The UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang has a way of charming you from the get-go. Surrounded by natural beauty, let it cast a spell over you as you immerse yourself in the customs, food and scenery quintessentially Laos.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your guide and privately transferred to your hotel.
The rest of the day will be spent at your leisure.
For early risers, you'll enjoy a special dawn visit to watch the ceremony of monks collecting the alms. As the sun rises, long lines of orange-robed monks walk barefoot through the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. Afterwards you’ll return to the hotel for breakfast.
Next, you’ll embark on a city tour, starting at the former Royal Palace. You’ll then continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, and Wat Sensoukarahm, which features a dazzling golden façade. The morning tour ends at Wat Xieng Thong, Laos’ most photographed temple.
In the afternoon you'll have the chance to get up close to the local elephants on a Spa Excursion: Bathing with Giants. You’ll learn about elephant behaviour and communication, cook snacks for them and feed them, and help to bathe them in the jungle.
Today is all about food, and who better to guide you than Luang Prabang’s top chefs?
You’ll begin your cooking class with an escorted visit to the morning market to purchase fresh produce for your lesson. On the drive back you’ll stop at the Kuang Si Waterfalls for a gentle amble through nature.
A gourmet picnic lunch served with delicious local dishes will be prepared for you today.
Before you leave there’ll be time for a swim in the turquoise pools of Kuang Si, and a visit to see the Asiatic Black Bear rescue centre.
After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the boat pier to board the Mekong Kingdom Monsoon for your first stop at the temple shrine of Wat Done Khoun Nelemith.
After exploring the island you’ll cruise to the Pak Ou Caves which are crammed with thousands of Buddha images and have long served as a pilgrimage site.
You’ll then head back to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang where you’ll be met by your guide and transferred back to your accommodation.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
AUTHENTICITYWe won't take you to the usual tourist traps, instead we'll introduce you to people that show you the true side of a country. With our contacts in each destination, we can arrange for you to meet locals away from the crowds and ensure an authentic experience.
EXPERTISEYou can rely on our extensive first-hand knowledge and years of experience in the country you’re visiting. We use only the best expert guides, and provide insider tips on the local customs, and everything from vibrant festivals to hidden Himalayan monasteries
PERSONAL SERVICEYour holiday will be as unique as you are. By getting to know you and what makes you tick, we fuse our wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of our destinations to create unique day by day itineraries that are built around you.
