Duration: 4 days 3 nights
Start: Thai border / Finish: Luang Prabang
Destinations included: Luangxay – Pakbeng – Luang Prabang
Price from: $735/person
Take a two-day cruise down the mighty Mekong River to World Heritage city Luang Prabang. The scenery along the way is beautiful and there are stops to take in the traditional lifestyles of the hill tribe people living there. Your destination, Luang Prabang, is famous for its charming French architecture and ancient temples. You will also visit the beautiful Kuang Si waterfall, with its many turquoise pools.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
Soaking up the beautiful colonial architecture World Heritage
Enjoying the peaceful landscape
Experiencing the local life in depth
Cruising through the beautiful scenery of Mekong river
Visiting the famous Kuang Si Waterfall with its turquoise pools
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- Carefully selected accommodation with breakfast
- Other meals listed in the itinerary
- Expert English-speaking local guide
- Tours as mentioned and air-conditioned transfers
- Sightseeing and permit fees during guided times
- Boat cruises and rides while on tour
- Flights to tour destinations (Economy Class)
- Service charges and government VAT tax
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY BY DAY
Day 1: Mekong River Cruise – Hill Tribe Villages
Welcome to Laos, Luangxay Cruise Team will meet you at Thai Immigration and ferry boat pier for transfer to another pier to board a huge traditional Mekong riverboat for the downstream cruise to Pak Beng. This portion of the Mekong is very remote, which sometimes allows glimpses of wildlife in the extensive forests. There are occasional stops at local hilltribe villages to meet people and observe life on the riverside. Visit Ban Huai Lam Pen, a Hmong minority village with 50 families. Here unique Hmong traditions are preserved; women dress in traditional clothes made from black cotton. Many women sport colourful red wool boa collars that look like fur, and their trousers are delicately hand embroidered. Men, however maintain a simple dress. Overnight at Luangxay Lodge.
Meals included: lunch, dinner
Mekong-river-cruise-to-Luang-Prabang-Sunset
Day 2: Mekong River Cruise – Pak Ou Buddha Caves
After breakfast at the lodge, you can make a quick walk to visit the Pak Beng morning market to check out the local wares. Continue the river journey for the second leg downstream to Luang Prabang. En route stop 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 have been placed here since 16th century. King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Ever since that time, local people have continuously brought Buddha images here to pay respect. Picnic lunch will be served at the caves after which you will re-embark, stopping once at a village specializing in making rice wine! Have a taste, or perhaps just browse the small market the villagers have erected before continuing on to Luang Prabang, the ancient royal capital & crown jewel of the Lane Xang Empire (pronounced ‘lan sang’) – the Land of a Million Elephants. Transfer to your hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day either exploring on your own. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Day 3: Discover World Heritage Temples & Sites – Traditional dance performance
After Breakfast, Visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao. Continue to visit Wat Mai.
Built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Then Visit the National Museum, once a king’s palace. 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. Visit Wat Xieng Thong further emphasizes the uniqueness of Luang Prabang, its several roofs sweeping low to the ground.See also the impressive “tree of life” mosaic here. Climbing up Phou Siihill 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! Shopping Hmong market, where hundreds of Hmong vendors display their handmade handicraft.
In the evening, visit the Monkey dance show at the national museum. It is the traditional dance of Luang Prabang, that is difficult to find in other places. This show will start about 6:30 pm, actors will dance for 1 hour.
Meals included: breakfast
Mekong-river-cruise-to-Luang-Prabang-Hmong people
Day 4: Kuang Si Waterfall – Handicraft Village – Optional Program – Depature
After breakfast drive with your guide by car to Kuang Si 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! Visit Black Hmonng Village, where they produce varieties ofhandmade handicraft. After this we transfer you to the airport for your next destination.
Meals included: breakfast
