An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual.
After breakfast, you will enjoy a short guided tour of the city's oldest temple, Wat Sene, and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives you a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. The two linked caves are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, you will stop at the small village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is distilled. You will return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon and on the way take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village well known for its hand weaving.
After lunch you continue towards the Khouangsi Waterfall, and en route visit the local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Ban Ou, Laoloum and Ban Thapene. You then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall. Here you can take a dip in the inviting pools or walk along the forest trails surrounding the waterfall. Return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon and continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for silk hand weaving and for traditional Saa paper making. You will watch the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath and have dinner at local restaurant before and overnight stay in Luang Prabang.
