A new journey through Laos is making the Mekong itself part of the itinerary. The Bohème Journey, from Avani Hotels & Resorts, links the newly opened Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel with five nights aboard the luxury cruiser Bohème by Mekong Kingdoms before concluding at Avani+ Luang Prabang. The six-day passage connects the contemporary Lao capital with riverside communities, traditional crafts and the UNESCO-listed former royal capital of Luang Prabang.

The journey begins in Vientiane, where the 197-room Avani+ Lanexang overlooks the Mekong and Chao Anouvong Park. Its location provides an easy introduction to the capital’s temples, markets, museums and riverside life, including landmarks such as Patuxai, Pha That Luang and Wat Sisaket. From there, guests travel to Pak Lay to board Bohème and begin the upstream journey toward northern Laos. The 164-foot cruiser accommodates no more than 26 guests across 13 cabins, with Lao textiles and polished woodwork shaping its interiors. Days combine shore excursions with time on the river, including visits to villages known for Saa paper-making, weaving and pottery, passage through the Xayaboury Dam locks, an ethical wildlife experience at Elephant Sanctuary Laos and a visit to the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Waterfalls. On board, guests can take part in Lao cooking and cocktail workshops, enjoy meals and sunset cocktails, or simply watch the landscape change from the sun deck.

The journey concludes in Luang Prabang, where Avani+ Luang Prabang occupies a heritage-inspired building opposite the Night Market. The 53-room property puts travelers within walking distance of the Royal Palace, Mount Phousi, Wat Xieng Thong and the morning market, while experiences such as the town’s daily almsgiving tradition offer another connection to local culture. With arrival through Vientiane and departure from Luang Prabang, the itinerary also allows travelers to experience two very different sides of Laos without retracing their route.

The Curated Take: The most compelling element here is the decision to make the Mekong the journey rather than simply something to see along the way. Moving at river pace creates a natural progression from city to village to heritage town, while the combination of craft, food, wildlife and local encounters gives travelers a fuller understanding of Laos. It is a particularly appealing approach for travelers who want luxury to facilitate deeper access to a destination rather than separate them from it.