6 Days Luang Prabang City Discovery Tour
Tour Overview
Any tour to Laos should not miss the charming Luang Prabang town. With rich heritages, beautiful natural wonders and friendly local people, this UNESCO-listed town always has something for...
Code of Tour: TAD0000028781
Length of Travel: 6 Day
Destinations of Tour: Luang Prabang
Departure City: Luang Prabang
Price of Tour: Request
Type of Tour: Private
Features of Tour: Nature tours Culture tours History tours World heritages tours
Any tour to Laos should not miss the charming Luang Prabang town. With rich heritages, beautiful natural wonders and friendly local people, this UNESCO-listed town always has something for everyone. On this 6-day tour package, you will have various chances to get to know more about Luang Prabang by visiting highlights of the town, cycling out to the countryside to learn about the rural life as well as exploring the must-see places of interest such as Pak Ou caves, Kuang Si Waterfall, and Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden. Besides, don’t forget the visits to Tad Kuang Si bear rescued center and Elephant Camp to have fun time with these adorable aminals. It’s time to explore deep into nature and culture of Luang Prabang.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR
Visit various temples and museums in the ancient town of Luang Prabang: Wat Xiengthong, Royal Palace Museum, and Mount Phousi
Cycle through the countryside to Ban Pak Ou, visit some local villages along the way and Pak Ou caves
Enjoy swimming in spectacular azure pools of Kuang Si Waterfall and take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center
Stroll around Pha Tad Ke, the first and only botanical garden in Laos
Have fun with elephant walk exploring the Namkhan River in the Elephant Camp
Trek to explore the Tad Sae waterfalls, the surrounding jungle, and the local villages nearby
DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG
Transfer:
Activities: Arrive in Luang Prabang. Join in city tour. Have welcome dinner at a local restaurant with traditional dance & folk song. Visit night market.
On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel. After a soft rest, your city tour begins with a visit to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall. If time permits, we will take a short walk around small streets of city center, watching the life of local people. After that, you will visit Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. Late afternoon, we climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.
The welcome dinner will be served at the local restaurant with traditional dance & folk song, the best way to experience Lao culture The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Experiences:
14
Royal Palace in Luang Prabang
Located on the banks of the Mekong River and facing the sacred Mount Phousi, the Royal Palace was built in 1904 to serve as the residence of King Sisavang Vong and his family during the French colonial era. After the revolution in 1975, the palace turned into a national museum and opened to the public in 1995. On the palace grounds, there are some buildings such as an exhibition hall, Haw Pra Bang that houses the standing Buddha statue called Prabang – the palladium of Laos, Royal Barge Shelter, Staff Headquarters and the Royal Ballet Theater. Besides enjoying the royal religious objects, the last king’s collection of cars, ancient statues, and paintings dating for centuries, you can also marvel at the stunning architecture of the palace that is a blend of traditional Lao style and French Beaux-Arts. The Royal Palace Museum is really well worth a visit to learn about Lao history and culture as well as the royal lifestyle.
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9
Pay a visit to Wat Xieng Thong – the highest symbol of Buddhism in Laos
Wat Xieng Thong, literally translated the ‘monastery of the golden city’, is one of the oldest and most important temples of Luang Prabang as well as one of the highest symbols of Buddhism in Laos. This Buddhist temple was built in 1559-1560 by King Setthathirath in the northern tip of the peninsula where the Mekong River and the Nam Khan River join. After a number of restorations, Wat Xieng Thong now consists of more than twenty structures on the grounds including a sim, a royal funerary carriage house, pavilions, shrines, residences, and gardens. As the temple still keeps its original form, a visit around will show tourists the characteristics of 16th-century Lao art and craft with the 2-tiered roof, colorful mosaics and carvings depicting Lao legends and the tree of life on the rear temple walls. Wat Xieng Thong is also an important venue where significant annual festivities in Luang Prabang are held.
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Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 3 Choices
DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG
Transfer:
Activities: Cycle out of Luang Prabang centre & Visit Ban Xang Hai village. Boat trip to visit Pak Ou caves.
We depart Luang Prabang by starting cycling to the suburb and then heading up the north road number 13 to explore the beautiful country side. We cycle approximately 2 hours to Ban Xang Hai village which has for centuries made the clay jars which are used to ferment Lao wine. Nowadays the tradition still continues, however today the village now specializes in producing a wide range of ‘Lau Lao’ the Lao whisky and ‘Lau Hai’ Lao wine. After the visit we continue to cycling on dirt road approximately for 45 minutes to Ban Pak Ou where we will stop for lunch in local restaurant.
