Luang Prabang City Tour and Pak Ou Caves by boat

Start the day with a visit to one of the most beautiful temples in Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong. The sim of the Wat 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 are an impressive 12 metre high funeral chariot and various funeral urns of each Royal Family's member. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts a semi-erotic episode from Ramayana. Also look out for the “tree of life” montage on the rear temple wall.

After exploring the temple. board a traditional riverboat for a trip up the Mighty Mekong River to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, famous for housing thousands of statues of the Lord Buddha. Take some time to look around and also notice the stunning view across the river from the entrance to the caves.

From the caves we journey on, and enjoy a tasty and relaxing lunch at Manivan restaurant overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. After lunch there are two further stops to experience more of the lifestyle and traditional cultures of Laos. First you will stop at Ban Xhang Hai village before continuing on to Ban Phanom, a weaving village populated by the Thai Lu people who originally came from Sipsongpanna in Southern China. The village is full of culture and history. Nearly all the families here have a loom and they weave with cotton and silk. They sell at the Night Market in Luang Prabang and also to visitors to the village.

Your tour will conclude with a boat cruise back to Luang Prabang and transfer back to your hotel.