Trekking - Luang Prabang Cultural Encounters

📍 Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Luang Prabang: 15 mins

Welcome to Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos!

Upon arrival to the airport, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in. After relaxing at the hotel for a bit, embark on the first adventure of the trip!

Spend the afternoon on a walking tour discovering the architectural and historical wonders of this UNESCO-protected town. Visit the Xieng Thong Palace, the former Royal Palace, and climb up Phousi Mountain just in time for panoramic views of the town and a glorious sunset.

After the sunset views, head back to the hotel to freshen up before the first evening out in Luang Prabang. During the early evening, our guide will provide an escort to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre for some appetizers and cocktails. This unique little museum is dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities. Traditional costumes, tools and artifacts are on display alongside in-depth descriptions and written histories. It is a great opportunity to gain insight into the Lao people. (Note: closed on Mondays)

Tonight, enjoy dinner at Tamarind, the most famous Lao restaurant in town serving many local delicacies. After a delicious meal, burn off the calories with a stroll through the night market, boasting a wide array of souvenirs and handicrafts.

Overnight In Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Transfer from Luang Prabang to Ban Huay Lo: 1 hour Trekking: 6 hrs Difficulty: Hard

After breakfast at the hotel, head 40 kilometers north of Luang Prabang to the Khmu village of Ban Huay Lo. The day’s trekking trail passes through rice paddies, forest and waterfalls. During the trek, visit the Hmong village of Pha Phuang where a local lunch awaits.

After re-energizing, continue trekking uphill until reaching Khmu and Hmong villages on the mountain top. Learn more about Hmong culture from the host family in an overnight homestay at Ban Mok Chong.

Overnight in Homestay

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Option 1: Transfer from Hauy Vang to Luang Prabang: 45 mins Trekking: 5 hrs Difficulty: Medium Option 2: Transfer from Ban Houay Louang to Luang Prabang: 30 mins Trekking: 6 hrs Difficulty: Hard

After a simple but authentic breakfast, either trek the classic route or opt for a more challenging hike.

Option 1: Ban Mok Chong -Ban Nasavang -Huay Vang- Luang Prabang

Trek further into the rugged, densely forested mountains west of the Nam Ou valley. The trails lead through remote, beautiful bamboo forest and limestone scenery.

Lunch is served in the Khmu village of Ban Nasavang.

After lunch, continue trekking by following a local Khmu trail. On the way, stop at scenic waterfalls, a perfect place to relax. Continue trekking until reaching the village of Ban Huay, where the vehicle is waiting to provide transport back to town.

Option 2: Ban Mok Chong -Ban Nasavang- Ban Mok Muang – Ban Houay Louang- Luang Prabang

Begin trekking in the mountains for about 40 minutes until reaching a panoramic lookout over the region. Continue deeper into the jungle and, after 3 hours of trekking, reach a Hmong village and stop for a local lunch.  

After lunch, continue trekking for one more hour through deep jungle, ultimately opening up to rice paddies and beautiful views of the river. After 2 more hours of trekking, reach the Khmu village of Ban Houay Louang. Depending on the season, enjoy a swim in the river before transferring back to Luang Prabang.

After one of the previous two hikes, head back to the hotel to freshen up before experiencing one of Laos’ oldest traditions: the Baci. The purpose of the Baci is to call back escaped spirits to the body, an important ritual held before major events such as weddings, births, travel or, in this case, farewells.

After the Baci Ceremony, enjoy dinner at the exquisite Tangor Restaurant.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Early birds are encouraged to take part in the iconic Morning Alms ceremony in Luang Prabang. During this time, monks descend from the town’s temples, walk the streets and are offered food by the local community.

Head back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, enjoy some free time exploring the town before transport (provided) to the airport for the departing flight. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast