Discover Laos from the New Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane with The Bohème Journey

September 17, 2026: Avani Hotels & Resorts is inviting travelers to experience Laos from capital to former royal capital with The Bohème Journey, a new hotel and river itinerary beginning at the recently opened Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel, continuing with five nights aboard Bohème by Mekong Kingdoms and concluding at Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel.

Linking two Avani hotels through a six-day passage along the Mekong, the journey brings together contemporary city life, riverside communities, craft traditions, wildlife conservation and UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang. Travelers can fly into Vientiane, spend time exploring the Lao capital, sail north at river pace and depart from Luang Prabang, avoiding the need to retrace their route.

A New Gateway to Laos

Opened in July 2026, Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel provides a new starting point for discovering Laos. The 197-room hotel sits on Fa Ngum Road overlooking Chao Anouvong Park and the Mekong River, placing guests within easy reach of the capital’s temples, markets, museums and riverside dining. Wattay International Airport is approximately 15 minutes from the hotel, with direct air services connecting Vientiane to regional gateways across Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea and China. This connectivity makes the capital a practical entry point for international travelers planning a wider journey through the country.

Guest rooms and suites combine contemporary design with warm Lao details, while the hotel’s swimming pool, AvaniFit facilities, AvaniSpa and social dining spaces offer an easy place to settle in before setting out. A pre-cruise stay creates time to discover Vientiane landmarks including Patuxai, Pha That Luang and Wat Sisaket, explore local textile traditions or follow the Mekong promenade as the city shifts into evening.

Five Nights Aboard Bohème

From Vientiane, guests travel to Pak Lay, where Bohème begins its upstream voyage towards Luang Prabang. A traditional Baci blessing marks the start of five nights on the Mekong, followed by lunch on board and sunset cocktails as the vessel heads north.

The 164-foot Bohème accommodates a maximum of 26 guests across 13 cabins. Designed as a floating grand dame, the cruiser combines Lao textiles and polished woodwork with contemporary comforts. Accommodation ranges from 325-square-foot Deluxe Suites with private balconies to the 645-square-foot Royal Suite with its own sundeck, freestanding bath and dedicated butler service. Three decks provide space for open-air relaxation, drinks and dining, while two treatment rooms offer massages between excursions.

All meals are included, alongside daily sunset cocktails, free-flow beverages, a replenished minibar and onboard activities such as Lao cooking classes and cocktail workshops. The river itself sets the rhythm. Days unfold through visits to communities including Ban Kok Fark, Ban Xang Khong and Ban Chan Neua, where guests can learn about Saa paper-making, weaving and pottery. The itinerary also includes passage through the Xayaboury Dam locks, an ethical wildlife encounter at the Elephant Sanctuary Laos and time at the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Waterfalls. Between excursions, guests can watch river life from the sun deck, join an onboard workshop or simply follow the changing banks of the Mekong as Bohème moves towards northern Laos.

From the Mekong to Luang Prabang

Bohème arrives in Luang Prabang by midday, bringing guests into the UNESCO World Heritage town for the final chapter of the journey. Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel is set within a heritage-inspired building in the old town, directly opposite the Night Market. Its 53 rooms and suites open onto balconies or terraces overlooking the central pool and gardens, while Anantara Spa, AvaniFit and an 82-foot swimming pool create an easy transition from river journey to hotel stay.

From the hotel, guests can walk to the Royal Palace, Mount Phousi and the morning market or join the town’s daily almsgiving tradition. Wat Xieng Thong and the banks of the Mekong are also within easy reach, while cafés, galleries and artisan shops offer further reasons to extend the stay. Luang Prabang International Airport is approximately 15 minutes from the hotel, with regional connections including Bangkok, Hanoi and Chiang Mai. Together, the two airports make the journey easy to plan, allowing travelers to arrive in Vientiane and depart from Luang Prabang.

The Bohème Journey Package

The Bohème Journey starts from USD 5,175 per package for two guests, including taxes and service charges. The package combines five nights aboard Bohème with full-board dining, sunset cocktails, shore excursions and onboard activities, plus at least one night with breakfast at Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane or Avani+ Luang Prabang. Airport, hotel and cruise transfers are also included, along with a signature almsgiving experience. Guests can extend their stay to bookend the journey at both Avani+ hotels. A minimum six-night stay and terms and conditions apply. For more information or to book, visit The Bohème Journey.

Designed for today’s traveler, Avani Hotels & Resorts offers stylish rooms, connected social spaces and relaxed and on-the-go dining that is locally inspired. Balance is central to everything Avani does, providing guests with the right measure of service, fun and privacy. Launched in 2011, Avani’s over 40 properties across five continents offer premium city hotels, tropical resorts and retreats in nature with a focus on smart design, upbeat service and good value.

Avani Hotels & Resorts is a Minor Hotels brand and recognizes its guests through one unified loyalty program, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Visit avanihotels.com for more information, and connect with Avani on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube.

Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with more than 640 hotels, resorts and branded residences in operation and committed development across 67 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its hotel brands including Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks, and iStay, as well as a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.

Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognizes its guests through one unified loyalty program, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Discover our world at minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.