Laos – 4 Days Luang Prabang Luxury

Meal: No Meal

Meet your guide and drive to your hotel, after checking in our visit will start with the Wat Visoun, this temple was constructed during the reign of King Visounarat around 1520. In 1942, it was turned into a Museum of Religious Arts, and houses collections of Buddha images and religious artifacts from the fourteenth century. A short drive along the Nam Khan River brings us to Wat Xieng Thong.  This is one of the most important temples in the entire country of Laos and the most important one in Luang Prabang. Until 1975, when the Communist Party gained control over Laos, Wat Xieng Thong was a royal temple, supported by the royal family. During the 1960s Wat Xieng Thong was completely remodeled and redecorated, becoming the splendid temple we see today.

After a short walk along the streets, you will arrive at Wat Mai (“New Monastery” built in 1796).  It was given its present name following the restoration undertaken in 1821 by King Manthathourat. The most striking feature of the temple is the gilded relief panels covering the front facade. The panels tell the story of the highest incarnation of the Buddha -- Vessentara. The gilded door frames merge into the relief panel, forming what looks like a monolithic wall of gold. Next to Wat Mai temple is the National Museum (close every Tuesday) which used to be the Royal Palace (Haw Kham).  Your guide will help explain some information as you tour the museum. It houses the Royal throne of the Lane Xang kingdom in its original splendor, and many other religious treasures.

To finish our trip, we will climb the steps of Phou Si hill, to the top, which is studded with many small temples and shrines. The gilded stupa at the top of the hill is built on a large rock outcropping. An old opening in the base of the rock was sealed up to prevent vandalism. Next to the stupa is a small wiharn (chapel) for prayers. Further down the side of the hill is part of Wat Phra Budda Bhat (The Buddha's Footprint Temple). From here enjoy the view of the peninsula where the Nam Khan River meets the mighty Mekong River.

WAT MAI SUWANNAPHUMAHAM

The impressive Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham is one of Luang Prabang’s largest and most richly decorated temples. Both its interior and exterior are extensively adorned with black and red lacquer decoration and gold leaf. The temple, also known as Wat Mai, meaning “new temple”, was founded around 1780 by King Anurat of Luang Prabang Kingdom.

NATIONAL MUSEUM (ROYAL PALACE) AND HOR PHRA BANG

Set in a spacious, well-tended garden just off one of Luang Prabang’s main boulevards (Sisavangvong Road), you will find the fascinating Royal Palace Museum, which is also known as Hor Kham. The museum is well worth a couple of hours of your time if you want to learn more about Lao history and culture. Originally the residence of the king, the museum was designed in the French Beaux-Arts style, with many tasteful accents of traditional Lao culture. When the communists came to power in 1975, they took over the palace and sent the royal family to re-education camps. The palace was converted into a museum that was opened to the public in 1995 after careful renovation, and remains in good condition. The grounds contain a number of other buildings including a new exhibition hall and a chapel (Hor Phra Bang), and a statue of King Sisavangvong.

WAT VISOUNNALATH

Founded in 1512 during the reign of King Visounnalath (1501-1520), this temple was a symbol of the Kingdom’s unity. The carved wooden railings in the temple’s windows are reminiscent of the Wat Phou temple in Champassak, in the far South of Laos. Inside you can admire ancient statues and steels. Also located on the grounds of this temple is the That Pathoume, also known as That Mak Mo (the watermelon stupa) because of its shape.

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

Morning Activity: Kuang Si waterfalls is the most visited tourist attraction in Laos, and this morning you will have a private breakfast set up by one of the top restaurants in Luang Prabang, L' Elephant. This way you can see the beauty of the falls without the tourists, the ideal way to experience this site.
You will then take the only modern charter boat on the Mekong in Luang Prabang to Pak Ou caves and then up river to see the newly constructed Chinese railway bridge that spans the Mekong. Normally this ride takes over three hours, yet on this boat you will arrive at Pak Ou within 60 minutes. This is truly one of the nicest ways to experience the Mekong.
Evening Option: Private Baci Ceremony with a Member of the Former Royal Court. (The prince, but out of sensitivity to the government we cannot write this but can verbalize it)
During this two-hour experience you will go to the home of a member of the former royal court where he will introduce you to Lao culture, traditions and art. He is a talented artist and will show you his exquisite work, and then you will sit for a traditional Baci ceremony where you will be blessed. The ceremony is to summon back all 32 of your souls.
TAD KUANG SI WATERFALL AND BEAR RESCUE CENTER
Tad Kuang Si Waterfall is the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-meter drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals. Visit the Bear Rescue Center within the Kuang Si Waterfall Park (No extra entrance ticket).
Many of the bears at the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre were destined for bile farms or kept illegally as 'pets'. Since 2003, we've been working with the Luang
Prabang Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office to create a safe haven for these victims of the illegal wildlife trade. The bears can now relax in hammocks, play with new friends and live a safe, healthy life.
THAM PAK OU CAVES
One of the most respected holy sites in Lao; Pak Ou Caves have a history dating back thousands of years. Packed with over 4,000 Buddha icons, the caves, a shrine to the river spirit and Lord Buddha, are set in a dramatic limestone cliff at the point where the Mekong joins the Nam Ou River. There are two caves to visit, the lower cave called Tham Ting and the upper cave Tham Thueng, both boasting miniature Buddhist figures that are mostly made from wood.

Meals:

During this two hour experience the member of the royal court will skillfully show you how several Lao dishes are made and he will also show how to make ornamental dishes and decoration out of banana leaves and other natural products. You then walk the food over to the local temple and offer it to the monks. After you receive their blessing, you return to his house and sample these dishes.

Evening Option: Sunset Cruise on The Mekong. We will hire a private traditional boat and start the cruise at Wat Xieng Thong and head south towards the golf course at a leisurely pace. The boat stops at the most scenic area in Luang Prabang for the sunset. You will have light refreshments and enjoy a very memorable scene.

Meal:

After breakfast, free time until private transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

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