Luang Prabang

04 days / 03 nights

Overview

Luang Prabang is the jewel of Indochina, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. The ancient royal city is surrounded by mountains at the junction of the Mekong and its tributary, the Khan River. In the centre of the city is Mount Phousi with stunning views of the surrounding temples and hills. Luang Prabang is a city where time seems to stand still. In Luang Prabang - Vat Visoune, Vat Aham, Phousi hill for overlooking the view of Luang Prabang, Vat Mai Souvannaphoumarame, National Museum and local market are highlights.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Luang Prabang
Note: As per local regulations, only 16-seater minivans are allowed in the old quarter. Time seems to stand still in Luang Prabang, a city with all the charm of a quaint European town mixed with the wonderful, woodsy spice of Asia. The city is small, and it seems everywhere can be reached by foot. Upon arrival at the airport, meet with your guide and transfer to town. Start visiting this sacred city of temples with a visit to the National Museum (closed on Tue), the former Royal Palace housing a collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue and gifts from foreign dignitaries. Other muse-see places include Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple that served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple said to be the most beautiful temple in town, epitomizing all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture; the privately-run Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center (closed on Mon) featuring clothing, household objects, religious artifacts, and tools of Laos’ ethnic groups. End the day by enjoying a beautiful sunset aboard Mekong Silk boat (best from April to November). Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 2: Luang Prabang
Note: With the Morning Alms Giving, if you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately – shoulder, chest and legs should be covered. You have the option to wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks – an awe-inspiring sight for many travelers. Please tell your guide if you wish to make an offer so he/she can prepare some food for you. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning and then Return to your hotel for breakfast. Afterwards, transfer by tuk-tuk, little motorcycle-powered truckbeds with benches, to boat docking station. Embark on 2-hour local motorized boat (or surcharge on the more comfortable La Residence boat) on the Mekong River to visit the famous Pak Ou Caves where hundreds of gilded and wooden Buddha statues are housed inside a towering limestone cliff. Stop by at the local primary school en route to get a glimpse of the education system and infrastructure. If you wish to give something back to the community, ‘practical’ things such as books, school bags and clothes can be purchased locally. Drive back to Luang Prabang and indulge in a late lunch at Tam Nak Lao restaurant in the old quarter. Later in the afternoon, set out to Phone Say village which lies hidden along the Mekong River and where the women weave while men fish on the Mekong River. A vehicle cannot reach this charming village; however, it is only a half-hour walk from the main road. This is a good chance to experience a real Luang Prabang life by interacting with local people. Opt to visit night market, the only nightlife of this laid-back town, for traditional textiles and handicrafts made by the hill tribes. Overnight in Luang Prabang (B, L)
Day 3: Luang Prabang
Escape from the stress of modern life and step into the tranquil world of the Kuangsi waterfall, 30km south of town. Stop en route at the Talad Phosy market to witness the locals going about their daily activities. The waterfall, although not very high, is spectacular with its lush surroundings in the nationally protected forest area. There is plenty of time for relaxing and swimming in the clear and cool water. It is also an ideal venue for local families to rest at the weekend. Picnic lunch is served at a shady park nearby Kuangsi waterfall, before heading back to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. Optional at sunset, ascend the 200 steps to Wat Chompet for a different view of the city. Overnight in Luang Prabang (B, L)
Day 4: Departure
Spend the day at leisure until transfer to airport for your onward departure. End of services. (B)
 

Cost

Tour cost is upon your request !
 
You are interested in of this tour, please feel free to contact us at booking@asianatravel.com.vn or info@asianatravel.com.vn. One of our staffs will contact you within 24 hours when we receive your request.
 
We are here to meet and exceed all of your requirements and expectations !

Trip note

* Tour code: LAOCL-04

 

* Included:

• Accommodation with breakfast

• All private transfers and transportation

• Entrance fees & lunch as indicated (meals only)

• Boat trip as per itinerary

• Meals as per the itinerary (food only, no drinks)

• English speaking guides

• Mineral water and cold towel on car/van/bus

 

* Excluded:

• Laos visa

• All airport taxes

• Other meals and Drinks

• Travel insurance

• Other services not mentioned in the itinerary

Destination Info

The ancient town of Luang Prabang situated in northern Laos, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Considered by many travellers and writers as being the heart of Laotian culture, the tiny town is encircled by mountains and is 700 metres above sea level at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers. Here visitors are subjected to an inflamed economic bubble that does not apply to the rest of the country. Being Laos' premier tourist destination and (arguably) Southeast Asia's most beautiful spot, ironically tourists will pay more for the innate pleasures of eating, drinking and sleeping than they would in the country's capital city Vientiane.
Luang Prabang was the ancient royal capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom until King Phothisarat moved the administrative seat to Vientiane in 1545. Regardless, it has continued to overlook Vientiane as the destination of choice with its amalgamation of crumbling French architecture, glistening temples and extensive natural beauty. Even the hardest of hearts would have a struggle not to warm to the place. The town's entire historical section is dedicated to tourism, with everything from former royal palaces to over 33 Wats (temples), on the tourist trail. This former Royal capital still remains the main centre for Buddhist learning in Laos and is the perfect location for spiritual contemplation.
Cascading waterfalls, scaling peaks and the milky-brown waters of the Mekong River provide ample opportunity to swim, climb and sail your way through Luang Prabang. It is only as recent as 1989 that Laos opened up to tourism and the country that had previously been cut off from the rest of Southeast Asia developed a small but steady economy, based on tourism and regional trade. This small and gentle town where most locals are asleep by 22:00 is now one of the richest and most visited provinces in Laos. It's one of the few places where you feel that this is the genuine article and one that retains its unique ambiance.

Maps & Photos

Luang Prabang monks

Luang Prabang daily life

Night market

Simple life

Restful life at a temple 

Sunset on Mekong river

Search Tours

Support online

Booking via Internet
Tour & Hotel booking information
General Information
Chat with meChat with me

Weather

Ha Noi

No data
  • No data

Ho Chi Minh

Scattered clouds
  • Scattered clouds
  • Temperature: 29 °C

Vientiane

Broken clouds
  • Broken clouds
  • Temperature: 30 °C

Phnom-Penh

Scattered clouds
  • Scattered clouds
  • Temperature: 32 °C

Siemreap

Scattered clouds
  • Scattered clouds
  • Temperature: 32 °C

Newsletter