After enjoying our lunch, we cross the Mekong River to visit the famous Buddha Caves which sit amongst the limestone cliffs where the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers meet. The caves are spilt in two, one named Tham Ting and the other Tham Theung. They are both filled with thousands of Buddha images and statues which have been deposited here over centuries. Pak Ou remains a popular pilgrimage site for Lao people, especially during the Lao New Year in April when the caves become crowded with pilgrims who gain merit by ceremonially washing the Buddha statues.
After the visit we put our bicycles in the boat and head down the mighty Mekong towards Luang Prabang. During the trip you will enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river. If time allows, we will stop on our way to visit Ban Xang Khong village to see expert of mulberry paper making. Arriving back in Luang Prabang at approximately 4:30pm.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Experiences:
8
Enjoyable Mekong River boat excursion to Pak Ou Cave
When in Luang Prabang, it is recommended to take a boat tour through Mekong river and visit Pak Ou caves. The excursion will bring you pleasant time to see the local life along the way where the mountain, blue sky and spectacular scenery are in harmony to take the picture. The climb to the caves will guide you to superb exploration to see hundreds of Buddha sculptures in a dark cave, which is not only an insight into top attraction in Luang Prabang, but the historical stories of the sacred relics protection from bombings during the Secret War as well.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: 3 Choices
DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG
Transfer:
Activities: Get close with the rural life & countryside of Luang Prabang. Relax at the impressive Kuang Si waterfall & visist Bear Rescue Center. Stop at Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center.
Begin today’s close-up look at daily Laotian life by heading out for a morning at a community-based living rice farm in the idyllic countryside outside Luang Prabang. Surrounded by mountains and rice paddies, you’ll have an opportunity to experience rural life as a Laotian farmer would, trying your hand at various farm activities – or observing them from a traditional Lao rice house balcony, set amidst rice terraces and an organic vegetable farm. You’ll have time to check out nearby workshops where local bamboo weavers, blacksmiths and sugar cane processors practice their crafts. Then take a tour of the organic garden to learn how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine.
Lunch will be served at the terrace overlooking the rice field. Later on, we drive to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall which is the biggest in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals.
We will also take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers. On the way back to the town, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top – quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. This place is also the perfect spot to admire the sunset.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Experiences:
6
Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center
Nestled in lush tropical gardens on the banks of the mighty Mekong River, Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center is a special place of interest where visitors can learn about the history, development as well as impressive skills of Lao textiles and handicrafts. Following the concept of “East Meets West”, the center offers all tourists 30-minute free tours to see how master weavers make top-quality fabrics from the silkworm to the loom. The knowledgable staff will show you the way to make natural dyes as well as the most popular weaving techniques in Laos. You can also wander through the center shop to see all textile collections and may buy some lovely items. After the visit, you can enjoy a drink or Lao food at the Silk Road Café nearby that has amazing views over the Mekong and mountains beyond.
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12
Visit the bear rescued center in Luang Prabang
Located 30km southwest of Luang Prabang, Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre is only a short walk past the entrance gate to Tat Kuang Si Waterfall. Run by Free the Bears with the help from the Laos Department of Forestry since 2003, this excellent center is home to many wild Moon bears rescued from poachers and illegal wildlife trade where they have an open enclosure to live and play freely with lots of trees and swings. Due to the growing population of rescued bears, there are other bear houses built in the hills near Nahm Dong. When visiting the center, you can observe these lovely animals playing and enjoying their food from a viewing platform and along the wooden paths. The visit will be the best chance for visitors to learn about these adorable bears and other wildlife we need to protect. If you want to support the center, you can buy a T-shirt or make a donation.
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12
Spectacular and stunning Kuang Si WaterFalls
No words can describe the stunning of Kuang Si Waterfalls and the emerald water: you must witness in person, the experience will surely exceeds your expectations!Located outside the city of Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Waterfalls are absolutely breathtaking and definitely worth the visit. You can climb up to the falls and take a dip, or walk through the beautiful area and got in the water a bit more downstream, swim or simply put my feet in for a relaxation.Truly, a joyous feast for eyes and ears, for mind and soul !
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: 3 Choices
DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG
Transfer:
Activities: Boat trip to Pha Tad Ke botanic garden. Learn how to make a bamboo stick.
