Laos’ Temples to the Thai Beaches

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

Welcome to Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos! 

Flight detail : Arrival by XX at 21.10 hrs. 

Upon arrival at Luang Prabang, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in. After checking in, enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure to explore Luang Prabang independently. 

Distance and journey time:
Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang (4 km): 15 min

Overnight in Luang Prabang      
 

Inclusions:

Kick off this Luang Prabang cycling excursion with a proper bike fitting, then it’s time to start pedalling! Cruise through the flat streets of the city centre to the National Museum for a visit. Once the Royal Palace, the building now houses an impressive collection of historical relics and informative displays.

Continue exploring the downtown area this morning. The narrow peninsula, with the Mekong River on the west and Nam Khan River on the east, is a mix of residential houses, small businesses and dozens of Buddhist temples. Cycling through the streets and lanes, Luang Prabang reveals its true charms. Witness the daily lives of the people, see how religion forms an integral part of the culture and feel the atmosphere of a land where time seems to have stood still. Stops will be made a few wats of importance and to take photos of scenic spots.

Having worked up an appetite, stop for lunch at a restaurant known for its local specialties. Having rested and refueled, return to the bikes and pedal out away from Luang Prabang to discover what awaits beyond the city limits.

The traffic begins to thin out away from the city and soon the Phosy Market appears. This large market is open daily and is predominantly selling locally-grown produce, fruits, and other items. Wander through the aisles, where exotic ingredients are beautifully displayed and stop to sample freshly-prepared snacks.

Back on the bikes ride on to Ock Pop Tock, a not-for-profit organization aiming to preserve traditional Lao weaving techniques. The center sprawls over stunning rural farmland. A short tour reveals the age-old process of creating beautiful Lao textiles- from dying to the actual weaving.

It’s then time to head back toward the city, this time pedaling along a riverside path. One last stop will be made at the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre.

Spend time visiting the colour displays of costumes, tools and artifacts to better understand the rich diversity of the Lao people.
 
From here it is a short ride back to the hotel, where the Luang Prabang cycling tour concludes. 

Optional, for those feeling  “templed-out”,opt for a visit to the UXO Lao Visitor Center. Learn about the problems caused by unexploded bombs and mines left behind by American armed forces after the end of the Vietnam War and the Secret War, which we often hear too little about.  The center provides a free entry and shows the outstandingly courageous work of the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao) to clear this dangerous ordinance.

From here it is a short ride back to the hotel, where the Luang Prabang cycling tour concludes. 

(L)

Time: 09:00 - 16:00
Note:
The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center is closed on Monday.

Overnight in Luang Prabang                  
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Today, leave the city behind and head to the countryside. Laos’ is home to the most beautiful natural landscapes in Southeast Asia and today’s drive provides a glimpse of these sceneries. Stop in a small village home to one of the many ethnic groups described at TAEC and see, first-hand, their customs and way of life.

The beautiful drive ends at a perhaps even more beautiful destination- The Kuang Si Waterfalls. The falls are a series of cascading turquoise pools, surrounded by lush forest. Spend time exploring the falls and enjoying the pristine nature. Take a challenging, but rewarding, hike to the top of the highest drop or simply relax on the rocks of the lower pools.

A special picnic lunch is prepared alongside the falls. Enjoy local dishes with a million-dollar view of the Kuang Si falls.

For further insight into the natural wonders of Laos, a stop can be made at the Asiatic Black Bear sanctuary. Located near the Kuang Si falls, this centre houses endangered bears rescued from poachers. The centre explains the efforts of the passionate animal lovers who are working to stop the poachers and preserve the bear’s natural habitat. An additional visit can be made at 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)

Late this afternoon it is time to return to the city, driving once again through the vibrant rural landscapes that make up Laos' countryside. 

Later this afternoon, meet up at 4.30pm at the hotel reception (meet up may vary based on sunset time) with the guide and tuktuk driver this early evening for a royal culinary round of the heritage town of Luang Prabang.
Our first stop will be at The Belle Rive’s balcony overlooking the Mekong. This boutique hotel offers one of the most casual chic Mekong views for sunset; Harrison Ford was recently spotted here!
Settle in a canapé and enjoy a Lao snacks Platter with a Signature Cocktail.

