On arrival at Luang Prabang airport, pick up and transfer to your hotel. The World Heritage Center of Luang Prabang has been designated the “best-preserved city in Southeast Asia.” This morning visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, Luang Prabang’s oldest temple, and the shrines of Wat Aham, built in 1818 on the site of a 16^th century temple, and Wat Mai, the largest and most richly decorated in the town. Later, climb to the top of Mount Phousi (150 meters above the town center) for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River at sunset. From there, explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

This morning visit the Art and Ethnology Centre to learn about the variety of Lao culture. The exhibition is small but very informative and interesting. Then continue with a short, guided tour of Wat Sene (the Temple of 100,000 Treasures) and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, with its roof sweeping low to the ground, representative of classical Laotian architecture. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which offers 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’ll stop at the village of Ban Xang Hai, the “Whiskey Village” where they make the local rice wine. On return, we’ll take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving. Overnight at the same hotel in Luang Prabang.

 

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of alms (sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. From there you will visit the morning Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea, and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, H’mong Village, Ban Ou, Lao Loum, Ban Thapene, and Khmu Village. Afterward, drive to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. After returning to Luang Prabang in late afternoon, continue to Ban Xang Khong, a village well known for its silk weavings and for its jute. We return to the city by late evening to observe the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight at the same hotel in Luang Prabang.

 

After breakfast, visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. Also see the Central Market. After visiting these locations in the morning, you’ll have free time to explore the town on your own. Transfer to the airport for your next destination. End services.