The Pha Tad Ke boat departs Ban Wat That at 9:00 (please be at the pier at 8:45). Enjoy a 15-minute leisurely boat trip down the Mekong River. Upon arrival at Pha Tad Ke Botanic Garden reception you will be given a short presentation about the gardens. After that walk through the Ginger Garden and the Ethno-botanic Garden, which is the centrepiece of the garden. Follow the path through the Limestone. Walk and take in the amazing mountainous Mekong landscape. Learn how to make a bamboo stick animal at the site of the hunting lodge of the former royal family. Then continue your tour of Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden walking through the Arboretum, Palm Garden, and Bamboo Garden to our viewpoint that overlooks the rice field.
Stop by the Mist House where you will learn more about the importance of biodiversity conservation and finish your excursion with an optional orchid talk at Pha Tad Ke Nursery. All of the gardens will have introductory panels and labels. You can always ask our expert staff should you have any questions or require more information.
Enjoy a delicious Lao set lunch at Pha Tad Ke’s café. After lunch embark on the boat back to Luang Prabang. From there, we will visit UXO Visitor Center (closed on Saturday, and Sunday), where you can find the documentation about the secret war in Laos. Then transfer directly to Ban Xienglom, home to the lovely Lao Spirit Resort, the creation of an exceptional experience between Laotian culture and untouched jungle. Free for the rest of the day to relax at the resort or explore the surrounding area.
Overnight at Lao Spirit Resort.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: 1 Choices
DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG
Transfer:
Activities: Experience an Elephant ride. Take a boat crossing Nam Khan River. Get easy hike through beautiful jungle to go to a Khmu hill tribe village. Walk to Tad Sae Waterfall.Swimming & bathing in the cool water.
After breakfast, your knowledgeable and experienced local guide will bring you straight to the elephant camp for the first part of today’s activities. The elephant camp is located in the middle of a wonderful forested mountainous area at the banks of the scenic Nam Khan River. Enjoy a stunning landscapes and the quietness of nature make for getting closer with daily life of local Asian elephant.
Transfer by small boat across the river to begin trekking. This is an easy hike through beautiful jungle with surrounding mountains in the river valley. Arrive at a Khmu hill tribe village where your local guide will help you explore life nestled in the mountains. The village is nestled at the foot of a big mountain range. Most of the people here are farmers and fishermen and subsist on their traditional way of agriculture. They even speak a different language here, and your guide will help to ask any questions you have.
We’ll refresh with a break before a scenic and easy walk off the mountain to the Tad Sae Waterfall. At the waterfall, you can hang out for some swimming and bathing in the refreshing cool water. Conditions range from impressive strong currents during the height of the rainy season to slow flowing and inviting crystal clear waters great for swimming. (Note: During the dry season, from Feb. to Jul., the water level of the Tad Sae Waterfall can be low or even gets dry. The itinerary remains the same with the exception that instead of the waterfall, trekking is extended to visit a riverside village and a longer boat ride is enjoyed on the Nam Khan River through jungle).
A Lao Style Lunch will be served either at the magnificent waterfalls or at a local village. Return by boat and vehicle to conclude your Laos elephant and jungle adventure.
Overnight at Lao Spirit Resort.
Experiences:
5
Elephant village in Luang Prabang
Established in 2001, Elephant Village is a wonderful place where tourists get to know more about the elephants of Laos who are rescued from the abusive environment or the logging industry and cared by professional veterinarians. In a safe, secure home, on the bank of the Nam Khan river and next to Ban Xieng Lom, these special animals live happily with their herd as well as roam freely in the lush and green jungle every day. When visiting the Elephant Village, tourists can enjoy a lot of daily activities with the lovely elephants such as bathing and feeding your elephants, exploring the elephant hospital to learn how they cared each day or trekking on foot along them through diverse jungle landscapes. The village also offers tourists a lodge area to stay and a restaurant for lunch and dinner. This Elephant Village is one of the best educational and interesting places in Luang Prabang for families with kids.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: 1 Choices
DAY 6: LUANG PRABANG
Transfer:
Activities: Be transferred to Luang Prabang airport for your departure flight
Free to stroll around the resort, or the surrounding area for your own exploration before taking the departure flight.
Ends of services!
Meals: Breakfast
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Inclusions
Meals
5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 1 Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights)
Transport
Car, Bikking, Boating
Included Services
Transportation with air-condition in private
Accommodation in twin/double shared room
Boat trip as stated in above sights
English speaking guide
Admission fee to indicated sights
Government tax and service charge
01 bottle of mineral water per tour day
Exclusions
International flights to/from Laos
Domestic flights
Travel insurance
Laos Visa stamp fees
Early check-in & late check-out surcharge
Personal expenses
Meals not mentioned
Drinks not mentioned
Tips & gratuities for guides and drivers
