Luang Prabang-Nongkhiew-Luang Prabang

Upon arrival to Luang Prabang – Arrival flight is not included and after customs & immigration formalities, you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Surrounded by thickly forested mountains and situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang has a tranquil, old world charm rarely found in Asia today. This fascinating town was the capital of the Lane Xang (million elephants) Kingdom until the mid-sixteenth century. In colonial times it served as a provincial headquarters of the north. The legacy of the European presence here - well preserved French architecture and careful street planning – has blended delightfully with more than 30 gilded Buddhist temples to create a town rich in atmosphere and history. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in South East Asia. In 1995 UNESCO voted Luang Prabang as a World Heritage City. The balance of the day and dinner is at your leisure. Meals included: None Accommodation: Villa Chitadara Hotel – Superior Room www.villachitdara.com

Breakfast at the hotel 9:00 am, you will be met by a local guide that will take you to visit one of the famous Kuang Si Waterfalls. The distance is about 30 km and the journey should take approximately one hour passing through very scenic Laotian countryside. Visit the “Bear Rescue Centre” where they conserve the black bears in the northern part of Laos. Enjoy Lao-style picnic lunch near the falls and if you like take 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. This afternoon 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 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. Return to your hotel, the remainder of the day and dinner is at leisure. Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation: Villa Chitadara Hotel –

Breakfast at the hotel 8:30 am, you will be met by a local guide and transferred to the Elephant Village in the beautiful and unspoiled Nam Khan River valley. Lao elephants were traditionally used for logging, but as the forests disappear so have the animals. The project invests in community-based eco-programs and seeks to give elephants a new home in the park. We’ll meet the mahouts that train and care for them. They’ll teach us how to give the elephants commands ourselves, and of course we’ll climb up for truly memorable ride along and right into the river. (Please have your camera ready; the experience and setting is unforgettable.). 11:30 am, take the journeys to visit famous Pak Ou Buddha Cave, these caves have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that have been placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Today many people still pay respect to this tradition. Enjoy traditional Lao style lunch before taking a private Mekong Riverboat down the stream to Luang Prabang passing. 4:00 pm, return to your hotel and the remainder of the day and dinner is at leisure. Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation: Villa Chitadara Hotel – Superior Room www.villachitdara.com

Breakfast at the hotel Today’s journey of about 150 km is on an extremely lovely stretch through remote local villages and varied mountain scenery, river that frames the road to visit Ban Sop Jam a traditional fishing village, you are welcome by local people, Lao style lunch will be provide before taking your time watch and participate in the villagers’ techniques weaving and fishing, this is where you have an opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about rural Lao life and handicrafts. You are welcome in the village with the special, traditional Laotian Baci ceremony. ‘Baci’ plays an important role even today to welcome or farewell, bring good luck and ward of bad spirits for any major event in the life of local people. After exploring the village, set on a traditional river cruise on Nam Ou River in comfort of your private boat. This is a perfect expedition to discover unseen nature and countryside in northern of Laos. You will see numerous villages dotting the banks of the river and some stunning limestone formations as the sheer cliffs rise from the water’s edge. Arrived to Nong Khieo. After check-in your iconic lodge and you will be free or exploring on your own. Dinner is at your leisure. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Mandala Ou Resort – Riverview Bungalow www.mandala-ou.com

Breakfast at the hotel This morning is free day to exploring on your own 12:00 am, you will be met by a local guide and transferred for 3 hours back to Luang Prabang for check-in your hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure. Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation: Villa Chitadara Hotel – Superior Room www.villachitdara.com