Gilded Temples and Traditional Buddhist Culture of Laos
Laos: Luang Prabang Extension
Overview
Savor the delights of Laos, with its gilded temples, French-Indochinese architecture, and traditional Buddhist culture. Our extension visits the enchanting town of Luang Prabang, the heart and soul of the old Lao kingdom, a place to enjoy tranquil rural rhythms and a dramatic setting on the Mekong.
Arrive: Luang Prabang, Laos
Depart: Luang Prabang, Laos
Highlights
- Explore a historic temple town on the banks of the Mekong River
- Visit hill tribe villages, elephant camps, and riverside Buddhist caves
Itinerary
Arrive in Luang Prabang, Laos' ancient royal capital, where you will be met and escorted to your hotel. Located on the Mekong River and encircled by mountains, Luang Prabang is a delightful and regal town, now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is known for its outstanding handloom weavings, and the local market is a venue for the Hmong hilltribe communities, with their unique cross-stitch and applique work. In the afternoon, visit the spectacular, three-tiered Kuangsi waterfall, set in lush green surroundings about 20 miles south of town. En route, visit the Hmong village of Ban Na Oune to see how traditional hill tribe people live. Hmong villagers still practice ancient animistic rituals and dress in traditional handmade clothing and silver jewelry. Also visit Ban Tha Pane, a village of the Khmu minority group. Return to the hotel for overnight...Meals on your own
In the morning, meet a local Buddhist meditation teacher who will provide information on Buddhism and Lao meditation practices. With your teacher, take a boat ride across the Mekong River to the temple of Wat Kok Phap. Here, climb 60 or so stairs to reach the temple, where you will mingle with the monks and nuns and stroll around this beautiful complex, surrounded by forest. It is customary to give a small offering to the monks, which can be food or cash, depending on what is needed at the time of your visit. Meditation is one of the practices here, and you will be able to sit and relax near the temple before heading back to the boat.
After lunch, once again board a local boat for a scenic trip up the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist pilgrimage site located above the river. Over the last five centuries, processions of worshipers from kings to peasants have brought Buddha images to the caves, and it is a fascinating site to visit. Afterward, visit Ban Muang Keo village where local weavers and traditional whisky distillers continue their age-old crafts. Return to Luang Prabang by car, with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang...BL
After lunch, once again board a local boat for a scenic trip up the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist pilgrimage site located above the river. Over the last five centuries, processions of worshipers from kings to peasants have brought Buddha images to the caves, and it is a fascinating site to visit. Afterward, visit Ban Muang Keo village where local weavers and traditional whisky distillers continue their age-old crafts. Return to Luang Prabang by car, with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang...BL
Enjoy a morning walking tour through the atmospheric lanes of old Luang Prabang. Visit the Royal Palace, now a national museum housing the heirlooms of the royal family (please note: the museum is currently open from 8:30 am-11:30 am and from 1:30 pm-3:30 pm daily except on Tuesdays). You'll also walk to the magnificent stupa of Wat Visoun and pass by Wat Aham along the way. Continue to Wat That Luang and Wat Mai, Luang Prabang's oldest pagoda. Next, visit Wat Xieng Thong (“Golden Temple”), with its classic Laos-style roofs. End your tour with an optional climb up Mount Phousi (328 steps), a sacred site with panoramic views of Luang Prabang and the Mekong. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight...B
For religious reasons, all visitors must cover their shoulders and remove their shoes before entering temples. Long pants are necessary, as shorts and short skirts are not permitted.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
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- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.