Luang Prabang, literally: "Royal Buddha Image (in the Dispelling Fear mudra)," pronounced [luaŋ pʰabaːŋ][tone missing]), is a city located in north central Laos, where the Nam Khan river meets the Mekong River about 425 km north of Vientiane. It is the capital of Luang Prabang Province. The current population of the city is about 103,000.
The city was formerly the capital of a kingdom of the same name. Until the communist takeover in 1975, it was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The city is also notable as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
Day 1: Arrival - Luang Prabang (D)
Warmly welcome to Luang Prabang - the ancient first capital of Lane Xang kingdom, the center of religious life in Laos and today the World Heritage City. Transfer to hotel for check-in.
In the afternoon, you take a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of temples, of which nearly fifty temples still remain in the town and surrounding areas. Visit Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Aham, the early 19th century temple, whose two guardian figures at the foot of the steps which represent two characters from the Ramayana – Hanuman, the Monkey God and a fierce Yaksa; Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple which, more than any temples in Luang Prabang, epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture; Phousi Hill, the 328 steps leads to the summit of Phousi hill that dominates the sky-line of Luang Prabang overlooking the finest panoramic view in the whole Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 2. Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave (B/L)
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos , being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual.
Following breakfast, you depart from hotel to the boat landing for an excursion by boat upstream on the Mekong to visit Pak Ou cave in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimeter to two meters in height.
En route, Lao typical villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bobbing by the shore, bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. First stop will be at Ban Muangkeo, a well-known village for Lao traditional rice whisky, namely Laoh-Khao to be distilled. We are welcome to taste it and also take away. Lunch is at a riverside restaurant.
You drive back to Luang Prabang in late afternoon and continue by car to outskirt of town to visit Ban Xangkhong, a well-known village for its wood paper making and also Lao silk weavings with natural dyes. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3. Luang Prabang - KuangSi Waterfall (B/L)
Today you take a drive (30 km South) to visit Kuangsi Waterfall, which, though not very high, is spectacular and really beautiful with its green surroundings as the preserved National park. En-route, you stop to visit a fresh produced market namely Talad Phosy, and also visit Ban Na Oune , a small village of a hill-tribe group “Hmong”, probably the best-known minority group in Laos. Just before arriving at Kuangsi waterfall, there is another village of Khmu minority group, namely Ban Tha Pane that we will visit. Picnic lunch is served at the shady park nearby Kuangsi waterfall. There is plenty of time for relaxing and a swim in cool water, before you head back to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is spent by visiting various craft-shops, including silver smiths' and also Hmong market in town, where some skilled embroidery-works of Hmong ladies can be seen. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 4. Departure (B)
After breakfast, you visit the National Museum, the former Royal Palace which houses the collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue, gifts received from foreign dignitaries…etc, if time permits, the rest of the day is spent free for own experience in this charming town, till transfer to Luang Prabang airport for departure to next destination. End of service
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Tour price includes
• All private transfer and transportation
• Accommodation shared in Twin/Double room with daily breakfast
• French or English Speaking Guide.
• Boat trip & cruise as per tour.
• Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast ; L:Lunch; D:Dinner)
• All sightseeing tickets.
• Services charges and government tax.
Tour price excludes
• International flights & departures taxes.
• Beverage
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
• Laos visa fee. (Visa on arrival easy & recommended)
• Others not mentioned above
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