MORNING

[Early Morning Free Option]  

• Our guide will pick you up from your accommodation in the early morning at 5:00 am (March to October) / 5:30  am (November to February) and give 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.

• Pickup from your accommodation at around 8 am, we first visit the Morning Market, a lively street where locals shop for everything.
• Next, head to the Wat Mai palace, built in 1788, known for its glorious bas-relief work, golden stencilling of its sim (assembly hall), and for the ritual cleansing of the Phra Bang during Lao New Year.
• The Royal Palace, which is today the national museum and built by French colonialists between 1904-09, displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture.
• Walk along the main Sisavangvong peninsula road and see a blend of Lao and French architectures,  pause at the early 18th-century Wat Sene, with its sweeping four-tiered roof, and then we visit the 16th-century magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, located at the end of the Luang Prabang peninsula, which is one of the towns most beautiful and richly decorated temples. (12:00)

Afternoon

• After lunch break, we meet again in the city center at 1:30 pm and visit Wat Wisunarat, the oldest Buddhist temple dating to the 16th century, known for its large, watermelon-domed stupa.
  
  
• Wat Phon Phao,  3km north from center, is a forest meditation retreat famous for the teachings of the late abbot Ajahn Saisamut.
  
  
• UXO (Unexploded Ordinance) Information Centre exhibits the devastation that Laos continues to suffer as a result of the Second Indochina War. (closed on Saturday & Sunday)
  
  
• Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre is created as a way to allow visitors to observe the impressive skills that go into Lao textiles. Here you will meet the Master Weavers and see silk weaving on your very own. You will discover the fascinating world of Lao textiles and handicrafts. After the visit you can have a stroll in the beautiful tropical garden with a nice view of the mighty Mekong River, the terrace will be the perfect place to sip a drink while contemplating the landscape.
  
  
• Mount Phousi is a 100 m high hill in the centre of the old town, located on the peninsula between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. As the highest point in town, it boasts the town’s famous and favourite panoramic view. On the summit, the shiny golden stupa of Wat Chom Si sits firmly and greets visitors to the mountain. It was built in 1804 during the reign of King Anourouth and has become a symbol of Luang Prabang’s spiritual significance.
  
  
• Heuan Chan Heritage House is a traditional wooden house dated back to over 100 years ago and a very rare surviving example of a pre-colonial Lao style aristocratic mansion. It is now turning into a museum, cultural and recreational centre where you are most welcome to visit and experience the authentic way of life in Luang Prabang. (5:00pm)