ITINEARY
DAY 01: LUANG PRABANG – ARRIVAL
On arrival at the Luang Prabang Airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel for check in. Situated in the center 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.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
DAY 02: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVES (JOINED CRUISE) (B/L/-)
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. If time permits, we will drive out of the city to visit Ban Xangkhong, the Thai Lue village, which is famous for its arts and crafts. We also visit the nearby village of Ban Xienglek specializing in making the traditional Saa paper.
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 hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
DAY 03: LUANG PRABANG – KUANGSI WATERFALL (B/-/-)
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. If time permits, we will visit UXO Visitor Center (closed on Saturday, and Sunday), where you can find the documentation about the secret war in Laos. Then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuangsi, 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. 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 Tok 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. Transfer back to your hotel late afternoon.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG – DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
You are free to walk around the town for your own exploration before taking the departure flight to next destination. Tour end.
Inclusion
- Accommodation 3*** on a twin shared basis
- Private, Air-conditioned Transport (Bus is probited in Luang Prabang, 16 seats is in used)
- Boat trips as stated in the itinerary (Joined cruise with lunch)
- English speaking guide.
- Admission fees to sites stated in the itinerary.
- Meals mentioned in the program at USD $8/pax/meal.
- Drinking water: 02 bottle/pax/day.
- Travel insurance.
Exclusion
- Visas and Immigration fees on arrival (45-50$/pax).
- Int’l air tickets to/from Laos.
- Lunch or dinner unless stated in the itinerary (Option haft board / full board, meal set menu USD $8-10/person for lunch/dinner, no drinks)
- Single suppl. room accommodation (quoted separately).
- Child or adult in triple share accommodation.
- Foreign language guides other than English.
- Peak Season or Special Events Surcharges.
- Tip at USD $5/pax/day, drinks, and other personal expenses.
