5-day Luang Prabang highlights tour
Luang Prabang, a quiet UNESCO Heritage Site considered by many as the center of Lao culture. Nestled in a mountain valley at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, the city offers a fascinating glimpse into the Buddhist religious practices and traditional lifestyles of hill-tribe groups in the northern region of Laos. Over these five days you will have a fun and unforgettable experience.
Services
Included:
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary based on two people sharing a twin/double room throughout;
- Daily breakfast, some lunch as mentioned;
- Private AC transfers throughout;
- All Sightseeing, entrance fees and English speaking guide services as detailed in the itinerary;
- Water & Cold towels during the transfer and tours;
- All taxes as imposed by the local government;
- Join in – Natural silk dyeing;
- Join in – Cooking class;
- Join in Rice farming experience;
Excluded:
- Visas and stamps in Laos: tourist visas are available at the border for most nationalities (40 US$ per person to be cleared on the spot in cash). One passport sized picture + eventual overtime fees.
- Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond travelling dates. Subject to change without prior notice by the local authorities.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (Discretionary)
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included
- Travel insurance
Optional:
- No optional tour is available.
Itinerary at a Glance
Luang Prabang
Welcome to Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang
City Tour & Silk Experience
Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves
Alms at Dawn, Cooking Class and a Scenic Boat Trip
Luang Prabang - Kuang Si
Visit Kuang Si Waterfall
Luang Prabang
Farewell to Luang Prabang
Detailed Itinerary
Luang Prabang
Day 1: Welcome to Luang Prabang
Upon your arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport, your English-speaking guide will welcome you and transfer to your hotel in Luang Prabang.
Luang Prabang is a quiet UNESCO Heritage Site considered by many as the center of Lao culture.
Take a short orientation tour of Luang Prabang town and visit The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, which has emerged as a regional leader in cultural heritage management and community development.
We then climb up to the top of Mount 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. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Dinner suggestion (not included): Dyensabai Restaurant - a famous place for Lao BBQ style cuisine.
Luang Prabang
Day 2: City Tour & Silk Experience
Morning:
Visit the National Museum. Once the royal palace of Laos, the national museum is filled with art, artefacts and jewels. Next you will head to Vat Mai, the former royal temple. You move on to Huean Chan Heritage House, a century-old traditional Lao house located in the heart of Luang Prabang. It shelters a museum and its surroundings promotes the Luang Prabang way of Life. Your final morning visit is to Vat XIeng Thong, Luang Prabang's most magnificent temple.
Lunch: Silk Road Café
Afternoon:
Join the Natural Dyes Class, an introduction to silkworms and silk types. In this class, students have a hands-on experience with natural dye preparation and complete their own color dyes. At the end of class, you will take home 3 dyed silk skeins.
Enjoy a sunset cocktail picnic in a secret location.
Dinner suggestion (not included): Gaspard Restaurant, www.gaspardrestaurant.com
Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves
Day 3: Alms at Dawn, Cooking Class and a Scenic Boat Trip
Rise early for a special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting alms. As the sun rises, lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. Wander through the morning market before going back to your hotel for breakfast.
Next, you are transferred to Tamarind Garden to join a Lao Cooking class for the morning. Lunch is what you cook!
After lunch, transfer to the pier and embark on your private slow boat for a highly scenic 2 ½ hour boat ride up the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. En route stop at Ban Xang Hai, a village famous for its rice liquor locally called “Lao-Lao”.
Return to Luang Prabang town for some free time at your own pace.
Dinner suggestion (not included): Manda De Laos https://www.mandadelaos.com
Luang Prabang - Kuang Si
Day 4: Visit Kuang Si Waterfall
In the morning, you'll be transferred to The Living Land, for a rice planting experience. Try your hand at some of the activities or just view it all from the comfort of our traditional Lao rice house balcony.
Visit local handicraft workshops like bamboo weaving, blacksmith work, and sugar cane processing. Finally, take a tour of the organic garden with explanations on how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine.
Next, head to the Carpe Diem Restaurant near Kuang Si Waterfalls for lunch. The jungle surrounding the falls is perfect for exploring on foot, or take a swim in the pools. Whilst here, you might visit Free the Bears Fund Inc. Bear Sanctuary where 23 Asiatic black bears are cared for.
On the way back to town, visit Lao Buffalo Dairy Farm which provides income and a sustainable future for the people involved.
Dinner suggestion (not included): L’ Elephant restaurant
Luang Prabang
Day 5: Farewell to Luang Prabang
Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel before you meet with your guide and are transferred to the airport for your departing flight.
