World Heritage Tour

Surrounded by thickly forested mountains and situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang has a tranquil, old world charm rarely found in Asia today. This fascinating town was the capital of the Lane Xang (million elephants) kingdom until the mid-sixteenth century.

In colonial times it served as a provincial headquarters of the north. The legacy of the European presence here - well preserved French architecture and careful street planning &ndash has blended delightfully with more than 30 gilded Buddhist temples to create a town rich in atmosphere and history.

DAY 1: ARRIVE LUANG PRABANG ~ SIGHTSEEING

Welcome to Luang Prabang!! Your local guide will meet you at the airport/pier on arrival and transfer you to your hotel to check in before taking you to a local restaurant to sample delicious local cuisine.

After lunch take a tour around Luang Prabang with your guide&hellipand you will understand why it deserves its UNESCO World Heritage title! First visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo. Next stop is Luang Prabang&rsquos National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace (not open on Tuesdays). Displayed inside is an impressive collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries. Continue on to visit Wat Mai - built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden sim epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Phou Sii hill stands right in the center of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy panoramic views for many miles in each direction. Sunset can be enjoyed at Vat Siphouthabath or with a cold drink at one of the cafes located along the Mekong River.

Luang Prabang is great for exploring on foot and today&rsquos sightseeing will have given you your bearings. Dinner is at own arrangement &ndash your local guide can assist with recommendations or making reservations if required.

Meals: Lunch

DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG ~ MORNING ALMS AND MEKONG RIVER TRIP TO PAK OU CAVES

Start the day early with one of the most memorable sights of Luang Prabang. At dawn hundreds of saffron robed monks move silently through the streets to collect alms (offerings of food). Your guide will explain the background behind this ritual which is still very much a part of everyday life in Laos and you will have the chance to make ''merit'' early but well worth the wake up call!

After breakfast head off with your guide to visit Wat Xieng Thong - often said to be Luang Prabang&rsquos most beautiful. It is characterized by its several roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive ''tree of life'' mosaic. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts semi-erotic episodes from the Ramayana.

Then head to the river to begin a relaxing riverboat trip with your guide on the mighty Mekong to visit the famous and sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. En route it is possible to stopover at Ban Xanghai village where local people produce Lao rice wine.

Pak Ou caves have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Today many people still pay respect to this old tradition. After exploring the caves and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant its time to return to your boat and begin the journey back to Luang Prabang town.

Return to Luang Prabang and transfer to your private vehicle and take a drive out of town to the nearby village of Ban Phanom, a weaving village populated by Lu minority people that originally came from Sipsongpanna in Southern China. Lao textiles are still woven here in the traditional manner on ancient wooden looms. This village was once famed for producing silks for the Royal Palace.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. Dinner is at own arrangement &ndash Luang Prabang has a great range of clean, tasty and inexpensive local or international restaurants and cafes to choose from.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG ~ DEPART

After breakfast you are free until your flight time when we will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. Please note that check in time for international flights is two hours prior to departure.

Meals: Breakfast