Starts | Luang Prabang, Laos, Laos |
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Ends | Luang Prabang, Laos, Laos |
Region | South East Asia |
Tour Operator | Peregrine |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Luang Prabang & Finishing: Luang Prabang
Your Independent Experience starts today in Luang Prabang with an arrival transfer. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking to organise this transfer. You will meet your guide at your accommodation. They’ll help you out with whatever you need, and give you some tips for your free time, including the best places to eat nearby. In your free time, step out onto the streets of this sacred town that, with its gleaming temple roofs, French architecture and mountainous backdrop, is claimed to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’ by UNESCO. The city takes a prominent position in Laos history, as the centre of the Luang Prabang kingdom for over a thousand years and the home of subsequent rulers of Laos as a whole. The city and its people retain a refined, yet relaxed, air and it’s a wonderful place to wander the side streets and dusty lanes and seemingly step back into another era. Notes: As this is an Independent tour, the order of some activities on Day 2 is flexible and so may change. Please talk to your guide about your exact itinerary.
Day 2 - Starting: Luang Prabang & Finishing: Luang Prabang
In the morning, you will have the option to rise early to view the procession of saffron-robed monks on their daily outing collecting alms, a practice that dates back centuries. The people of the town wait out the front of their houses with food for the monks to collect and take back to the temple. It is done early, as the monks cannot eat anything after midday. By giving food to a monk you ‘het bon’ or make merit, which should augur well for your next life. Following breakfast you will visit the major temples, including the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan Rivers, and Wat Wisunalat, which is the oldest temple in the city. Wat Xieng Thong is the most enchanting of Laos’ monasteries, unchanged for centuries; the elegant curves of the main temple’s roof and the motifs and mosaics inside are captivating. After the tour you’ll walk around the local shops known for hand weaving and other interesting artefacts, and you can try you hand at some good-natured bargaining over a souvenir. Next, visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, a building that combines French colonial and traditional Lao architecture. The collection of treasures and artefacts reflects the richness of Lao culture, dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign, who was deposed in 1975. In the afternoon, head south of town to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, a picturesque, multi-level cascade that offers fantastically blue pools that are perfect for a mid-afternoon dip. Back in Luang Prabang this evening you’ll have free time to make further discoveries, including walking around the popular Night Bazaar. Another great optional activity is to sample a traditional Lao massage and herbal sauna.
Day 3 - Starting: Luang Prabang & Finishing: Luang Prabang
Your tour ends today in Luang Prabang after breakfast. There are no activities planned until your included departure transfer to the airport. Additional accommodation is available to extend your stay, or you may like to add on another of our Independent Experiences or Urban Adventures in Laos or South East Asia.
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