4D LUANG PRABANG – CRADLE OF LAO CULTURE
The ancient town of Luang Prabang situated in northern Laos, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The city is considered by many travelers and writers as being the heart of Laotian culture, the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. The tiny town is encircled by mountains and is 700 meters above sea level at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers. It’s one of the few places where you feel that this is the genuine article and one that retains its unique ambiance. Even though the town is well and truly on the tourist trail, it has nonetheless managed to preserve its natural splendor and inherent charm.
DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG – ARRIVAL (D)
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to a hotel. During our time here, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, we then climb up to the top of mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong River. From there, we will explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang
DAY 2: PAKOU CAVE (B/L)
Today you visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture. You will then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Ban Moungkham where the locals produce Mekong weeds, Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On return by road, you will stop at Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for its silk weaving and for its Saa (jute) Papermaking. Overnight in Luang Prabang. We will have lunch at a local restaurant at Ban Pak Ou village.
DAY 3: KUANGSI WATERFALL (B/L/D)
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is unique in Laos. From there you will visit the morning Phosi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings, traditional crafts…
We will enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture.
Continue to visit local villages of Ban Naoun Mhong ethnic minority groups, buffalo farm where you can taste buffalo milk ice cream and civet farm where you can taste a cup of coffee producing by civet’s excrement, before getting the beautiful Kuangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. Have lunch at a local restaurant. In the evening you will dinner at local family house with Basi ceremony and performance dance
DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG – DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
After breakfast, if time permit you will visit UXO visitor center where you can learn about CIA’s secret war in Laos. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure.
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