Luang Prabang Stopover

You get up as the sun rises to join the daily morning almsgiving, the most sacred tradition in Laos. In the early morning, more than 200 Buddhist monks depart from temples for the old quarter of Luang Prabang to receive alms from devotees. The monks meditate while moving lightly on their bare feet. The Buddhists prepared offerings such as sticky rice, fruit (mainly bananas), sweets, and some other food and put them in the monk's bowl. Next, you will visit the temporary morning market, where the locals exchange their daily catch for rice, vegetables, fish, or chicken. It is the best chance to experience the flavor of local life.

You see your private tour guide and driver in the lobby for a full-day city tour in Luang Prabang. The first visit is to the Royal Palace Museum, built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. Afterward, board a private longtail boat for a Mekong River cruise to the famous Pak Ou Caves. Locally called Tam Ting, the caves are filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues and come in a wide range of sizes. During the boat ride, take note of the fishermen and villagers going about their daily lives on the river. For many, the Mekong plays an integral role in life and represents one of the only means of transportation and commerce. After visiting the caves, cruise back to Luang Prabang. If time permits, stop at Ban Xang Hay, which specializes in making rice wine. Once back in Luang Prabang, enjoy lunch at one of the town’s most celebrated restaurants, Tamarind (closed on Sundays).

In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, a superb piece of Laos architectural temple, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics, including a beautiful tree of life glass montage on the rear temple wall. Drive along the Mekong to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre to explore the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities with many traditional costumes, tools, and artifacts on display. In the late afternoon, you ascend to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of a gilded stupa and a panoramic sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After having breakfast, you drive 15 kilometers out of the town to see elephants in the Elephant Village Camp. Upon arrival, you will receive a warm welcome from the local tour guide. He provides you with a short briefing about the Laos Elephants and their special herd. Then, you meet up with your personal elephants and participate in some taking care activities as followed:

• Elephant Feeding: Get up close and personal with elephants
• Explore Elephant Village: Visit our elephant hospital, museum, gallery, and dung paper-making facility!
• One-on-One Experience: Take in the unforgettable experience of being a Mahout! 1 person per elephant
• Trail of Falls Trek: Enjoy a 2 km trek on foot through the diverse jungle landscape of our exclusive Trail of Falls.
• Lunch: Enjoy a freshly picnicked lunch in the forest. Vegetarian options are available. 
• Continue the Trail of Falls: Enjoy another 1 km trek on foot along our exclusive Trail of Falls leading up to Tad Sae Waterfalls, where you can relax or swim in its natural pools (water levels vary with seasonal conditions).
• Ride a traditional long-tail boat from the waterfall back to the Elephant Camp, giving you a chance to observe the traditional fishing, and the local river life.

In the mid-afternoon, you travel back to your Hotel in downtown. The rest of the day is free for leisure. Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

Following the hotel breakfast, you will be taken to the Luang Prabang airport for a short flight to the next country on your tour.