THE TRAIL OF LUANG PRABANG (8D7N):

On arrival at the Luang Prabang airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel. Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment. After a soft rest, our guide will walk you through the small streets of Luang Prabang to get familiar and the city and admire the local life. We will make a stop at one of the petanque courses, where we can join a game with a local team. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Tip:

+ In the evening, we recommend joining the Royal Ballet Theatre at the National Museum to watch the traditional show of Phralak Phralam and learn about the history and culture of Laos (not included – payable on spot)

+ There is also the chance to join the Garavek Traditional Storytelling, which also focuses on showing the history & culture of Laos. (not included – payable on spot)

We start the day by starting cycling to the suburb and then heading up the north road number 13 to explore the beautiful countryside. We cycle approximately 2 hours to Ban Xang Hai village which has for centuries made the clay jars which are used to ferment Lao wine. Nowadays the tradition still continues, however today the village now specializes in producing a wide range of ‘Lao Lao’ the Lao whisky and ‘Lao Hai’ Lao wine.  After the visit we continue to cycling on dirt road approximately for 45 minutes to Ban Pak Ou where we will stop for lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we cross the Mekong River to visit the famous Buddha Caves which sit amongst the limestone cliffs where the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers meet. The caves are spilt in two, one named Tham Ting and the other Tham Theung. They are both filled with thousands of Buddha images and statues which have been deposited here over centuries. Pak Ou remains a popular pilgrimage site for Lao people, especially during the Lao New Year in April when the caves become crowded with pilgrims who gain merit by ceremonially washing the Buddha statues. After the visit we drop our bicycles onto the boat and head down the mighty Mekong towards Luang Prabang. During the trip you will enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river. If time allows, we will stop on our way to visit Ban San Xang Khong village to see expert of mulberry paper making. Arriving back in Luang Prabang at approximately 4:30pm. Cycle back to your hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, we cycle to the boat pier, where we will take the ferry crossing the Mekong river to the other sides of the Mekong, which is totally different from the ancient side of Luang Prabang. Upon arriving at the other sides, we continue to cycle the next 10km to the Green Jungle Park. Arriving at the park, relax for a Tea or a coffee at Hoi Khua Coffee shop to fill our security acknowledgement form, following by a training safety riding zipline with our experience guide and start climb up to the higher trees for a loop of 14 stations to challenge your friends or yourself with 14 different bridges and obstacles. Challenge your agility and using your balance with some Wooden Bridges, ZIG-ZAG Walk Way, Monkey Bridge, Crossing Net, Flying Trapeze, Rope Crossing, Wooden Bridge, Tires Path… And then back down to the coffee shop to have lunch

In the afternoon, we start climbing to the top of the waterfall with a local guide for a hiking loop of around 2h30. Once on the top enjoy a nice mountain view and discover the natural pool from the waterfall water spring and also some centenaries trees. Learn about the jungle vegetation, the tales of Hoi Khua waterfall and the local lifestyle.

Continue by the governor’s trees plantations project with some wild field, enjoy the natural taste of some veggies found along the way and then walk back down to the coffee shop where we will have lunch. You are then free to walk around the park, visit the flower garden, or just relax and enjoy the cup of coffee admiring the green nature. Late afternoon, we will cycle back to the pier and take the ferry back to Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Approx. 2.5-hour cycling, 2.5-hour trekking, 1-hour ziplining

After departing at 8:30 am from your hotel, transfer to Nahm Dong park, which locates in Ban Xiengmouk, 10Km from city center. Arriving at the park, we will have a short welcome by the park manager before joining the morning activities here. We will first start with the Zipline flying over the jungle and the waterfalls admiring the amazing evergreen scenery. The zipline will take about 1 hour. Then we will walk back via the jungle trail crossing some flying bridges, small streams, and clear natural pools, where you can take a refresh splash if you wish so.

The picnic lunch will be served at the viewpoint where you can spread your view over the region, including the view of mount Phousi in the city center. You can either spend the rest of the afternoon stroll around the park, relax by one of the huts at the camp, or enjoy the fresh cool clear natural pools. Tonight, we will make a campsite with tents (equipment is provided) at the Nahm Dong Park among the nature. There, we will make the campfire and enjoy the dinner under the starry sky.

Note:

+ Zipline in 1 hour, trekking min 1 hour - max 3 hours depending on the route that you choose.

If you want the comfortable stay, we recommend the nearby beautiful Hillside Nature Resort. Car from Nahm Dong Park with private escorting guide

After breakfast, we visit the ethnic Khmu village of Ban Longlao Nung before heading to the nearby Hmong village of Ban Longlao Song. You will be able to observe the lifestyles of these two culturally very different minority groups and see how despite their differences they manage to work together on a day to day basis and even sharing the same school.

