08.30 a.m. meet your guide in the hotel lobby and start your exploration.
Located at the confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan (Khan River), UNESCO-protected Luang Prabang is a beautiful mix of ancient gilded temples, saffron-clad monks, faded Indochinese villas and peaceful river scenery.
Take a half-day walking tour exploring some of the highlights of this incredibly picturesque town. Start with a visit to the Royal Palace, which is now a National Museum housing precious artefacts that belonged to the Royal Family. Drive or enjoy a leisurely walk to explore some of Luang Prabang’s famed temples including Wat Visoun, Luang Prabang’s oldest temple. Notice it’s unusually shaped stupa designed to look like a lotus flower but referred to by locals as “the watermelon stupa.” Additionally, Wat That Luang, traditionally the cremation site for Lao royalty; the gorgeous Wat Mai with its detailed golden reliefs depicting scenes from village life; and Wat Xieng Thong, built in the 17th century. Notice the stunning “tree of life” mosaic set on its western exterior wall.
Later, have lunch in town on your own expense.
In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day river cruise to the famed Pak Ou Caves. Board a long-tail boat and begin cruising past scenes of typical Laotian villages, barely visible behind thick foliage, wooden canoes bobbing by the shore attached to bamboo poles and floats marking the location of nets and fish traps. Located next to the mighty Mekong and opposite the mouth of the Mekong and the Ou rivers, explore the two limestone grottoes, which house approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images which range from mere centimeters up to 2m (7ft) in height. Return to Luang Prabang by cruise with a stop en route at the village of Ban Muang Keo and observe local weavers and whisky distillers honoring their timeworn traditional crafts.
- Tour duration: 08 hours
- Lunch not included
- Please dress appropriately for visits to religious sites. Shoulders, chest and legs should be covered.
Evening is free at leisure. No Car and Guide at disposal
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel
https://www.angsana.com/laos/souvannaphoum
Luxury Option: Sofitel Luang Prabang
http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-9669-sofitel-luang-prabang