Essential Luang Prabang

Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel and accommodation. 

Note: If the flight arrives after 8pm, it will not be possible to have dinner at the hotel. Dinner will be served the following day.

Breakfast. Board the "Nava Mekong" boat to enjoy a peaceful cruise on the mythical Mekong River. Leaving Luang Prabang behind, you will discover wonderful landscapes of daily rural life on the banks of the river. Arrive at the Pak Ou Caves, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. These two caves are home to more than 5,000 sacred, centuries-old Buddha images. During the Lao New Year, in mid-April, many people go to these caves on pilgrimage. Lunch on board the boat. In the afternoon, visit the former Royal Palace (now the National Museum) and Wat Mai, a temple known for its spectacular golden bas-reliefs. During Pimai, the Lao New Year, the Phrabang (sacred Buddha image), which is normally kept in the Royal Palace Museum, is exhibited to the public in this temple. The tour continues to Wat Sensoukarahm, built in 1718 and characterized by a stunning golden façade. At the end of the day, you can climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi, where you can enjoy a wonderful view over the city and the surrounding countryside. On the way back to the hotel, stop at the hill tribe night market where a wide variety of handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs are on display. Accommodation. 

Breakfast. Visit to Wat Visoun, one of the oldest and most beloved temples in the city. The original temple was built in 1500 and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times up to the present day. Visit to Wat Aham and Wat That, where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are located. Then a visit to the most photographed temple, Wat Xieng Thong. This temple was built in 1560 by Setthathirat, to which a library was added in 1828, and is located near the river at the tip of the peninsula. Free time for lunch (not included). Visit to the Kuang Si waterfalls, located 32km from Luang Prabang. These waterfalls form a series of turquoise pools perfect for swimming on a hot day. The jungle and dense forests surrounding the waterfalls are teeming with wildlife and you'll have the opportunity to stroll along the trails. Visit the bear sanctuary, run by Free The Bears Fund Inc, which is currently home to 23 Asiatic black bears rescued from poaching. On the way back to Luang Prabang, stop to visit villages where you can observe the traditional lifestyle of the inhabitants. If time allows, visit Ock Pop Tock, a store that works closely with local weavers to preserve traditional Lao weaving techniques and styles. Return to the hotel. Dinner in a local restaurant. Accommodation. 

Note: when bathing, travelers are asked to wear a sarong and not just a bathing suit, in order to respect local customs.

Breakfast. At a time to be arranged locally, transfer to the airport to board your flight to a destination of your choosing.