Amazing Luang Prabang

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

Welcome to Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos! 

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. 
 

Inclusions:

📍 Boat trip to Pak Ou Caves (25 km): 2 hours

After breakfast at the hotel, transport will be provided to the pier for the day’s Mekong cruise. En route to the pier, stop for a brief visit to Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most famous temples in the city. 

After boarding the boat, cruise up the Mekong River heading for the famous Pak Ou Caves. Locally called Tam Ting, the caves are filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of all different sizes. During the cruise out, take note of the fishermen and local villages along the way. For many in the region, the Mekong plays a crucial role in daily life, representing one of the only means of transport and commerce.

After visiting the caves, cruise back to Luang Prabang. If time permits, stop on the way back at Ban Xang Hay, a village that specializes in making rice wine.

Once back in Luang Prabang, enjoy a selection of local favorites at one of the best Lao restaurants in town, Tamarind (Note: closed on Sundays).

In the afternoon, begin a guided city tour of Luang Prabang. Start at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, before continuing to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief. Next, pay a visit to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, a museum dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities. (Note: closed on Monday).

Overnight in Luang Prabang

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Garavek Storytelling Theater

Head to an old colonial house that has been converted into a small theater. Enjoy a one-hour performance during which time the mystical legends of Laos are presented by local actors. With space for just 30 in the audience, the folktales seem to come to life on stage.
 
The stories are presented in English and will explain the origin of Luang Prabang and its landmarks. As well it will introduce the traditional characters of Lao folklore and features classic jokes beloved by locals. The stories are accompanied by traditional music played on the khene, a bamboo mouth organ. This unique instrument is only found in Laos and Northern Thailand and is always played when folktales are being told.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

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

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Alms Giving

For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the 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. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city. Continue to Wat Aham followed by Wat That, where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are interred inside the large central stupa.

Continue with a drive through the Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls, soaking in the rice fields, hills and small villages along the way. 

Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfall, relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. For the adventurous, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls where stunning views await. Beautiful pools await at the base of the falls, which are perfect for swimming.

Note: when bathing please be respectful, wear a sarong and be careful not to show too much skin. 

There is an optional visit on the way back to the Bear Sanctuary run by Free The Bears Fund Inc. 23 Asiatic Black Bears live in the sanctuary, which were rescued from poaching. Another optional 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) 

Return to Luang Prabang in time to climb the 328 stairs to the summit of Mt. Phousi for an amazing panoramic sunset. Afterwards, feel free to explore the nearby evening hill tribe market before returning to the hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

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

After breakfast, enjoy some free time at leisure until transport (provided by guide and driver) to the airport for the departing flight.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast