Monks, Mekong and Mountaintops

Once you've arrived in Luang Prabang, a local guide meets you for the transfer to your accommodation and check-in. From here, we begin exploring the city at Wat Xieng Thong, the 'monastery of the golden city', dating back to the 16th century. Highly revered throughout Laos, the temple is known for its collection of Buddha images.

We round out the day with a gentle climb up Mount Phousi, a sacred hill whose 100-metre summit is reached by climbing over 300 steps. From the top, sweeping views take in the city and its temples scattered below. Meals today are at your own arrangement, and you overnight in Luang Prabang.

The day begins early with Tak Bat, the daily ritual in which monks collect alms from the local community in return for a blessing, a tradition that remains part of everyday life in Laos. We then visit a fresh fruit market before returning to the accommodation for breakfast.

Our exploration continues at the National Museum, the former royal palace, before we board a boat to cruise the Mekong River. We stop at a village along the way to learn the traditional process of distilling Lao Khao rice wine, then spend time exploring Tham Ting and Tham Phoum, caves that house hundreds of Buddha statues, before lunch at a nearby restaurant.

We return to Luang Prabang by boat and visit the Ock Pop Tok weaving workshop for an insight into how local handicrafts are made, before a stroll through the old city rounds out the afternoon. Dinner this evening is at your own arrangement, and you overnight again in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, we take a scenic 32 km drive west of Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfall. A leisurely walk through wooded parkland leads to the falls themselves, where tiered cascades of turquoise water tumble into a series of limestone pools.

There's the chance for a swim in one of the natural pools, so bring your swimwear. From here, we return to Luang Prabang. A transfer to the airport follows, ready for your onward flight.