Luang Prabang view

Morning transfer to the airport in time for the domestic flight to Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom located on the peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam rivers, UNESCO World Heritage since 1995, whose origins date back to the ancient city Muang Sua built in 698.

On arrival we begin our walking tour of the most important monuments.

We visit Wat Visoun, built in 1513, Wat Aham, or ‘Monastery of the Blossoming Heart‘, built at the beginning of the 19th century as a place of meditation and a meeting place between animist and Buddhist cultures, and the Wat Mai, ‘New Monastery‘, built at the end of the 18th century, one of the most complex and picturesque temples in the city, richly decorated and easily distinguishable by its unique five-level roof.

Late in the afternoon we climb Mount Phousi to visit the sacred golden stupa and admire the beautiful city skyline and a romantic sunset over the Mekong.

A walk to the Night Market on Luang Prabang’s main street in the evening is definitely worthwhile, as you can meet local traders selling handicrafts from the area’s ethnic minorities.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets, domestic flight and private transportation 

Kuang Si waterfalls

At 5:30am we witness the Tak Bak ceremony, the monks’ quest, an ancient Asian Buddhist religious tradition practiced with constancy only in Luang Prabang. Every morning, for the past 2,500 years, hundreds of monks walk barefoot from their temples to the centre of the city. Forming a long line, they slowly walk through the streets to collect alms, especially ‘sticky rice’, donated by the faithful, who wait silently on the pavements, in exchange for prayers and blessings.

Once finished, we return to the hotel for breakfast. We then continue our walking tour of the most important monuments.

We visit to the National Museum: formerly the Royal Palace, it now houses an important collection of valuables including statues of Buddha and many other objects donated by visiting dignitaries to the court of Luang Prabang. We continue along the quiet streets lined with buildings from the French colonial period to admire their architecture and learn about their original function.

Next we continue to the outskirts of Luang Prabang to the incredible Kuang Si waterfalls. Along the way we visit some villages inhabited by ethnic minorities. Once at the falls, there is plenty of free time for a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters, to explore the trails that lead into the forest, or simply to relax surrounded by this beautiful natural setting.

We then visit the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts & Shop, a social enterprise mainly focused on preserving the local cultural and craft traditions. The facility is set in a beautiful tropical garden on the banks of the Mekong River from where we can enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

Buddha statues at Pak Ou caves

After breakfast we head to the pier and embark on a fascinating 2-day cruise on the Mekong River to Pakbeng and Houay Xai on Laos-Thailand border. An authentic opportunity to observe rural landscapes and learn about the local lifestyle.

On the way we stop at Pak Ou Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves. Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Ou rivers, they are one of the must-see sights on a trip to Laos.

The sanctuary consists of two large limestone caves: Tham Ting, the lower cavity, which can be reached by climbing the 30-step staircase, and Tham Theung, the upper cavity, which can be reached by climbing the 70-step staircase.

The Pak Ou caves have been an important place of worship for many centuries for the faithful, who offer a Buddha image as a gift when they make a pilgrimage there. As a result of this tradition, today both cavities house thousands of statues of Buddha of different sizes, from a few centimeters to about 2 meters, in different styles and spiritual positions (mudras), from meditation to ascent to nirvana.

Arrival in Pakbeng before sunset and check-in at the hotel.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, shared boat and tickets

Remote areas of Laos

Early morning visit to Pakbeng market, a meeting point for many local tribes from the surrounding villages to sell their goods.

Afterwards, we continue with the second part of the Mekong cruise towards Houai Xai, the second province of Laos with the largest number of ethnic groups.

Arrival in Houay Xay before sunset and check-in at the hotel.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide and shared boat

After breakfast we visit the Ban Namkeung village inhabited by the Lu tribe.

Following this, transfer to the Houai Xay (Laos) – Chiang Khong (Thailand) border.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide and transfer to the border