Luang Prabang, the former royal capital, is situated on the Mekong River and surrounded by beautiful green mountains. The town itself is picturesque and offers a wonderful mix of ancient temples and French-Indochinese architecture. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos.

Nov 23th (Day 1): Luang Prabang Heritage City (…/…/…) 

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel and have lunch break. At 1:30, We start walking tour from the tip of the peninsula to the Royal Palace located in the center. Our guide will take you to the many temples and historical architectures as much as time allows until late afternoon. 

Wat Xieng Thong, once known as “The Temple of the Golden City”, holds great cultural, historic and architectural importance. It is serenely situated near the tip of the peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, with a grand staircase leading up from the Mekong. For centuries it was considered the ceremonial gateway to the town, with visiting dignitaries and soon-to-be-crowned kings arriving via these steps.

Wat Sene, The temple was built in 1718 by King Kitsarath with 100,000 stones from the Mekong river. It literally means "Temple of 100,000 treasures"

Wat Mai, 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.

Heuan Chan Heritage, 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.

Royal Palace, which is today the national museum and built by French colonialists between 1904-09, displays a lovely collection of artefacts and offers you an insight into the fascinating history and culture of Laos. 

In the last of the city tour, we visit Mount Phousi that is a 100 m high hill in the centre of the old town, located on the peninsula between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. 328 steps to the top will be an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa Wat Tham and see beautiful sunsets. In the top of the hill, we enjoy the sunsets view over the heritage town. 

We then climb down the hill and have free time in the night market and enjoy dinner. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Nov 7th (Day 2): Kuang Si Falls and Pak Ou Caves, local villages(…/Lunch/…) 

Early start at morning around 5:15 am in March to October and 5:45 in November to February. We rise early to observe the sunrise procession of monks receiving alms and experience offering food to monks. Morning Alms (Sai Bat) is a longstanding tradition in Laos Buddhist culture, and is very unique to Laos. Laos is the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession.

We then visit Luang Prabang morning market. The market lining a couple of quiet streets near the Royal Palace, starts early and is over by mid-morning. It sets up along a couple of side-streets next to one of the city’s many Wats. A butcher and some of the more touristy stalls have actual tables for their wares. But most of the vendors, selling anything from rice to fresh vegetables to steamed fish to frogs, and anything else that might be the day’s catch, just set up on the ground. 

In the morning, we go on a road trip to the most beautiful waterfalls in Laos, Tad Kuang Si. On the way, we have a stop at Lao Buffalo Dairy farm and try some incredible ice cream. If time allows, we enter the farm and observe their activity as an excellent example of sustainability in action. (extra 50,000 kip about 6USD / pax required to see inside the farm)

Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfalls, we enjoy the magnificent natural surroundings. The water tumbles down and cascades gently into several cool, clear pools where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. The adventurous may walk to the top of the falls via a steep track where stunning views are awaiting them. Kuang Si Waterfalls also is a place where a rescue center for protecting sunbears, the endangered species, is located.

We then have a 90 minute long drive to Manifa Elephant Camp and have lunch at the restaurant overlooking the Mekong river surrounded by tropical forests. At about 1:30 pm, we embark on a short boat trip to Pak Ou Caves. We see a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as the mysterious nature from boat  

The caves are located in the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam ou rivers.There are two linked caves crammed with thousands of lacquered Buddha Status of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. We explore the caves about 30 min and then return to elephant camp.  We’ll leave for the airport at 3:15 and arrive at the airport before 4:00.