Essence of Luang Prabang
- Duration
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 468
FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Both atmospheric and charming, this World Heritage centre offers a dazzling array of temples and monasteries as well as colourful day and night markets run by local hill tribes.
Luang Prabang is a very special small city located approximately 400 kilometres/240 miles north of Vientiane. It is deservedly a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the confluence of two rivers, the Mekong and the Nam Khan. It simply permeates ambience. This is for many reasons. It is well known for its many temples and monasteries with their colourful golden roofs. Also dotted around, one can find French provincial style houses. In the very centre of Luang Prabang is Phou Si Hill from the top of which one can have amazing views of the area.
A highlight has to be in the early morning when there is a parade of the monks from the temples and monasteries. Hundreds of them walk down the main street in single file while the locals drop into their bowls, alms (usually food for the day). This is a sight not to be missed. Something else not to be ignored is the night market and the day market both of which take place in the centre of Luang Prabang. The former offers mainly souvenirs, handicrafts and other objects of interest to the visitor and the latter is more food and vegetables oriented. Both are mainly run by local ethnic hill tribe villagers from the area.
During your stay, you will have plenty of time to explore and unearth the many treasures here. There will also be a visit to the Pak Ou Caves reached by boat and located 25 kilometres/15 miles north. These caves are situated on the MekongRiver and are noted for the miniature Buddhist statues found inside. Nearby is the village of Ban Xanghai, well known for its whiskey making which one can sample. Another visit is to the Kuang Si Falls, 29 kilometres/18 miles south. They are very beautiful and it is possible to swim in the pools formed below.
In Luang Prabang, the following morning, visit the Haw Kham Royal Palace built by the French and turned into a museum in 1975 and also the Wat Ma emple with its 5 tiered roof.
Accommodation in Luang Prabang
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Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel
Take a time out to relive the old world charm of Luang Prabang, Laos, at Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel which houses our celebrated Angsana Spa as well as intimate rooms and luxurious suites. Return to the historic residence of Prince Souvannaphouma and a completely different way …
Take a time out to relive the old world charm of Luang Prabang, Laos, at Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel which houses our celebrated Angsana Spa as well as intimate rooms and luxurious suites. Return to the historic residence of Prince Souvannaphouma and a completely different way of life after a long, fulfilling day of exploring the ancient temples and enchanting scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then dine like royalty with a mouth-watering variety of French, Laotian and Indochinese dishes, served up in a casually chic poolside setting.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Spa
Photo gallery
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Santi Resort and Spa
Mountains in the horizon, never ending rice fields at your doorstep, canals with Lotus flowers, creeks and waterfalls; all stretches through the sprawling serene landscape of Santi Resort & Spa. The Resort is located a short 10 minute drive from downtown Luang Prabang and boasts …
Mountains in the horizon, never ending rice fields at your doorstep, canals with Lotus flowers, creeks and waterfalls; all stretches through the sprawling serene landscape of Santi Resort & Spa. The Resort is located a short 10 minute drive from downtown Luang Prabang and boasts of 67 elegantly designed rooms, Bungalows and Suites all with terrace or balcony and fitted with hot and cold shower, bathtub, and individually controlled air-Conditioning. Further, the Resort has four Food & Beverage Outlets.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Restaurant(s)
- Spa
Photo gallery
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Belmond La Residence Phou Vao
Positioned atop a hill, with stunning mountain views, Belmond La Residence Phou Vao is an unforgettable place to stay. Its calm, tranquil ambience echoes that of the sleepy World Heritage town of Luang Prabang - former royal capital of Laos - spread out below. This …
Positioned atop a hill, with stunning mountain views, Belmond La Residence Phou Vao is an unforgettable place to stay. Its calm, tranquil ambience echoes that of the sleepy World Heritage town of Luang Prabang - former royal capital of Laos - spread out below. This hotel is known for its wonderful French-influenced local cuisine and an open-air spa beside a water lily pool. Relax, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy stepping back into a more gracious era.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Bicycles
- Boutique(s)
- Business Centre
- Currency Exchange
- Internet Access
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
- Lounge(s)
- Mail and Postal Facilities
- Massage Treatments
- Restaurant(s)
- Spa
Photo gallery
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- Duration
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 468
Itinerary View Trip Map
Luang Prabang Airport to Hotel
| Duration | 15 Minutes |
|---|
Villa Santi Hotel
The Villa Santi Hotel was established in 1992 by Lao business man Mr. Santi Inthavong in a royal residence, which belongs to his wife, a royal princess of Luang Prabang. The century old mansion was renovated and equipped with up to date facilities. The hotel was first operated as a family business with 11 rooms and a restaurant. In November 1994, 14 rooms were added, making the property one of the most famous sites of Luang Prabang, which was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
| Meal Plan | Full Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Villa Santi Hotel |
| Location | View map |
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Villa Santi Hotel
The Villa Santi Hotel was established in 1992 by Lao business man Mr. Santi Inthavong in a royal residence, which belongs to his wife, a royal princess of Luang Prabang. The century old mansion was renovated and equipped with up to date facilities. The hotel …
The Villa Santi Hotel was established in 1992 by Lao business man Mr. Santi Inthavong in a royal residence, which belongs to his wife, a royal princess of Luang Prabang. The century old mansion was renovated and equipped with up to date facilities. The hotel was first operated as a family business with 11 rooms and a restaurant. In November 1994, 14 rooms were added, making the property one of the most famous sites of Luang Prabang, which was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Full Day Morning Alms Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Sii Waterfalls
This morning there is the opportunity to 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. 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'. Return to your hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast visit the beautiful Wat Xieng Thong. It is characterized by its several roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive "tree of life" mosaic. Then begin a relaxing riverboat trip with your guide up the mighty Mekong to visit the sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. En-route it is possible to stopover at Ban Thin Hong village, a Lao Loum village where you can get a glimpse of daily life. Pak Ou caves is home to thousands of Buddha images placed in the caves by locals as far back as the 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Today many people still pay respect to this tradition.
After exploring the caves and having lunch at a local restaurant nearby continue by road to the Kuang Sii Waterfalls. The distance is about 70km and the journey should take approximately 1 hour passing through very scenic Laotian countryside, with rice paddies and many ethnic minority villages along the way. On arrival at Kuang Sii there is time to enjoy a refreshing dip in the falls. These beautiful falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. After exploring the waterfalls return to Luang Prabang by road. If time permits, you may stop at some local villages. Arrive back in Luang Prabang town in the late afternoon and this evening is at leisure.
| Duration | 11 Hours |
|---|
Half Day Classic City Orientation
Set out with your guide on private transport for discover some of the priceless monuments around the old city, now under UNESCO protection as a World Heritage Site. Visit Luang Prabang's National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace. Displayed inside is a collection of personal artifacts of the former Laotian Royal Family. Visit the nearby Wat Mai - the five-tiered roof epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Visit Wat Xieng Thong - often said to be Luang Prabang's most beautiful. It is characterized by its several roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive "tree of life" mosaic. Visit Wat Visoun, the oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddha.
If time and energy permit! Climb its 350 steps Phou Sii hill stands right in the center of this small city to enjoy commanding views for many miles in each direction.
| Duration | 4 Hours |
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Luang Prabang Hotel to Airport
| Duration | 15 Minutes |
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Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers
- 2 nights first-class accommodations in Luang Prabang
- Private-guided full day Morning Alms, Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Sii Waterfalls tour
- Private-guided half day Classic City Orientation tour
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 1 lunch
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not specifically indicated
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
13 Sep 2023
