Laos Heritage Package Tour: 5 Days in Luang Prabang

You will be welcomed by our guide/driver at Luang Prabang International Airport and drive to your hotel in city center for check-in (please note that, check-in time is after 2.00pm). The rest of today will be free time for your own discovery and relaxation. Enjoy your overnight stay in Luang Prabang city and have a good rest.

Luang Prabang, a historic city that was served as the capital of the Kingdom of Laos until 1975. Nestled between the Nam Khan River and Mekong River, Luang Prabang city offers a picturesque setting and a delightful mix of experiences for cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, or simply a relaxing escape. Exploring the UNESCO-protected Luang Prabang Old Town, which showcases a remarkable fusion of traditional Lao architecture and structures built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Some Recommendations for Free time:

• Mount Phousi Sunset: Ascend to Mount Phousi for a breathtaking sunset experience. In addition to witnessing the sunset, Mount Phousi is also a popular spot well-known for its panoramic views of Luang Prabang City, the Nam Khan River, and the Mekong River.
• Luang Prabang Night Market: Discover the vibrant stalls, indulge in the local street food, and uncover the secrets of Lao cuisine. Immerse yourself in the dazzling array of handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs that the market has to offer.

Luang Prabang is well-known for its abundance of Buddhist temples and monasteries. Today, you will have a chance to join Alms Giving Ceremony (Optional) before Temple Hop Tour (City Walking) at Luang Prabang Old Town (World Heritage Site), visiting Royal Palace Museum, Wat Aham, Wat Mai, Wat Xiengthong.

This morning, you will rise early to join an Alms Giving ceremony (Optional; please wake up before dawn). The daily alms-giving ceremony in Luang Prabang provides foreign tourists a fascinating insight into Laotian Buddhism. This serene ceremony takes place at dawn, usually around 5.00 am to 6:15 am, coinciding with sunrise. By offering food to the Buddhist monks, believers aim to accumulate merit, which is believed to improve their future lives, and also bring them good karma. Observing the procession of the monks silently collecting alms offers a glimpse into the spiritual life of Laos, showcasing a centuries-old tradition that remains an integral part of Laotian culture.

Travel Tips:

• Before attending the ceremony, you can purchase some offerings, usually sticky rice, from local vendors and participate by offering food to the monks. Please tell your local guide a day in advance if you wish to make an offering so your guide can prepare some food for you to hand over to the Buddhist monks. If you do not wish to make an offer, please keep an appropriate distance and then observe the ritual in silence.
• It is important to dress decently (cover your shoulders, chest and legs) and follow the lead of the locals when offering alms. Show respect throughout the arms giving ceremony.

Then, continue to the nearby Morning Local Market in Luang Prabang (open from around 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) to experience breakfast like the locals do. The market is a haven for trying delicious and unique Laos local food. Indulge in pre-cooked snacks such as sticky rice, noodle soups, and grilled meats, allowing yourself to savor the flavors of the region.

Next, we will visit the Royal Palace Museum (National Museum, opened 8-11:30am, and 1:30-4pm). The Museum was once searved as the residence of Laotian kings, offering you a unique opportunity to learn how the Laotian royalty lived. The palace showcases a captivating blend of traditional Laotian architecture and French colonial architecture. The exhibits include a wide array of religious objects, royal possessions, weapons, and everyday items, providing a fascinating glimpse into Laotian culture and history.

After that, we will pay a visit to Wat Mai across from Mount Phousi, built in the late 18th century. It’s one of very few temples that escapes destruction throughout Lao history. This makes it a sacred place for Laotians and a significant landmark in Luang Prabang.

In the afternoon, we continue to Wat Aham, the temple holds significance for both animists and Buddhists.  You can step inside the chapel of Wat Aham to discover vibrant murals adorning the walls. These murals depict Buddhist teachings and Jataka tales, offering a visual representation of Buddhist beliefs. Wat Aham also showcases beautiful Laotian architecture.

We then head to Wat Xieng Thong, said to be a must-visit Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang. It is well-known for its Laotian design, featuring a sweeping two-tiered roof, intricate carvings, and colorful mosaics. Formerly known as the royal temple, Wat Xieng Thong was built in the 16th century by King Setthathirath and served as the coronation site for Lao kings. After this, we head back to your hotel and the rest of today will be your free time.

Recommendations for Free Time: Take a boat cruise on the famous Mekong River for sunset and enjoy a scenic perspective from the water. Following the cruise, savor a delightful dinner near the river before returning to your hotel.

Known as “Land of a Million Elephants” due to its rich population of wild elephants and their significant cultural importance to the Lao people. This morning, we will have half day trip to visit to<strong> Elephant Sanctuary. We will have a chance to observe them bathing in the river, feeding them with prepared meals, or simply watching them wander through the jungle. This experience will provide you with a deeper understanding of elephant behavior, social structures, and the challenges they are facing now.

Afternoon will be your free time to relax or to explore Lang Prabang on your own pace. Some Recommendations for Free Time:

• Laos Cooking Class: Luang Prabang is a fantastic place in Laos to experience authentic cuisine through a cooking class. You will have a chance to learn how to cook unique and flavorful Laos dishes that incorporate ingredients like sticky rice, herbs, chilies, and fresh vegetables.
• Laos Ethnic Handicraft Workshops: Visit the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre (TAEC Museum; closed on Mondays) to gain more insights into the lives and cultures of Laotian ethnic minorities, including Hmong, Tai Lue, and more. Explore permanent and special exhibitions displaying artifacts, textiles, and objects that depict the lifestyles, traditions, and customs of Laos’ diverse ethnic groups.

After breakfast, we start our outdoor adventure with a boat trip to the Pak Ou Caves and a unique tour to the Kuang Si Waterfalls with hiking and swimming. These offer you a wonderful way to experience the cultural significance and natural beauty of Laos.

During the boat cruise to the Pak Ou Caves, you’ll sail up the Mekong River, the biggest river in Laos. This scenic journey provides breathtaking views of the surrounding rice paddies, mountains, and charming riverside villages. After a relaxing boat trip, you’ll reach the base of the limestone cliffs where the Pak Ou Caves are located. These caves include Tham Ting (lower cave) and Tham Theung (upper cave), house hundreds of Buddha images that date back centuries.</p>

Continuing our trip to amazing Kuang Si Waterfalls. This is a must-visit place in Laos to enjoy an outdoor adventure due to its multi-tiered cascade and natural swimmable pools. The turquoise-blue water flows over limestone rocks, creating a series of turquoise pools and waterfalls.

After adventure day, we head back to your hotel or if you like some recommendations of what to do. Do not forget to ask our guide about Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre (optional) located at the foot of the Kuang Si Waterfalls. At the rescue center, you can learn about Asiatic black bears and the ongoing efforts in bear conservation.

Today, it is time to end your 5-Days Laos Heritage Package Tour to Prabang. You will have some free time in Luang Prabang. And explore more on your own till our guide/driver escorts you to the airport for your flight to your next destination.