Day 1: Luang Prabang City Tour
Your guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Nestled in a stunning setting amid lush mountains, this sacred city of golden temples and saffron robed monks provides endless opportunities for sightseeing. Then enjoy a half-day tour of the city. See remarkable Wat Xieng Thong, the temple of the golden city, as well as the gilded carved façade of Wat Mai. Visit the National Museum in the former Royal Palace. It is said that those who do not climb the 328 steps up Phousi Mountain have not really visited the city. The climb is steep, but your reward is an incredible view of this lovely city and the surrounding mountains. A visit to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center will give you a glimpse of the daily lives of the tribal peoples of Northern Laos.
Day 2: Pak Ou Caves
If you get up early, you can watch or participate in the traditional Lao rite of giving alms to the monks. Every morning, 300+ monks file through the city silently collecting alms. It’s an amazing sight. Your guide will explain the meaning of this important ritual. Return to your hotel for breakfast, then, cruise the Mekong River to visit the famous and sacred Pak Ou Caves. Since the 16th century when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot, the local people have brought images of the Buddha to place here—by now there are thousands.. Today many still respect this old tradition. Explore the caves before returning to your boat and Luang Prabang. Enjoy lunch en route.
Day 3: Kuang Si Waterfall
After breakfast, drive to beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall. The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. You can cool off with a swim before returning to Luang Prabang. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight onward.