Itinerary

Day 1 Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Located between the Mekong and Khan River, it is the cultural and religious center of the country, boasting 32 large temple complexes. Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most impressive temples, decorated with colored glass and gold. Testament to the fact that it had been the royal capital until 1975, the royal palace there contains fine artwork and gifts made for former kings. Nearby, in the town center, visitors can ascend Mount Phousi for a panoramic view of the city and surrounding rivers. Also worth seeing is the Palace Museum (the former royal palace), easily recognizable by its golden-inspired stupa, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from old rulers of the Kingdom of Lane Xang.

Airport transfer with private guide, driver and vehicle.

Le Bel Air is a unique hotel in Luang Prabang, Laos and indeed most of the world. It is located less than five minutes drive from the airport, nestled in two hectares of unspoilt garden and natural vegetation, along the banks of a major river. The centre of town is a short walk and the air is fresh and quiet. The river a never ending, ever changing painting of tranquil rural life, Laos style.

Overnight at Le Bel Air.

Day 2 Luang Prabang

Explore Luang Prabang by bicycle. Visit former royal temples, Wat Visun where you can see the Biggest Buddha statue, Wat Xieng Thong the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang with its mosaic decoration and the former royal carriage. Visit the Museum (former king's palace), then climb up Mt Phousi overlooking the city of Luang Prabang. Time permitting, take a ride around the outskirts of town.

Take a traditional wooden boat upstream to visit the famous caves of Pak Ou. The caves are perched on the sheer face of the cliff, offering impressive and stunning views of the Mekong and surrounding mountains. Inside the cave, there are more than one hundred Buddha images which have been attracting local people since the early 14th century when the cave was discovered. On the way, a short stop at Ban Xanghai, enjoy the taste of the local rice wine. Distilling rice wine and weaving are important economic activities for the majority of people in the village.

Overnight at Le Bel Air.

Day 3 Luang Prabang

Commence this alluring mountain bike tour with a short visit to the Wat Pa Phon Phao a quiet monastery with a wonderful golden stupa. Next stop is in Ban Phanom, a well known cotton and silk hand-weaving village (Lao Lum). We continue on to the grave of Henry Mouhot, the popularized French discoverer of the Angkor Ruins who died here in 1826. Â After visiting these abandoned quarters juxtaposed the running water of the Nam Khan, we follow a dusty country road to the Tiger Trail Elephant & Adventure camp. In this spiritual place with a view to the jungle and a towering rock face, we will enjoy our lunch. Our break of relaxation prepares us for the next leg of the journey, the walking trip from the Adventure camp along an easy single track, traversing rice paddy fields and terraced slopes toward the peaceful villages. We are becoming cognizant of the life of rural Lao Tung (Khmu) people.

Spend the evening in a typical Laotian homestay. Please note it is very basic and simple, and similar to a hut style. There are shared flush toilets, a mattress with mosquito net and sleeping bag. Please feel free to bring your own sleeping bag if you like, however, the one included will suffice. All meals are included and are typical Laotian style. Typical dishes include steamed vegetables, grilled fish, and sticky rice. The best way to experience Laos is by spending it like this. Appreciate the culture and like a Laotion for a couple days.

Overnight at Laotian Homestay.

Day 4 Luang Prabang

After breakfast, we continue our journey with some more Trekking. Being careful not to disrupt the serenity of this local village, we can observe the locals as they carry out their daily tasks, taking note that foreigners still remain a novelty. The charming villagers are as curious about its observers as you are about them. In the late afternoon we will arrive the camp where we stay for overnight. (There is an opportunity to stay overnight in the Khmu village). We visit, Khmu, Lao and Hmong villages. Approximate walking time about 5-6 hours in total today.

Overnight at Laotian Homestay.

Day 5 Luang Prabang

After a wonderful Laotian breakfast we will meet the protected Asian Elephants and will learn some things about these amazing animals. A relaxed 1 to 1.5 hr ride on the back of our Elephants will bring us to the nearby Tad Sae Waterfalls. Have lunch and enjoy the unique scenery. The afternoon is the last highlight with our water excursion on the Nam Khan with a kayak or raft. The river is easy to paddle and offers only a few grade 1-2 rapids. The countryside on our paddling trip is dense with banana and teak trees; rice paddies and terraced pineapple plantations. Pass handfuls of isolated Lao Loum and Theung thatched roofed villages, and don't be shy to practice your Lao by shouting out a sabaaidii at the smiling children. After about 3 to 4 paddling hours we arrive Luang Phabang in the afternoon.

Airport transfer with private guide, driver and vehicle.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).

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