LUANG PRABANG AT A GLANCE

Welcome to Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos!

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. the rest of the day is at leisure and Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Transfer to the most photographed temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong. Located at the end of the peninsula, close to the Mekong, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat, the library was added in 1828. You will then board your private long tail boat to cruise up the Mekong River to the famous Pak Ou Caves. Locally called Tam Ting, the caves are filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues. The statues range in size from a few centimeters tall to the height of a human and are crammed into the cave which is nestled in a limestone cliff. The caves are also a destination for local pilgrimages. On the boat journey admire the several waterways that have traditionally been used as the local form of transportation. These waterways continue to be used in that manner today in many parts of the country and a local boat is probably one of the most rewarding ways to discover life along the rivers. As you cruise along, observe the daily activities of fishermen, how they throw their nets in with elegant arm gestures and rely on the water for their livelihood. For the villages settled along the Mekong, the river plays an important role in their daily life and usually represents the only means of transportation and commerce, then cruise back. stop on the way back at Ban Xang Khong, a village that specializes in making Saa paper and weaving.

In the late afternoon around 4:45 pm, transport will be provided to the river to board the Luang Prabang Cruise, an elegant and traditional riverboat. Cruising gently up and down the Mekong River, soak in the views of rural villages as the sun sets behind the surrounding mountains. The riverboat will moor on the opposite bank in time for dinner, which will include a selection of classic Lao dishes. After dinner, cruise back to Luang Prabang. Please note that this is a join- in cruise. It’s a short ride back to town, where there’s an option to either transfer back to the hotel directly or visit the evening hill tribe market again on your own arrangement and Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Your guide will pick you up at 8:00 am this morning for a short transfer into the countryside. 5km outside Luang Prabang, the Living Land Community Farm is an entirely organic farm in a beautiful rural setting, flanked by rice paddies. The stilted wooden farm buildings house an interactive museum to give an insight into many aspects of rural life in Laos. Enjoy a guided walk through the organic vegetable farm and learn all manner of trades, from thatched-roof making and basketry to noodle production and extracting the juice from sugarcane. Experience the life of a farmer trying out a variety of activities, including ploughing the rice fields with one of the resident buffaloes (a muddy experience!) Also, learn a bit about the 13-step rice production, sampling some rice-based snacks afterwards. (Please note that the activities will be shared with other visitors) and continue driving out of town to visit the KuangSi waterfall, upon reaching the falls, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. In addition to the beautiful natural surroundings, it is also possible to swim in the turquoise pools below (please dress modestly.) For the adventurous, walk to the top of the falls via a steep track where stunning views await. There is a chance on the way back to visit the Free the Bears sanctuary, housing 23 Asiatic Bears rescued from poaching and return to Luang Prabang in time to 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 for a stroll through the evening hill tribe market. After shopping for handicrafts and souvenirs and Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, begin morning tour exploring the enchanting World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang. The tour starts at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, and continues on to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief. Next is Wat Sensoukarahm, built in 1718 boasting a dazzling golden façade. Continue to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre. This museum is dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities, displaying traditional costumes, tools, and artifacts (Note: closed on Monday) and transfer to the International Luang Prabang Airport for your departure flight to other destinations. End of our services!