Meal: lunch | Accommodation: not included

We will kick off the day by immersing ourselves in the local culture at the vibrant Morning Market. Afterward, we'll explore the exquisite Wat Mai temple, known for its stunning architecture and intricate details. Next, we'll take a step back in time as we visit the Former King's Palace, a majestic testament to Laos' royal history. Our morning adventure concludes with a visit to the iconic Wat Xieng Thong, a masterpiece of Lao temple architecture. 

After a delicious local lunch, we’ll visit the UXO Visitor's Centre, shedding light on the impact of unexploded ordnance on the region and the ongoing efforts in clearance and awareness. Our next stop is Wat Visoun, the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang, boasting a fascinating blend of architectural styles. Finally, we'll wrap up our day at the Traditional Art and Ethnology Centre, where we'll learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Laos and their rich cultural heritage.

Meal: lunch | Accommodation: not included

Our day begins with the unique "Rice of Life" experience, offering a hands-on opportunity to gain insights into the traditional rice farming practices of Laos. Engage with local farmers, learn about the significance of rice cultivation, and even participate in planting or harvesting activities. This immersive experience will connect you with the essence of Lao culture and the vital role rice plays in the daily lives of its people.

After a special rice snack at the farm, we’ll take a scenic drive along the Mekong River to have lunch at the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall. Surrounded by lush jungle, the cascading turquoise waters create a mesmerizing sight. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear pools, take leisurely strolls along the well-maintained trails, and relish the tranquil ambiance.

Next, we'll visit the Bear Sanctuary, a heartwarming initiative that provides a safe haven for rescued bears. Observe these beautiful creatures living happily in a protected environment, where they are rehabilitated and cared for. Learn about the conservation efforts and the importance of preserving wildlife in Laos.

The trip concludes late afternoon in Luang Prabang City.

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. Watch the town come to life for this procession, and offer up alms yourself. Laos is the last holdout for this wonderful tradition, and you don’t want to miss out!

Around 9:30 am - pick up from your hotel for a quick transfer to the city pier, where you’ll embark on a cruise upstream of the Mekong River. We’ll first stop at the Ban Xang Hai aka Whisky Village then head to the Pak Ou village. You will have plenty of time to explore the Pak Ou Caves and appreciate their thousands of Buddha statues. Upon returning to the boat, you will be served lunch while heading back to Luang Prabang for a noon break.

Late in the afternoon, get a transfer to a nearby venue where we embark on the Bamboo experience, an enchanting journey that takes you on a cultural exploration of the ubiquitous bamboo plant within Lao traditions. 

Throughout the experience, you'll engage in a series of immersive activities, including bamboo hunting and weaving, as well as participating in an interactive cooking class that centers around the versatile bamboo plant as the key ingredient. You'll have the chance to try your hand at crossbow shooting, walking on bamboo stilts, and even pounding sticky rice with a traditional Pestle & Mortar... As you savor a delectable meal, you'll be treated to the enchanting melodies of the Hmong Khen, a bamboo instrument, and even have an opportunity to try playing it yourself, and also the lively Kamu bamboo dancing with "Skipping poles," a delightful celebration of the region's cultural heritage. Back to your hotel after dinner.

Meal: lunch | Accommodation: not included

Morning pick-up from your hotel, we'll start with a visit to the picturesque Ock Pop Tok weaving center, where you can witness the artistry of traditional weaving techniques. Next, we'll head to Ban Houy Thong to immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of the Khamu ethnic village. The driving takes you 300 meters higher than Luang Prabang to enjoy the great view of the valley from the car! Upon arrival, we'll embark on a short, invigorating 1.5-hour walk through the captivating mountain rice fields and lush jungle forests of Laos, followed by a refreshing fruit refreshment.

Around noon time, we arrive at a small resort where lunch will be served. For the afternoon activity, you have to make a choice. You can either stay at the resort to relax, head back to Luang Prabang, or hike up to a viewpoint before returning to Luang Prabang.

Note: weather permits, please bring your bathing suit for a delightful dip in the resort's outdoor pool, perfect for unwinding and savoring the natural beauty around you.

Meal: lunch | Accommodation: not included

Get picked up and head to Xieng Lom village by minivan. After a fascinating introduction to elephant behavior, you take a boat across the river to meet your new friends. Explore the mysterious beauty of the Lao jungle with rescued elephants as your companions at the Mandalao Elephant Sanctuary. This journey is a perfect way for these happy elephants to enjoy a walk in their natural habitat after decades of hard labor in logging camps. It also offers you a once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn from and absorb their calming energy. The trek is about 2 hours and you pass through local farms and streams where you can hear the sounds of the jungle and the gentle footsteps of the elephants.

MandaLao’s guides and mahouts will teach you how to understand the ways in which elephants and humans communicate with one another. Once this connection is made it’s almost impossible not to see many of our own emotions in them—a life-changing experience with animals so seemingly different from us.

After a delicious lunch in the jungle, you have ample time to make a deep connection with the elephants. You walk to a seldom-seen and hidden gem of a waterfall, where you can wade, meditate, or stand under its softly flowing showers.

You will end this full and deeply satisfying day by escorting your elephant companions to their feeding grounds before honoring them with your friendship and bidding them farewell until you meet again!

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.