LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVES – KUANG SI WATERFALLS – ELEPHANT VILLAGE
This short journey offers a wonderful glimpse into the cultural and natural highlights of northern Laos. Begin in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its peaceful atmosphere, ancient temples, and riverside charm. Cruise along the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of Buddha images have been placed by pilgrims over centuries. Continue to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, famous for their turquoise pools and lush forest setting. The trip also visit to the Elephant Village, a sanctuary dedicated to the care and protection of rescued elephants, where visitors can learn about responsible tourism and elephant conservation.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LUANG PRABANG(NONE)Â
On arrival at the Luang Prabang airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel (early check-in upon availability). Situated in the centre 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.
There is no activities planned for today, so you may stroll around for the first impression of this ancient city
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
Distance:Â
- Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang Central: 2,5 miles 🡪10 minutes driving transfer
DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG – CITY TOUR – PAK OU CAVE (B/-/-)
Pick up: 08: 30 AM
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.Â
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. Â
Next, we will visit Heuan Chan, a 19th-century aristocratic mansion that offers a glimpse into Lao culture through traditional ceremonies, textiles, and family life. This restored mansion stands as a testament to Lao heritage, featuring enriching exhibitions and a documentary on Laos’ customs. After the visit, we’ll have the opportunity to taste authentic Lao coffee or tea, providing a true taste of Laos.
Late afternoon, we will make a stop at Wat Prabath to admire the sunset; this is the ideal place to catch the last beauty of the day.Â
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 hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.Â
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Optional: If you are fond of various ethnic cultures, you can visit Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday).Â
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
Distance:Â
- Luang Prabang Central – Wat Xiengthong: 1,5 miles 🡪5 minutes driving transfer
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DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI WATERFALL – SUNSET CRUISE (B/-/-)
Pick up: 05:30AM – 06:30AM depending on seasons
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.Â
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.Â
Then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si, 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. If you wish, 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 Tock 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
At the end of the day, join a sunset cruise along the Mekong River to catch the last beauty of the day whilst the sun is setting behind the faraway mountain.
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
Distance:Â
- Luang Prabang Central – Kuang Si: 20 miles 🡪30 minutes driving transfer
- Kuang Si – Ock Top Tock Living Craft: 18 miles 🡪30 minutes driving transfer
DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG – ELEPHANT VILLAGE – DEPARTURE (B/L/-)
8:30 am:Â Pick up by our English-speaking guide from your hotel lobby within Luang Prabang, Laos
Arrival at the Elephant Village Camp: Welcome greeting by your guide and participate in a short briefing about elephants
Elephant Feeding: Get up close and personal with elephants
Explore Elephant Village:Â Visit our elephant hospital, museum, gallery and dung paper making facility!
Learn to communicate: Enjoy the impressive experience of being a Mahout and how they communicate.
Boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall: Ride in a traditional Lao long boat to the Tad Sae Waterfall and relax or swim in the clear water. Swimsuit recommended! (note: water levels will vary with seasonal conditions)
Lunch: Dine at our Elephant Camp restaurant. Your buffet lunch is served with coffee tea and drinking water (vegetarian options are available)
1:00pm: Depart the camp. Â
Then transfer to the airport to take the departure flight
Distance:Â
- Luang Prabang Central – the Elephant Village Camp: 10 miles 🡪 45 minutes driving transfer
HOME SWEET HOME!
Included / Excluded
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Hotel Accommodation with daily breakfast (shared in twin/ double room)
- Experience English speaking tour manager on tour
- Private transfer and transportation on tour
- Meals are mentioned on program (B: Breakfast, Br: Brunch, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
- Entrance fees are mentioned on the itinerary
- Daily mineral water (2 bottles/ pax/ tour day)
- All flights with tax
- Visa Approval Letter and Visa Stamping fee at arrival counter
- Travel Insurance
- Early check in or late check out
- Drinks and Beverages
-
Surcharge 20% for Public Holidays:
o New Year: 31 December 2024 – 02 January 2025 (inclusive)
o Vietnamese New Year: 28 Januray – 02 February (inclusive)
o Unification Day and May Day: 28 April – 03 May 2025 (inclusive)
o National Day: 28 August – 04 Sep 2025 (inclusive)
o Christmas: 23 – 25 December 2025 (inclusive - TIPPING for local guide, cruise team, tour manager and driver (compulsory)
- All other services are not mentioned on Inclusions
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
