Located at the intersection of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and surrounded by picturesque mountains, Luang Prabang has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995 and is becoming increasingly popular among locals and tourists alike. Known for its alluring scenery, warm culture, and slow-paced life, Luang Prabang is a hidden gem of Laos waiting for nature lovers and adventure seekers to discover.
One of the best things about this place is that it is never overcrowded, so you get the chance to get in touch with nature and admire the serene beauty of this untapped gem without having to deal with hordes of tourists.
This is a route put together as a short getaway for you to explore some interesting local side streets, along back alleys and through temples. A city that could have been designed with slow travel in mind, this tour allows you to soak up the ambiance and appreciate the hidden charms of Luang Prabang. Also, a place to let you have that off-the-grid feel, where you get lost in your own time and find pleasure in travel.
The itinerary below is just a starting point. If you are looking for an itinerary tailored specifically to your interests, we are here to help. Let us know what you are looking for and we will curate an itinerary that suits your budget, styles, and pace perfectly.
Purposeful travel can mean a variety of different things, from volunteer vacations in which you give your energy and time to a specific cause to focusing on a specific aspect of the culture you wish to explore. As responsible tour operators, we aim to give you a more focused and, ultimately, more rewarding experience along the way.
As you explore the beauty of the glittering temples, tropical beaches, and emerald rice paddies of Luang Prabang, there are many ways that you can enhance your time in the city and support its growing sustainable tourism economy.
The best way to empower and give back to the culture and environment of the local people is by eating a home-cooked meal prepared from fresh ingredients grown in their backyards and served in a family’s living space. It is a fantastic way to gain an insight into Lao culture and learn about life in Laos beyond the tourist experience. These home visits are a great way to keep your money in the local economy and show your appreciation to the people who most need it.
Buying goods at local markets helps support local farmers and community merchants. Not only is buying at local markets a win for the local economy, but also you’ll be able to get freshly picked, seasonal, and local produce, as well as handmade souvenirs made by local artisans.
With us, you’ll get to connect with local tour guides who are usually highly talented and interesting. As a result, new employment opportunities are created in local communities. Our local tour guides are experienced in the local culture and the environment, so it’ll be a pleasure to take part in their guided tours.
Explore centuries-old weaving methods and other traditional art forms at local villages.
5 days experience covering the best of Luang Prabang.
Whether you are arriving by flight, train or car, our guide will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you might have some time to get a taste of what the city has to offer.
Luang Prabang has a lovely night scene. Stroll through the streets and take your time to explore the city; its clubs, bars, and restaurants. Have a nice dinner at a local restaurant and see what Luang Prabang has to offer on the culinary front.
Day 2 is dedicated to this historic and charming heritage town. Explore the town by tuk-tuk to get a close look at what life looks like for the locals. You will start your journey at Wat Xieng Thong which is one of the most popular temples in the region and is known for its classic Luang Prabang design. You will also visit other nearby temples like Wat Mai and Wat Sene.
End your day by visiting the National Museum, which was also the former Royal Palace. The palace sits in the shadow of the majestic Phousi Mountain making for a beautiful sight. The Phousi mountain is just as beautiful as the temple itself, so be sure to make the 328 steps hike to get to the top of the mountain and see remarkable views of Luang Prabang City. The hike can be a bit tough but rest assured that it is going to be worth every step.
Starting off with a trip to the local fresh market to meet your chef and teacher for the day. Spend some time learning about local produce before boarding a boat to cross the Mekong River where you get to meet friendly villagers and the chef’s family. Get the chance to have the most authentic private cooking experience at the chef’s humble home with local specialties.
After lunch, head upstream by boat to Pak Ou Caves where you will see over 3000 Buddha images, which remained undisturbed and are still in pristine condition, a testament to the dedication and respect of the locals towards this site.
On your way back, stop by Ban Sang Khong village which is known for making highly prized textiles with centuries-old weaving techniques. Some villagers also produce paper with traditional techniques which can be quite a unique experience to watch.
As you continue to cruise back to Luang Prabang, stop by villages known for making the famous river weed snacks, rice crackers, and other delicacies. Continue your relaxing boat ride back to the city and while you enjoy some Lao rice whiskey tasting.
End your day by visiting the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, a museum dedicated to the ethnic minorities of Laos and provides you a window into the lives of the locals back in the day, making it a perfect place for history buffs.
