Essential Pack: 3Days Charming of Luang Prabang

Informazioni generali

Destinazione
Luang Prabang, Laos

Il programma nel dettaglio

Day1: We start off with a visit to the former royal palace which was built between 1904
& 1905. Here we take some time to look around this magnificent building before
moving onwards to Wat Visoun temple which was built by Visounnarath 500
years ago in 1513! The next stop is Wat Xieng Thong which was built by
Sayasettha back in 1565.

We then continue onwards to Ban Phanom village which
is famous for its weaving before heading to Ban Xang Khong which is famous for
the handmade Sa paper which is produced here before then heading back to Luang Prabang.



Day2: We depart from our office and take a short walk to the boat pier. We board the
boat and begin our cruise along the amazing Mekong which takes us past idyllic
scenes of rural riverside life and spectacular scenery until reaching the beautiful
Pak Ou Caves which sit amongst the limestone cliffs where the Mekong and Nam
Ou rivers meet. The caves are spilt in two, one named Tham Ting and the other
Tham Theung. They are both filled with thousands of Buddha images and statues
which have been deposited here over centuries.

Pak Ou remains a popular pilgrimage site for Lao people, especially during the Lao
New Year in April when the caves become crowded with pilgrims who gain merit
by ceremonially washing the Buddha statues. We take time to explore upper and
lower caves before stopping for a delicious Lao lunch at a nearby restaurant.
A short distance away from Pak Ou Caves we visit the village of Ban Xang Hai
which has for centuries made the clay jars which are used to ferment Lao wine.
Nowadays the tradition continues however the village now also specializes in
producing a wide range of ‘Lau Lao’ Lao whisky and ‘Lau Hai’ Lao wine. Be sure to
try just a little before we head of back down river to Luang Prabang in the late
afternoon.



Day3:We depart from our office and drive for around one hour west to Ban Xeng Mouk
village where the trek starts.
We begin with a visit to the ethnic Khmu village of Ban Longlao Nung before
heading to the nearby Hmong village of Ban Longlao Song. You will be able to
observe the lifestyles of these two culturally very different minority groups and
see how despite their differences they manage to work together on a day to day
basis and even sharing the same school.

As we continue onwards the trail leads through rice paddys and vegetable fields
before reaching the mountainous forest. Along the way we explore a cave which
was used as a bomb shelter by the locals during the second indochina war.
After visiting the cave one more hour of trekking brings us to one of the many
springs which feeds Kuang Xi waterfalls, here a beautiful pool full of sacred fish
can be seen. After descending from the top of the waterfall we enjoy a Lao style
lunch amongst some beautiful settings!

The afternoon is spent bathing and relaxing around the turquoise pools below the
waterfall. You can also visit the bear conservation center which is located nearby
and home to many bears which have been rescued from illegal farms.
Before returning to Luang Prabang we take a short walk to a nearby Khmu village
of Ban Thapene which is home to some of the most beautiful pools of Kuang Xi
Waterfalls.



Meeting/pick-up point: Pick up at the hotel.

Start/opening time: Day 1: Half day Luang Prabang heritage at 8:30am. Day 2:Pak Ou caves river trip at 9:30am. Day 3:Kuangsi waterfall adventure at 9:00am.
-End/closing time: Day1: At 12:30pm, Day2: At 4pm, Day3: At 5pm.

Languages: English.

Others: No accommodation included.