| Duration: | 6 Day(s) - 5 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Classic Tours |
Day 1: Chiang Rai – Houei Sai
Whether you are staying in Chiang Rai or arriving at the airport, we will pick you up and transfer you to the Thai–Laos border town of Chiang Khong, overlooking the Mekong River. On the way, you will have a chance to stop and visit Wat Rong Khun, the famous “White Temple.” According to the artist/architect, the white plaster coating symbolizes Buddha’s purity, while the pieces of glass embedded in the walls represent Buddha’s wisdom.
After visiting the temple, we transfer to the border. After completing immigration procedures, cross the Mekong Bridge and transfer to the hotel. Check in and enjoy free time at your leisure (~2–3 hours by road, 135 km).
Accommodation: Houayxai Riverside Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 2: Houei Sai – Pak Beng
SHOMPOO CRUISE: At 09:00–09:30 am, pick up from the hotel and transfer to the boat pier by tuk-tuk. Then, you will embark on one of the luxury boats for a Mekong downstream cruise. Along the way, the boat will make its first stop at Pak Tha to complete necessary boat documentation.
The second stop will be at a hill tribe village along the Mekong River. Your guide will explain the way of life and the origins of these rural communities. Lunch is served on board, and during the afternoon, you will be free to relax and enjoy local flavors with seasonal snacks and drinks. The boat will arrive in Pak Beng before sunset, where you will transfer to your accommodation for the night.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge (Deluxe Room)
Day 3: Pak Beng – Luang Prabang
At 07:00 am, pick up from the hotel, and at 08:00 am, the boat departs from Pak Beng. Use your free time in the morning to ask your guide questions about Luang Prabang and Laos. Lunch is served on board.
In the afternoon, we will make two stops. First, we will visit the famous Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting), home to thousands of Buddha images.
The second stop will be at Lao Lao Village, commonly known as the Whisky Village. Here, the guide will provide information about locally made rice whisky, and you will have the opportunity to taste it if you wish. You will also have time to explore this small and authentic village, its temple, and local artisans.
A typical snack and drink will be served on board in the afternoon. We will arrive in Luang Prabang around 04:00 pm. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy free time at your leisure.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 4: Full-Day City Tour
Today’s tour through the historical UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang will give you insight into its culture and rich history. The city features a fascinating blend of Buddhist temples and French colonial architecture.
Our first stop is Wat Visoun, a replica of an older temple originally erected on the same site in 1513. It 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. It 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.
Continue to Wat Mai, built in 1796, located at the foot of Mount Phousi.
After lunch, visit Ban Phanom, Xang Khong, and Xieng Lek villages, which specialize in silk products and Saa paper (made from the bark of the mulberry tree). There are also three magnificent pagodas to see—Wat Sang Khong, Wat Nong Sai, and Wat Xieng Lek—which are among the oldest in Luang Prabang.
For those with extra energy, climb Phousi Hill. The 328 steps to the top are certainly worth it, offering a fabulous panoramic view over the town center, the Mekong River, and beyond.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 5: Ban Chan & Kuang Si Waterfall
After breakfast, begin with a visit to Phou Si Market, where you will see a diverse array of local products, including teas, fruits, vegetables, and hill-tribe handicrafts.
After the market visit, continue to the boat pier for a trip to Ban Chan, a local village just outside Luang Prabang known for its traditional pottery making.
Then proceed 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 explore the Night Street Bazaar, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles by local and hill tribe people.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 6: Luang Prabang – Departure
After breakfast, you are free at your leisure until transfer to the 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
Breakfast only
Drinking water
Price Excludes:
Drinks/alcohol
Visa fees/border fees
All flights
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Lunch and dinner