Head out to the peaceful countryside where you get the chance to meet people from different villages including Hmong, Khmu, and Lowland Lao, and learn about their lifestyles, customs, and traditions.
Ban Pano village is one of the most interesting places. It is home to the Khmu people, who were the original inhabitants of Northern Laos. They are animists and speak a language belonging to the Austro-Asiatic group of languages. It can be really interesting spending some time with these people and seeing them go about their life.
The highlight of the trip will be the Kuang Si Waterfall. This scenic waterfall is known for its emerald green pools and falls. While at the falls, you will also stop for picnic lunch at a secluded place that has its own natural pool. So you can recharge and admire nature at your own time.
On the way back to the town, visit Buffalo Dairy farm which is famous for its sustainable approach to local farming. You will get a guided tour of the farm and understand how they work with the local community to manage the farms. A fun yet educational experience for children and adults alike.
Before ending the day, you will have time to stop by a nice cafe and have a relaxing coffee, cake of the day or have some ice cream of your choice.
Given that this is going to be your last day in this beautiful city, take your time to fully enjoy your breakfast. Relax by the resort’s terrace or take a moment to take in the beauty of this charming city and save a mental image that will be imprinted in your memory forever. If time permits, head to town and do some shopping or pick up some hand made souvenirs to bring back home.
At the right time, your guide meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport where you will board your flight back home.
Whether you are arriving by flight, train or car, our guide will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you might have some time to get a taste of what the city has to offer.
Luang Prabang has a lovely night scene. Stroll through the streets and take your time to explore the city; its clubs, bars, and restaurants. Have a nice dinner at a local restaurant and see what Luang Prabang has to offer on the culinary front.
Whether you are arriving by flight, train or car, our guide will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you might have some time to get a taste of what the city has to offer.
Luang Prabang has a lovely night scene. Stroll through the streets and take your time to explore the city; its clubs, bars, and restaurants. Have a nice dinner at a local restaurant and see what Luang Prabang has to offer on the culinary front.
Starting off with a trip to the local fresh market to meet your chef and teacher for the day. Spend some time learning about local produce before boarding a boat to cross the Mekong River where you get to meet friendly villagers and the chef’s family. Get the chance to have the most authentic private cooking experience at the chef’s humble home with local specialties.
After lunch, head upstream by boat to Pak Ou Caves where you will see over 3000 Buddha images, which remained undisturbed and are still in pristine condition, a testament to the dedication and respect of the locals towards this site.
On your way back, stop by Ban Sang Khong village which is known for making highly prized textiles with centuries-old weaving techniques. Some villagers also produce paper with traditional techniques which can be quite a unique experience to watch.
As you continue to cruise back to Luang Prabang, stop by villages known for making the famous river weed snacks, rice crackers, and other delicacies. Continue your relaxing boat ride back to the city and while you enjoy some Lao rice whiskey tasting.
End your day by visiting the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, a museum dedicated to the ethnic minorities of Laos and provides you a window into the lives of the locals back in the day, making it a perfect place for history buffs.
Head out to the peaceful countryside where you get the chance to meet people from different villages including Hmong, Khmu, and Lowland Lao, and learn about their lifestyles, customs, and traditions.
Ban Pano village is one of the most interesting places. It is home to the Khmu people, who were the original inhabitants of Northern Laos. They are animists and speak a language belonging to the Austro-Asiatic group of languages. It can be really interesting spending some time with these people and seeing them go about their life.
The highlight of the trip will be the Kuang Si Waterfall. This scenic waterfall is known for its emerald green pools and falls. While at the falls, you will also stop for picnic lunch at a secluded place that has its own natural pool. So you can recharge and admire nature at your own time.
On the way back to the town, visit Buffalo Dairy farm which is famous for its sustainable approach to local farming. You will get a guided tour of the farm and understand how they work with the local community to manage the farms. A fun yet educational experience for children and adults alike.
Before ending the day, you will have time to stop by a nice cafe and have a relaxing coffee, cake of the day or have some ice cream of your choice.
Given that this is going to be your last day in this beautiful city, take your time to fully enjoy your breakfast. Relax by the resort’s terrace or take a moment to take in the beauty of this charming city and save a mental image that will be imprinted in your memory forever. If time permits, head to town and do some shopping or pick up some hand made souvenirs to bring back home.
At the right time, your guide meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport where you will board your flight back home.
Here’s a hand-picked selection of the accommodation options, perfect for unwinding and recharging, allowing you to maximize your stay in Bhutan.
