House of travel Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Myanmar Brochure 2017 | Page 52

LUANG PRABANG SIGHTSEEING

Duration: 3 HRS Price from $ 129pp

Explore the key sites of Luang Prabang. Begin with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum. Formerly the king’ s palace, it displays a lovely collection of personal artefacts of the royal family, photos, musical instruments and gifts received from foreigners. Next, climb over 300 steps to the summit of Mt. Phousi where stunning views of the city can be seen. Head to the Xieng Thong Temple with its mosaic decoration and the former royal carriage. End the tour with a visit to Wat Phabat Tai, a monastery complex overlooking the Mekong River.

Duration: 3-4 HRS Price from $ 98pp

By bicycle visit Xieng Thong Temple, a symbol of great historic importance. Characteristic of Luang Prabang style it features exquisite mosaic design and intricate carvings. Continue cycling to nearby areas Ban Phone Hueang, Ban Aphay and Ban Visun to observe the daily life of the locals. Next, ride to the Photisak Silver Shop and Minority Art Centre where a brief stop is made. Last but not least, visit Wat Phabat Tai, a monastery complex with elements of Lao, Thai and Vietnamese style.

Duration: 8 HRS Price from $ 150pp

Take a traditional wooden boat upstream to visit the famous caves of Pak Ou. Located within a cliff face the two famous caves are crammed with hundreds of Buddha images that have been placed by local people dating back to the early 16th century when the caves were discovered. Stops are also made at Ban Muang Kham and at Ban Xanghai, where the people of this village mostly distil rice wine and weave. Upon returning to Luang Prabang, visit Wat Longkhoun, Wat Chomphet and Ban Xieng Men, a breath-taking village.

Duration: 4 HRS Price from $ 123pp

Located south of Luang Prabang, visit Kwang Si Waterfall. The falls cascade on to calcareous bedrock which have scooped out small basins of turquoise colour. Dependent on conditions, swimming may also be possible. On the way you will have the opportunity to visit the minority villages of Ban Xing and Ban Thinkeo. After lunch, visit Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek, for many years these villages have specialised in manufacturing and selling products made from silk and Saa paper( paper made from the bark of the mulberry tree).

Duration: 6 HRS Price from $ 174pp

Start the day with an early morning tour of Luang Prabangs fresh produce market. Learn about the intriguing ingredients and flavours that Lao cuisine relies on. Continue on for a hands-on cooking class experience. In a fun environment, learn to prepare and cook popular Lao dishes working with traditional mortar and pestles including open fire. Prepare four to six dishes with the cooking school accommodating to vegetarians. Recipes are provided for you to take back home.

Duration:: 8 HRS Price from $ 240pp

Visit the famous Pak Ou Caves accessed by traditional wooden boat. Located on the cliff face, the caves are home to hundreds of Buddha images. En-route you’ ll also visit the villages of Ban Muang Kham and Ban Xanghai. Enjoy lunch served on a terrace facing the Nam U River before continuing on to visit Kwang Si Waterfall. With small basins of turquoise colour, the falls cascade down on to calcareous bedrock. Dependent on conditions, swimming may also be possible.

Duration: 3 HRS Price from $ 154pp

Visit a small village outside of town. Consisting of only 60 families, the village of Ban Suadara, mainly rely on farming activities for their survival. Cross Bamboo Bridge to reach their home town, careful not to disrupt the serenity of this isolated village. Observe the locals as they carry out their daily tasks, taking note that foreigners still remain a novelty. The charming villagers are as curious about its observers as you are about them. A short stop is also made at Wat Phon Phao showcasing traditional Buddhist scenes through paintings.

Duration: 2days / 1night Price from $ 316pp

Two hours north of Luang Prabang, hidden on the banks of the Mekong River, Kamu Lodge is nestled in the heart of Lao countryside. Travel upstream on this overnight package featuring a boat cruise on the Mekong River with a stop at Pak Ou Caves, interesting cultural activities and one night in a super-sized tent attached with modern bathroom amenities and facilities. This private eco-lodge offers a rustic retreat and encounter which urbanites have often not seen. This truly is a unique experience.

Duration: 2days / 1night Price from $ 580pp

Discover the mighty Mekong River on a river boat travelling from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai. Offering a unique cultural journey, understand more about life and nature along the legendary river. As part of the two-day cruise, spend the night at Luang Say Lodge and experience a fiery sunset from your teak and rosewood bungalow along the river. Untouched by the modern world, this historic region is rich and colourful. Note: It is possible to continue your journey to Chiang Rai, Thailand on the same day.