Trip Name: Essentials of Luang Prabang
Type of trip: Private
Trip Duration: 3 Days
Starting: Luang Prabang, Laos
Finishing: Luang Prabang, Laos
Trip Grading: Regular itinerary, moderate walking
Destinations: Luang Prabang – Mekong river boat trip – Pak Ou Buddha cave
Flexibility: This sample itinerary can be amended accordingly to meet your expectation.
Highlights: This trip features 3 days of an exploration of Luang Prabang where old colonial of French buildings remained. Local houses are all respected to their ancestors’ tradition and Luang Prabang still kept under management by UNESCO.
Luang Prabang or Louangphrabang is a city located in north central Laos, on the Mekong River about 425 km north of Vientiane, and the capital of Louangphrabang Province. The current population of the city is about 103,000
The city was formerly the capital of a kingdom of the same name. Until the communist takeover in 1975, it was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The city is also notable as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Muang Sua was the old name of Luang Prabang following its conquest in 698 A.D. by a Tai prince, Khun Lo, who seized his opportunity when Nan-chao was engaged elsewhere. Khun Lo had been awarded the town by his father, Khun Borom, who is associated with the Lao legend of the creation of the world, which the Lao share with the Shan and other peoples of the region. Khun Lo established a dynasty whose fifteen rulers reigned over an independent Muang Sua for the better part of a century.
Day 1: Luang Prabang arrival (-/-/D)
Welcome to Luang Prabang, upon arrival our guide will meet you at the airport after clearing custom, transfer to hotel for check in. Then enjoy a half day city tour around Luang Prabang…and you will understand why it deserves the World Heritage title! Visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao.
Continue to visit Wat Mai. Built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Visit Wat Xieng Thong further emphasizes the uniqueness of Luang Prabang, its several roofs sweeping low to the ground. See also the impressive "tree of life" mosaic here. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts semi-erotic episodes from the Ramayana. Climb up Phou Sii hill stands right in the center of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy commanding views for many miles in each direction. Wat Phu Sii sits atop the mountain, along side the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns! Shopping night market, where hundreds of Hmong vendors display their handmade handicraft. Tonight you enjoy a welcome dinner at a popular local eatery
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Day 2: Luang Prabang – Mekong river boat trip – Pak Ou Buddha cave (B/L/-)
After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the National Museum, once a king's palace. Displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries. Begin a Mekong Riverboat trip with your guide on the mighty Mekong River to visit the famous & sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. These caves, overlooking the confluence of the Mekong & Ou Rivers from on high, have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Lunch local restaurant, return to the town late afternoon visit Por Sa Paper Handicraft & textile area at Ban Xang Khong.
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Next Destination (B)
Today you are free at leisure until being picked up and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
This is a sample itinerary so the cost really depends on the number of people in your group and time of travel.
Please send us enquiry for availabilities & the most up dated price.
Trip included:
All land transport & transfers listed on the itinerary
All Accommodation
Meals as listed on the itinerary
All entrance fees
Services of an English Speaking guide throughout the tour
All services as listed in the itinerary, including the Mekong river boat trip
Drinking water & cold towel
Laos Government Tax
Trip excluded:
Laos visa fee
Meals other than those mentioned in the program
International and Domestic airport departure tax and air tickets
Personal drinks at meal times