Unseen Luang Prabang

📍 Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang (4 km): 15 min

The unseen Luang Prabang experience will begin with a hotel pick up (16:30) for an evening to see how the locals live.

Begin by joining in a game of petanque, a local favourite which also acts as a great means of getting to know the local culture. Receive some tips and tricks while enjoying snacks and sampling Beerlao. As the sun begins to set, climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside. Descend to the Mekong side of the peninsula to explore the evening hill tribe market.

Enjoy dinner on the banks of the Mekong at a Sindat restaurant. Sindat is a Lao-style barbeque which is very popular with the locals.

Transport will be provided back to the hotel by 21:00.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

Begin the day with a hotel pickup from the guide (at 08:30). After doing a fitting and adjusting the bikes, begin the full-day cycling tour. Start off at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, to explore a bit of the history of Laos. Continue to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief.

Next visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple in the city, which was entirely rebuilt in 1887 after being destroyed by the invading Black Flags from Southern China. Continue passed Wat Aham, which was first built in the 1500s, and on to Wat That where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are kept inside the large central stupa. Ride along the Nam Khan River to visit Wat Xieng Thong, the most revered temple in Luang Prabang.

Lunch today will be held at Tamarind (closed on Sundays) offering some of the best local food in Luang Prabang (Lao set menu included).

This afternoon, leave the town behind and ride to the Phosy Market. During the walk around the market, the guide will happily explain each of the items on display and will encourage trying some! Purchasing from the market stalls directly benefits the vendors.

Continue the ride to Ock Pop Tock, a non-profit organization seeking to preserve traditional weaving techniques, a trade which was once an important source of income for many Lao families. A short tour introduces the process of silk weaving from the initial stages of creating the dyes to the final process of loom weaving.

Ride along the Mekong back into town for the final stop of the day: The Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre. This centre is dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities with traditional costumes, tools, and artifacts on display. (Closed on Mondays).

Return to the hotel by bike.  

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Luang Prabang – Kuang Si (32 km): 1 hour

For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Take a short transfer through the Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Stop en-route to visit an ethnic village to learn about their traditions and culture, much of which has remained unchanged for centuries.

Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfall, relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The water tumbles down a large drop and cascades gently into several cool, clear pool, which are perfect for swimming (please dress modestly). For the adventurous, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track where stunning views await.

Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch next to the falls.

After leaving the falls, visit the Free the Bears sanctuary, home to 23 Asiatic bears rescued from poachers. Another possible visit is to the unique Lao Buffalo Dairy Farm, a social enterprise that produces sustainable and delicious cheese while giving back to the community and environment. While the buffalo may be the stars here, there are also playful pigs, cheeky chickens and rollicking rabbits that are just as fun to interact with for the young and young at heart. Enjoy a homemade ice cream at the cafe before saying goodbye to the Buffaloes and the team. (Opening Hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm, Monday - Sunday)

Transfer back to Luang Prabang this afternoon. Crossing the Mekong River, experience first-hand what life is like along the river. Continue to Wat Chomphet and ascend the 200 steps to the temple for a different view of the Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Long Khoun, a former center for royal retreats that also features some beautiful royal artwork. Lastly visit the sacred limestone caves of Wat Tham Sakkalin before enjoying refreshments and watching the sun set along the Mekong.

Return to the hotel in Luang Prabang to freshen up before dinner.

Dinner tonight is at L’Elephant. Located in a beautiful French colonial building, this is widely considered to be Luang Prabang’s finest restaurant.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang Airport (4 km): 15 min

After breakfast, enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure until transport (provided) to the airport for the departing flight.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast