This morning you will depart Luang Prabang on a very scenic rural drive for the village of Ban Don Ngurn. Upon arrival you will board a private boat for a cruise down the beautiful Nam Ou River. The cruise takes you by stunning limestone karst scenery, offering many photo opportunities. The scenery along the river is captivating as you cruise by picturesque landscapes and the occasional tribal hamlet. Continue along the Nam Ou until it merges with the mighty Mekong River. Pay a visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Although the caves are not as massive as some of the famous caves in Southeast Asia, they are very interesting because Buddhists have been venturing here for centuries to place Buddha statues in them. The lower cave contains the largest part of the collection, well over 3000 statues, and hence a fairly arduous climb up some steep stairs to the upper cave is purely optional. After your visit to the caves, you will head back toward Luang Prabang, with two or three stops (depending on your preference) along the way.

Your first stop will be for a delicious picnic on the scenic banks of the Nam Ou River, organized by one of Luang Prabang’s best restaurants. Continue the cruise until you stop at Ban Vanglae, a Lu tribe village where traditional weaving and dyeing is the main occupation of the villagers. Your last optional stop on the cruise back down river to Luang Prabang is at Ban Nongxai, an artisan’s village. At the end of this adventure, you are driven back to Luang Prabang.

Early Evening: You have the option of a guided excursion to Phousi Mountain. This is a hill in the center of the old town that provides a breathtaking view of the town and the Mekong River at sunset. This excursion involves a fairly rigorous climb up 350 paved steps, but the view from the top is an amazing photographic opportunity, as it showcases the remarkable beauty of Luang Prabang.