Welcome to the spiritual capital of Laos. Upon arrival in to Luang Prabang, your guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Meals: None
Overnight: Luang Prabang

After breakfast enjoy a cultural tour of the city in a quiet way!

Your guide will point out to you the four different types of buildings categorized by UNESCO. The first is the traditional Laos house which is made from tropical hardwood or bamboo and built on stilts. The second is a half wood and half cement house built after the arrival of the French. The third is the traditional French Colonial buildings that are similar to those found in Vietnam and Cambodia. The last form of architecture you will see is the old Chinese shop houses that were built to be used for both commercial and residential purposes. Your guide will also explain to you the history of architecture in Luang Prabang and you will discover what these buildings were used for in the past. Continue to

End your tour with a visit the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre (TAEC), a museum dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities. Traditional costumes, tools, and artifacts are on display alongside in-depth descriptions and written histories.  It is a great opportunity to gain insight in to the Lao people (note: closed on Monday).

For lunch sample a menu of different dishes from the many ethnic groups of Laos at Le Patio Café located next door to the TAEC.

In the afternoon cross the Mekong River and visit a local village where you can see how the local people live. Continue to Wat Chomphet and ascend the 200 steps to the temple for a different view of the Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Long Khoun, a former center for royal retreats that also features some beautiful royal artwork. Lastly visit the sacred limestone caves of Wat Tham Sakkalin before enjoying refreshments and watching the sun set along the Mekong.

Return to your hotel Luang Prabang to freshen up before dinner.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

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.

Following breakfast visit the refreshing waters of the Kuangsi Waterfalls, located at 32 km from Luang Prabang. These waterfalls cascade down a multilevel limestone formation creating a series of turquoise blue pools perfect for swimming in on a hot day.  The jungle and dense woods surrounding the falls is filled with wildlife and pleasant walks can be taken along the natural footpaths (Note: when bathing, please wear a sarong, no bare bodies).

Enjoy a picnic lunch cooked on the spot, Lao style. Learn about traditional Lao dishes and their origins while sampling some of Laos’ more unusual cuisine, such as the ant-egg omelet. (The menu will vary depending on availability).

Enjoy free time this afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.