6-Day Luang Prabang Nature And Culture

We depart Luang Prabang by starting cycling to the suburb and then heading up the north road number 13 to explore the beautiful country side. We cycle approximately 2 hours to Ban Xang Hai village which has for centuries made the clay jars which are used to ferment Lao wine. Nowadays the tradition still continues, however today the village now specializes in producing a wide range of ‘Lau Lao’ the Lao whisky and ‘Lau Hai’ Lao wine. After the visit we continue to cycling on dirt road approximately for 45 minutes to Ban Pak Ou where we will stop for lunch in local restaurant. After enjoying our lunch, we cross the Mekong River to visit the famous Buddha Caves which sit amongst the limestone cliffs where the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers meet. The caves are spilt in two, one named Tham Ting and the other Tham Theung. They are both filled with thousands of Buddha images and statues which have been deposited here over centuries. Pak Ou remains a popular pilgrimage site for Lao people, especially during

the Lao New Year in April when the caves become crowded with pilgrims who gain merit by ceremonially washing the Buddha statues. After the visit we put our bicycles in the boat and head down the mighty Mekong towards Luang Prabang. During the trip you will enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river. If time allows, we will stop on our way to visit Ban Xang Khong village to see expert of mulberry paper making. Arriving back in Luang Prabang at approximately 4:30pm. Overnight in Luang Prabang

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

Begin today's close-up look at daily Laotian life by heading out for a morning at a community-based living rice farm in the idyllic countryside outside Luang Prabang. Surrounded by mountains and rice paddies, you'll have an opportunity to experience rural life as a Laotian farmer would, trying your hand at various farm activities – or observing them from a traditional Lao rice house balcony, set amidst rice terraces and an organic vegetable farm. You'll have time to check out nearby workshops where local bamboo weavers, blacksmiths and sugar cane processors practice their crafts. Then take a tour of the organic garden to learn how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine. Lunch will be served at the terrace overlooking the rice field Later on, we drive to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall which is the biggest in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals We will also take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers. On the way back to the town, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half- hour. This place is also the perfect spot to admire the sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

The Pha Tad Ke boat departs Ban Wat That at 9:00

(please be at the pier at 8:45). Enjoy a 15-minute leisurely boat trip down the Mekong River. Upon arrival at Pha Tad Ke Botanic Garden reception you will be given a short presentation about the gardens. After that walk through the Ginger Garden and the Ethno-botanic Garden, which is the centrepiece of the garden. Follow the path through the Limestone Walk and take in the amazing mountainous Mekong landscape. Learn how to make a bamboo stick animal at the site of the hunting lodge of the former royal family. Then continue your tour of Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden walking through the Arboretum, Palm Garden, and Bamboo Garden to our viewpoint that overlooks the rice field. Stop by the Mist House where you will learn more about the importance of biodiversity conservation and finish your excursion with an optional orchid talk at Pha Tad Ke Nursery. All of the gardens will have introductory panels and labels. You can always ask our expert staff should you have any questions or require more information. Enjoy a delicious Lao set lunch at Pha Tad Ke’s café. After lunch embark on the boat back to Luang Prabang. From there, we will visit UXO Visitor Center (closed on Saturday, and Sunday), where you can find the documentation about the secret war in Laos. Then transfer directly to Ban Xienglom, home to the lovely Lao Spirit Resort, the creation of an exceptional experience between Laotian culture and untouched jungle. Free for the rest of the day to relax at the resort or explore the surrounding area. Overnight at Lao Spirit Resort.

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Accommodation: Lao Spirit Resort

+ Pick-up: 08:15AM

After breakfast, your knowledgeable and experienced local guide will bring you straight to the elephant camp for the first part of today’s activities. The elephant camp is located in the middle of a wonderful forested mountainous area at the banks of the scenic Nam Khan River. Enjoy a new perspective from riding on the top of an elephant. Stunning landscapes and the quietness of nature make for a relaxing ride on the back of a local Asian elephant. Transfer by small boat across the river to begin trekking. This is an easy hike through beautiful jungle with surrounding mountains in the river valley. Arrive at a Khmu hill tribe village where your local guide will help you explore life nestled in the mountains. The village is nestled at the foot of a big mountain range. Most of the people here are farmers and fishermen and subsist on their traditional way

of agriculture. They even speak a different language here, and your guide will help to ask any questions you have. We’ll refresh with a break before a scenic and easy walk off the mountain to the Tad Sae Waterfall. At the waterfall, you can hang out for some swimming and bathing in the refreshing cool water. Conditions range from impressive strong currents during the height of the rainy season to slow-flowing and inviting crystal clear waters great for swimming. (Note: During the dry season, from Feb. to Jul., the Tad Sae Waterfall can be low or even dry. The itinerary remains the same with the exception that instead of the waterfall, trekking is extended to visit a riverside village and a longer boat ride is enjoyed on the Nam Khan River through jungle) A Lao Style Lunch will be served either at the magnificent waterfalls or at a local village. Return by boat and vehicle to conclude your Laos elephant and jungle adventure. Overnight at Lao Spirit Resort.

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, lunch

+ Accommodation: Lao Spirit Resort

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM