LUANG PRABANG
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Luang Prabang, where time seems to slow and serenity fills the air. Nestled between misty mountains and the mighty Mekong River, this UNESCO World Heritage town is a living tapestry of golden-roofed temples, French colonial architecture, and vibrant local traditions. Wake to the gentle rhythms of the alms-giving ceremony at dawn, wander through ancient monasteries, and marvel at the intricate beauty of Wat Xieng Thong. Cruise along the river to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of Buddha statues whisper stories of devotion. Refresh your senses at the turquoise Kuang Si Waterfalls, and discover the delicate craftsmanship of local artisans in traditional villages. Let this enchanting town awaken your soul and leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime..
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LUANG PRABANG (NONE)
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:
- Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang Central: 2,5 miles 🡪10 minutes driving transfer
DAY 2: RICE EXPERIENCE – ANCIENT CITY (B/L/-)
Pick up: 08: 30 AM
Embark on an immersive exploration of daily life in Laos today, starting with a morning visit to a community-based living rice farm nestled in the picturesque countryside outside Luang Prabang. Surrounded by serene mountains and lush rice paddies, you’ll have the chance to engage in rural activities, trying your hand at various farming tasks or observing them from the vantage point of a traditional Lao rice house balcony, surrounded by rice terraces and an organic vegetable farm.
Explore nearby workshops where local artisans practice their crafts, from bamboo weaving to blacksmithing and sugar cane processing. Afterwards, delve into the secrets of traditional medicine as you tour the organic garden, discovering the natural herbs used in Laotian healing practices.
In the afternoon, your city tour begins with a visit to the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday) to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures.
We then head to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture before continuing further to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts.
A visit to Luang Prabang would be incomplete without ascending the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River.
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.
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
Distance:
- Luang Prabang Central – Wat Xiengthong: 1,5 miles 🡪5 minutes driving transfer
DAY 3: BAN CHAN POTTERY VILLAGE – PAK OU CAVES (B/L/-)
Pick up: 08:30AM
In the morning, our guide and tuk-tuk driver will transport you to the boat pier, where you’ll embark on a scenic journey downstream the Mekong River to reach Ban Chan Pottery Village.
Upon arrival, commence your visit with a brief tour to delve into the village’s rich history. Strolling through the village, exploring the pottery center, a traditional kiln, and the brick factory.
Following this exploration, unleash your creativity by crafting a unique souvenir from clay, all while learning traditional Lao pottery techniques. Your completed and fired pottery souvenir will be thoughtfully delivered to your hotel within 3-7 days, with the firing process contingent on prevailing weather conditions.
Conclude the experience with a delightful lunch on the terrace, offering picturesque views of the river, before boarding the boat for a return journey to Luang Prabang.
In the afternoon, we 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.
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.
Distance:
- Ban Chan Pottery Village – Pak Ou Caves: 22 miles 🡪30 minutes driving transfer
- Pak Ou Caves – Ban Xanghai Village: 4,5 miles 🡪15 minutes driving transfer
DAY 4: MORNING ALMS GIVING – TAEC WORKSHOP – KUANG SI WATERFALL (B/L/-)
Pick up: 05:30AM
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.
After breakfast at the hotel, we have ample time to relax before transferring to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center, the collection of diverse Lao ethnic groups. We will stroll around to visit the center to understand more about the Lao ethnic culture.
After that, we will join the seminars of “Ethnic Diversity and Cultural Change in Laos”
This fascinating 60-minute presentation and question-and-answer session gives background on Laos’ ethnic communities, their history, and their cultural practices, including livelihoods and crafts. Guests have an opportunity to learn about lifestyles in ethnic villages and are shown unique artefacts from TAEC’s collection that are not accessible to the general public.
The seminars are led by one of the two TAEC Founder/Directors, either Thongkhoun Soutthivilay, a Luang Prabang-native who worked at the Luang Prabang National Museum for 10 years, and who has attended trainings and conferences in the US, Thailand, Netherlands, Japan, and Brunei; or Tara Gujadhur, an American who has worked in Luang Prabang for over 10 years, with a background in anthropology and sustainable tourism development
The sample ethnic Khmu lunch will be served at TAEC Café.
In the afternoon, transfer 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
Transfer back to your hotel late afternoon
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
Distance:
- 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 5: BIKING FOODY TOUR & HIDDEN CITY CORNERS (B/L/-)
Pick up: 08:30AM
Our guide will walk with you to the bike shop where you will be fitted with bikes and head for the most famous Lao coffee shop where you sit by the Mekong River enjoying coffee and share the local Lao pastry Khanom Khrok.
Next head to the nearby morning market where locals from the countryside around Luang Prabang sell their goods. Discover different meats, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices and learn from your guide how they are used in Lao kitchens. Each year previously unknown varieties of plants are discovered at this morning market. A few local delicacies will be sampled, as well.
We then cycle to the Wat That Luang area to eat Khao Poon, a coconut noodle style soup, which is a delicious, rare find in Luang Prabang! A short distance away at Ban Vieng Xay village, we sit at a local street restaurant and try a variety of food including Naem Khao (a rice noodle crepe, filled with minced meat, mushrooms, and assorted herbs, cut in little pieces, served with a dipping sauce containing minced nuts, lemon, chili, coriander and sweet fish sauce) and Khao Piak Khao (a local rice soup, that is usually eaten in the morning, slowly cooked with pork meat and meat broth, rounded with crushed black pepper and chopped coriander). Depending on your taste, an egg and / or fresh chili can be added to this meal.
To burn some calories, we cycle across the “old” bridge to the other side of the Nam Khan River. After passing by the “German Butcher”, a stop at the scenic meeting point of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers for some photos and a quick drink of water is in order. Continuing on, we cycle through Ban Xieng Lek village to check out local weaving and Saa paper handicrafts. Here is where you see local shops and a non-touristy side of town.
A new restaurant made 100% of bamboo nestled on another river, the Nam Khan, is the next stop. The food is to die for, and we’ll have more top-quality local Lao food. Your taste buds won’t know what hit them!
In the afternoon, our guide will take you on an in-depth cycling tour of the city. The walk is oriented towards the lesser-known parts of the town including charming lanes showing the more traditional atmosphere of the heritage town.
Along the way, we will see the four different types of buildings categorized by UNESCO. The first one is the traditional Lao house which is made from tropical hardwood or bamboo and built on stilts.The second is a half wood and half cement house built after the arrival of the French. The third is the traditional French colonial building that are similar to those found in Vietnam and Cambodia. The last form of architecture you will see is the old Chinese shop houses that were built to be used for both commercial and residential purposes.
We then return the bicycle at the shop and return to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
DAY 6: MANDALAO ELEPHANT CAMP – CHATEAU ORIENTALE (B/L/-)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
After picking you up from town or your hotel we will leave Luang Prabang around 08:30 for the nearby village of Xieng Lom. Upon arrival you are invited to have coffee or tea as your guide for the day provides an in-depth introduction to elephant behavior and the ways we should interact with them. A quick boat ride across the Nam Khan River will deliver you to the waiting elephants. You will be introduced to your new friends and feed them some special treats – a sure way to begin an instant friendship.
Enjoy observing elephants from the river bank as Mahouts wash them in the Nam Khan river. You can experience elephants washing, swimming and playing in the water. Please note this is voluntary activity for the elephants and Mandalao does not force them to get in the water. (On cold days the elephants are less likely to want to get wet.)
After 2 hours crossing through a beautiful stretch of traditional Lao gardens you will arrive at the jungle-covered Huay Nok stream. As you walk alongside the elephants and crisscross through the cool water you will experience a profound sense of understanding, respect, and caring for these amazing animals. As you prepare to start your walk back to MandaLao, you will bid farewell to your new friends with more treats and goodbye hugs.
