The Essence of Luang Prabang

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Overview

  • Duration:4 days 3 nights
You'll arrive in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and check into your hotel, followed by a leisurely stroll around the ancient city's historic streets and temples. The next day, explore the Royal Palace Museum, showcasing Lao royal artifacts, and visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, filled with Buddha statues. You'll also discover Wat Xiengthong's stunning architecture and experience local culture at the Night Market, where you can find handmade textiles and souvenirs. On Day 3, witness the morning alms giving, a sacred tradition, visit Kuang Si Waterfall's turquoise pools, and enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong River, taking in the tranquil scenery. On Day 4, visit the Elephant Village, interact with rescued elephants, learn about conservation efforts, and enjoy a boat trip to Tad Sae Waterfall, before departing Luang Prabang with unforgettable memories

Includes/Excludes

  • Transportation with air-condition in private
  • Accommodation in twin/double shared room
  • Boat trip as stated in above sights
  • English speaking guide
  • Admission fee to indicated sights
  • Meals as per program
  • Gov’t tax and service charge
  • Luggage handling and drinking water
  • Visa stamping fee on arrival
  • To & Fro Travel: Airfare or train tickets to your starting point and from your end point are not included.
  • Meals: Lunches, dinners, and snacks are not specified in the itinerary and are not included in this package.
  • Personal Expenses: Any personal expenses such as tips, laundry, telephone calls, and portage are your responsibility
  • Entrance Fees: All entry fees to sightseeing spots and monuments are to be paid directly.
  • Travel Insurance: We recommend arranging separate travel insurance for your trip.
  • NOTE: Anything not mentioned in the inclusions is excluded.

Itinerary

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DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN LUANG PRABANG

On arrival at the Luang Prabang airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel (early check-in upon availability).

Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment. There is no activities planned for today, so you may stroll around for the first impression of this ancient city.

Meals: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 02: LUANG PRABANG – CITY TOUR – PAK OU CAVE

After breakfast, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. We then embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine.

On arrival back in the city, we will visit the old Wat Sene and the nearby magnificent Wat Xiengthong a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall. Next, we will visit Heuan Chan, a 19th-century aristocratic mansion that offers a glimpse into Lao culture through traditional ceremonies, textiles, and family life. This restored mansion stands as a testament to Lao heritage, featuring enriching exhibitions and a documentary on Laos' customs. After the visit, we'll have the opportunity to taste authentic Lao coffee or tea, providing a true taste of Laos.

Late afternoon, we will make a stop at Wat Prabath to admire the sunset; this is the ideal place to catch the last beauty of the day. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Optional: For enthusiasts of diverse ethnic cultures, a visit to the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center is available (closed on Mondays)

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 03: LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI WATERFALL – SUNSET CRUISE

Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets. We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken.

After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. Then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si, which is the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals. There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene, and explore the hidden waterfalls, which is rarely visited by other tourists. If you wish, take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. This is also one of the best spots to admire the sunset in Luang Prabang.

At the end of the day, join a sunset cruise along the Mekong River to catch the last beauty of the day whilst the sun is setting behind the faraway mountain.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 04: LUANG PRABANG – ELEPHANT VILLAGE – DEPARTURE

8:30 am: Pick up by our English-speaking guide from your hotel lobby within Luang Prabang, Laos
Arrival at the Elephant Village Camp: Welcome greeting by your guide and participate in a short briefing about elephants
Elephant Feeding: Get up close and personal with elephants
Explore Elephant Village: Visit our elephant hospital, museum, gallery and dung paper making facility!
Learn to communicate: Enjoy the impressive experience of being a Mahout and how they communicate.
Boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall: Ride in a traditional Lao long boat to the Tad Sae Waterfall and relax or swim in the clear water. Swimsuit recommended! (note: water levels will vary with seasonal conditions)
Lunch: Dine at our Elephant Camp restaurant. Your buffet lunch is served with coffee / tea and drinking water (vegetarian options are available)
1:00pm: Depart the camp.
Then transfer to the airport to take the departure flight.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch