4D Short Stay in Luang Prabang
Northern Laos
One of the highlights for most visitors to Laos is the former royal capital of Luang Prabang in the mountains of the north. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Luang Prabang had over 65 vats in the 18th century, 30 of which still survive intact today. There is little traffic on the streets of Luang Prabang and monks in orange robes carrying black umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun are a familiar sight.
The Royal Palace, now the National Museum, was built in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong and retains many of its original features as well as an interesting assortment of gifts presented to Laos from various foreign nations. Luang Prabang’s best known temple is Vat Xieng Thong, built in 1560 with the low sweeping roof characteristic of Luang Prabang temple style. Other important Luang Prabang temples include Vat Visoun, known as the “Watermelon Stupa” on account of its stupa’s unusual spherical shape, Vat Aham and Vat Mai. The best views of Luang Prabang are to be had from the top of the 100m Mount Phousi. The temples at the top are new while lower down the hill are some of the oldest temples in Luang Prabang which are now abandoned.
An interesting day trip from Luang Prabang is a journey by boat on the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. The caves carved out of a towering limestone cliff are crammed full of thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues.
Highlights
- World Heritage Luang Prabang
- Kuang Si Waterfalls
- Pak Ou Caves
Itinerary
Day 01 / Arrive Luang Prabang
On arrival in Luang Prabang transfer to hotel. In the afternoon visit the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum and Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-reliefs before climbing the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside. Stop at the evening hill tribe market. Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 02 / Luang Prabang - Visit to Kuang Si Waterfalls
After breakfast, enjoy a visit to Kuang Si Waterfalsl, south west of Luang Prabang with stops en-route to visit some ethnic minority villages. It is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track and if the weather is good swim in the clear water at the foot of the falls. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon visit weaving and Sa paper making and silkworm villages. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (BLD)
Day 03 / Luang Prabang - Visit to Pak Ou Caves
For early-risers there is a very special (optional) dawn visit to witness the long lines of orange-robed monks leaving their pagodas to receive offerings of food from Luang Prabang residents.
Return to hotel for breakfast after which we visit the beautiful Wat Xieng Thong showing its best face in the morning sun before we go on a half-day boat trip on the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. On the way visit a riverside village where rice wine is produced. In Pak Ou, thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues are crammed into the two caves carved out of a towering limestone cliff. They range in size from a few centimetres to the size of a man. After lunch, we head back to Luang Prabang. On the way, we visit a weaving village where traditional Lao textiles are woven on ancient wooden looms. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (BL)
Day 04 / Depart Luang Prabang
After breakfast, the morning is free at our leisure until transfer to the airport for departure flight. (B)
Tour Cost
based on 2 persons travelling together sharing a room
- S$*** Twin
- S$*** Single supplement
Tour Validity
- Nov 01, 2007 - Oct 31, 2008
Tour Cost Includes
- All transfers and transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles with driver
- English or French-speaking guide
- 3 nights Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast in twin sharing room
- All admission fees at attractions
- All meal as mentioned in the itinerary
- Boat trip to Pak Ou cave and excursion Kuang Si water falls
Tour Cost Excludes
- All airfare to/from Luang Prabang
- All airport taxes
- Visa fee, where applicable (USD $30 for 15-day pass)
- Travel insurance
- Tips & gratuities
- Meals & drinks not indicated
- Personal expenses such as bar bills, laundry and telephone charges
Tour Validity
- Nov 01, 2007 - Oct 31, 2008
