Day 1: Luang Prabang
Your guide will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Luang Prabang. Nestled in a stunning setting amid lush mountains, this sacred city of golden temples and saffron robed monks provides endless opportunities for sightseeing. Tonight enjoy a spectacular dinner with a dance performance depicting the history of Laos and various local folk stories.
Day 2: Luang Prabang
Today is a full-day visit to the Elephant Village. Learn a bit about these magnificent creatures, then, enjoy a one-hour ride through the jungle on elephant back. Relax after your ride with a cup of coffee or green tea on the bank of the Nam Khan River. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the Elephant View Restaurant, then, take a 15-minute boat trip to Tad Sae waterfall and spend an hour swimming in the pristine water. The falls are dry from January-July. Return to your hotel in Luang Prabang.
Day 3: Luang Prabang
Enjoy a tour of Luang Prabang. 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, where relics from Laos’ royalist past remain. 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 4: Kuang Si Waterfall
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. You can also visit the bustling Morning Market and learn about exotic ingredients that go into Laotian cooking. After breakfast, drive to Kuang Si Waterfall. Stop along the way to visit the Living Crafts Centre, where you can meet weavers and learn about traditional Laotian textiles. At the falls, crystal water cascades into idyllic turquoise pools. Bring a bathing suit if you want to swim. At the nearby Sun Bear Refuge you will learn more about the poaching that is endangering these gentle creatures.
Day 5: Luang Prabang
After breakfast, it’s time to learn the secrets of Laotian cuisine. Visit the colorful and vibrant Phosy Market, with an expert chef to select the ingredients you need for your lesson. Collect fresh herbs from an exotic jungle garden. The chef will explain the differences between the various cuisines of Southeast Asia and distribute printed recipes so you can cook them for your friends at home. Enjoy the delicious feast you have prepared. The afternoon and evening are free for you to relax in the tranquil atmosphere of the golden city.
Day 6: Luang Prabang
Transfer to the airport for your flight next flight.