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LUANG PRABANG CULTURE , ACTIVITY & CULINARY EXPERIENCE

This 6 day tour enables you to experience traditional Laos culture by taking part in local activities.  Learn how to cook traditional Laos dishes, become a local farmer for the day in the rice field or buffalo dairy and take part in a craft workshop.  Combing nature, cuisine and art to create an experience most visitors do not see.... 
TOUR SUMMARY:

Duration:                  6 days/5 nights

Suggested Time:   08:30-16:00 approximately depending on itinerary

Location:                  Luang Prabang and surrounding area

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This 6 day tour enables you to experience traditional Laos culture by taking part in local activities.  Learn how to cook traditional Laos dishes, become a local farmer for the day in the rice field or buffalo dairy and take part in a craft workshop.  Combing nature, cuisine and art to create an experience most visitors do not see.

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DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 1: Luang Prabang - Arrival, City Tour and Baci Ceremony & Traditional Dance

Upon arrival you will be met at the airport by your private guide and transferred by private air conditioned vehicle where your city tour begins. 

 

  • Depending upon your arrival time visit Wat Xieng Thong temple which is one of the most beautiful in Laos.

  • Upon leaving Vat Xieng Thong we will take a walk through the streets of Luang Prabang observing the historical architecture of French colonial buildings and local life before paying a visit to the National Museum, the Former Royal palace which was built 1904-1909 by the French Architect and was gift from the French to our last king of Laos.

  • Next is a visit to Vat Visoun temple commonly known as That Mak Mo (the water melon stupa) built in 1520 AD it is now a Buddhist temple Museum followed by a stop at Vat Aham and Vat Mai.

  • Upon reaching the main street of Luang Prabang we will climb up to the top of Mt. Phousi for a 360 degree view of the city.

  • Check in to your hotel and later take part in a Traditional Baci Ceremony.  The Baci Ceremony is a hindu tradition which came to Laos in the 14th century. These ceremonies are common to Laos. Their purpose is to call back your own souls to your body because they sometimes escape.  There are 32 souls in the body. This is very important to do it before or during major life events such as weddings, births, travels, welcoming of friends, the return of someone to the family.

  • This ceremony is followed by a traditional Lao dance which has been in Laos since the 14th Century.  Originating in Cambodia and similar to the Cambodian Apsara dance you will enjoy the Champa Lao dance (National Lao flowers dance), Lao minority dance and monkey dance.

 

Transfer back to your hotel.

Laos Map
6
days
 PRIVATE TOUR AVAILABLE DAILY
 
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Private Tour with local guide
  • Enjoy a visit to a local market to view the fresh produce.
  • Learn how to cook popular local Lao dishes by a local expert chef
  • Trekking to Kuang Si Waterfall​
  • Experience life as a local farmer and learn how rice is grown
  • Witness local production in the Buffalo Dairy
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Traditional Baci Ceremony

Day 2: Luang Prabang - Alms Giving - Lao Cooking Class

  • Luang Prabang is the perfect place to see one of the most sacred Lao traditions, the Buddhist Alms Giving Ceremony.  Rise early to witness the procession of monks.  You will have the opportunity to take part in this tradition by offering sticky rice to the monks as they collect their one meal of the day.  

  • After returning to your hotel for breakfast your culinary adventure begins.

  • Your day starts with a visit to a local food market where the chef explains what the foods are and how they are used in traditional Lao cooking.

  • You will then be transferred to the cooking school, located within a local house, where you prepare and cook various typical Lao dishes including Jeow: lao spicy dipping sauce, Mok Pa: a herb fish dish steamed in banana leaves, laap/Koy: a minced meat salad, fragrant with herbs, to name but a few of the dishes.

  • Once you have prepared your dishes you will then take a seat and enjoy the food which you have made.

  • There will be plenty of photo opportunities throughout the day.

  • You will leave with a recipe book so you can create your own dishes when returning home.

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The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the town by yourself, alternatively, should your arrival flight on day 1 not given sufficient time for the city tour this can be completed.

Luang Prabang Cooking Class

Day 3: Luang Prabang - TAEC, Traditional Craft Class & Sunset Cocktails

  • You will be met at the lobby of your chosen hotel.  From here we will begin your tour by private air conditioned vehicle driving to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) The museum is a dedication to the preservation on the arts and culture of Laos' diverse ethnic groups.

  • After lunch (not included) the next stop is Ock Pop Tok.  Meaning 'East meets West' this traditional crafts centre was founded in 2000 Ock Pop Tok has grown from a small shop selling only a few designs, to becoming one of the most important textile and artisan institutions in all of Laos and South East Asia. 

  • You will have the option of choosing one of the following workshops (must be booked in advance):

  • Natural Dye Class - An introduction to silkworms and silk types, students have a hands-on experience with natural dye preparation and create 3 natural dyes using plants directly from a home-grown garden (just like the Lao have done for hundreds of years! At the end of class you will take home 2 dyed silk skeins or 2 cotton napkins and 1 Silk scarf you dyed yourself. 

