5-Day Taste Of Luxury Luang Prabang

Arrival Luang Prabang

You will be met upon arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport for your luxury transfer to your hotel.
The crown jewel of Laos, this former royal capital, with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop, retains a unique charm rarely found in all of Asia. Luang Prabang, is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. Magical and charming, it has preserved its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness. In 1995 UNESCO voted Luang Prabang as a World Heritage City.

For a unique perspective of the city and surrounds we climb Wat Phousi Hill. From the top there is an outstanding 360 -degree view over the city. The climb is timed to watch the sun set over the Mekong River bringing a distinctive, colourful and magical touch to the experience. After drinking in the sunset we descend the hill to stroll through the vibrant and vivid Night Market. Here you can seek out a matchless hand-made gift or souvenir from the vendors, many of whom are from the local hill tribes.

Dinner at leisure

Meal included:
None

Morning
Following breakfast at the hotel, at 8:30 hours, we take a sightseeing tour of Luang Prabang by bicycle. This is a perfect pace to see the jewels of the city. We will take time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage City, fittingly called one of the last Shangri-Las of Southeast Asia. We begin by visiting the oldest temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo, stylistically more Srilankalese than Lao. Nearby is Wat Aham, which is one of the city’s major tutelary shrines dedicated to revered spirits Deveta Luang and Pu Gneu Ya Gneu.

The National Museum (former King’s Palace) is our next stop. Displaying a collection of personal artefacts of the Royal Family, such as photos, musical equipment and gifts received from foreign countries, each object has a story to tell.

After the national Museum we head to Wat Xieng Thong, considered the most beautiful temple. The main sanctuary represents the classic Luang Prabang temple architecture with roofs that sweep low to the ground. In the compound stand several small chapels housing bronze Buddha images, which were displayed in Paris in 1911. Near the East gate stands the royal funeral chapel. Inside you’ll see the impressive 40-foot high Royal funeral float and various funeral urns of several members of the former royal family. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts a semi-erotic episode from the Hindu Ramayana.

Lunch is taken at Khaiphaen restaurant a vocational training school serving traditional Laotian cuisine.

Afternoon
In the first part of the afternoon relax at a private villa. In the late afternoon, transfer to participate in a Baci Ceremony. Baci meaning "calling of the soul" is an important ceremony practiced in Lao and Thai culture. It is a ritual used to celebrate important and special events, like births and marriages, novice monks entering monkhood, departing, returning and beginning a New Year. The ritual of the Baci involves tying strings around a person's wrist to preserve good luck, and has become a national custom.
When the Baci ceremony is complete enjoy a cocktail at Kabane. Transfer back to the villa where a personal chef will complete a perfect day by preparing a delicious meal to be enjoyed in a beautifully prepared setting at the villa.

Meal included:
Lunch at Khaiphaen
Private dinner at villa

10:00 hours
Following breakfast at the hotel, board the iMekong for a cruise down the Mekong River to the Lao Loum village of Ban Sing, where you will continue by road to the Kuang Si Waterfall. The waterfalls tumble over multi - tiered limestone formations into cool, clear pools ideal for swimming and relaxing. A delicious picnic lunch will be taken near to the waterfalls. After lunch we return by road to the iMekong for the return journey to Luang Prabang. Rest and relax as you simply watch the chocolate coloured swirling river gently smooth its way between stunning river bank landscapes. On the way to Luang Prabang there is a stop at the magnificent Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden. Discover beautiful gingers and medicinal plants, explore jungle terrain in the limestone habitat, and take a tranquil walk through the palm and bamboo gardens. This is a place to learn, explore and soothe your soul.

15:00 hours
Return to the pier and rest of the afternoon and dinner at leisure.

Meal included:
Picnic lunch at Kuang Si

8:30 hours
Following breakfast at the hotel, at 8:30 hours we depart Luang Prabang for an elephant adventure. Tour guides will pick up clients from hotels and guesthouses.

After a short drive we arrive at MandaLao for a once in a lifetime experience with Asian elephants. After a Welcome drink there is an in-depth introduction into elephant behaviour and communication. Cross the river for your first introduction to elephants. Elephants and Mahouts will interact and continue their on-going bonding in the river, while you watch them and enjoy the majestic elephants during bath time.

Begin your trek and pass the beautiful Lao gardens before exploring the jungle covered Huay Nok stream. (The trek is 2.5km and takes about 1.5 hours. It is flat and shaded most of the way.) After some final treats for the elephants, say goodbye.

12:00 hours - Split off from Therapeutic Trek Tour and continue walking up trail. Guests will hike a total of 5.5km on Inside the Hearts of Elephants tour. The trek is flat and goes at a slow pace. A traditional Lao lunch will be served in banana leaves in the jungle. After lunch we reach Tad Kuang Song Waterfall. Visit this hidden treasure and take a cool refreshing dip.

During the trek we walk through the Khmu village of Ban Hua Tad and you will get a sense of local life. Mahout Demonstration - Watch and learn as the mahouts demonstrate how they communicate with their elephants. Use what you learn to try the same. Walk the elephants back to the feeding grounds and their night time resting area. Contemplation - Enjoy a drink and snack as you reflect on the day. Leave for Luang Prabang. Drop off at your hotel or guesthouse approximately 16:00 hours.

16:00 hours
Drop off at your hotel or guesthouse approximately 16:00 hours.

Dinner at Manda De Laos.

Estimated driving time:
2 hours.

Meal included:
Lunch at MandaLao
Dinner at Manda De Laos

5:45 hours
Rise early at 5:45 hours to depart for a magical dawn journey along the Mekong River. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery while witnessing the daily activities along the rivers’ edge as the local people prepare for the day ahead. Arrive at Ban Don Kao and be greeted by your host in her Mekong Riverside property. A short walk will take you to witness the very special daily ritual of locals in Laos – morning alms giving or ‘Tak Bat’. This ritual is an integral part of the Buddhist traditions in Laos. The giving is earning merit or 'bun' towards their next life. This improves their existence for their next life on earth.
After the ceremony enjoy breakfast with your host overlooking the Mekong River, whilst watching the sun rise to grace a new day. After breakfast return by boat to Luang Prabang.

Transfer to Luang Prabang International Airport for your departure flight (Airfare is not included in the tour price).

Meal included:
Breakfast at the hotel