Enchanting Luang Prabang

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

Upon arrival to Luang Prabang, one of our representatives will be waiting to provide a VIP welcome in the immigration area. Enjoy a fast-tracked customs experience followed by a private city transfer to the hotel. After checking in at the hotel and relaxing, embark on a brief orientation tour of Luang Prabang. 

Just prior to sunset, climb the 328 steps leading to the top of Mount Phousi in the centre of the city. Upon reaching the peak, enjoy stunning panoramic views over the city and surrounding hills. After sunset, descend the steps and pay a visit to the nearby evening market, filled with beautiful hill tribe souvenirs and handicrafts. 

For dinner this evening, proceed to l’Elephant, one of the finest restaurants in Luang Prabang, before transport is provided back to the hotel. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang
 

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves by boat (30 km): 1,5 hour

After breakfast, head towards the pier to start the day’s private cruise along the Mekong River.

Laos has several waterways that have traditionally been used as the local form of transportation. Taking a local boat cruise is probably one of the most rewarding ways to discover the life along the rivers.  During the cruise, observe the daily activities of fishermen and locals. For many living on the Mekong, the river plays an important role in daily life and often represents the only means of transportation and commerce.

Travel by boat 2 hours upstream to Pak Ou Caves. Locally called Tam Ting, Pak Ou contains thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues crammed into two caves carved out of a towering limestone cliff. After the cruise, return to Luang Prabang in time for lunch at the historical 3 Nagas Hotel.

After returning to town, enjoy a guided tour of Luang Prabang. Start at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, to learn a bit about the history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, followed by Wat Sensoukarahm, which features a beautiful dazzling golden façade. Finish the tour at Wat Xieng Thong, the most revered temple in Luang Prabang.

Another unique experience to be had is at the Royal Ballet Theatre. The Ballet works to preserve Laos’ cultural heritage featuring spectacular performances including scenes from the Lao-Ramayana and traditional folk/tribal dances. (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.)

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfalls (32 km): 45 min

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.

Following breakfast, continue the tour of enchanting Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, which was entirely rebuilt in 1887 after being destroyed by invaders. Continue along the 16th century Wat Aham and on to Wat That, where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are kept inside the large central stupa.

Follow up with a visit to the Kuang Si Waterfalls where a delicious picnic lunch awaits. The jungle and dense woods surrounding the falls are perfect for exploring on foot. For the adventurous, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track where stunning views await. Additionally, the falls collect in tranquil, turquoise pools which are perfect for swimming (please dress modestly.)

On the road back to Luang Prabang, there is an optional visit to the Free the Bears sanctuary, home to 23 Asiatic Bears which were rescued from poachers. Additionally, a stop can be made at the beautiful Kuang Si Butterfly Park, housing hundreds of Laos’ indigenous butterflies. (Note: closed on Tuesday)

Before reaching town, make a final stop to a nearby ethnic village, with the chance to learn a bit about their culture and traditions.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

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

Depending on the flight schedule, there may be time to visit the Heritage House. Learn about the methods being used to preserve the unique heritage and culture of Luang Prabang and gain further understanding into the importance of developing sustainable and community-based preservation projects.

After the visit, private transport will be provided to the airport for the onward flight. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast