Vietnam

Land of the Rising Dragon

Laid Back Luang Prabang

Private Tour

Starting from $448 pp

Overview

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang has got to be one of the most beautiful towns in Asia; but surely you should not choose on just looks alone! If you’re pining for culture, relaxation, a laid back atmosphere with a cosmopolitan feel then look no further. As you wander the backstreets and delve deeper you will fall more and more in love with this charming oasis nestled on the banks of the Mekong river.

During this break as an introduction you will enjoy a tour of the town and the incredible birds eye view from up above at sunset from Mount Phousi. Take a boat trip up stream to the Pak Ou caves that are filled with thousands of Buddha statues, along the way enjoying the incredible surrounding scenery and limestone mountains. Back in town discover the main sites of interest with a guided tour before being left to your own devises. Enjoy some wonderful food, explore the many antique shops, visit the markets or book one of our activities. But one of the must do’s is to get up early to witness the morning Alms and monks dressed in orange lining the streets.

Whatever you decide to do we are afraid that there will never be enough time to fit everything in. So like most first time expat visitors to Luang Prabang you will quickly realise that you will definitely be back again as once is not enough.

ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 1: Arrive Luang Prabang & Mount Phousi (Sunset)

On arrival in Luang Prabang you will be met by an Asia for Expats representative and transferred to your hotel. In the late afternoon you will enjoy an introduction to this beautiful town by enjoying sunset from Mount Phousi. From the top you get an amazing 360-degree view of the town, perfect for orientating yourself and finding your bearings.

*(B)

Day 2: Pak Ou Caves & Luang Prabang City Tour

Today you’ll board a boat on the Mekong River to explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves that are crammed with thousands of Buddha statues. The journey is extremely tranquil and boasts beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and limestone hills. After lunch your guide will take you on a city tour to the best sites in town; such as the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, the impressive stupa of Wat Mai and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground. After your tour we recommend taking a walk through some of the old streets on your own before going out to enjoy dinner and then perhaps searching the night market for some authentic souvenirs.

*(B)

Day 3: Morning Alms & Market

An absolute must do is to rise early and witness 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. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people. Afterwards you can visit the local Morning Market before returning to your hotel for breakfast. We can arrange for you to be guided or you can experience the Alms under your own steam. For the rest of the day you are free to explore the city on your own. Enjoy the wonderful shops and local textiles or simply wonder from coffee shop to coffee shop.

*(B)

Day 4: Depart Luang Prabang

Today you are free to enjoy your last day as you wish until we pick you up in plenty of time and transfer you to the airport for your departing flight.

*(B)

*Please see our list of activities that can be added to your getaway.

Activities

Learn to play Petanque
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 2 hours
Enjoy a fun evening playing petanque (les boules) with our resident guide and experienced petanque player. The game is a popular pass-time all over Laos and in particular Luang Prabang with its many local petanque bars. It is always played in a very social atmosphere, with generally the loser buying the winner a drink.

Kuang Si Waterfall Tour
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 4 hours
Visit the local Phosi Market and the silk weaving centre of Ock Pop Tock before going for a swim in the beautiful turquoise waters of the Kuang Si Waterfall. After drying off you then have some time to pop next door to the Bear Rescue Centre, which helps protect and rehabilitate the rare Asiatic Black Bear.

Pak Ou Caves & Whisky Village Tour

Pak Ou Caves & Whisky Village Tour
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 5 hours
Take a journey up the Mekong River and explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Cross back over the river and stop off at the locally famous whisky village. Learn about the traditional practices of making rice whisky as well as being able to sample a glass or two before taking a stroll around the village.

Luang Prabang City Tour (Half Day)
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: 4 hours
Visit to the Royal Palace Museum, the magnificent Wat Xiengthong and Wat Visoun. Also during this tour you will take a walk up to the top of Mount Phousi where you will get the best panoramic views of the city. It also the perfect way to orient yourself and enjoy the sunset.

Morning Alms and Market Tour
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 2 hours
As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. Afterwards you can visit the Luang Prabang Morning Market before returning to your hotel for breakfast.

Expat Tips

Top Expat Tips

Most people think morning Alms just take place on the main street. Lose the crowds and try a different vantage point.
Try the delicious Luang Prabang sausage and fried river weed with a chili dip.
Take one of our day trips and learn how to become a mahout.

Challenges:

Find the lady that makes quirky stuffed toys on the alleyway near Utopia.
Seek out ‘Pathana Boupha’ the best and most authentic antique house, some items are pricey but they will be original and exquisite.
Take a picture of a monk on one of the two swinging bamboo bridges. (Please be respectful when taking pictures of monks).

For Families:

Hire some bikes from your hotel and explore the area on two wheels.
Introduce the family to some traditional activities, such as archery, rice planting or panning for gold.
Enjoy a half day trip to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfall (Don’t forget your swimwear).

Information

Tour Includes:

Land transportation within Laos by private vehicles.
English speaking guide
Accommodation listed
Breakfasts each morning on the tour
Excursions as mentioned
All admission fees at activities mentioned in the itinerary, temples and attractions.
All taxes

Tour Excludes:

Flights to/from Asia. (Our team can help you arrange flights if requested)
International airport departure taxes
Visa fees
Meals, unless otherwise mentioned
Beverages and personal expenses
Other excursions and entrance fees
Travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation and evacuation in the event of accident of illness).
All other services not listed in “Tour Includes”.

Flights

We will arrange all flights and transportation within Asia as mentioned in the itinerary. Our team can arrange bonded ATOL flights to/from Asia upon request. Please complete the enquiry form with the necessary information to issue a quote for your international flights.

Visa

A visa is required to enter Laos. Our team will happily advise you on visa requirements.

Passport

Please ensure your passport has a validity of at least six months beyond stay. Also at least one blank page for each of the countries you are visiting and 4 passport-size photos are needed.

Insurance

Please make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance adequate for your holidays and the activities you want to undertake. Your insurance must cover medical costs related to hospitalisation, repatriation and emergency travel.

Vaccinations

Please consult your doctor, clinic or your national Department of Health for recommended vaccinations and medication when travelling to Southeast Asia. It is important to arrange the necessary appointments well in advance of your trip.

Currency

US Dollars (USD) are accepted in some places in Laos. You can exchange US Dollars for the local currency Lao Kip (LAK) once you arrive. For currency conversion please click here.

How to Book

Only once you are fully happy with your tailor-made itinerary you will receive an invoice. In order to secure availability for your booking, tour, activities and accommodation we require a 20% deposit.

Responsible Travel

Asia for Expats is committed to promote tourism that creates better places to live in and better places to visit. As expatriates living in Asia we care about the people and regions where we travel. Please read our Responsible Travel section to find more.

Please note:

Our prices are correct at the time of publishing. They are subject to changes and can only be confirmed after receiving an enquiry.

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