As we continue onwards the trail leads through rice paddys and vegetable fields before reaching the mountainous forest. Along the way we explore a cave which was used as a bomb shelter by the locals during the second indochina war. After visiting the cave, one more hour of trekking brings us to one of the many springs which feeds Kuang Si waterfalls, here a beautiful pool full of sacred fish can be seen. After descending from the top of the waterfall we enjoy a Lao style lunch amongst some beautiful settings!

The afternoon is spent bathing and relaxing around the turquoise pools below the waterfall. You can also visit the bear conservation center which is located nearby and home to many bears which have been rescued from illegal farms. Before returning to Luang Prabang we take a short walk to a nearby Khmu village of Ban Thapene which is home to some of the most beautiful pools of Kuang Si Waterfalls. Approximately: 2 hours driving, 3 hours trekking

After picking you up from town or your hotel we will leave Luang Prabang around 08:30 for the nearby village of Xieng Lom. Upon arrival you are invited to have coffee or tea as your guide for the day provides an in-depth introduction to elephant behavior and the ways we should interact with them.

A quick boat ride across the Nam Khan River will deliver you to the waiting elephants. You will be introduced to your new friends and feed them some special treats - a sure way to begin an instant friendship. Enjoy observing elephants from the river bank as Mahouts wash them in the Nam Khan river. You can experience elephants washing, swimming and playing in the water. Please note this is voluntary activity for the elephants and Mandalao does not force them to get in the water. (On cold days the elephants are less likely to want to get wet.)

After 2 hours crossing through a beautiful stretch of traditional Lao gardens you will arrive at the jungle-covered Huay Nok stream. As you walk alongside the elephants and crisscross through the cool water you will experience a profound sense of understanding, respect, and caring for these amazing animals.

You and your elephant companions will continue walking past a lovely stretch of rice fields and enter a patch of forest where you can rest, relax, and eat. Lunch will be served in traditional Lao fashion, eating on bamboo mats on the forest floor.

In the afternoon, visit Tad Kuang Song Waterfall, which was named after a Golden Deer spirit seen standing on its crest many centuries ago. If you like, you can take a cool dip, wade, stand under the soft showers of the waterfall, and spend time meditating and admiring the private beauty of this rarely seen natural treasure.

You will sit, watch, and learn as the MandaLao mahout’s show how they communicate and listen to their elephants. This will highlight the special skills each elephant has and give you deeper insight into their individual personalities.

After this, you can take what you have learned from the mahouts and guides throughout the day and spend quiet, uninterrupted time with the elephants—reading their emotions just as they read yours. You will experience first-hand why humans and elephants have shared such an unwavering bond for thousands of years. Along with the mahouts, you will bring your elephants to their nighttime feeding grounds. Take time for a long goodbye and in knowing that the connection you have built is not only felt by you, but by your new friend as well.

Enjoy a few moments to think about your experiences from the day as you look out at the vast Luang Prabang mountain range from the terrace at MandaLao. We will then drive you back to town. Arrive approximately 4:00pm. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Guide & Car from MandaLao Elephant Camp

Around 08.30 A.M. we will pick you up from your hotel in Luang Prabang for this adventure activity day. After a short 30 min. ride out of town you will arrive at the banks of the Nam Khan river where your day of nature activities will start.

On your short 3-4-hour-trek you will learn about the small Khamu community living in front of a huge mountain range. You walk along the soft swinging slopes and get an introduction in everyday life of these people. Take your time to wander around in the village and meet the locals where you can stop and ask your questions. Lunch will be served along the way preferably in the village with local food or a lunch box prepared for you. After that, we will explore the Tad Sae waterfalls and the Nam Khan river valley. You may take some time to hang out and enjoy the scenery, the nature and the cascades around you.

From there, our guide will give you a short briefing about the kayaking tour and will teach you how to paddle if it is your first time. A relaxing river journey follows and brings you back to Luang Prabang. Several stops along the way can be done, to visit a village or the grave of the former French explorer Henry Mohout. Back in Luang Prabang, a local Tuk-Tuk will bring you back to your hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Tip: Before having dinner, we recommend heading to Lao Red Cross to enjoy a traditional Lao massage, which will help you recover from the exploration in the last some days. (Not included – payable on spot)

You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before taking the departure flight

Tip: we recommend joining a morning Yoga class at Luang Prabang Yoga, which will take about 1 hour starting at 07:30AM at Utopia Bar & Restaurant before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Class fee is KIP40,000/person ~ $5 (payable on spot in KIP only – pre-reservation not accepted). Note: you need to come on time if you are interested. In case you come late, you are not allowed to join. Here is the class schedule & pricing.