Meal: lunch | Accommodation: not included

We’ll start by picking up the bikes at our workshop, where we maintain the best fleet of mountain bikes in town. After a safety introduction, we’ll set off to visit the Morning Market, a lively street where locals stock up on all sorts of interesting supplies, from colorful vegetables to live frogs.

Next, we’ll step from the energy of the market into the serene calm of one of the city’s most sumptuous monasteries, Wat Mai, and then to the former King's Palace – now the National Museum – where you’ll witness the history and present life of Luang Prabang. From there, we will bike to the beautiful and ancient Wat Xieng Thong temple, with its spectacular low sweeping roof, Luang Prabang’s most celebrated monastery.

After a break for lunch, we’ll visit either the UXO museum* (it portrays the devastation that Laos continues to suffer as a result of the Second Indochina War), or shop for local crafts at Ock Pop Tok (which brings the fascinating world of traditional Lao handicrafts alive for visitors).

Onward we'll explore the 16th-century Wat Visoun temple, known for its enormous squat stupa and its collection of old gilded “Calling for the Rain“ Buddhas. We will finish the day at the extraordinary Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre**, the only independent resource center in Laos dedicated to the country's many and diverse ethnic groups.

Meal: lunch | Accommodation: not included

For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents.

Embark on an exhilarating cycling adventure to explore the enchanting Pak Ou caves and discover the cultural gems along the way. The journey kicks off as we cycle to Ban Xang Khong, renowned for its exquisite textiles and Saa paper production, where you can witness traditional crafts in action. 

Next, we pedal to Ban Xang Hay, a village known for its expertise in crafting traditional rice wine. Immerse yourself in the local customs and witness the intricate process of rice wine production. Indulge in a delectable lunch at a local restaurant in Ban Pak Ou village, savoring authentic Lao flavors and enjoying a moment of relaxation.

After lunch, we venture to the mystical Pak Ou caves, where you'll be captivated by the sight of thousands of Buddha statues. Conclude the day with a leisurely cycle back, followed by a scenic local boat ride to Luang Prabang, allowing you to savor the serene beauty of the Mekong River.

Meal: lunch | Accommodation: not included

We'll begin our adventure with a convenient transfer from your hotel to Long Lao village, the starting point of our hiking tour. As we trek through the picturesque Lao countryside of Luang Prabang, immerse yourself in the beauty of orchards, rice fields, and lush vegetable gardens. The journey leads us into the heart of the forested mountains, where wild jungle scenery and graded climbs add to the excitement.

Early in the afternoon, the crystal-clear waters of Kuang Si Waterfall beckon us. Following an exciting forest trail, we'll arrive at the breathtaking waterfall, a sight to behold! Relax and rejuvenate in the welcoming and refreshing pools, where you can also take a refreshing swim.

While at the Kuang Si Waterfall Park, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Sanctuary and learn about the Asian sun and moon bears and the Free the Bears protection program. As the sun begins to set, we'll return by vehicle, concluding our trek in the late afternoon in Luang Prabang.

The total trekking distance is 9 km (5.5 mi), approx 3.5 hours of medium difficulty, and slippery when wet. The trek is mainly flat. There is a rocky section up and down a small hill approx 20 minutes.

Meal: lunch | Accommodation: not included

8:00 am - pick up from your hotel for a quick transfer to the Elephant Village Camp. Welcome greeting by our camp manager and participate in a short briefing about elephants before an unforgettable one-on-one encounter with these gentle giants (no riding).

Next, we embark on a scenic boat trip aboard a traditional Lao long boat to the mesmerizing Tad Sae Waterfall. Relax or swim in crystal-clear waters (don't forget your swimwear!). Recharge with a delectable buffet lunch at our Elephant Camp restaurant, complete with coffee, tea, and drinking water. Vegetarian options are also available.

Following our waterfall escapade, we'll head to our kayaking center. Here, we'll provide you with a brief kayaking instruction and safety review before we begin our exhilarating river journey. The kayaking is a beautiful stretch 20 km (12 mi) easy-to-medium trip normally taking 3-4 hours, suitable for beginners. The scenery is stunning jungle and agricultural land with local villagers fishing and making their living the length of the river.  We’ll kayak just outside the city and return by vehicle to Luang Prabang City.

During the low-water season (Jan to June) we may not visit the Tad Sae Waterfall if it is too low or dry.  Instead, the river is low and exposes white sand beaches and riverbanks where we can stop for photos, river-jumping…Kayaking distance is around 11km only with some rapids at an easy level.

Suggestion for an extension:

For those who are searching for a hide-away extension from Luang Prabang, we would highly recommend the Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort (www.namkatyorlapa.com). About 2 hours by train from Luang Prabang, this hidden gem offers an unparalleled retreat into nature's embrace. Surrounded by lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and majestic mountains, the resort promises an experience of untamed beauty. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings as you explore the local villages, interact with the warm-hearted hill tribes, and engage in thrilling activities like zip-lining through the treetops. Extend your journey from Luang Prabang to this captivating haven and immerse yourself in an unforgettable adventure amidst the wilderness of Laos.