New retro-style ship features largest cabins on the Upper Mekong

To those seeking a cruise holiday with an element of the untamed, the Upper Mekong beckons.

This undeveloped and highly scenic stretch of one of the planet’s longest rivers offers an enticing mix of natural wonder and cultural exploration.

The widest waterfall in the world, Khone Falls in southern Laos divides the upper Mekong from the lower, more populated stretch. The Upper Mekong runs just under 2000 kilometres from the Tibetan Plateau.

Cruising the Mekong on the Heritage Line Anouvong ... “an element of the untamed”.

Ho Chi Minh City-based cruise company Heritage Line has just launched a new ship running itineraries in the Laos section of the Upper Mekong.

The ship, Heritage Line Anouvong, has eight staterooms and two Signature Suites spread over two decks. They, along with lounges and other communal areas, feature Laotian and French Colonial design with flourishes of art by local practitioners and cultural artefacts.

A step back in time – the ship features a mix of Laotian and French Colonial design.

Heritage Line says the ship’s accommodations – ranging from 20 square metres to 30 square metres – are the largest of any river-going vessel on the Upper Mekong.

Warm and spacious: the plush stateroom is filled with heritage-style features.

Despite taking only a small number of guests, it features spa rooms, a cafe, bar and sun deck.

She sails itineraries of three, seven and nine nights. They vary but include daily guided shore excursions, demonstrations and lectures, an onboard expert guide and full-board dining featuring Laotian and international dishes.

Highlights of the three-night itinerary between Luang Prabang to Huay Xai (or vice versa) include visiting the Pak Ou Saves, home to 4000 sacred Buddhist statues; a traditional Baci blessing ceremony during a village visit; an excursion to a sustainably managed elephant sanctuary near Pakbeng; Laotian cooking classes and daily sunrise yoga classes on the open deck.

Heritage Line was founded by Vietnamese entrepreneur John Nguyen in 2008. The company designs and builds its own vessels and decks them out with pieces collected and curated by its principals.

Breakfast on deck: dining includes Laotian and international dishes.

The cruise line also sails three, four and seven-night itineraries in the Lower Mekong of Vietnam and Cambodia on Heritage Line The Jahan and Heritage Line Jayavarman, as well as one and two-night itineraries in Vietnam’s Halong Bay on board Heritage Line Violet, and one and two-night trips in Lan Hay Bay on board Heritage Line Ginger and Heritage Line Ylang.

See heritage-line.com