Luang Prabang stopover
4 days
4 days
The northern province of Luang Prabang is certainly one of Laos's crown jewels, and no visit to Laos would complete with spending some time there. Wonderfully situated at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, it was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Laos. A quiet, lulling peacefulness permeates the city, from the beautiful temples to the warm smiles of the friendly residents. Each morning a long procession of saffron-robed monks take alms from the locals along the main street, while provisions for the day, some quite exotic in nature, are purchased at the morning market. When not touring, a favorite past time of travelers is simply enjoying a coffee and snack in one of the lovely cafes, soaking in the atmosphere of daily life in the postcard-like surroundings. Touring by day includes beautiful temples to discover, an interesting stroll through the morning market, an excursion up on the Mekong River to the fantastic Pak Ou Caves, and a visit to some local villages. In the evening there are many excellent restaurants to choose from in town or along the riverside.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Luang Prabang. Arrive at Luang Prabang Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Luang Prabang.
Day 2: Luang Prabang. Embark on a boat excursion up the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images of every style and material imaginable. On the return journey stop at Ban Xang Hai Village, a local village famous for the production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky. Finish the day at Mount Phousi for a beautiful sunset view over the temples and rivers. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 3: Luang Prabang. Sightseeing this morning focuses on sights around town. In the morning see the bustle and activity of a local market, then continue to visit some of Luang Prabang's most important temples; Wat Visoun, the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries, Wat Aham, known for it's two large banyan trees, and Wat Xieng Thong, the crown jewel of all monasteries and temples in the city. Also visit the National Museum (Royal Palace), a turn-of-the century royal residence which has been preserved as it was when the royal family lived there. In the afternoon depart town to visit Kuang Si Waterfall, it's multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools; and the villages of Ban Muang Khai and Ban Tha Pene, a nearby Khmu village. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: Depart Luang Prabang. Transfer to Luang Prabang Airport. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (3), and two lunches.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $920.
Day 1: Luang Prabang. Arrive at Luang Prabang Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Luang Prabang.
Day 2: Luang Prabang. Embark on a boat excursion up the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images of every style and material imaginable. On the return journey stop at Ban Xang Hai Village, a local village famous for the production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky. Finish the day at Mount Phousi for a beautiful sunset view over the temples and rivers. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 3: Luang Prabang. Sightseeing this morning focuses on sights around town. In the morning see the bustle and activity of a local market, then continue to visit some of Luang Prabang's most important temples; Wat Visoun, the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries, Wat Aham, known for it's two large banyan trees, and Wat Xieng Thong, the crown jewel of all monasteries and temples in the city. Also visit the National Museum (Royal Palace), a turn-of-the century royal residence which has been preserved as it was when the royal family lived there. In the afternoon depart town to visit Kuang Si Waterfall, it's multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools; and the villages of Ban Muang Khai and Ban Tha Pene, a nearby Khmu village. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: Depart Luang Prabang. Transfer to Luang Prabang Airport. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (3), and two lunches.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $920.
Our deluxe Laos tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
