Day 1: Luang Prabang – Around World Heritage Site Temples & The Town of Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang

Surrounded by thickly forested mountains and situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang has a tranquil, old world charm rarely found in Asia today. This fascinating town was the capital of the Lane Xang (million elephants) kingdom until the mid-sixteenth century. In colonial times it served as a provincial headquarters of the north. The legacy of the European presence here - well preserved French architecture and careful street planning – has blended delightfully with more than 30 gilded Buddhist temples to create a town rich in atmosphere and history.

Welcome to Luang Prabang! Your guide will meet you upon arrival at the airport and bring you to your hotel. Grab your bike, enjoy a half-day spin 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. 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! Then continue on to visit Wat Mai. Built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Wat Xieng Thong further emphasizes & characterizes 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. Then visit the National Museum, once a king's palace, where 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. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, after which you can return to the hotel. This town is wonderful for walking, and today’s excursion will help to give you your bearings! Spend the rest of the day exploring or relaxing on your own until dinner. Tonight enjoy a dinner of traditional Luang Prabang food.

(L, D)

Day 2, Luang Prabang – Lao Royal Cooking Course – Khuang Sii Waterfall

After breakfast, meet the chef at the cooking school. Travel together to visit the colorful and vibrant Phosy Market, where you will make your guided food selections. At the restaurant prepare the ingredients for cooking and then fix the dishes under a sun roof in our airy garden. The chef will explain to you the differences of South East Asian cuisines and distribute printed recipes providing you with the possibility to cook Lao food for your friends at home! Enjoy the lunch that you prepared!

After lunch, drive with your guide by car to the Khuang Sii waterfall. The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. The water here has a clear blue-green tint due to the high mineral content. You can climb the stairs and look down from various high viewpoints on the way to the top! Later in the afternoon return to the hotel to relax or explore on your own.

(B, L)

Day 3, Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Buddha Caves – Traditional Lao Massage

After breakfast, 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. Today many still pay respect with this old tradition. Walk through the caves before returning to your boat and to Luang Prabang town. Enjoy lunch en route.

This afternoon, enjoy a traditional Lao oil massage for an hour. What a relaxing way to sample local culture! Afterwards, return to your hotel for your evening at leisure. (B, L)

Day 4, Luang Prabang – Elephant Ride – Ban Xang Khong Handicrafts Village

Today after breakfast, travel outside of town to an Elephant Camp. Learn about these magnificent creatures as you take one for a ride! If you always wanted to ride an Elephant in its natural biosphere and not in a circus or city, then this is for you. Elephant rides are scenic, tranquil, relaxing and require no specific fitness. In the wet season (July – January) ride your elephant to the stunning Tad Sae waterfall. In the dry season (February – June) your elephant will take you through rice paddies along the riverbank and to a nearby village. Enjoy lunch and then return to Luang Prabang.

On the way back, stop in Ban Xang Khong. See their amazing locally-made silk weavings as well as mulberry paper items. This is a great stop for souvenirs! Return to Luang Prabang for dinner and overnight.

(B,L)

Day 5, Luang Prabang – Onward

Today after breakfast, relax on your own until time to check out and transfer to the airport for your flight onward. (B)