Further down, at walking distance, have the main course at one of the first Gastronomic restaurants of town, the renowned L'Elephant restaurant. Here, feast with a Mekong fish Mok, following the royal recipe, accompanied with a glass of selected white wine.

Continue by tuktuk to one of Laos' latest opened culinary sensation, Manda de Laos, set around UNESCO protected Lily ponds. As the main dish, get to taste the delicious Tamarind Grilled Duck, one of the house's speciality, with the delectable coconut sticky rice.
Enjoy a complimentary selected glass of wine (white or red) during the meal.

For dessert and digestif, ride the tuktuk back to the central historical center at Popolo and savor a flavorful
chocolate mousse and one of their signature cocktails.

Once done, along with the driver and the guide, drop off at the hotel or at the night market area to wander at leisure.

Tour ends at about 9-9.30pm.

Time: 09:00 - 21:30

Overnight in Luang Prabang   
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Start the day with alms giving in a lesser-visited handicraft village. This is a unique opportunity to experience the typical Buddhist procession, which takes place every day of the year, while being away from the crowded historical centre. Pick up from the hotel and head off to the village. Once there, the local guide will explain the ceremony process and meaning. . The Buddhist procession of Alms Giving or “Tak Bat” is a centuries-old tradition that is still practised in many villages in Laos and a way for the villagers to celebrate their faith and to show their gratitude to the Buddha.
 After giving alms, visit the nearby fresh market, which only opens early in the morning.

Before arriving, receive a “Khan Dok Mai”, made of flowers, banana leaves and incense. The offering is a way to show respect for the Buddha and to pray for good luck.

Inside the caves, find hundreds of Buddha images that have been placed there over the centuries. The caves are a popular tourist destination and they offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. 

After visiting the caves, slowly cruise back downriver, returning to Luang Prabang and have the rest of the day to explore the city free at leisure. Options to visit some of the many temples and monasteries, go shopping for souvenirs, or simply relax by the pool.

Overnight in Luang Prabang   
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Meet the guide and tuktuk driver at the hotel for a short transfer to the Royal boat pier behind the National Museum.

After a 5-minutes cruise to the other side of the Mekong, reach the quiet village of Ban Chan, famously known for its clay pottery making. Back in the days, Ancient kings of Laos chose this village for their pottery making skills and it became the central way of life for the people. Thus, most of the houses are arranged work the clay and some houses even have their own kiln!
Now, demands are changing and Ban Chan cannot always keep up with the demands and competitive products from neighbouring countries.
By creating the Pottery House, the Lamphet Family wish not only to invite guests in their home but also to learn and help preserve a unique handicraft, intimately linked to the past Monarch heritage.

On this tour, not only get a ‘behind-the-scene’ look at these ancient techniques but will also have an opportunity to get hands-on with the clay making. The skilled pottery makers will help guide in each step for an up close and personal experience , a truly Lao cultural activity.

Once done, join in a traditional Lao lunch cooked by the Lampheth family! All the ingredients come from local sources and if the season is right might even come from our very own organic garden (just ask!). Savour some of Luang Prabang’s traditional foods like khaiphaen (fried river weed), grilled fish, eggplant dipping sauce, and spicy papaya salad.

Say goodbye to the pottery masters and return to Luang Prabang by boat to the village of Xieng Lom. Upon arrival, enjoy some tea or coffee while the guide provides an in-depth introduction to elephant behaviour, their connection with humans and the best means of interacting with these majestic creatures.

After the introduction, begin the ‘cooking’ portion of the itinerary. Spend some time alongside the mahouts and learn how to create delicious snacks for an instant connection with the elephants. Using rice as a base, combine fruits, herbs and seasonings into what is described here as an elephant health ball.

With the food prepared, the first meeting will take place. Embark on a boat ride across the Nam Khan River where the elephants await. The guide will provide instruction on how to approach and interact with the elephants, as well as the best means of delivering their special handmade snack.

Then, watch and observe how the elephants and their mahouts interact and bond during bathtime in the river.
After the bath, embark on a short 1 km trek up Hoy Kang Stream side-by side these gentle giants. This trek is flat and can be catered to clients’ needs or physical abilities.
Enjoy a final drink and snack overlooking the Nam Khan River, followed by the short journey back to Luang Prabang, arriving around 16:30 - 17:00.

