Don’t let limited time stop you from experiencing the best of Luang Prabang and its stunning natural surroundings. This well-designed day tour is perfect for travelers short on time, combining the city’s UNESCO-listed historic center with a visit to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfalls.
Enjoy personalized attention in a small group of up to 10 people as you explore Luang Prabang’s most iconic landmarks, then escape into nature to admire the turquoise pools and cascading falls of Kuang Si. With comfortable air-conditioned transport and hotel pickup and drop-off included, this tour offers a seamless and stress-free introduction to Laos’ most famous city.
We offer convenient pickup from all hotels and accommodations within Luang Prabang city. If you would like to experience the early morning almsgiving ceremony, please select the 5:30 AM tour start time, which allows you to take part in this meaningful local tradition before continuing with the rest of the tour.
[5:30 am opition only] In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is the respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk, nun, spiritually-developed person or other sentient being. It is not charity as presumed by Western interpreters. It is important to know the ceremony is also a spiritual practice to accumulate good karma for those who give the alms. It is closer to a symbolic connection to the spiritual realm and to show humbleness and respect in the presence of the secular society. The act of almsgiving connects the human to the monk and what he represents. The morning alms giving is a living Buddhist tradition for the people of Luang Prabang which, because of its beauty, has become a major tourist attraction. However, when tourists are unaware of its customs their inappropriate behaviors can be disruptive.
[5:30 opition tour only] I Following alms giving, we visit a local morning market. Luang Prabang morning market lining a couple of quiet streets near the Royal Palace, starts early and is over by mid-morning. It sets up along a couple of side-streets next to one of the city’s many Wats. A butcher and some of the more touristy stalls have actual tables for their wares. But most of the vendors, selling anything from rice, to fresh vegetables, to steamed fish, frogs, and anything else that might be the day’s catch, just set up on the ground. We go back to your accommodation and have a free time for breakfast until 8:30 am.
The second part of this tour begins at riverview park on the peninsula tip. You will have a brief introduction to Luang Prabang, standing where the Nam Khan River meets the Mekong River. From there, walk to the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple.
Wat Xiengthong was considered the ceremonial gateway to the city and was the arrival and departure point for foreign dignitaries for centuries. We will walk up the stairs to the main gate and enter the temple like ancient dignitaries. Wat Xieng Thong, once known as “The Temple of the Golden City”, holds great cultural, historic and architectural importance. It is serenely situated near the tip of the peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, with a grand staircase leading up from the Mekong.
Next, we will go temple hopping in the neighborhood. At Wat Sene, where there is a school for novice monks, you may meet again with novice monks you met on the morning alms. The temple was built in 1718 by King Kitsarath with 100,000 stones from the Mekong river. It literally means "Temple of 100,000 treasures"
We will visit the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace, which is today the national museum and built by French colonialists between 1904-09, displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture.
The morning tour ends with a climb up Phousi Hill. Rising 150m in the centre of town, you enjoy spectacular 360 degree views across the city and its many temples, and over the surrounding landscape to the mountains in the distance. Free time until the afternoon to head to the waterfall.
Kuang Si Falls
The journey continues as we follow the water's path to the Kuang Si Heritage Rice Farm. Witness how the falls' water irrigates the terraced paddies and taste fresh, traditionally pressed sugarcane juice. You'll see firsthand the vital connection between the forest, the water, and the local way of life. Conclude your unforgettable day with a magnificent sunset cruise, returning to Luang Prabang around 6:30 PM. This gentle journey back on the Mekong perfectly captures the tranquil spirit of your adventure.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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