5-Days Culture Tour Luang Prabang

Tour code: ETC0512

Trip Overview

• Experiencing the peaceful ambiance of Luang Prabang and visiting its cultural heritage sites
• Visiting the sacred Pak Ou Caves and a traditional Lao textile village by boat
• Watching a procession of saffron-robed monks collecting alms at sunrise
• Feeling the mist of one of Asia's most spectacular natural attractions, Kuang Si Waterfalls

Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrival – City of Luang Prabang, UNESCO World Heritage

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best-preserved city in South East Asia’. This evening you have tickets to attend the unique Royal Ballet Performance set in the Royal Palace. This colorful show features excerpts from the Ramayana (the show starts at 6 pm to 7 pm). Then overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 2: Luang Prabang – city tour, museum, and Baci Ceremony

Morning program

An optional early start gives you the cultural opportunity to participate in the daily morning ritual of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms from the faithful residents. This procession is truly unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the tradition. Afterward, we have the option of visiting the local morning market, before returning to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we visit the Royal Palace Museum which hosts a range of interesting artifacts (closed on Tuesday). Then we begin our walking tour taking in some of the most beautiful temples. Depending on the rest of your program this may also include the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, as well as Wat Sene, the oldest temple in Luang Prabang.

We will also visit Wat Visoun, known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape. We then stop at Yensabai, where you will see some Lao traditional stencils made with Saa paper. Lao Xiengthong Stencils Optional: Lao traditional Stencil class Discover and learn how to produce a Lao utensil. Mr. Anousith will also teach you how to do it and how you can use it when you come back to your own country.

Optional: make your own stencil - Demonstration with gold painting and Saa paper Duration: around 1 h'20 minutes Number of pax: 2 pax maximum Cost: 15 USD/pax

Afternoon program

Our next stop is then the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre which gives us further insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos (closed on Monday). Afterward, we climb up Mt Phousi, which offers a spectacular sunset and a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River. We may then stroll through the night market (open between 5pm-10pm) setting in downtown selling a large variety of local textiles and ethnic handicrafts. At the end of the day, we transfer out to a local village, where you take part in a traditional Baci Ceremony, involving the tying of strings to one's wrists aims to keep bad spirits away and bring good luck. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Meals: Breakfast/_/_ A Baci Ceremony, an important feature of traditional Lao culture

DAY 3: Luang Prabang – Ock Pop Tok –Natural dyes and Weaving

To begin with, you will visit the Ock Pop Tok cultural weaving center for a unique Silkworm and Natural Dyes Class. First, you will be given an explanation about the worms’ lives; where they come from, who makes silk in Laos and a bizarre list of facts regarding agriculture. Guests are then invited to prepare mulberry leaves and feed the worms. After a brief introduction to the natural dyes, you will finally dye scarves in your chosen colors.

And by late afternoon there is a chance to meet the weavers and get an introduction to the weaving technique. There will also be a chance to try your hand at weaving and spinning. Finally, the day finishes with cocktails and canapés overlooking the sunset on the Mekong River. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/_

DAY 4: Luang Prabang – Cooking Class 

The day starts with a visit to the local market, accompanied by the head chef who will advise you on the different types of ingredients. Using the fresh produce, you will notably be taught in the art of Lao cuisine. Lunch is your own mornings' efforts!. Afterward, the afternoon is at your own leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/_

Day 5: Luang Prabang – Departure from the city

Depending on your departing flight you may have time at leisure before your transfer to the airport for departure. Meals: Breakfast/_/_

Prices

Join-in tour starting from $500

NOTES:

• In the wet season, the drive-by minivan is not very comfortable due to the slippery road. So 4WD truck is thus recommended (prices accordingly)
• Prices are in USD, per person, based on two people traveling together and sharing a room. At Ethnic Travel Laos, together with Laos Senses Travel, we carefully select all hotels, homestays, and guesthouses to ensure that your accommodations match our standards of trip and service excellence.
• Prices include the following:
  - All hotel accommodation including all taxes and breakfast
  - Internal economy flights as stated with airport taxes
  - All transfers & sightseeing transportation in private vehicle
  - Private services of local guides
  - All special events & private tours, guest experts
  - All entrance fees into historical sites & museums
  - Drinking water and refreshing towels for touring
  - 24/7 support from the Laos Senses Travel Team