Highlights

• Tour local temples, including Wat Mai and Wat Xieng Thong
• Learn about local culture and history at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center
• Climb Phousi Hill to watch the sunset over the Mekong River
• Explore the sights, sounds, and wares of the Night Market
• Cycle to the tomb of Henry Mahout and weaving villages, Elephant and boat rides
• Visit elephant sanctuary 
• Cool off at Tad Sae waterfall (during wet season)
• Trek and paddle your way to a hill-tribe homestay
• Experience first-hand how rice is cultivated at the acclaimed “Rice is Life” experience
• Spend a night at the relaxing Hillside Resort
• Refresh and swim at the Kuang Si waterfall and Bear Rescue Center

Daily Itinerary

Day 01 Luang Prabang Arrival (-)

Welcome to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  We will pick you up at the airport on your arrival and deliver you to your hotel.  Take some time to settle in and relax.  Depending on your arrival time we’ll take you to lunch and then on to a short city tour.

Day 02 Luang Prabang – Bike City Tour (B/L)

Begin exploring this wonderful town with your guide on a morning bike ride, starting with the local morning market where you can see the locals getting their daily supplies. The tour will continue with visits to the National Museum (closed on Tuesday and Sunday afternoons), Wat Mai, and Wat Xieng Thong. Here, you'll learn about Lao history and the kingdoms which ruled this place in former times. For lunch our guide will recommend a few great restaurants where you can sample Lao food.

In the afternoon you'll visit Wat Visoun, which dates back to the 16th century, before heading to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, where you'll gain a deeper understanding of the ethnic diversity in Laos today. After returning the bikes we'll ascend Phousi Mountain to marvel at the sunset over town before descending into the colourfully lit tents of the Night Market to shop for handmade crafts.

Day 03 Bike – Elephant – Trekking and Home Stay (B/L/D)

We will pick you up from your hotel and help you choose a suitable bike before heading out of town, passing through small villages along the way. You will see Ban Panom, the cotton- and silk-weaving village, and the grave of Henri Mouhot, the French explorer who made Angkor Wat famous. When we reach the Nam Khan River, we can take a dip in its cool water before undertaking a 1.5 km climb to the Nam Khan valley. We'll break for lunch atop the mountain or along the way, depending on our route, and then continue to the Elephant Village, which is set on the bank of the Nam Khan River. After learning about the elephants we’ll take a boat up to the Tad Sae Waterfall (Please note that the waterfall is dry from February to August).

Afterwards, a short and easy trek will bring us into the “Fair Trek” Project area, where communities profit directly from your visit. You’ll get to know the culture and traditions of the Khamu people who settled here nearly a century ago.  Soon after you arrive in the village you’ll be introduced to your host family. 

Spend the night in the Khamu village

Day 04 Short Trek and Kayaking Trip on the Nam Khan River (B/L)

We will start our second day in the village with breakfast at your host’s house. After that we’ll take a short hike back to the Elephant Lodge, where we’ll begin a gentle kayaking tour on the Nam Khan River, paddling for 3.5-4 hours, passing a few small rapids here and there. After arriving in Luang Prabang, a car will pick you up and take you to your hotel.

Day 05 Rice is Life Experience (B/L)

Rice is Life: The seed to harvest experience A Living Lands Organic Farm program

Hosted by the Living Lands community farm this unique half-day, hands-on activity provides an understanding to the 14 steps of the rice cycle, from selecting the seeds to ploughing (with water buffalo) to cooking and eating. You'll spend the night at the Hillside Resort.

Day 06 Hillside Resort – Kuang Si Waterfalls (B/L)

On our way to Kuang Si falls we will drive through beautiful landscapes of rice fields, hills, and small villages, stopping to visit a small village along the way that will provide an opportunity to learn more about the ethnic diversity in Lao PDR. The Hmong live in this region and maintain a culture that is very different from that of their neighbors. You will have an opportunity to learn about their traditions and culture, much of which has remained unchanged for centuries. Then relax at the Kuang Si Waterfall and enjoy the natural surroundings and as you wander through this protected area. You’ll have time to take a swim and visit the Bear Rescue Center to learn about efforts to protect native bears.

In the afternoon we will explore some villages that make handicrafts. The locally made saa paper is especially interesting as it is handmade from the bark of the mulberry tree.  After your visit, we’ll drive back to Luang Prabang.

Day 07 Sok Di! (B)

"Sok Di," literally "good luck," is a traditional Lao way of wishing farewell. We'll transfer you from your hotel to the airport for departure. 

Services

Included Travel Services

• All sightseeing as described in program above
• Transportation in private vehicles
• Accommodation in hotels (twin shared)
• English speaking guide
• Admission fees to sights described above
• Meals where indicated in itineraries (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
• Lao PDR government tax and service charge
• Luggage handing

Not Included Travel Services

• International air tickets to/from Lao PDR
• Visa fee (approximately US$30/pax, depending on nationality)
• Travel insurance of any kind
• Meals not mentioned in itinerary
• Tips, drinks, personal expenses and other expenses not described in the program above
• Single room surcharge on request

Our statement on elephants in tourism.