Upon arrival, begin this romantic tour of Luang Prabang with a meet and greet with the English speaking guide, followed by a transfer and hotel check in.

There will be a short orientation in the evening, followed by a 328 step climb to Mount Phousi. Watch the sun set over the city and surrounding hills before being transferred back to the hotel. En route, stop along the way at the hill tribe evening market for some shopping.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang (4 km): 15 min

After an 8:30 AM pickup from the guide, head into Luang Prabang with the adapted bikes. Begin the tour at the former Royal Palace, which stands today as the National Museum. Explore the history of Laos before continuing on to Wat Mai, a temple known for its golden bas reliefs.

Pay a visit to Wat Visoun, the holiest temple in the city, before continuing passed Wat Aham to Wat That, housing the ashes of King Sisavang Vong. Ride along the Nam Khan River to Wat Xieng Thong, the most revered temple (and one of the most beautiful) in Luang Prabang.

Lunch at Tamarind (closed on Sundays) for some of the best local food in Luang Prabang (Lao set menu included).

Head out of town in the afternoon and ride to the Phosy Market. The guide will help to explain (and encourage sampling!) some of the exotic, local fruits.

Continue the Luang Prabang cycle to Ock Pop Tock, a non-profit organisation working to preserve traditional weaving techniques. A short tour introduces the process of silk weaving from the initial stages of creating the dyes to the final process of loom weaving.

Ride along the Mekong back to town for the final stop: the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre. Dedicated to the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities, this museum displays traditional costumes, tools, and artefacts alongside in-depth descriptions and written histories. (Note: closed on Mondays).

Return to hotel by bike.  

This afternoon enjoy a romantic and relaxing time at L’Hibiscus Spa. Sample a hot spa welcome beverage before enjoying a 30 minute herbal foot massage on a private balcony for two. Continue with a 90 minute aromatherapy massage (private room for two) including hot compress, hot rocks, or hot oil. After the massage share sunset on the balcony and try a delicious L’Hibiscus sorbet.

In the evening, enjoy a romantic dinner for two at Luang Prabang’s finest French restaurant, L’Eléphant. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Hotel – E-bike station (2 km): 5 min

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to a Mekong River pier for a boat ride up the river.

Laos has several waterways that have traditionally been used as the local form of transportation; they continue to be used in that manner today in many parts of the country. Taking a local boat cruise is probably one of the most rewarding ways to discover the life along the rivers. During the cruise, observe the daily activities of fishermen and how they elegantly cast their nets into the river. For villages settled along the Mekong, the river plays an essential role in their daily life and usually represents the only means of transportation and commerce.

Two hours upstream from Luang Prabang, disembark to visit the famous Pak Ou Caves. Locally called Tam Ting, the caves are filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues. The statues range in size from a few centimetres tall to the height of a human and are crammed into the cave which is nestled in a limestone cliff. The caves are a destination for local pilgrimages, especially at Lao New Year (Pi Mai) in April.

After visiting the caves, re-board the boat for a cruise back to Luang Prabang. En route, stop at Ban Xang Hay, a village which specialises in making traditional rice-wine.

Lunch will be back in Luang Prabang.

In the late afternoon, learn the secrets behind delicious Lao cuisine with a cooking class run by one of Luang Prabang’s most famous restaurants: Tamarind (closed on Sundays). Expert chefs will demonstrate how to prepare authentic Lao dishes… and then it’s the students turn! As a reward for the day’s hard work, sit down to enjoy the meals that have just been crafted. Head home with a cook book and the new knowledge of how to cook delicious Lao flavours.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Boat trip to Pak Ou Caves (25 km): 2 hours

For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the 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. Return to the hotel for breakfast. (Transfers to and from via tuk-tuk.) Breakfast at the hotel.

From the hotel, leave with guide and private vehicle to visit the Luang Prabang countryside and the Kuang Si Waterfalls. Along the way, take note of the beautiful landscapes of rice fields, hills, and small villages. There are also many viewpoints overlooking the Mekong River.

Stop en-route to visit a small village which is home to one of the area’s many ethnic groups. Learn briefly about their traditions and culture, much of which has remained unchanged for centuries.

Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfall, relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The water cascades gently into several cool, clear pools where a refreshing swim is possible.

Before heading out, there is an optional visit to the bear sanctuary next to the falls (run by Free The Bears Fund Inc.) There are currently 23 Asiatic Black Bears living in the sanctuary, which has saved them from poaching. Read about their habits and observe their playful nature, whilst learning about the difficulties they are facing from poachers.

Enjoy a picnic lunch next to the falls before returning to Luang Prabang for an afternoon and evening at leisure.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, stop at the Kuang Si Butterfly Park to visit the beautiful garden filled of hundreds of Laos’s butterflies! (Note: closed on Tuesday)

As the day comes to the end, experience one of Laos’ oldest traditions: The Baci. A mix of Animist and Buddhist beliefs, this practice is used to call back escaped spirits to the body.; traditionally observed before weddings, births, travel, welcomes and farewells.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang – Kuang Si (32 km): 1 hour

Enjoy the final morning free for last minute shopping or sightseeing before heading to the airport with guide and private vehicle.

Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang Airport (4 km): 15 min