Distinctive Luang Prabang Glamping Trails
Distinctive Luang Prabang
Glamping Trails
An intimate Laos view with Rosewood service magnificence for discerned explorers
WHY THIS TOUR?
An international hotel chain that has led the way into providing immaculate service standards across the globe has entered the UNESCO-protected town of Luang Prabang. Inspired by nature, the richness of the town’s cultural values and adding a touch of differentiation into its property, the 23-keys Rosewood Luang Prabang has ensured that its rooms and facilities are blending perfectly in with the natural surroundings.
Particularly its six lavishly-appointed, glamping-styled rooms are a testimony of how important the connection with nature in Laos is. We lift the veil of one of the country’s leading resorts with a 3-night safari-feeling touring program that just may fuel your wanderlust further.
TRAIL ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrival Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang [-]
Guests will be warmly welcomed upon their arrival at Luang Prabang’s International Airport our own Asian Trails’ representative before guided to their air-conditioned vehicle. The approximately 20-minute ride in style and comfort brings customers to the heart of Luang Prabang and your base for a heightened experience that truly can be defined as executive glamping.
Private check-in procedures from the Rosewood Luang Prabang team is followed by an afternoon completely at leisure. Depending on your guests’ arrival flights, you are free to indulge in one of the leisure activities before choosing the top class dining option on the resort for an immaculately-prepared degustation of extraordinary standards. Dinner is on own arrangement.
Accommodation is offered at one of the sanctuary’s well-appointed tents.
Day 2
Luang Prabang [B, L, D]
Breakfast at the resort
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, guests are welcomed by our guide who will guide you to the already-waiting luxury vessel for a cruise upstream on the Mekong River. Our morning is reserved to visit the famous Pak Ou Caves.
This visit, alongside making a stop at a local village called Thin Hong, is a must for visitors. The daily life of various local fishing settlements and the impressive limestone skyline of this part of Laos can easily be observed while sailing quietly to the caves. Pak Ou is derived from the Ou River and when translated, carries the meaning “Mouth of the Ou”. The caves – cut out of limestone – are directly located at the banks of the Mekong and consist of a Lower Cave (called “Tham Ting”) and Upper cave called “Tham Phun” (crammed with over 3000 Buddha images, most of the Buddha Images are in the Lower Cave). Steep stairs will lead to both the caves so wearing good, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Lunch will be served on board
From the Pak Ou Caves, we head back downstream to Luang Prabang. En route, we stop at Ban Xang Khong, well known for its hand-made of Jute Sar paper and exploring the way of how generations have maintained a rather traditional way of living. Upon arrival back at the main embarkation pier in Luang Prabang, we head over to the TAEC Ethnographic Museum (closed every Monday). Since 2006, The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) has been the cultural heart of collecting, maintaining and celebrating the variety of ethnic minorities in Laos. An impressive collection of traditional clothing, household items and going back in time to learn about the historical developments of these hill tribes are on display. Alongside its vast collection, the centre often holds special events and workshops to gain a deeper understanding of the differences among these ethnic minorities.
Dinner is served at a local restaurant in downtown Luang Prabang, called Elephant Restaurant. A selection of Laotian dishes, flavoured to perfection and to accommodate even the western palate. After dinner, you will be driven back to your glamping address for the night over.
Accommodation is offered at one of the sanctuary’s well-appointed tents
Day 3
Luang Prabang [B, L]
Every morning, at dawn, hundreds of Buddhist monks form a procession around the streets of this charming town collecting alms of rice and vegetables from the local population. Almsgiving is an integral part of the Buddhist philosophy, earning the giver merit, or ‘bun’, towards their next life, enhancing their chances of improving their existence next time around. Taking part in this daily mystical ritual is one of the highlights of a stay in Luang Prabang. Before heading back to your resort for breakfast, a quick peek at the local wet market has to be included – the trading grounds for fresh ingredients and household goods are at its finest early in the morning.
Breakfast at the resort
After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel in Luang Prabang at around 8 am and drive around 30 kilometres in a western direction (the drive will take approximately one hour). We recommend bringing a clean set of clothes and possible towels with you. The Kuang Si Falls are the beautiful sight where you can hike, swim and soak up the beauty of the surrounding area. The waterfall is the biggest in the region with three tiers leading to a 60-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. It is this natural marvel where we will set our compass needle towards for a great day out and about. The falls begin in shallow pools atop a steep hillside which leads to the main fall with a 50 meter, three-tiered cascade. The water collects in numerous turquoise blue pools as it flows downstream. The many cascades that result are typical of travertine waterfalls with beautiful scenery; an abundance of flora and fauna surrounds the area.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant
In the afternoon, we head over to the country’s national museum. The former Royal Palace, which was constructed from 1904 to 1909 during the reign of King Sisavangvong, has now been converted into the National Museum. A collection of personal artefacts belonging to the former Royal Family, historical photographs, musical instruments and gifts to the nation from foreign countries are on display. After this visit, we enter the compounds of one Luang Prabang’s most famous temples – the Wat Xieng Thong is the crowning jewel in the town’s collection of temples. Constructed during the 16th century by King Saysethathirath, it is the last temple to be constructed before the capital moved to Vientiane. The temple is located close to the meeting point of Mekong River and Nam Khan River. It was used to organize the highest royal ceremony and houses the funeral vehicle of the former King.
Finally, we stop at Wat Mai before making our way back to your resort. This temple was built in typical Luang Prabang style and purely Lao design in 1796. During Lao New Year, the Prabang (the golden Buddha statue from which the town derives its name) is put on display for a ceremonial cleansing ceremony in which inhabitants bathe the statue in perfume and flowers. Dinner is on own arrangement.
Accommodation is offered at one of the sanctuary’s well-appointed tents.
Day 4
Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang Departure [B]
Matching breakfast with your scheduled departure time from the Rosewood Luang Prabang to our next destination will be something worth considering on the final day of this glamping package. Following the resort’s check-out times and conditions, our guide and driver will be waiting for you at the resort to bring you in comfort back to Luang Prabang International Airport.
