Trekking in Luang Prabang

The World Heritage City of Luang Prabang, the former royal capital, is a tranquil town set in the mountains at the confluence of two rivers. The city itself offers many delights beautifully decorated temples, the National Museum (once the royal palace), the Night Market and the views from the top of Mount Phousi to name but a few, while the surrounding countryside is a haven for trekkers.

Not only do you trek through the impressive mountain scenery but you also experience at firsthand life in an ethnic minority village when you stay overnight with a hospitable Khamu family. Visit caves and waterfalls. Live Lao life to the full.

Day 1 : Tour the World Heritage City of Luang Prabang

On your arrival in our in our heritage town, you will be picked up and transferred to your centrally-located hotel. After a short rest, we will start with a visit to the National Museum - once the Royal Palace – but now giving a picture of the various leaders and fighters famous in Lao history, from long ago and up to the present new revolutionary period.

After this enjoy a sightseeing tour of two magnificent temples: Wat Visoun and Wat Xienthong - the city’s oldest temple and one of the best examples of Luang Prabang’s classical architecture.

We will then climb up Mount Phousi to enjoy its sacred stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the river. From there, we will explore Night Market Street, where you will be able to find lovely handicrafts made by our local people. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2 : Trekking in Pak Ou District

The day starts with a minivan pick-up from your hotel to drive for about 50 minutes up Road Number 13 to the Leu village of Ban HatKhor where we begin walking to Ban the Khamu village of Ban HuayKha.

The path goes through beautiful natural forest and you can also take very nice pictures from the upland rice fields. We continue on to the Khamu village of Ban Tam Lum where we can spend some time and break for lunch. Then we climb up to the top of the mountain. All through this trek there are magnificent views.

We will continue to the Hmong village of Ban Phapeng which is perched high on the very top of the mountain. There is a variety of domestic animals including among others pigs, chickens and cows. Then we go to the last Hmong village of Ban MokChong and overnight with a Hmong family.

Day 3 : Trek to Ban HuayKhar

After breakfast, we will walk to the Khamu village of Ban Nasangvang. This is about a three and a half hours walk with sightseeing opportunities on the way. We stop for lunch in the minority village, Ban Huaykok.

Our trek continues through beautiful natural scenery with wonderful views and waterfalls. There are also visits to other villages on the way to Ban HuayKhar – a Khamu village where we will stay with a Khamu family for our second night.

In the evening you will participate in some of the traditional ceremonies of this minority – the Baci Ceremony - and the unforgettable ritual of drinking Lao alcohol through a bamboo straw from a pottery jar. You will listen to local singers and join in with their songs. Overnight in the Khamu village.

Day 4 : boat to Pak Ou Cave and onto Luang Prabang

After breakfast and bidding farewell to the hospitable hill tribe people, we take a walk to the Lao Lue village of Ban Lathahair where take a boat trip along the Ou River to explore Pak Ou Cave with its thousand Buddha statues of all shapes and sizes.

Lunch is in Pak Ou village, where the Ou and Mekong Rivers meet, with great photographic opportunities. The return journey to Luang Prabang includes a stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where rice wine is made. Once back, we go overland to the local villages of Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan to view the royal temple which was once under royal family patronage and the nearby Sackarine Cave.

Then we cross the city and take a short drive to Ban Phanom well known for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Pprabang. (B, L)

Day 5 : At leisure

At your leisure, you can go shopping, take a bicycle around the city or visit the central Market. You are free all day.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 6 : Visit Tadsae Waterfall

You may like to get up early to see the morning procession of monks along Sisavangvong Road lined with the local people waiting to make their offerings of food. Then after breakfast we take a long drive to see the beautiful Tadsae waterfall in lush green surroundings.

Splash in the clear, cool pools or walk along the forest paths, visiting local minority villages on the way. Then it’s back to Luang Prabang the city by the late evening to watch the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (D, L)

Day 7 : Depart Luang Prabang

Free until transfer to the airport