Heritage of Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions.

Day 1: Arrival into Luang Prabang (D)

Upon arrival you will be met & transferred to hotel for check-in and tour briefing. Time permitting we’ll take an orientation walking tour and a chance to acclimatize ourselves before welcome dinner.
Day 2: Luang Prabang (B)

Early rise to take the fantastic opportunity to watch or participate in the unique daily morning ritual, where hundreds of saffron-clad monks walk in procession collecting offerings of sticky rice from devout residents along the roadsides.

After breakfast embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. We also visit Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek where local people produce traditional textiles and jute paper. Return to town and tour the most outstanding temples: Wat Visoun with the watermelon-shaped roof, Wat Xiengthong with the sweeping roofs, Wat Sene boasting the most dazzling facade of all Luang Prabang temples, Wat Aham - the "Monastery of the blossomed Heart", and Wat Mai - the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in town. We then challenge the steps up Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view. Take a leisurely walk through the iridescent Night Market at the foot of Mount Phosi to see a lovely array of handicrafts.
Day 3: Luang Prabang (B)

After breakfast we go to Phosi Market to see a dazzling array of local produces including dried buffalo skin, saltpeter, livestock, hill-tribe clothing, and so on. Continue to the villages of Ban Ouay, Ban Ou and Ban Thapene and get acquainted with the Hmong, Lowland Laotian, and Khmu ethnic minority people. Visit the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall that offers a chance to cool off in the turquoise pools. En route back to town we call at Ban Phanom village to visit skilled hand-weaving women. Soak in the history of Luang Prabang at the Palace Museum which houses an eclectic collection, including statues, mosaic covered walls, French mirrors, and a piece of moon rock given to "the people of Laos" by President Nixon. There’ll be time for independent exploration afterwards.
Day 4: Luang Prabang (B)

We drive to Elephant Village to learn about the “Elephant Park Project” along the Nam Khan riverbanks. Enjoy one hour of riding through the jungle on the back of an Asian Elephant and continue on foot to the Fair Trek project area to visit a small Khmu village community living at the foot of a high mountain range. The Fair Trek project enables remote villagers to benefit directly from tourism. After lunch at Ban Houay Fai we return to Tad Sae waterfall and take a boat back to Lao Spirit Resort to drive back to town.
Day 5: Departure (B)

Transfer to the airport for your departure journey.