LUANG PRABANG HIGHLIGHTS

Welcome to Luang Prabang - Laos! 

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Luang Prabang, the World Heritage described by the UNESCO as the best preserved city in South East Asia. We will start with the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai then climb up to the top of mountain Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong river. We will explore the night market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textile made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Today, we enjoy a short sightseeing of the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then embark in a cruise upstream on the Mekong river, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as explore 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 return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Early wake up for a fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clothed monks who collect offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. You will visit the morning Phousi Market where you will see such local different products as dried buffalo skin, local tea and salt among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional handicrafts, and today you will visit local village of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay and Ban Thapene. You may also drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest paths. We return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Phanom, a well-known weaving village, and then return to the city by late evening for observing the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, we visit the National museum (closed on Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings to the last sovereign. You will have free time to explore the town and shopping before heading to airport for onward flight.