LPQ02: Luang Prabang Revealed (Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Xiengmene- Khuang Si Waterfall)(4D3N)

On arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After you have had time to rest and freshen up we will head off on bicycles to see some of the highlights of Luang Prabang including a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts from the Royal period in Luang Prabang. Cycling on we are seeing the city’s oldest temples, the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roof sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Lao architecture, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Today we embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, stopping at Ban Xiengmene, Wat Long Khun and the limestone cave of Tham Sakkarin.

Following a picnic lunch we continue our boat journey the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. These caves are an ancient pilgrimage site and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha images left there over hundreds of years.

Returning to Luang Prabang you have the option of visiting Ban Xiengkek and Ban Xangkhong where villagers make jute paper and continue to visit the textile village of Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving or returning to your hotel to relax. Overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast we begin our journey to Khouangsi Waterfall stopping along the way to visit the morning Phousi Market, this where all the locals of Luang Prabang come to do their daily shopping. You will see a variety of local foodstuffs and products including dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, fish, vegetables and fruit, everything needed for daily life in Laos.

On arrival at the Khouangsi Waterfall you will have the opportunity to cool off with a refreshing swim in the topaz pools below the falls, walk along the forest trails and visit the Bear Sanctuary.

After a short rest we will climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred gilded stupa and to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and the sun setting over the Mekong River.

Descending the mountain your will find yourself in the midst of the famous Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can find a unique selection of handmade textiles and handicrafts locally made by both ethnic Lao and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Your evening is free to explore the Night Market and sample some local cuisine at one of the many restaurants the town has to offer. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Depending on your flight, you may have time at leisure before you will be transferred to the airport in time for your departing flight.

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!