Design Your Own Southeast Asia Journey!

In 2008, the New York Times rated Luang Prabang the #1 destination in the world. Still living in the past, the outside world has not yet influenced the culture and way of life in the mountain villages of Luang Prabang. Come meet the kindest, gentlest people in the world who still reside here, and will welcome you.

Activities

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience the kindest, gentlest people in the world in Loas’s Luang Prabang and their traditional way of life

Duration: 5 days Start Location: Luang Prabang End Location: Luang Prabang

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Luang Prabang

  Upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check in. The crown jewel of Laos and former Lanexang, LuangPrabang, is perhaps the best preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. Magical and charming, it has preserved its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness. In 1995 UNESCO voted Luang Prabang as a World Heritage City.

   

  After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa and That Makmo, stylistically more Sri Lankan than Laotian. Continue to the nearby Vat Aham, one of the city’s major tutelary shrines dedicated to Deveta Luang (spirit) Pu Gneu Ya Gneu (ancestors). Continue to Vat Mai, built in 1796, famous for the five – tiered roof of its wooden sim built in the standard of Luang Prabang style. Climb Vat Phousi hill for on outstanding overview of the city. Sunset at Vat Prabaht Tai located along the Mekong River. Dinner is on your own.

• Day 2 : Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang

  After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll visit Vat Xiang Thong, considered the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang. The main sanctuary represents the classic Luang Prabang temple architecture with roofs that sweep low to the ground. In the compound stand several small chapels housing bronze Buddha images, which were displayed in Paris in 1911. Near the East gate stands the royal Funeral chapel. Inside are an impressive 12-meter high funeral chariot and various funeral urns of each Royal Family’s members. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts a semi-erotic episode from the Ramayana.

   

  We’ll then board a traditional boat for a trip up the Mekong River to visit the famous caves of Pak Ou which houses thousand of statues representing Lord Buddha. We’ll have a picnic lunch at a bamboo cottage overlooking the confluence between the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. Return to Luang Prabang, and continue by car to visit the villages of Ban Xom, known for its cotton production and Ban Xang Khong where you’ll see the locals make paper from mulberry. Dinner is on your own.

• Day 3 : Luang Prabang – Lao Spirit Resort

  After breakfast we’ll drive to Elephant camp where you will be introduced to Asian elephants, and go out for a scenic ride! Enjoy the new perspective from the height of an elephant back, and the wonderful natural surroundings, on this approximately 1-hour elephant ride. A stunning landscape, quiet, and the lush nature gives you a relaxed ride on the back of the protected elephant. Make your way through forests and along the Nam Khan river up to the amazing waterfalls of Tad Sae. Here you can hang out for lunch and some swimming and bathing in the refreshing cool cascades. After you lunch, we’ll explore the tropical surrounding on one of the nature trails.

   

  Our half-day hike will take you to a Khmu Village where you’ll get insight into everyday life of this hill tribe. Most are farmers and fishermen and live from their slash and burn tradition. The countryside offers you great views and a relaxing atmosphere. They even speak a different language here and your guide will help to ask questions. A short hike along a steep mountain range will bring you to the newly opened Jungle Camp, where another swim in a crystal clear river is a wonderful option. Have a drink and finish your day of activity after another 45 minutes of walking to your lodge.

• Day 4 : Lao Spirit Resort – Luang Prabang

  We’ll take a late-morning return drive to Luang Prabang, to visit the National Museum (formerly the King’s Palace), displaying a collection of personal artifacts of the Royal Family: photos, musical equipment and gifts received from foreign countries. The rest of the afternoon free to relax or explore the town on your own.

• Day 5 : Luang Prabang – Depart

  After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll have free time to relax or explore until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight to Bangkok or your next destination.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

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