| Duration: | 6 Day(s) - 5 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Classic Tours |
Day 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang – Hotel
Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquillity and charm of this UNESCO World Heritage town, with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights, make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos.
On arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel. After checking in, we will continue, time permitting, to climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi to take in the beautiful sunset over the town and the Mekong River.
In the evening, explore the Night Street Bazaar, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. For late arrivals, this can be done the following day.
Accommodation: Sada Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 2: Ban Chan & Pak Ou Caves
This morning, you may want to wake up early and participate in the daily ritual of saffron-clad monks carrying black alms-giving bowls, receiving offerings from local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice.
After breakfast, board a cruise for a long-tail boat journey along the Mekong River to where it meets the Nam Ou River. Stop at Ban Chan village, just outside Luang Prabang, which is famous for traditional pottery-making. Here, you will watch the process of pots being made using traditional ovens.
After Ban Chan, continue to visit Wat Xiengman and Wat Longkhoun. Then proceed by boat through the beautiful Laotian countryside, passing local villages before arriving at the fascinating Pak Ou Caves, a cave system of two interlinked caves filled with Buddha statues left behind by pilgrims over generations.
On the return journey to Luang Prabang by boat, you will stop at Ban Xanghai to observe the traditional process of rice wine distillation. Arrive back in Luang Prabang at around 5 pm.
Accommodation: Sada Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 3: City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfall
Starting at 08:00 am, visit the morning Phou Si Market, where you will see diverse offerings such as dried buffalo skin, local tea, and saltpeter alongside chickens, vegetables, and hill-tribe weavings.
Luang Prabang is a fascinating historical city with a delightful mix of Buddhist temples and French colonial buildings. It is still very much a rural city in comparison to neighboring countries.
Our first stop is Wat Visoun, a replica of an older temple that was originally erected on the same site in 1513. This temple houses numerous religious art treasures.
Next, we head to Wat Xieng Thong, a royal temple built on the banks of the Mekong River in 1559, which has remained relatively undamaged by various invasions, mainly by the Chinese, over the centuries. The temple is extensively decorated with impressive carvings, murals, and mosaics.
We then visit the Laotian Royal Palace, officially known as Haw Kham, which was built during the French colonial era for the King and his family. The site was chosen so that official visitors could disembark directly from their river journeys and be received at the palace.
In 1975, the monarchy was overthrown, and the palace was converted into a national museum. Today, it houses many artifacts showcasing the richness of Laotian culture. We will continue to Wat Mai, built in 1796, located at the foot of Mount Phousi.
After lunch, we continue to Kuang Si Waterfall and the Bear Rescue Centre, about 30 minutes from Luang Prabang. The waterfall is set in a natural jungle environment, and you will have plenty of time to relax or swim in its cool turquoise pools.
Return to Luang Prabang and enjoy free time at your leisure.
Accommodation: Sada Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 4: Luang Prabang – Vientiane
After breakfast, enjoy free time at your leisure until your transfer to the airport for the short flight to Vientiane, the capital. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: City Inn Vientiane (Deluxe Room)
Day 5: City Tour & Buddha Park
After breakfast, meet your guide and begin the tour with a visit to Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city, known for its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Continue to the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which once housed the Emerald Buddha, now located in Bangkok, Thailand.
Next, take a short drive across the city to see Laos’ national symbol, That Luang Stupa. Then stop at the imposing Patuxay Monument, often referred to as the “Arc de Triomphe of Laos,” a reminder of the French colonial period.
After lunch, drive to Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan, located about 27 km southeast of Vientiane. This sculpture park features numerous cement statues that are ornate and sometimes bizarre, yet admired for their artistry.
On the way back to the city center, stop at the Beer Lao factory.
Accommodation: City Inn Vientiane (Deluxe Room)
Day 6: Vientiane – Departure
After breakfast, take a short trip to the Morning Market to pick up souvenirs or simply browse before transferring to Wattay International Airport for your return flight home.
Price Includes:
Accommodation on a twin/double-sharing basis
Transport via air-conditioned vehicle
All entrance fees
Boat trip/boat tickets
English-speaking guide
Domestic flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
Breakfast only
Drinking water
Price Excludes:
Drinks/alcohol
Visa fees/border fees
International flights
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Lunch and dinner
