4-Day Luang Prabang Explorer

Welcome to Laos!  On arrival, obtain your Laos if you haven't already through the government’s official E-visa service, then clear Immigration and Customs. Proceed into the arrivals area and meet your guide. Together, transfer to your hotel in Luang Prabang, with the balance of your day or evening free at leisure to rest.

Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Villa Maydou Boutique Hotel, Tradition Deluxe room

After breakfast, we explore this historic and charming World Heritage Town. You will begin your Luang Prabang discovery at the most popular of temples – Wat Xieng Thong. This 500-year old temple is exquisite and is the best example of the classic Luang Prabang style.

From here, explore small side streets, along back alleys and through temples – for a city that could have been designed with slow travel in mind, this morning walking tour ideally allows you to soak up the ambiance and appreciate the hidden charms of Luang Prabang. Through your guide, feel free to ask the gracious locals questions as they go about their daily lives.

Continue with your guide, stopping at temples and other sites as you wish. Visit the National Museum, which is the former Royal Palace. Relics from Laos’ royalist past remain here. Overlooking the palace is Phousi Mountain. It is said that those who do not climb the 328 steps up have not really made it to the city. Venture up the hill and be rewarded with sweeping views.

Travel south of town to the Kuang Si waterfall. At the falls, crystal-clear water cascades into idyllic turquoise pools. We’d recommend you bring a swimsuit. Enjoy with your picnic lunch on the falls. Then take time to visit the nearby Sunbear Refuge to learn more about these unique, endangered creatures.

On the way back to the town, stop to visit the Buffalo Dairy, known for their sustainable approach on local farming. An excellent way to finish your day, this is not only fun for kids but a real educational experience for everyone.

In the late afternoon, transfer back to your hotel to freshen up before being treated to the refined grace of a private baci ceremony at a small village called Ban Mano. These gentle villagers led by their Nai Ban (village chief) offer visitors tidings of good luck and fortune for their life and travels by gently tying cotton cords symbolizing luck, friendship and good health around your wrists. The baci ceremony will be held at a private family home.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Mid-Range Accommodations: Villa Maydou Boutique Hotel, Tradition Deluxe room

The bells of the town's monasteries toll at dawn when golden lines of monks emerge to receive their morning rice from the townspeople. If you rise early, you will have the opportunity to respectfully witness this sacred ritual typical of old Laos-long lines of barefoot monks weaving through the streets on their alms rounds.

Afterwards, visit the Morning Market and see an array of meats, vegetables and spices the locals use in their cooking. Return to your hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, meet your guide and transfer to a local fresh market, where you will meet your chef and teacher for today, Mrs. Noy. After learning about local produce, you will soon be boarding a boat to cross the Mekong River where you will be greeted by friendly villagers and the family of Noy. Don’t expect a Michelin star studded kitchen but rather a personalized cooking lesson in a simple family’s home enjoying the local specialties while doing so. 

After you have enjoyed your lunch with the family, continue upstream with your guide and visit the magnificently ornate Pak Ou caves. Peering into dark corners, your eyes gradually adjust to reveal the serene faces and figures of more than 3,000 Buddha images, some inlaid with semiprecious stones. That these remain undisturbed in this remote site in one of the world's poorest countries is a testament to the religious devotion of the people.

Return by boat to Luang Prabang, where along the banks you’ll stop and visit Ban Sang Hai, where locals produce Lao Lao, a rice whisky, plus a wonderful silk weaving village called Ban Sang Khong. The weaving techniques employed in Ban San Khong date back many centuries and are used to create some of Asia's most highly prized textiles. Some villagers are also engaged in Sa paper production.

Then we’re back to Luang Prabang, enjoying the lush river life along its banks while sipping a drink and tasting Lao snacks. Overnight in Luang Prabang one final night.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Mid-Range Accommodations: Villa Maydou Boutique Hotel, Tradition Deluxe room

Enjoy your morning free at your leisure until your private driver and guide arrives and transfers you to the airport in time for your flight out today.

Meals included: Breakfast