Relaxing Luang Prabang

DAY 1: ARRIVAL LUANG PRABANG (L/-)

Arrive in Luang Prabang and be warmly welcomed and transfer to hotel for checking in. After lunch, join in on a city tour which includes the stops at important Luang Prabang temples like Wat Visoun (known as the ‘Watermelon Stupa’ on account of its spherical shape) and Wat Mai. We’ll also see the 16th century temple Wat Xieng Thong, which epitomizes all the elegance and grace of the city’s architecture. Other stops include the National museum (closed on Tuesday) and the former Royal Palace, home to a collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue as well as gifts received from foreign dignitaries. A Hmong market and craft shop are also worthwhile stops. End the day by walking up Phousi hill – the 329 steps lead to the summit and provide the finest panoramic city view. Dinner on your own. Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU – LUONG PRABANG (B/L/-)

Breakfast at hotel. 08:00 Transfer to the boat pier for a boat trip on the Mekong river to visit Pak Ou cave with thousands of antique Buddha images located in front of Pak Ou. On the way back, stop to visit Ban Sanghai, a local rice whisky distillation and ancient pottery village.

Have lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Mekong and cruising downstream for 02 hours on the Mekong river. Visit Ban Muangkeo where locals collect river-weed, making one of the most distinctive snacks of Luang Prabang. Return to Luang Prabang by the same boat and continue by car to visit Ban Xangkhong, the well-known village for its wood paper making and also Lao silk weavings with natural dyes, where you can do shopping there, then transfer back to your hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG – KUANGSI – LUANG PRABANG (B/L/-)

You have an optional early wake-up call to participate in giving food to hundreds of Buddhist monks returning from dawn prayers. Otherwise, take a stroll through the morning market. Then head back to the hotel for breakfast.

You’ll pay a visit to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology centre – the first exhibition space and fair trade store dedicated to the collection, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of Laos’ traditional arts and lifestyles. After that, a winding road takes you through small minority villages (Lao Lum, Khmu & Hmong ) and rice paddies into the lush area of the Kuangsi waterfall. As you wander through the cool rain forest you will come upon a majestic tiered water fall tumbling 100 metres over white limestone formations into turquoise multi-level pools. It is possible to cool off in some of the pools below, or just wade in the water. Walk down the path that follows the stream, passing small pools and ancient trees before arriving at the bear sanctuary. Asian black bears, now a class I endangered species, are poached throughout Asia for their supposed medicinal value, young cubs are trafficked from Laos to ‘Bile farms’ where they are kept imprisoned in small cages while their bile is extracted. Free The Bears fund established the rescue centre at Tad Kungsi to care for bears rescued from illegal poachers and traders. The Bear Rescue centre is now home to around 23 bears from newly orphaned cubs to full grown adults. Lunch on the way. Get back to Luang Prabang late after noon. Dinner on your own. Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

DAY 4: LUANGPRABANG – ELEPHANT VILLAGE – LUANG PRABANG (B/L/-)

Breakfast at hotel. 08:00 Proceed to the Elephant project and the “Elephant village” about 15 km out of town and in the middle of a green, natural surrounding, settled on the banks of the Nam Khan river. Here you will be introduced to the protected Asian Elephants and go out for a scenic ride in the beautiful settings along the river. Enjoy the new perspective and the wonderful nature on this 1 hour elephant ride through which you support the rescue of our former logging elephants. A stunning landscape, tranquility and lush nature gives you a relaxed stay on the back of the elephant. Lean back in your seat and enjoy… Lunch on the way . Transfer back to the hotel.

In the late afternoon, absorb the magic of dusk in Luang Prabang on a private sunset cruise behind forested mountains. Enjoy a refreshing aperitif or one of our signature cocktails with CANAPES served by your personal bartender as you float down the Mekong. Witness the end of day local ritual as villagers return home on small boats and fishermen check their catches. Return to the hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG – DEPARTURE (B/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your time until transfer to the airport for the flight to your next destination.