TIME: 5 days 4 nights
TRANSPORT:
ORIGIN: Ho Chi Minh City
DESTINATION: Luang Prabang
Highlights A visit to Luang Prabang-a UNESCO Heritage City represents an unforgettable experience of the colonial land’s history and ancient beauty.As an exploration of Luang Prabang’s unusual temple architecture, a traditional boat trip to the mysterious Pak Ou caves and breathtaking views of the city from the top of Mount Phousi.
DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG ARRIVAL
Arrival in LuangPrabang and transfer to our hotel for check-in.
DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG – CITY TOUR (B)
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting 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.
After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then visit the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene, continue to National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Our last stop is Wat Mai before climbing up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the hill tribe and local people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVE (B)
After breakfast, we board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of 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 small village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is distilled.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG – KHOANG SI WATERFALL (B)
After breakfast you will visit the morning Phosi 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 Na Ouane, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village, then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. We return to the city by late afternoon.
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG – DEPARTURE (B)
Breakfast then spend the rest of the day free for own experience in this charming city, transportation to the airport in Luang Prabang to return home.
End of our services.