Time: 08.30 - 17:00
Note: 
- The Pottery House Lao Food only allows a maximum of 12 participants at a time. 
- MandaLao Elephant Conservation does not allow customers to bathe the Elephants directly. This is to fall in line with WAP-World Animal Protection Guidelines whom we are working closely with. The elephants are free to choose if they enter the river or not and the only people that will wash the elephants would be their mahout.

Overnight in Luang Prabang   
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Accompanied by a local guide, transfer to the Luang Prabang airport and check in for the flight to Phuket. After completing arrival formalities at Phuket Airport, a local representative will be waiting in the arrivals hall to assist with the private transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to the hotel. 

Overnight in Phuket 

Distance and journey time:

Phuket Airport – The Old Phuket Karon Hotel (38.4 km): 39 min
Phuket Airport – The Renaissance Phuket (16.3 km): 20 min 
Phuket Airport – The Surin Phuket (23.9 km): 28 min
Phuket Airport – The Shore Katathani (49 km): 50 min
 

 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Breakfast at the resort and all day is free at leisure. Optional tours are available with pre-arrangement.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Full Day Phi Phi Island by Speedboat (Join-In) 

Be picked up at 08:00. Escape to a quieter, more natural side of southern Thailand with this day trip from Phuket. Travel by speedboat across the Andaman Sea to the six scenic Phi Phi Islands. The journey to Phi Phi takes around 45 minutes, passing by spectacular limestone karsts that jut out from the blue seas. Sit back and relax, enjoying the views as the boat cruises closer to paradise. Pass by Maya Bay, arguably one of Thailand’s most beautiful places, just for sightseeing. The bay is so stunning, in fact, that it was used as the setting for the famous Hollywood movie ‘The Beach’. 

Continue around the islands, Phi Phi Lay Cove and Monkey Beach. Each of these stretches of island boasts swaying palm trees and white sands. There are also calm, clear waters brimming with fish for those who wish to discover Thailand’s underwater beauty. 

During the day, lunch will be served at Tonsai Bay. This southern stretch of Phi Phi Ley island offers sweeping views of the surrounding sea. The afternoon is spent cruising to Bamboo Islands and possibly other islands nearby, for more chances to snorkel and swim in the Andaman Sea. 

After a spectacular day cruising the Phi Phi Islands, it is time to return to Phuket. Transfer back by boat and car, arriving at the hotel early this evening. (L)

Time:        08:00 – 17:30
Departure:    Daily 
Note:        
Join-in tour and transfers
Min. 2 persons is required (max pax is 20)
This trip operates with a minimum of 2 pax, in case that the minimum pax count haven’t been reached, then the trip will be cancelled or moved to a date where the minimum pax count is reached. In case guests want a guaranteed departure,  guests will need to pay for the minimum pax amount.
Children between 2 and 11 years at the time of travel will receive a 15% discount.
Maya Bay is now closed until further notice. The island can be just passed by for sightseeing from boat.
The program is subject to change due to the weather condition and the level of water on the day of the tour. 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Full Day A Blissful Day on Phang Nga Bay

Be picked up at 08:30. Spend a day in paradise. Leave the crowded beaches of Phuket aboard a private, long tail boat that has been customised for ultimate comfort. Cast off and head to turquoise waters during this full day boat trip to Phang Nga Bay. 

Pass by ‘James Bond’ Island, slowing down for photos of this beautiful, but touristy, site. Venture further afield to discover dramatic limestone karsts jutting out of the water and a pristine mangrove forest. Relax and enjoy the views as the boat glides across the Bay. The boat captain will seek out a secluded beach for a chance to swim in the clear waters or sunbathe on the white sandy shores. 

The day continues with a visit to a privately-owned island. Go ashore at this tropical paradise and explore the tranquil beaches which are blissfully free of development. A barbeque of fresh seafood will be prepared for lunch in this incredible setting.

Spend the rest of the day swimming and lounging about, soaking up the sun’s rays and the serene atmosphere. Return to Phuket by boat, arriving just as the sun begins to dip low in the sky.  (L)

Time:         08:30 – 17:00
Departure:     Daily
Note:               
Max. 8 persons per boat 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Full Day Community Connection at Koh Yao Noi 

Be picked up at 08:30. Help spread the benefits of tourism to rural communities. Venture away from Phuket and Krabi and spend a day on a small island, supporting family-run businesses and learning about traditional lifestyles of the people.

