Laos, Luang Prabang

Exploring the wild, spiritual, and authentic Laos

Welcome to Luang Prabang Airport (LPQ)! You will be greeted by your local driver, who will take you to your hotel in a private transfer (without a guide).

Check into your hotel (rooms available from 2pm), then enjoy some free time. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Meals included: None.

Meet your guide at your hotel at around 5:30am.

Watch offerings being made to monks in a village on the outskirts of Luang Prabang. Venture beyond the city centre early in the morning and travel with your guide to a temple in a village along the Mekong River to attend the sacred Tak Bat ceremony. During this solemn celebration, devoted villagers kneel on the pavement and offer food to passing monks. You can either take part in the ceremony or observe it from a respectful distance, allowing the monks and villagers to maintain their privacy. Afterwards, you will stroll through the peaceful village to experience local life and the calm atmosphere. You will visit the bustling local market and sample some Laotian specialities. Finally, you will buy food to offer to the monks at the nearby temple and receive a blessing in return.

Notes:

The visit will last approximately 2.5 hours.

Distance: 6 km from the city centre - approximately 15 minutes by tuk-tuk.

The Tak Bat ceremony takes place from approximately 5:30am to 6:30am.

Out of respect for the monks and locals, please wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees and remain calm and quiet.

As a sign of respect, please do not block the monks' path and take your photos from a distance.

After that, you will return to your hotel for a well-deserved breakfast.

Afterwards, you will visit the city by local tuk-tuk. The city boasts an exceptional geographical location at the foot of an ancient mountain range and where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet. To make the most of your visit, your guide will share their knowledge of the city's history, architecture, and culture.

Climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi to enjoy breathtaking views of Luang Prabang and the surrounding area. Vat Mai, a highly respected sanctuary with a magnificent roof, was built at the end of the 18th century.

The Royal Palace, now home to the National Museum, boasts an impressive collection of artefacts that once belonged to the royal family. There are also a large number of statuettes that were discovered in temples in the region. Here, you can admire the Phrabang Buddha, which is considered the most sacred artefact in Laos and gave the city its name.

Vat Xieng Thong, the Temple of the Sacred City, is a complex of temples and shrines housing the finest examples of traditional Laotian art. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful site in Luang Prabang.

Vat Visoun, the city's oldest temple, is distinguished by That Makmo, a stone stupa in the shape of a lotus flower.

Notes:

The Royal Palace is open every morning from 8:00 to 11:30 (ticket sales end at 11:00) and every afternoon from 1:30 to 4:00 (ticket sales end at 3:30, except on Thursdays when they end at 3:00).

We recommend visiting Mount Phousi in the morning to avoid the tourist crowds at sunset.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Evening at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Meet your guide at the hotel at 8:00am and take a private transfer to Nong Khiaw.

In the afternoon: Hike to the Nong Khiaw viewpoint.

Nong Khiaw is a charming town located on the banks of the peaceful Nam Ou River and surrounded by some of the most incredible karst mountains in northern Laos. Your hike will follow a small path to the top of the mountain through beautiful scenery. If you're feeling adventurous, you can climb a lush, wooded hill equipped with bamboo benches at your own pace before continuing your ascent to the peaks. At the top, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Nong Khiaw and the Nam Ou River winding between the mountains. After taking a break at the sala, you will descend back to the town.

Notes:

Travellers can choose one of the following hikes according to their abilities:

• Pha Noy: Easy (Level: 1). Distance: 3 kilometres. Duration: 2 hours (45 minutes to the viewpoint, 25 minutes downhill). Ascent: 110 m / Descent: 110 m. Opening hours: 6:30am - 4:00pm. Terrain: easy earthen forest trails with steps cut into the ground. There are two small wooden ladders at the top to access the viewpoint.
• Pha Daeng: Medium (level: 2). Distance: 4 kilometres. Duration: 3 hours (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to the viewpoint, and 45 minutes for the descent). Ascent: +460m / Descent: -460m. Opening hours: 6:30am - 4:00pm. Terrain: medium to steep forest trails. Certain sections have handrails and ropes for assistance.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

8:30am: Meet your guide at the hotel.

100 Waterfalls Adventure Trail: Start the day by boarding a boat to admire the scenery of the Nam Ou River, then head to a small village to learn more about local life. Afterwards, you will walk through streams and rice fields to reach the base of the 100 Waterfalls. From there, you will see nothing but water and lush jungle, and hear only the sound of the waterfalls. If you wish, you can cool off in the surrounding natural pools. You will then stop for lunch in a beautiful spot surrounded by nature. After lunch, you will follow a small path offering beautiful views of the cliffs down to the valley. Back in the village, you will find your boat, which will take you back to Nong Khiaw at around 5.30pm.

Notes:

Distance and duration of the hike: 6 kilometres; approximately 2-3 hours.

It is strongly recommended that you wear hiking sandals that can get wet, as the path is partly submerged. Hikers must be in good physical condition. It is recommended that you bring a jacket for the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Meet your guide at the hotel at 8:30am and depart by road for Oudomxai in north-eastern Laos. Settle in at Namkat Yorla Pa.

Afternoon: Jungle hike and waterfall trail:

Opened in 2016, Namkat Yorla Pa is located in a protected forest area alongside the Nam Kat River. Located in Oudomxay Province, it is one of Laos's most popular ecotourism destinations. Upon arrival, take a deep breath of fresh air and relax in the peaceful natural surroundings. The jungle activity begins with a walk through the dense forest. Once you reach the start of the trail, continue into the forest and follow the path to the waterfall, crossing narrow suspension bridges along the way. Once you reach the waterfall, you can rest or swim in the cool waters. After leaving the waterfall, you will return via another trail, completing a full loop before returning to the resort.