  • Weaving Class - Your class starts with an introduction to silks, dyeing and weaving techniques. Each student is assigned a loom — a guide and a weaver will help you learn the art of weaving. Upon completion of the class each student receives a 2-colour placemat with Lao motifs woven in class for you to take home as a souvenir.

  • Hmong Batik Drawing (maximum of 3 persons) - Each student will create a wax resistant, Hmong-style design on hand-loomed hemp.  Upon completion of the class each student can take home their 30cm x 46cm hemp piece with wax resin design.

  • Bamboo Weaving - Great for all ages! - Join the master bamboo weaver and learn about the many uses of bamboo in Laos.  Each student will learn how to weave a place mat or traditional fan to take home. 

  • Following the class you will enjoy cocktails and canapes whilst watching the sun set from the river bank of the Mekong River. 

  • Transfer back to your hotel by private vehicle.

Ock Pop Tok Weaving

Day 4: Luang Prabang - Living Land Farm 

  • You will be met at the lobby of your chosen hotel where you will be transferred by private vehicle to the Living Land Farm which is a community run enterprise located just outside of Luang Prabang.  The farm maintains educational programs and professional organic farming right next to village rice paddies. Only small groups (join in tour) are able to join the interactive rice farming experience which actively benefits locals from the community, maintaining their crafts in their traditional form. You will see and learn about bamboo weaving, tool and trap making, gardening and even blacksmithing.

  • This unique half-day (join in) activity invites you on an in depth and hands-on learning experience where you will participate in 14 steps of the rice cycle on the Living Lands community farm.

  • Rice is the ultimate foundation of everyday life in Asia and yet it is still a mystery for many visitors. On this exceptional tour, you will be a rice farmer for a day.   Learning how to select the seeds, plant, plough with the help of the farms water buffalo and every other step until the last one... eating!  

  • Transfer back to your hotel by private vehicle where the remainder of the day is free for you to relax or enjoy exploring this UNESCO town at leisure.

Living Land Farm

Day 5: Luang Prabang - Trekking to Kuang-Si Waterfall - Buffalo Dairy

  • Departing from your hotel your Private Guide will transfer you by private air conditioned vehicle starting from Luang Prabang, drive to the nearby valley southeast of Luang Prabang arriving at the Long Lao Village where you begin your hiking tour. Before trekking you can explore the life and culture of this village where Khamu and Hmong people live. 

  • Continue trekking into the mountainous Lao countryside of Luang Prabang. Whilst Hiking  you will pass orchards, rice fields and vegetable gardens and before reaching the forested mountains with quite wild jungle scenery and some graded climbs. 

  • Nearing Kuang Si Waterfall you will make a stop at the cave which was used as a hiding place during the Indochina war. 

  • In the afternoon you will arrive at the crystal clear Kuang Si Waterfall. An exciting forest trail leads you to the end of your trek and your reward - the welcoming and refreshing pools of Kuang Si Waterfall where we will have plenty of time to relax and swim should you wish.

  • Enjoy lunch at the waterfall (included)

  • On the way pass by the Asian Bear Rescue Centre.  Enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise water of the different waterfalls.  Hike to the top of the main waterfall from where you can enjoy the panoramic views. 

  • Upon return to Luang Prabang we make a stop at the Laos Buffalo Dairy which is a social enterprise consisting of a commercial dairy and production facility which makes dairy products for local and overseas customers.  Visit the interactive mini farm and training centre within the dairy to learn about the dairy process and how through this social enterprise it supports local people from villages in and around Luang Prabang by renting their buffalo, which provides the families with a regular income stream from an under utilised resource, namely female buffalo.

  • Transfer back to your hotel by private vehicle

Kuang Si Waterfall

Day 6: Luang Prabang - Departure

  • Spend time at your leisure, giving you the opportunity for any last minute souvenir shopping until your transfer to the airport.

NOTE:

  • Cooking Class, Living Land, Buffalo Dairy & Traditional Craft Class may be a join in activity and therefore there will be other tourists within the group. depending on the number of bookings received.​

  • Total trekking distance is approximately 9 km (5.5 mi) - medium difficulty, slippery when wet​.

  • This tour program has been carefully designed and represents experiences we recommend.  However, should you wish to amend any element of the program to suit your own interests please let us know so we can create a unique trip just for you.

PRIVATE TOUR RATE: Prices are quoted in US Dollars | Per Person
  • Single supplement applies
  • Our prices represent ground service only, however, if you prefer a package to include accommodation this can be arranged accordingly.
Tour Includes:
Tour Excludes:
  • Private English Speaking Local Guide

  • Tours, activities and transfers as mentioned by air conditioned vehicle

  • Sightseeing entrance fees and permits during guided time

  • Traditional Craft Class

  • 2 cocktails and 4 canapes during sunset cocktails

  • Baci Ceremony with Traditional Dance

  • International and domestic flights

  • VISA and any VISA related fee - all non ASEAN residents must apply for valid visa

  • Travel Insurance (compulsary)

  • Hotel Accommodation (recommendations can be provided)

  • Services and meals if not mentioned in the itinerary

  • All drinks, including water, soft drinks and alcohol

  • Laundry, telephone calls and any expenditure of a personal nature

  • Tips and gratuities

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