Luang Prabang Explorer

On arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport, you will be greeted by our airport representative, who will provide the private vehicle transfer to your hotel. Traditionally known as the Kingdom of a Million Elephants, Laos is blessed with a verdant countryside, glittering Buddhist temples, languid village life and gentle people. Years of isolation from the wider world have helped preserve Laos’ peaceful nature and allow a glimpse into a quieter time.

Once you have completed check-in procedures at your hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

You will rise early this morning to give alms to the monks before starting your tour of Luang Prabang. Begin your excursion with a visit to the local market to see the bustle and activity of the early morning.
Continue to the National Museum, a modest but graceful building that combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the-century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. Proceed to Hor Phrabang. In the front-right corner room of the palace, which opens to the outside, is a collection of the palace’s most prized art pieces, including the Phrabang, cast of a gold, silver and bronze alloy. This Buddha stands at 83 cm tall and weighs around 50 kg. Visit Wat Mai, which was constructed in 1821 during the reign of King Manthatourath, and was once the residence of Phra Sangkharaj (the Patriarch of the Buddhist clergy).

Let’s get spiritual as we follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims to the Pak Ou Caves. These ancient limestone caves are crammed full of thousands of Buddha statues, many broken and crumbling, covered in dust and cobwebs. But first, relax on a cruise down the Mekong River, observing life on the sleepy riverbanks.
On the return journey, stop at Ban Xang Hai Village. For centuries, this village has made the earthen jars used as fermenting containers for Lao wine. It specializes in producing a wide range of lau lao (Lao whisky) and lau hai (Lao wine).
In the evening, we will visit Mount Phousi for the sunset. Climb 328 steps starting from the entrance on the opposite side of the National Museum, or 410 steps on the other side of Khan River to the small temples atop Phou Si. The hill is 150m high and sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river.

Pack your swimsuit for a unique swimming experience at the spectacular Kuang Si Falls. Water tumbles over limestone rocks into numerous turquoise pools that are used as natural swimming holes. It’s refreshingly chilly and impossible to resist! 

On the way back to Luang Prabang stop for a walk around a local village. 

Then back in Luang Prabang, enjoy more sightseeing, beginning with a tour of Wat Visoun (Wat Wisunalat), the oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, dating back to 1513. It contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas. Next, visit nearby Wat Aham before continuing to Wat Xieng Thong, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stencilled murals. From here, stroll down the main street of Luang Prabang, stopping at some of the many temples that line its sides, including Wat Siboinheuang, Wat Si Moungkhoun, Wat Sop and Wat Sene. 

This evening, attend a traditional Baci Ceremony with Lao Traditional Music at Local House.

Enjoy your last few hours in Laos at leisure before you meet your driver at a pre-arranged time in the hotel foyer, who will provide the private vehicle transfer to Luang Prabang International Airport for your onward flight.