3-Day Shangri-Lao Expedition

Meet at the Luang Prabang airport and then transfer and check in to the hotel. The crown jewel of Laos, Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia and was voted by UNESCO as a World Heritage City in 1995. Magical and charming, it has maintained its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness.
The itinerary begins with a visit to one of the most beautiful temples in the city, Vat Xieng Thong, which features classic Luang Prabang temple architecture with roofs that sweep low to the ground. Within the compound are small chapels housing bronze Buddha images, which were displayed in Paris back in 1911. Near the East Gate stands the Royal Funeral Chapel, which is home to an impressive 12-metre-high funeral chariot and various funeral urns of each Royal Family’s member. The gilt panel on the exterior of this chapel depicts a semi-erotic episode from Ramayana.
Continue on by climbing the hill at Vat Phousi for an outstanding view over the city. Following that, visit Vat Visoun, the site of the impressive stupa named That Makmo, which is stylistically more Srilankanese than Lao. Then walk to the nearby Vat Aham, which is one of the city’s major tutelary shrines, dedicated to Deveta Luang (spirit) Pu Gneu Ya Gneu (ancestors).

Watch the sunset at Vat Prabaht Tai along the Mekong River and then return to the hotel in Luang Prabang for dinner and retire for the evening.

Accompanied by an English speaking guide, transfer via VIP minibus from the hotel in Luang Prabang to the ‘Shangri-Lao Explorer Camp’ 15 kilometres outside of the city. Leave luggage at the camp's reception and get an introductory tour of the camp.
The guide will talk about the elephants and then there will be an opportunity to speak with the onsite veterinarian, feed the elephants and relax by the riverside. Afterwards, take a 3-kilometres through the forest and over hills to a hidden valley. Once in the Huay Sae Valley, enjoy a luxury lunch with traditional Lao food and wine by a secluded waterfall. Depending on the water level, it is possible to swim in the natural pools.
Continue on a one-hour trek through the dense jungle, crossing bamboo bridges and passing waterfalls with blue pools. Down at the Nam Khan River, a luxury bamboo raft will be waiting. Slowly float downstream on this relaxing 1-hour journey.
There is also an option to visit the Tad Sae Waterfall for 30 minutes before returning to the camp. Enjoy an afternoon coffee break while watching traditional village life of farmers and fishermen along the river. In the late afternoon, arrive at the camp and check into a room. Spend the rest of the day at the Jacuzzi swimming pool or go for a walk with the guide and visit the nearby local village.

In the evening, have a delicious barbeque dinner served under the starry sky before retiring for the night in a luxury style tent.

Begin with breakfast on the riverside while the sun slowly rises over the mountains. The remote villages are springing to life, evident by the locals putting small boats into the river to begin fishing, tending their fields, taking their children to school or washing their clothes in the river.
After breakfast, it’s time to meet the elephants and go to the river where it will be bathed. Afterward, guide the elephant through the river back to the camp.
Before leaving, say thank you to the elephants by offering them some delicious bananas. The guide will wrap up the elephant experience by teaching about the relationship between mahouts and elephants.
Afterward, check out of the luxury tent and enjoy lunch by the riverside or on the deck of the jacuzzi swimming pool. In the afternoon, stroll through the nearby village and visit the small temple with the local guide.
Experience the lifestyle in the remote village and learn about the ethnic groups of Laos.

In the early evening, leave the camp and return by VIP van to the hotel in Luang Prabang City before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.