Day 15. Luang Prabang
Overnight – Rosewood
An optional pre-sunrise start today gives you the opportunity to participate in one of Luang Prabang’s most iconic traditions: donating food to the local monks (Tak Bat). Your Tour Director will assist you in procuring the groceries and instruct you on the process as the monks walk by silently and open their baskets for you to place your contribution in them. The monks have been collecting their day’s meals in this manner for centuries. Afterward enjoy a walk through the nearby fresh food market. The busy market is a hive of activity as locals purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish caught from the Mekong River. Return to the hotel for breakfast and a bit of leisure time to freshen up.
Late Morning: Join your Tour Director for a tour of the charming old town. You will visit Wat That Luang, where you have the option to communicate with a senior monk. You will then stop at Wat Visoun, which, because of its design, is known as The Watermelon Stupa. Next you will visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong. This monument is a photographer’s delight because of its classical Luang Prabang architecture, with the roof sweeping close to the ground.
You will also visit the impressive Arts and Ethnology Center which provides great insights into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos. The last stop of this excursion is the quaint Royal Palace Museum, which offers a good overview of the local history.
There is a break for lunch, after which you are driven to the gorgeous set of waterfalls at Kuang Si. Upon your arrival at the entrance, you have the option of a quick visit to the small bear rescue center at the base of the falls. Proceed onward into the jungle on well- maintained walkways, until you arrive at the first small set of falls. The base of these falls has a beautiful natural blue swimming hole the size of a large public pool – swimming is permitted at all the falls, so you may want to dress appropriately. Continue on your leisurely walk through the jungle, making your way from waterfall to waterfall, to one idyllic swimming hole after another. The finale is a stunning 200 ft. cascade that is the most impressive of the collection of waterfalls. You are driven back to Luang Prabang at the end of this adventure.
An optional pre-sunrise start today gives you the opportunity to participate in one of Luang Prabang’s most iconic traditions: donating food to the local monks (Tak Bat). Your Tour Director will assist you in procuring the groceries and instruct you on the process as the monks walk by silently and open their baskets for you to place your contribution in them. The monks have been collecting their day’s meals in this manner for centuries. Afterward enjoy a walk through the nearby fresh food market. The busy market is a hive of activity as locals purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish caught from the Mekong River. Return to the hotel for breakfast and a bit of leisure time to freshen up.
Late Morning: Join your Tour Director for a tour of the charming old town. You will visit Wat That Luang, where you have the option to communicate with a senior monk. You will then stop at Wat Visoun, which, because of its design, is known as The Watermelon Stupa. Next you will visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong. This monument is a photographer’s delight because of its classical Luang Prabang architecture, with the roof sweeping close to the ground.
You will also visit the impressive Arts and Ethnology Center which provides great insights into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos. The last stop of this excursion is the quaint Royal Palace Museum, which offers a good overview of the local history.
There is a break for lunch, after which you are driven to the gorgeous set of waterfalls at Kuang Si. Upon your arrival at the entrance, you have the option of a quick visit to the small bear rescue center at the base of the falls. Proceed onward into the jungle on well- maintained walkways, until you arrive at the first small set of falls. The base of these falls has a beautiful natural blue swimming hole the size of a large public pool – swimming is permitted at all the falls, so you may want to dress appropriately. Continue on your leisurely walk through the jungle, making your way from waterfall to waterfall, to one idyllic swimming hole after another. The finale is a stunning 200 ft. cascade that is the most impressive of the collection of waterfalls. You are driven back to Luang Prabang at the end of this adventure.