Luang Prabang
Discover the well-preserved ancient temples and colonial-period architecture of the picturesque old riverside town and World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang
A 4-day tour to the charming ancient Lao capital Luang Prabang
Explore the former Lao royal capital and now UNESCO listed World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang and discover its beautiful ancient temples, well-preserved French colonial architecture, bustling markets and riverside cafes. You’ll also travel by boat up the Mekong River to visit the dramatic Pak Ou cave temples, head into the surrounding hills to the picturesque Kuang Si Waterfalls and excellent Free the Bears sanctuary as well as visiting some of the traditional villages belonging to the region’s myriad ethnic groups.
Our choice of accommodation is a well-appointed and centrally located French villa, now lovingly converted into a comfortable 3 star, boutique-style hotel. (This is subject to availability although we do have several similar alternatives.)
Luang Prabang International Airport has excellent flight connections to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Vietnam among other regional destinations as well as to Lao domestic airports such as Vientiane and Pakse. With Lao visas now available on arrival for anyone with a few extra days to spare, Luang Prabang makes for a convenient, fascinating and relaxing short tour or extension.
An exploration of Luang Prabang is of course included in all of our northern Lao tours but also lends itself to extending tours of neighbouring destinations such as Vietnam, Thailand or Cambodia. Note also that, for those with an adventurous streak, Luang Prabang can be reached by a 2-day, 1-night boat cruise down the Mekong River itself, embarking in Thailand’s Chiang Rai Province.
This mini-tour starts and finishes in Luang Prabang with extra nights’ accommodation, either before or after the trip, available if required. Also, note that while our price is based upon a trip for 2 people sharing (either twin or double accommodation) it is also suitable as a private tour for single travellers at a cost of £650, while reductions are on offer for larger sized groups.
Itinerary
Here's an idea of what you can expect to do and see day-to-day.
Day 1 - Luang Prabang - arrival and walking tour of the old city
Arrival in Luang Prabang and afternoon walking tour of the town including the National Museum and former king’s palace, Wat Xiengthong, Phu Si Hill Temple and the Fine Arts School to see how traditional Lao arts and handicrafts are being preserved. and a chance to sample some local specialities in a riverside restaurant.
Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Walk, Meals: D,
Day 2 - Luang Prabang - boat trip up the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves
Time to check out the colourful morning market before a boat trip up the picturesque Mekong River. Visit the village of Ban Muang Keo for a short trek to reach the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Return boat to Luang Prabang for perhaps a sunset at Phu Si Hill.
Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Boat, Walk, Meals: B,
Day 3 - Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Falls and the surrounding hills
Day trip through the surrounding hills to visit the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfalls and the excellent Free the Bears, moon and sun bear sanctuary, as well as the opportunity to discover the fascinating, traditional village life of some of the local peoples.
Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Walk, Tuk Tuk, Meals: B,
Details
The nitty-gritty, the things you need to know, the answers to your burning questions.
-
Highlights
-
Map
-
Hotels
Just a few of the many highlights
Nestled in the mountains, long isolated from the outside world, discover World Heritage Site Luang Prabang’s fabulous temples, French colonial architecture and taste Lao delicacies (and the famous Lao beer!) in riverside cafes
- Stay in a coverted French-period villa, now comfortable boutique hotel
- Travel by boat to the spectacular cave temples at Pak Ou on the banks of the Mekong River
- Check-out the morning market, night market, hill-tribe market as well as the myriad cafes and boutiques
- Explore ancient temples, colonial architecture, narrow lanes and bustling markets in World Heritage Luang Prabang
- Into the surrounding hills and the picturesque Kuang Si Falls
- Sample the justifiably reputed local Lao cuisine in river-side cafes and local markets
We choose our hotels based on a combination of location, comfort and convenience. Here is a *selection of the types of hotel/rooms you can expect to stay at on this tour...
Villa Chitdara Luang Prabang view
- 'French colonial' chic at Luang Prabang's Villa Chitdara
- Friendly staff, a relaxed atmosphere and central location
- Great spot for exploring the old World Heritage town
*This list should be considered a guide only, hotels/rooms may change (without notice) depending on availability.
You deserve a holiday ?
Joining Tours
Holidays should never end, stay a little longer. These tours go well with this extension...
Hidden Thailand Tour
Thailand / 14 Days
Vietnam Tour | Hanoi to Saigon
Vietnam / 16 DaysReviews
Here is what out guest have to say about their experience on this tour...
Travel with us and be the first to tell others about your experience!