Luang Prabang City Break

Welcome to Laos! Traditionally known as the Kingdom of a Million Elephants, Laos is blessed with 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.
Arrival in Luang Prabang and transfer by air-conditioned vehicle (6 km) to your hotel. Time for leisure and some first explorations on your own.

8.30: A TUK TUK will pick you up and 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 upstream the Mekong River observing life on the sleepy riverbanks. If there’s time, we’ll stop at a village where the eye-watering Lao whisky is made. Be warned, it’s potent!
Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is a charming town filled with heritage buildings, colonial villas and gilded temples.
Wat Xieng Thong: Wat Xieng Thong was built in 1560 and situated on the banks of the Mekong River, it is the most beautiful monastery in Luang Prabang and shows the typical Lao art style with old religious artifacts and some ancient masterpieces of Lao art.
Wat Visunalat (Wat Visoun) and That Makmo: Wat Visunalat (Wat Visoun) was built in 1513 during the reign of Chao Wisunalat, it is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries. Also visit That Makmo, one of the more unusually shaped stupas in Luang Prabang. It is affectionately called by many locals as That Makmo, meaning Watermelon Stupa, on account of its rotund shape.
Wat Aham: Explore Wat Aham, an old temple known for its two enormous banyan trees.
Mount Phousi for sunset: Climb 328 steps starting from the entrance on the opposite side of 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.
Transfer to/from Talat Night Market (Hmong Market).

Visit Ban Chan. Xieng mene is a local village which consists of three temples called: Wat Xieng Mene, Wat Long Khoun, and Wat Chompet.
We then cross the Mekong River by local boat to reach Ban Chan Pottery village which has been producing Laos’s pottery by hand for over 400 years, and continue cruising up to Xieng Mene village where you visit three temples of Wat Xieng Mene, Wat Long Khoun, and Wat Chompet
Visit the National Museum (former Royal Palace) and Wat Mai:
Visit the National Museum, a modest but graceful building which 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. Then, visit Hor Phrabang. In the right front 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. Continue to 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).
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!
Once there, take also the opportunity to visit the Bear Rescue Center founded by “Free the Bears” Foundation. The Foundation helps to rescue bears held in horrifying conditions throughout Asia, and regularly milked for their bito be used in traditional medicines. It also provides ongoing care to hundreds of rescued bears and operates rescued bear sanctuaries in several countries.

Time at leisure until your transfer to the airport by air-conditioned vehicle (6 km).