Notes:

Distance and duration: Using the resort's car for the first part: 2 hours (5km/15min by car + 2km/2hr walk + 5km/15min by car).

Meals included: Breakfast.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Meet your guide at the hotel at around 8:00am.

Discover the ethnic groups of the Muang La region.

Visit an Ikhos village and a Hmong village, two of Laos' many ethnic groups. You will reach them by taking a road that rises 1,000 metres above sea level, offering magnificent views of the mountainous landscape.

You will start by visiting the Ikhos village, which is completely isolated. This ethnic group originates from the Tibetan and Yunnan provinces of China, and daily life in the village follows centuries-old traditions. Enjoy a picnic in a stunning setting, and if you wish, walk to an abandoned Hmong village for a 360-degree panorama. Next, you will visit a still-inhabited Hmong village and learn about the way of life of this ethnic group, who originate from the high plateaus of Tibet. You will also discover the importance they attach to livestock and the care they take of their animals. You will then return to the hotel.

Notes:

Walking time: 20 minutes.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Meet your guide at the hotel at around 8:00am. Then depart for Pakbeng, a journey of around 4 hours and 160 kilometres.

Enjoy a local lunch in the village of Ban Yor along the way. Arrive in Pakbeng in the afternoon and check into your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Meet your guide at the hotel.

In the morning, you will travel to the Mekong Elephant Camp, where you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the elephants. This unique experience begins with an in-depth presentation to teach you more about these extraordinary animals. You will then set off on a hike through the forest with your new friends. Next, you will splash the elephants with water and feed them, before enjoying a delicious lunch at the park's restaurant.

Notes:

Distance and duration of the hike: 1 to 1.5 kilometres - approx. 1 hour 15 minutes.

This option is available from 7:00am to 11:00am for a maximum of two hours.

Travellers are welcome to stay in the park all day at no extra cost.

Boat transfers leave Pakbeng Pier from 7:00am. The last departure from the park is scheduled for 5:00pm.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meet your guide at the hotel. You will then travel by boat from Pakbeng to Luang Prabang, passing through the magnificent and ever-changing landscape along the banks of the Mekong River. As you pass through the tropical forest that covers the riverbanks, you will catch a glimpse of a village and its inhabitants.

Near the Pak Ou Caves, you will experience Laotian hospitality in a traditional house decorated with flowers in a charming village on the banks of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, enjoy a lunch of local specialities made with fresh, regional produce. You can then relax with a complimentary cup of coffee or tea.

Then, you can explore the village, visit its temple and Laotian houses, before setting off for the sacred Pak Ou Caves. Accessible by a leisurely walk or local boat, you can discover the thousands of Buddha statues in these unique caves.

Notes:

Duration: 2 hours, including free time.

Optional hike from Ban Muang Keo to the Pak Ou Caves: 2 kilometres - approx. 30 minutes. This hike is not recommended during the rainy season, from June to September.

You will finish your cruise in Luang Prabang, the former royal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will arrive at the pier and be transferred by local tuk-tuk to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meet your guide at the hotel at 8:00am.

Rice cultivation on a Lao farm: Today, the farmers from Terre Vivante will teach you everything you need to know about the thirteen stages of rice cultivation. This includes selecting the best grains, carefully preparing the rice paddies, planting the rice, harvesting it and finally processing it. They will also demonstrate how to make rice flour, and you will have the opportunity to sample rice-based products. You will also learn how farmers make the tools they need and discover how they weave bamboo to make special baskets for cooking rice. Next, visit the organic vegetable garden to learn about the vegetables and herbs grown on the farm and the methods used to cultivate them.

Notes:

Non-private activity.

Distance: 5 kilometres.

Duration: 2 hours.

Afternoon: Visit to the Kuang Si Falls: Composed of karst formations and numerous turquoise pools, these waterfalls are a must-see in northern Laos. The lower part of the waterfall is now a public park where you can relax in the shade of the trees and enjoy the refreshing pools formed by erosion, which are perfect for swimming and lounging around in.

Then, you will go back to Luang Prabang and visit the Ock Pop Tok weaving centre. This workshop is an ideal place to visit if you are interested in traditional Lao crafts. Thanks to a local guide, you will discover the secrets of beautiful Lao textiles and learn about each step of silk weaving and fabric dyeing. You will also learn about batiks and bamboo weaving, but the best way to learn is by watching the artisans at work in the workshop. Finally, you will have time to stroll through the beautiful tropical garden and admire the breathtaking view of the Mekong River and the mountains. (Note: the activity starts at around 4:30pm and ends at around 6:00pm)

Enjoy a cocktail at sunset on the workshop's picturesque terrace, which boasts stunning views of the river. Here, you can experience the authentic serenity of Laos while enjoying delicious drinks and local cuisine as the last rays of sunlight caress the green mountains before disappearing behind them.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Depending on your flight schedule today, you will have some free time before being driven (without a guide) to Luang Prabang Airport for your departure flight. Please note that rooms will no longer be available after midday.

Meals included: Breakfast.

TRANSFERS

During this tour, guests are provided with return transfers between the airport and hotel in a private vehicle with a driver (but no guide).

Transfers between stops and to hotels are provided in private, air-conditioned vehicles.

Drivers are not available during free time.

GUIDING/ACCOMPANYING

During this tour, guests are accompanied by a local English-speaking guide who meets them at their hotel every morning. Depending on availability at the time of confirmation, this may be one guide or two to three different guides (one or two in Luang Prabang and another for the northern part of the tour from day 3 to day 9).

Activities at the elephant camp are conducted in groups and are supervised by an English-speaking camp guide. Clients will also have their own English-speaking guide to accompany them, translate for them and assist them if necessary.

Transfers between the airport and the hotel are not guided.