Luang Prabang Highlights

Set off after breakfast for a visit of the Morning Market where, together with the guide and local host lady, we pick all ingredients needed for our upcoming cooking class. Today, we will not take part in a regular tourist-oriented cooking class. We will instead drive a little outside Luang Prabang center to a small village where you will join your hands to cook some major dishes. You will experience how typical Laos dishes such as Laap Laos, Orlam soup and papaya salad are cooked. The food is then brought to a local temple to offer for the monks’ lunch, and as part of this ritual, your name will be asked for a blessing chant. Later, join in an open talk about Buddhism in Laos with monks. We will also have the chance to have further exchange with the community before returning to Luang Prabang for a light lunch with the left food you will have cooked. Afternoon, explore the ancient town of Luang Prabang. You will soon understand why it deserves the World Heritage title! Visit Wat Xieng Thong further emphasizes & characterizes the uniqueness of Luang Prabang, its several roofs sweeping low to the ground. See also the impressive "tree of life" mosaic here. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts episodes from the Ramayana. Then visit the National Museum, once a king's palace, where displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries. Then climb Phousi Hill to enjoy the view overlooking the city and watch the amazing sunset. From here you can see the magic Mekong and the small Nam Khan rivers. This evening you are free on your own. Overnight in Luang Prabang.(B/L/-)

Breakfast at your hotel Transfer to the pier for a boat trip to Pak Ou Caves, locally called Tam Ting, are filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. Enjoy splendid natural scenery along the way and observing local fishermen and daily activities along the river. The caves are noted for their miniature Buddha sculptures. Hundreds of wooden Buddhist figures take many different positions, including meditation, teaching, peace, rain, and reclining (nirvana). Cross the river for lunch at local restaurant Afternoon: travel south of town to the famous Kuangsi Waterfall; the turquoise color of the water with a backdrop of white limestone cliffs gives the waterfall a magical appearance. Depending on the season the water level varies and you can be swimming in the beautiful pools. While there, you also will have the opportunity to visit the Sun Bear Reserve, a conservation center that rescues animals from the wildlife trade. Arrive back to Luang Prabang by late afternoon. En route, visit the Ock Pop Tock weaving centre, run by an organization that offers local weavers the chance to earn a decent income with their weaving skills. Overnight in Luang Prabang.(B/L/-)

Breakfast at your hotel. Free till transferring to the airport for your onward flight.(B/-/-)