Discover Luang Prabang and Beyond

Welcome upon your arrival in Luang Prabang and transfer to the city. Check-in at your hotel (Rooms available from 13:30). In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the city known as ‘Lane Xang’ or ‘The Sleeping Beauty.’ Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Phrabang.

This morning, you have a wonderful opportunity to witness the daily morning rituals of saffron-robed monks collecting alms (sticky rice being the most common offering) from devout residents. This tradition is unique to Laos, as it is the only Buddhist nation that still preserves this procession. Return to the hotel for breakfast, and then visit the Center for Ethnology and Traditional Arts to learn about the various ethnic cultures of Laos. Next, we’ll head to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its sweeping low-slung roofs, representing classic Laotian architecture. We’ll also have time to explore the Royal Palace Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of artifacts. A visit to Luang Prabang wouldn’t be complete without climbing the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the city and its shimmering reflection on the Mekong River. The tour concludes after a visit to the famous night market, where you’ll find a lovely array of textiles crafted by locals and hill tribes from around Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Option: Enjoy a private Baci ceremony after sunset with a local family. The Baci ceremony is a traditional ritual of the Laotian people that expresses the spirituality of the country and provides a deeply insightful experience into Laotian culture for participants.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Luang Phrabang.

Early in the morning, we’ll embark on an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, offering breathtaking views of the serene countryside before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. These caves are filled with thousands of lacquered gold Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, left by pilgrims. Along the way, we’ll stop at Ban Muang Kao, a village known for its traditional Lao rice whiskey distillation. After visiting the caves, we’ll continue our cruise on the Nam Ou River to the Nam Ou Elephant Farm, a unique farm located along the Nam Ou River. After a walk around the farm, we’ll have a 1-hour elephant ride to visit nearby villages. Then, we’ll spend the night at Nam Ou Riverside Resort, located near the elephant farm.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Luang Phrabang.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll transfer to the city center and take a stroll around town to visit Big Brother Mouse, the most famous bookstore in Laos. Our next stop will be Ock Pop Tok, meaning ‘East Meets West,’ where you can discover traditional weaving in Laos. We will then visit Wat Visoun, dating back to 1513 during the reign of King Wizarat (Visoun), and it is the oldest temple in Prabang, housing the Prabang Buddhas. Laos is also known for its traditional craftsmanship, and today you will visit local ethnic minorities in the AJO villages of Ban Ouay and Ban Thapene. We will then take a walk to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can swim in the turquoise pool or walk along forest trails. Before returning to Luang Prabang, we will stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park (closed on Tuesdays), one of the must-visit places, recently opened in January 2014. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Luang Phrabang.

Today, you will participate in a cooking class at the Tamarin Restaurant. We will start with a visit to the major food market, explaining the types of foods and their uses. Then, we’ll transfer back to the Tamarind Garden to cook and enjoy your creations. Your dishes will include:
Various jeow: fundamental Lao spicy dipping sauces.
Mok Pa, a popular dish of steamed fish with herbs, cooked in banana leaves.
Tamarind’s specialty: lemongrass-stuffed chicken and herbs.
Laap/koy, a minced meat salad flavored with herbs.
Dessert course: a surprise!
Of course, you will learn the art of perfecting sticky rice and its eating etiquette.
After lunch, return transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for your leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Luang Phrabang.

You are free to explore the city at your own pace before departing for your next destination.”