Set off after breakfast aboard a join-in public speedboat Cast off and travel away from the busy beaches of the main island and head toward Koh Yao Noi. Unlike Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Noi is a sleepy island where the locals rely on fishing, farming and other small businesses for income.

Spend a full day on Koh Yao Noi, meeting with the friendly residents. Learn about fish farming, one of the island’s main industries. Walk through a rubber plantation to see how the trees are tapped for sap, a process done entirely by hand. Then head to a small workshop and witness the time-consuming process of batik making.

Around midday, head to a family home where a lunch of home-cooked dishes will be served. This is not only a chance for a delicious meal, but also a special way to gain insight into the lives of the southern Thai people.

Spend the rest of the day wandering through rice fields and village laneways, where buffaloes and cows lazily graze. Pay a visit to the local market to see the day’s fresh catch and other items for sale.  

Then it is time to say farewell to Koh Yao Noi and return by boat to Phuket. (L)

Time:        08:30 – 18:00 
Departure:    Daily
Note:        
Transfers from and to hotel on a private basis
Maximum 6 pax per truck
Activities program may be slightly changed subject to the presence of local people at home.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Half Day Street Food for All the Senses in Phuket Town

Be picked up at 07:00.  Experience the delights of Thai food and get a closer look at local culinary culture on this Phuket street food tour.

Spend the morning walking along the smaller side streets of the city. Stop at a variety of food stalls, some selling fresh fruits and other produce while others sell freshly cooked snacks and noodle dishes. Many of the food stalls have been run by the same family for generations and there will be a chance to chat with some of these shop owners. 

Start with a dim sum breakfast, washed down with a cup of locally-grown coffee. Visit a local shop to learn about the concept of khao kaeng, Thai food served on trays. Then explore a stall piled high with colourful curry pastes and learn about their different uses.

Continue into the old town, stopping in at the informative Post Office Museum for a short visit. Then return to the food trail stopping to taste items like the Malaysian-influenced roti breads and Chinese-style Hokkien noodles. Learn about the origins of these foods which were introduced by immigrants in the 19th century.

Round out the day with some typical southern Thai snacks including a local rendition of a crepe and exotic tropical fruits. 

With a full belly and camera-full of fabulous food images, return to the hotel. (L)

Time:         07:00 – 13:00
Departure:     Daily except Tuesdays 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Half Day The Former Glory of the Old Phuket

Be picked up at either 08:30 or 13.00. Get to see a different side of Phuket with this insightful excursion to the city’s lesser-known corners.

Start with a visit to a rubber plantation, one of the main industries in Phuket, along the roadside. Our guide will explain how the rubber sap is collected from the trees and processed after. Continue further away from the shore to Tong Sai National Park, a lush expanse of jungle teeming with wildlife. Meet with a volunteer from the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (GRP) and learn about the centre’s activities to protect the native gibbon population and their natural habitations. Take a stroll around and see some of the many gibbons being nursed back to health at the centre. Refuel with a cup of local Phuket coffee and some snacks before continuing the excursion.

Take a closer look at Phuket’s past with a visit to the small, but informative Kathu Mining Museum. Get a glimpse of the former glory of Phuket, its people, its economy and its history while learning about the island’s mining industry. 

The half-day Phuket tour concludes with a visit to Wat Prathong, one of the oldest temples in Phuket. Gain a deeper insight into Buddhism while watching local devotees praying at this sacred monument.

Time:        08:30 – 13:30 / 13.00 – 17.00
Departure:    Daily
Note:        
Van only 

Overnight in Phuket.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Breakfast at the resort. Accompanied by a local guide, transfer from the hotel to Phuket Airport. 

Distance and journey time:

The Old Phuket Karon Hotel – Phuket Airport (38.4 km): 39 min
The Renaissance Phuket – Phuket Airport (16.3 km): 20 min
The Surin Phuket – Phuket Airport (23.9 km): 28 min
The Shore Katathani – Phuket Airport (49 km): 50 min
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast