifestyle here depends Kop Aek where we will learn of on board upon our arrival. After is a living Buddhist tradition for fully on the Mekong as a means their centuries-old traditions and dinner explore this picturesque city, the people of Luang Prabang and of transportation and a primary practices. Enjoy a classical dance which is in walking distance from dates back generations. Today, food source. The village consists performance by the local people the pier. (B, L, D) those wishing to rise early can of approximately 85 families. and after the show a barbeque wake up before dawn to witness a We learn about the local art of dinner will be served on the Terrace Day 8 Luang Prabang. After procession of hundreds of saffron- weaving Bamboo mats and watch Deck. (B, L, D) breakfast join a walking tour to robed monks in the early morning the production process of Lao discover ancient Luang Prabang, light, a truly spiritual experience. whisky making. Local households Day 7 Kop Aek & Pak Ou Caves. one of ’s most unique After the almsgiving, walk along produce their own alcohol by After breakfast our morning lecture cities and a World Heritage Site. the morning market and watch distilling rice to make the famous provides us with interesting insights We set out on foot for an “off the as the town comes to life before Lao whisky. As the sun sets over the and facts about the diverse tribes beaten track” guided walking tour returning to the ship in time for Mekong River, we will experience living along the upper Mekong. to explore the old town with its breakfast. Depart Luang Prabang a Baci Ceremony, held by the Afterwards, you may wish to join an peninsula where the Mekong and and sail further downstream to village elders in our honour and a authentic Laotian cooking class to Nam Khan rivers meet. See Luang Ban Muang Kai village to set out traditional Laotian welcome. Enjoy learn how to prepare some of the Prabang’s distinct architecture and for today’s sightseeing. First, we welcome drinks and dinner this local foods. The rest of the morning hear interesting stories about the visit the innovative Laos Buffalo evening. (B, L, D) is at leisure as we sail through houses and the places we pass. We Dairy Farm. Dairy is a non-existent lush vegetation and gently rolling stroll along the main road and stop industry in Laos and most locals Please note: There will be a brief verdant hills. In the afternoon at a wonderful antique place lined have never seen a buffalo being stop (approximately 1 hour) at we arrive at another little village with mango trees where one of the milked. Seizing on an under-utilised the Chiang Khong Border for named Muang Keo where we houses, the Lamache, was once opportunity, the owners of the immigration purposes before observe local weavers honouring home to noble families and later the dairy farm rent pregnant female crossing the border to Laos. their timeworn traditional crafts. appointed ice cream supplier to the buffalo from villagers, where they From Muang Keo we take a short royal family. There is no better place milk, care, feed and vaccinate both Day 6 Huay Palang, Pakbeng trek to the famous Pak Ou Caves, to have a “Lao Tea Break” with Lao the mother and her calf before & Kop Aek. We cruise along the located directly on the Mekong’s coffee or herbal tea, traditional returning them to their owners. Mekong this morning as our local rocky shore and opposite the snacks or artisan ice cream. We The milk is then used for a plethora expert hosts a lecture about Asian mouth of the Ou River. There are return to the vessel for lunch before of dairy products including an elephants, particularly the Laotian two spacious limestone grottoes a visit to the Royal Palace which assortment of cheeses, ice cream, species, their cultural importance which house approximately is now the National Museum. The and yoghurt. Back aboard the in the past and the current threats 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues museum displays interesting local vessel, our cruise continues towards Pak Ou cavesXxxxxx

Hanoi

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Novice monks receiving alms

the nation’s famous hydroelectric Day 11 Pak Lay. After breakfast built nearly 400 years ago, Duong of well-preserved traditional power plant and there will be a join a kayaking excursion. In this Lam’s narrow alleyways showcase Vietnamese architecture and is lecture about the role of energy area the Mekong is very calm and rural life and ancient Vietnamese featured on the back of the 100,000 in Laos’ economy. Eventually, we shallow with many small sandy architecture. The cultural and Vietnamese dong banknote. Enjoy arrive at the Xayaburi Hydroelectric islands along its shoreline, making historical vestiges of Duong Lam lunch independently before we Dam and we pass through two it ideal to explore on your own. include the Mong Phu Communal set out for our afternoon tour ship locks, lowering the vessel by Later, when we set sail we will House and the Old Catholic which starts with a visit to the approximately 30 metres. Here travel along the Thai-Lao border, Church. Return to the hotel with the Museum of Ethnology which we have the chance to discover something you are reminded of by remainder of the day at leisure. (B) houses an extensive collection of this enormous structure during a the large Buddha greeting us from traditional costumes and artefacts guided tour. Tonight, we moor at the opposite shore. After lunch we Day 14 Hanoi. After breakfast from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority a sandbank near the Khok Akha stop at Phalat village, a small hamlet enjoy a city tour of Hanoi, often groups. We end our day with a village on the southern side of the which looks over the Mekong at the referred to as the ‘Paris of the walking tour of Hanoi, passing dam. (B, L, D) Laos-Thai border. Using the local East’ with its yellow ochre colonial through the famed Old Quarter means of transportation, “Tuk Tuk”, buildings, tree-lined boulevards known for its ‘36 streets of 36 Day 10 Khok Akha & Pak Lay. we drive to a nearby Chopstick and scenic lakes. During our wares’ named after the original 36 After breakfast, there is a choice of Factory. After Phalat, we make tour we visit the historic Ho Chi artisan guilds that date as far back morning tours. Set out in a small our way to one of the deserted Minh Mausoleum, an imposing as the 13th century. Tonight, join long-tail boat for an exploratory sandbanks where we moor and monument of marble and granite your fellow travellers for a farewell ride upstream through the lush enjoy a farewell dinner. (B, L, D) built to house the preserved body dinner at the hotel. (B, D) jungle along the remote, beautiful of beloved revolutionary leader Nam Fuang River. We stop ashore Day 12 Vientiane & Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh. Later we continue to Day 15 Hanoi to London. Enjoy along the way to learn more about Vietnam. After breakfast we the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist breakfast at the hotel. Depending the jungle life of the local tribes cruise towards Vientiane. As we temple built in 1049 of wood in the on flight schedules we will secure residing in this area. Alternatively, sail past beautiful landscapes shape of a lotus blossom and set day rooms if necessary for a late join a walking tour through Khok and remote villages, our local on a single stone pillar. Continue check out before transferring to Akha village with its very local expert presents a lecture on to the Temple of Literature, the airport for the return scheduled charm. The village’s population the history of Lao royalty with a Vietnam’s first national university indirect flight to London. (B) of 350 is mainly comprised of an focus on King Anouvong – our built in the late 11th century. The ethnic tribe known as the “Loum”, vessel’s namesake. Disembark picturesque temple is an example Day 16 London. Arrive today. whose main income is from and transfer to the airport for planting rice, fishing and selling our flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, wood. The village sits elevated transfer to our hotel and check (uphill) on a riverside plateau with in for a three night stay. Enjoy PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy nice views. Return to the ship dinner this evening at a local and sail to Don Saynhan village restaurant. (B, D) Cabin Description 2022 2023 where we take a short local “Tuk Deluxe Stateroom £7495 £7695 Tuk” ride to visit the so-called Day 13 Hanoi & Duong Deluxe Executive Stateroom £7995 £8195 Khao Cave. The cave, located in a After breakfast depart Lam. Signature Suite £8795 £8995 natural and pristine environment, Hanoi for a visit to Duong Lam Deluxe Stateroom for sole use £9495 £9695 has been home to a large bat (approximately 1.5 hours drive), population for many generations a typical agricultural village in PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Three nights and supplies the village with very the northern Red River Delta. accommodation in Chiang Rai • Seven nights aboard the Anouvong potent fertiliser. Venture inside Duong Lam has the honour on a full board basis • House wine, local beer and soft drinks with and discover the remarkable of being the birthplace of two lunch and dinner on board • Three nights accommodation in Hanoi stalagmites and stalactites. Return Vietnamese kings and is the • Meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner) • Noble to the ship and continue cruising first village in Vietnam to be Caledonia Tour Manager • Shore excursions with local English until we reach Pak Lay village, recognised by UNESCO for its speaking guides • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes. where we moor overnight. Cultural Heritage Conservation. Not Included: Travel insurance, visa. (B, L, D) Home to approximately 300 houses

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 THE ANOUVONG For our scenic cruises along the Upper Mekong River we are delighted to have chartered the Anouvong from our associates at Heritage Line which is due to be launched in September 2022. This luxurious vessel is named after the last ruler of the Kingdom of Vientiane and accommodates just 20 passengers across eight spacious staterooms and two luxurious suites. The atmosphere on board is intimate and the public areas include a spa, restaurant, and a lounge with an expansive terrace deck where there is ample opportunity to watch the world gently pass by as you relax on board your floating hotel.

Your Cabin/Suite The eight staterooms and two suites are Main Deck whereas the four Deluxe Executive tributaries of the Mekong River. A large floor-to- attractively furnished with a décor that combines Staterooms are located on the Terrace Deck and ceiling window allows the sun to bathe the living the elegance of French-colonial style with gentle so benefit from superior views. areas in natural daylight and the luxurious French- tones, Laotian patterns and handpicked local colonial beds face the window for spectacular artwork. All feature a panoramic sliding door The two luxurious Signature Suites are located views. Both Signature Suites are flooded with with either a private balcony area or a French at the front of the Main Deck and offer 30 square natural light and decorated with hand-carved balcony overlooking the shores of the Mekong metres of space as well as a three square metre traditional Laotian patterns and designs. The River. The facilities include individual climate private balcony at the front of the vessel with suites brightly lit ceramic mosaic tiled bathrooms control, generous storage, bathrobe, luxurious chairs and a coffee table. Each suite is uniquely are complete with a double basin vanity unit, a bathroom amenities, hairdryer, mini-bar, tea and designed and named after the two main large walk-in shower and a Jacuzzi. coffee making facilities and movie and music system. Terrace Deck Your Space The Anouvong is both elegantly furnished and The staterooms offer a generous 20 square spacious throughout the public areas. The metres of space and have a panoramic sliding indoor cafe-bar and lounge on the Terrace door with a French balcony allowing for Deck with its floor-to-ceiling windows, sofas unobstructed, breathtaking views of the passing and cushioned rattan chairs is a relaxing riverscape. The en-suite bathroom features a air-conditioned environment from which to walk-in shower and an art-deco vanity unit. The watch the passing scenery, read a book or elegant furniture includes two lovely wooden enjoy a drink from the bar. The lounge is also chairs with a small table from which to enjoy a used for onboard activities such as lectures, cup of tea whilst taking in the passing scenery. demonstrations and film screenings. The The four Deluxe Staterooms are located on the spacious Terrace Deck features comfortable sun Deluxe Executive Stateroom Dining Hall

Cafe-Bar & Lounge Signature Suite

loungers as well as shaded seating areas and makes for the ideal place to relax and marvel DECK PLAN at the breathtaking views. The Bodhi Spa is TERRACE DECK located on the Terrace Deck and occupies the ship’s entire stern. Designed with a Laotian 201D 203 spiritual theme and grand tree of life mural, CAFE-BAR the spa offers a selection of treatments and is SPA LOUNGE TERRACE DECK an oasis where you can relax, rejuvenate and truly pamper yourself. 202D 204

Your Dining The De Lagree Dining Hall evokes the beauty MAIN DECK of the temples of Luang Prabang and the dark brown colonial furniture together with the gold 101 103 105D tones creates a timeless elegance, while the DE LAGREE large full-sized windows on both sides of the DINING HALL vessel flood the dining hall with sunlight. The 106D Chef and his culinary team will serve flavourful 102D Connect 104 dishes from Laos and Southeast Asia as well as international cuisine, all using the freshest of ingredients. Both à la carte dining and buffets Please note: D = staterooms/suites with a fixed double bed are served in the Dining Hall and guests DELUXE STATEROOM DELUXE EXECUTIVE STATEROOM SIGNATURE SUITE can also enjoy open-air barbecues, al-fresco breakfasts, sandbank aperitifs and in-suite Please note that the images shown are artist illustrations and photos will be available once the ship has been afternoon teas. launched. Whilst the decor may differ slightly, the overall look and design of the vessel will be very similar to the images shown.

2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk

Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Buddhist Monk, Luang Prabang

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