Laos – Romantic Luang Prabang 05 Days

In the morning, drive to visit Phone Say Village. Lying hidden along the Mekong River, just a few kilometers from the Luang Prabang downtown, Phone Say appears to be one of the most intact traditional Lao villages in the area. Here almost 100% women dwellers doing weaving textile while men making fishing trap for fishing on the Mekong River. This hidden charm village cannot be reached by vehicles but just half an hour walking from the main road you would retire yourself into another part of the world with the rattle sound from weavers’ looms working diligently all the day long, walking up to the main road.

After lunch, hop on a bike and pay a visit to Wat Xieng Thong, the 16th century temple, which more than any temples in Luang Prabang, epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture. Then, visit Wat Mai – the largest and most richly decorated temple in town. It holds great significance in Laos culture for both religious and aesthetic reasons. The monastery served as a temple for the royal family and has long been the residence of the Pra Sangkharat, the highest Laotian Buddhist dignitary.

Continue the ride to Ock Pop Tock, a nonprofit seeking to preserve traditional weaving techniques, helping to make the trade an important source of income for many Lao families.

Later afternoon, enjoy a romantic and relaxing time at L’Hibiscus Spa. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink before receiving a 30 minute herbal foot massage on a private balcony for two. The foot massage will be followed by a 90 minute aromatherapy massage in a private room for two including hot compress, hot rocks or hot oil. After the massage share sunset on the balcony and try delicious L’Hibiscus sorbet.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

In the morning, your time will be your own.

In the afternoon, drive to visit Kuang Si Waterfalls about 35km from Luang Prabang downtown. This ride is a bit more challenging as you continuously go up and down the hills with big climb. On the way, you will visit to some ethnic minority villages if interested such as: Ban Na Oun Hmong hill tribe, Ban Naxom, Ban Ou, Lao Loum villages and Ban Thapene Kh’mu village. On arrival, you will enter a national park where you hike around to see the waterfall or swimming in the transparent water. The cool & turquoise water might wash away all of your fatigued. A stop can be made at the Asiatic Black Bear sanctuary. Located near the falls, this centre houses endangered bears rescued from poachers.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, stop to visit the social enterprise Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm to participate in a join-in and exclusive tour that also gives back to the local community. Learn all about how to care for buffalos, tastes a variety of delicious cheeses and take part in a mozzarella-making session with an international renowned chef. Enjoy a private dinner at the farm and return to the hotel at around 21:00. (Optional: Join in nightly ritual of “bringing home the buffalo” at the nearby local village and watch the sunset over the mountains or Mekong River depending on where your buffalo were wandering that day!

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, meet with your local tour guide and drive overland along the Mekong River bank to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Pak Ou Caves are located at the junction of the Mekong River and Ou River. The caves consist of two caves Tham Thing; the lower cave and Tham Phum. Here you will find numerous Buddha images of various styles, ages and sizes. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant along the banks of the Mekong River.

After lunch, enjoy a 2-hour downstream cruise on the Mekong River to Luang Prabang. The river is the national highway of Laos. Cruise past forested banks and riverside villages. The craggy mountain scenery is breathtaking with overhanging cliffs above the swift flowing river. En route, Lao typical villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bobbing by the shore and bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps.
On route, pay a visit to Ban Muangkham where you will see the locals collecting riverweed to make one of the most distinctive snacks of Luang Prabang. Then you’ll also stop to visit the charming spot of Ban Xieng Mene. The small district of Xiang men houses several temples worth visiting, including Wat Xiengmen and the once-important temple of Wat Long Khoun. Neither the most awe-inspiring nor grand of temples but it is definitely worth taking a look at.

In the evening, start out again to take part in a Baci ceremony with local people at a local home to wish for safety, happiness and prosperity. After the ceremony, enjoy beautiful classical and folk dances, and take part in Laos social dance “Lamvong” with local people.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Enjoy breakfast and time at leisure until it’s time to transfer to the airport for your outbound flight. Trip concludes.