Vientiane – Luang Prabang 5 days 4 nights

After breakfast we will visit the central market known as the ‘Morning Market’ which is a great place for browsing antiques, handmade textiles and gifts. From there, we will visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we will stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.

We then board speed train to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City Luang Prabang. On arrival, transfer to hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

In the morning, we will climb up 328 steps of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful overview of the city and the Mekong River. We then visit Wat Mai the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang, was built in the 20th century; 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.

We then 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 will make a stop at Ban Xang Hai village where rice wine is distilled. We will visit the caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum which house hundreds of Buddha statues. We return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon, continue to visit Ban Xang Khong, a village well known for silk hand-weaving and traditional Saa paper-making.

We will 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 in Luang Prabang

Wake up as the sun rises, prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, – an awe-inspiring sight which dates to the 14th century. Hundreds of saffron-robed monks depart from various temples to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets. Please tell your guide a day in advance if you wish to make an offering so he/she can prepare some food for you to hand over to the monks

We then visit the Morning Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.

In the morning, we visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (close on Mondays) where you are able to observe valuable artifacts and traditional clothing and implements from each of the 20 ethnic minority groups which inhabit the Luang Prabang area. Next, we will visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, which was entirely rebuilt in 2087 after being destroyed by the invading Black Flags from Southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa shaped like the fruit from which it takes its name. Continue past Wat Aham, which was first built in the 1500s.

Then, transfer by private vehicle to Khouang Si waterfall. On the way, you can visit the Lao ethnic minority groups – Ban Na Oune Village. Once at the waterfalls, take a leisurely hike through the national park towards the Khouang Si waterfalls and pass by the Asian bear rescue center. You will enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise waters of the different waterfalls. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Breakfast at the hotel. Rooms available until 12h00. Free at leisure until transfer back to Luang Prabang airport for departure flight.

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