Luang Prabang, the cultural capital of Laos, lures travellers with its charming downtown streets and glittering pagodas. Go beyond this and discover a kaleidoscope of colourful hill tribes, stunning natural landscapes and mystical caves. Be immersed in a land deeply tied to tradition and enchanted by the gentle Laos people.
Welcome to Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos!
Upon arrival to Luang Prabang, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in. After checking in, enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure to explore Luang Prabang independently.
After breakfast at the hotel, transport will be provided to the pier for the day’s Mekong cruise. En route to the pier, stop for a brief visit to Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most famous temples in the city.
After boarding the boat, cruise up the Mekong River heading for the famous Pak Ou Caves. Locally called Tam Ting, the caves are filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of all different sizes. During the cruise out, take note of the fishermen and local villages along the way. For many in the region, the Mekong plays a crucial role in daily life, representing one of the only means of transport and commerce.
After visiting the caves, cruise back to Luang Prabang. If time permits, stop on the way back at Ban Xang Hay, a village that specializes in making rice wine.
Once back in Luang Prabang, enjoy a selection of local favourites at one of the best Lao restaurants in town, Tamarind (Note: closed on Sundays).
In the afternoon, begin a guided city tour of Luang Prabang. Start at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, before continuing to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief. Next, pay a visit to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, a museum dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities. (Note: closed on Monday).
Overnight in Luang Prabang
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Garavek Storytelling Theater
Head to an old colonial house that has been converted into a small theatre. Enjoy a one-hour performance during which time the mystical legends of Laos are presented by local actors. With space for just 30 in the audience, the folktales seem to come to life on stage.
The stories are presented in English and will explain the origin of Luang Prabang and its landmarks. As well it will introduce the traditional characters of Lao folklore and features classic jokes beloved by locals. The stories are accompanied by traditional music played on the khene, a bamboo mouth organ. This unique instrument is only found in Laos and Northern Thailand and is always played when folktales are being told.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Alms Giving
For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city. Continue to Wat Aham followed by Wat That, where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are interred inside the large central stupa.
Continue with a drive through the Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls, soaking in the rice fields, hills and small villages along the way.
Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfall, relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. For the adventurous, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls where stunning views await. Beautiful pools await at the base of the falls, which are perfect for swimming.
Note: when bathing please be respectful, wear a sarong and be careful not to show too much skin.
There is an optional visit on the way back to the Bear Sanctuary run by Free The Bears Fund Inc. 23 Asiatic Black Bears live in the sanctuary, which were rescued from poaching. Another optional visit is to the Kuang Si Butterfly Park, home to hundreds of Laos’s butterflies!
Return to Luang Prabang in time to climb the 328 stairs to the summit of Mt. Phousi for an amazing panoramic sunset. Afterwards, feel free to explore the nearby evening hill tribe market before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
After breakfast, enjoy some free time at leisure until transport (provided by guide and driver) to the airport for the departing flight.
Our Services Include:
- Hotel accommodation in shared twin/double room with daily breakfast.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles.
- English speaking local guide (for other languages supplements apply)
- All entrance fees as indicated in itinerary.
Our Services do not include:
- International and domestic flights (quoted separately).
- Meals other than mentioned above.
- Camera/video entrance fees.
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance, tips, visa
- Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above.
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Weather and when to visit Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang has a tropical climate typical of Southeast Asia with several quite distinct seasons. Between November and January is the traditional time to go, when temperatures are mild. But this is also the season when tourist numbers are highest. Traveling in the rainy season (April-July and Sept-October), when 'rain' means a brief cleansing shower most afternoons, but otherwise lovely weather. If you visit in October, you should not miss the Bun Awk Phansa boat race held on the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers. Avoid March when temperatures are searing. The Lao New Year festivities (from 13 to 15 April) are a worthy draw, and the tradition of throwing water is delightful and tonic.
Currency in Luang Prabang
The currency unit of Laos is Kips (Laos Kips/LAK). Its par values include 500 Kip, 1000 Kip, 2000 Kip, 5000 Kip, 10,000 Kip, 20,000 Kip, 50,000 Kip, and 100,000 Kip. The exchange rate between USD and LAK is 1 dollar equals 8115 Kip. It is not difficult for you to pay in USD and Thai Baht (THB), or you can also use Vietnamese money in some places where Vietnamese people live. In addition, visitors can exchange money at banks, airports, and currency exchange offices in Luang Prabang.
If you are in the market for authentic Southeast Asian handicrafts, it is hard to imagine a better destination than Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang was traditionally a center for skilled artisans from around the former kingdom. Shopping in Luang Prabang is focused on traditional handicrafts, art, textiles, and jewelry. This is where handmade items tell a story about the place and the people.
The most popular shopping experience in Luang Prabang is the famous Night Market, where H’Mong women from the surrounding villages have been coming to sell their hand-made and natural local products for years. Luang Prabang Night Market is open daily from 17:00 to about 23:00, beginning at Wat Mai and running along Sisavangvong Road to the town center (Settathilat Road). There are a total of four rows, running along the entire length of the street. The street is closed off to vehicles and the hill-tribe traders emerge with their various apparel, ceramics, bamboo, lamps, blankets, bed covers, handicrafts, and silk scarves... Look out for the “Luang Prabang Handicraft Label” to find authentic Lao handicrafts.
Places to eat in Luang Prabang
The diverse cultural influences that make this city’s architecture so fascinating have also left their mark on its dining scene, with restaurants that combine European style with the Southeast Asian spice. Just like in any Southeast Asian country, street food stalls are everywhere in Luang Prabang serving delicious noodle soups, spring rolls, grilled meat, etc. for merely nothing and a stop at the food alley from the night market is a must. Backpackers and tourists are also filling up the outdoor tables near the National Museum where a myriad of fruit stands sell fresh juices, smoothies, and sandwiches to the expat crowd. Besides street stalls, Luang Prabang has an equally impressive number of excellent restaurants.
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