Ease into this memorable six-day journey in romantic Luang Prabang. Upon arrival at the airport, we are met by a guide and transferred to the hotel to check-in and receive a welcome drink. We then have the rest of the afternoon to settle into life in this laidback city ahead of dinner at the vegan-friendly Bamboo Tree Restaurant. UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang served as the royal capital and seat of government for the Kingdom of Laos until the 1975 revolution. This compact city can easily be navigated on foot to explore ornate temples, French colonial buildings and more traditional architecture. In the evening we can participate in a traditional baci ceremony. This ritual connects with spirits in order to gain good luck. Dinner is at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

We then have the morning at leisure before lunch at the Silk Road Cafe. At 2.30 pm, we board a vessel and cruise to Ban Muang Kham. This village is famed for producing riverweed called kaiphen. We then continue to Pak Ou to explore sacred caves packed with over 4,000 Buddha statues. We jump back on board and enjoy a spectacular sunset vista accompanied by canapes and a cold beer or a glass of wine as we make our way back to Luang Prabang. We arrive at about 6.30 pm and stroll through the streets to enjoy a delicious dinner on the terrace of the Belle Rive restaurant. Overnight is in Luang Prabang. Be enchanted by Luang Prabang’s natural beauty on this inspirational excursion.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Let the family fun continue with waterfalls, bears and buffalos. At 8.30 am, we will be picked up from our hotel. We first climb Mount Phousi for an amazing panorama. We then head to the colourful Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre. This facility details the unique customs of several ethnic tribes. We then take a 45-minute drive to striking Kuang Si Waterfalls. A short jungle jaunt takes us to the three-tiered falls that thunder into azure pools – perfect for a dip. Next, we visit a bear sanctuary that rescues animals from the clutches of illegal practices and then enjoy lunch at Carpe Diem Restaurant. On our return drive, we stop at the Buffalo Dairy Farm, a social enterprise that rents cattle from farmers to provide extra income. Get close to buffalos and feed calves before sampling buffalo milk ice cream. Dinner is at Gaspard Restaurant. Get into the wild and forge unforgettable memories on today’s inspirational adventure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Walk in the shadow of magnificent elephants during a truly special ethical experience. At 8.30 am we will be met at the hotel lobby by our Mandalao Elephant Sanctuary guide and driven 14 km out of town to the camp. Upon arrival, we receive an introduction before crossing the Nam Khan River to watch the mighty beasts bathing. Next, we embark on a 2.5 km trek following the elephants through thick jungle bursting with tropical flora and fauna to Huay Nok stream. It is then time to say goodbye to the gentle giants as we trek back to Mandalao for a traditional organic lunch. At about 1.30 pm, we return to the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.

Option 2 | Evening Cooking Class (Private)
Learn to cook the traditional Lao way under the guidance of a professional chef at Bamboo Tree Restaurant. Starting at 4.30 pm at this restaurant and cooking school in Wat Sene Village, on the Namkhan Riverside, we refresh with tea and coffee while choosing our recipes, followed by a tour around the Bamboo Tree’s organic garden. Afterwards, we are taught how to prepare our ingredients and spices, including how to make dish decorations from vegetables and techniques such as stuffing lemongrass. We then observe a bamboo weaving demonstration. After our food preparation, we sit down to savour the fruits of our labour (this includes soft drinks). Our fun experience concludes with options including touring the village, climbing a hill for dramatic views over Luang Prabang, taking a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, or partaking in a local bamboo game.

Dinner is on your own account.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Squeeze in some final sight-seeing before we bid a fond farewell to beautiful Laos. After breakfast at the hotel, we may have some free time before we are collected from the lobby and transferred to the airport for our onward flights. We leave full of fond memories with adventures that have seen us discover Luang Prabang’s heritage and culture, experience unique traditional rituals and the natural beauty that surrounds this destination. We have refreshed in cascading waterfalls, taken scenic cruises along the iconic Mekong River, met talented artisans, discovered the sacred Pak Ou Caves and got up close to incredible elephants, bears and buffalos. Along the way, we have feasted on delicious local food and been treated to the warm hospitality of the locals. Upon arrival at the airport, we say goodbye to our guide. This concludes this memorable six-day discovery of romantic Luang Prabang.