Impressions of Laos

Sabaidi and welcome to Luang Prabang, the most beautiful town in Laos famous for its blend of local and colonial culture and architecture. Upon arrival to Luang Prabang Airport, our driver will bring you to your boutique hotel in the heart of the city center. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore Luang Prabang independently or to relax at your stylish accommodation.

Meals: No meals

Accommodation: Satri House

Start your morning exploring the elegant temples within the city center of Luang Prabang. Notice the unique blend of French and Laotian design existing in each feature in perfect harmony at Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Visoun, the Melon Stupa and Wat Aham.

Proceed to Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise focused on ethical fashion and tour the facility, learning about local silk production and traditional weaving techniques. Observe master artists working with the all-natural products before trying your hand at weaving bamboo into placemats, traditional fans, or baskets.

Return to the hotel in the afternoon, free to relax or explore independently.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Satri House

Drive out of Luang Prabang this morning 1-hour south to the out-of-this world Kuang Si Waterfall. Swim and relax in the glowing turquoise waters in your very own version of the Jungle Book. Stop at the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Sanctuary to learn about one woman’s efforts to protect Asian sun and moon bears from illegal poaching and organ theft for medicinal purposes.

Return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon, free to rest and enjoy the town on your own. We suggest checking out the daily night market in the evening to shop for souvenirs and gifts.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Satri House

Volunteer with Big Brother Mouse, Lao-owned organization working hard to improve literacy rates and publish books in the local language for children since 2006. Journey into the countryside with Big Brother Mouse to the recently-built Big Sister Mouse School to interact with local students ranging from preschool to high school.

Read picture books with first graders, learn Lao sign or spoken language, play board games with third graders, or even just sit down and have conversation with the students. A home-cooked local meal is provided before returning your family to the Luang Prabang city center in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Satri House

Leave beautiful Luang Prabang and venture into the jungle with a 2.5-hour drive plus boat transfer to the acclaimed Elephant Conservation Center in Sayaboury. Settle into your rustic bungalow and enjoy a classic Lao picnic lunch before joining the day’s main activities.

Stop by the elephant nursery and observe mama and baby elephants interacting together. Afterwards, learn about elephant biology and health treatments at the center’s hospital from the local vet. Once bath-time is finished, under the watchful and caring mahout’s supervision, participate in some soft interaction such as touching the elephants and getting to know their unique personalities.

Trek with the mahout and elephants into the forest to find the perfect snack for the gentle giants, learning about each elephant’s background and how they came to live here. Return to the center in the late afternoon with the rest of the day free at leisure to swim in the lake, kayak, or visit the conservation museum to learn about the center’s efforts and projects.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, catch up with the elephants in the forest as they get ready for another bath. Walk with the elephants from their bath area to the socialization area where you can watch them develop herds, interact, and play together from the various platforms installed.

Have lunch and return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon, returning to the hotel, then join in a Baci ceremony as the sun sets over the temple. Admire the atmospheric setting of lit candles gently flickering during the traditional blessing and national Lao custom offering good luck and health to the participants.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Satri House

Depart Luang Prabang this morning and drive 3 hours north to the countryside wonder of Nong Khiaw. Surrounded by karst limestone formations and verdant rice paddies, the setting is perfect for either relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere or trying many adventure activities and working up a sweat.

Check out Nong Khiaw’s newest attraction, the jungle zipline.  At 1:00 pm, head out of town and fly through the jungle on the 10 ziplines available. After a short trek to a bubbling water spring, dare to swing like the king of the jungle on the Tarzan Swing! Abseil from the trees 40 metres to the ground, crossing bamboo bridges and rice fields, returning to Nong Khiaw just in time to find dinner.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Nong Khiaw Riverside

Hop into a traditional long boat for 90-minutes up the scenic and peaceful Nam Ou River to the isolated Muang Ngoi Village. Spend some time wandering around the village before exploring a cave where locals hid during the Secret War. Continue walking along an easy trail to the rural village of Ban Na found in a lush valley and also where we will have lunch.

Return to Muang Ngoi and sail downstream to Nong Khiaw, passing small villages and marveling at the rugged scenery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Nong Khiaw Riverside

Enjoy the morning at leisure to soak up the tranquil surroundings and atmosphere. We suggest taking the family to discover the countryside by bicycles from your hotel to truly make the most of your last moments in Nong Khiaw.

After lunch, depart Nong Khiaw and make the return journey to Luang Prabang, arriving in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel for your last evening in Laos.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Satri House

Have your own breakfast before checking out of the hotel and transferring to the airport for your onward booked travel.

Meals: Breakfast