When you get back to MandaLao, you will head to the restaurant and enjoy a delicious fresh Lao meal made from our own organically grown produce. There you can relax, kick-back, and process the day’s experiences on the veranda overlooking the river and misty mountains.
Following lunch, you will take the short ride back into Luang Prabang and have one more chance to ask your guides any lingering questions. You are have ample time to stroll around the camp before walking to the nearby Chateau Orientale.
Set among the beautiful Lao jungle in Ban Xienglom, Chateau Orientale is a tranquil setting, tastefully decorated in an ancient style.
All decorations have been faithfully restored and chosen in order to blend in with the surrounding environment.
Free for the rest of the day to relax.
Overnight at hotel in Chateau Orientale
DAY 7: CHATEAU ORIENTALE – TREK THE GHOST VALLEY (B/L/-)
Pick-up: 08:00 – 08:30AM
Begin your adventure with a convenient pick-up at your hotel in town, followed by a scenic 30-minute transfer out of town in our comfortable, air-conditioned minibus. Arrive at the lush tropical gardens of “Chateau Orientale”, where you’ll be welcomed by the vibrant colors and fragrant scents of the surrounding flora. Enjoy a refreshing coffee or tea as you soak in the serene atmosphere.
Your adventure begins with a boat ride across the tranquil Nam Khan River, setting the stage for an exciting trek. Embark on a journey through slightly hilly, breathtaking scenery, visiting a traditional Khmu village and the hidden gem of Tad Kuang Son waterfall along the way.
Continue your trek towards the Ghost Valley, where you’ll be captivated by the towering limestone cliffs that rise dramatically around you. Explore the fascinating geological site of the Ghost Valley, marveling at the stunning limestone formations and the “Ghost Cave”, a cave formed hundreds of millions of years ago that once served as a shelter for the village community.
Pause for a picnic lunch, enjoying your meal either within the cool, mysterious interior of the cave or atop the hill with panoramic views.
After lunch, trek back through the picturesque landscape to your starting point at the “Chateau Orientale” Resort. Finally, relax as our air-conditioned minibus transports you comfortably back to town, concluding your memorable day of exploration and adventure.
Overnight at hotel in Chateau Orientale
DAY 8: NAHM DONG PARK EXPERIENCE WITH COOKING CLASS (B/L/-)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
08:00AM, our guide & driver will come and transfer you to Nahm Dong park, which locates in Ban Xiengmouk, 10Km from city center.
Arriving at the park, we will have a short welcome by the park manager before joining the morning activities here.
First, we will join the cooking class, by which you can discover the Lao cuisine through several traditional dishes. Not only can you learn techniques and recipes, but you can visit the gardens of the park and pick your own ingredients.
The course is minimum 5 dishes depending on the season. A booklet with all recipes is provided.
The lunch will be served with what you have created.
In the afternoon, we will start exploring the beauties of the park with the Zipline flying over the jungle and the waterfalls admiring the amazing evergreen scenery. The zipline will take about 1 hour.
Then we will walk back via the jungle trail crossing some flying bridges, small streams, and clear natural pools, where you can take a refresh splash if you wish so.
You can either spend the rest of the afternoon stroll around the park, relax by one of the huts at the camp, or enjoy the fresh cool clear natural pools.
Late afternoon, we walk to the nearby Hillside Ecolodge, where we will spend the nigh
Note: Zipline in 1 hour, trekking min 1 hour – max 3 hours depending on the route that you choose.
Overnight at Hillside Eco Resort.
Distance:
- Chateau Orientale – Nam Dong Park: 7 miles 🡪15 minute driving transfer
DAY 9: BACK TO LUANG PRABANG – DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
Pick up: 08:30AM
In the morning, transfer to the airport in Luang Prabang to take your departure flight
Distance:
- Luang Prabang Central – Luang Prabang Airport: 3 miles 🡪 10 minute 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
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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.
