Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves (B/L/D)
- This morning, you take a short drive to Wat Xieng Thong, the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang dating back to the 16th Century. Located at the end of the peninsula close to the Mekong, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat and is decorated with ornate carvings and mosaics.
- Step down here to Luang Prabang Pier, where you will board on the local boat and cruise upstream on the Mekong River to the sacred Buddha caves of Pak Ou. Once you arrive the caves, you disembark to visit the Tham Ting or Pak Ou Caves, which house hundreds of Buddha statues.
- After visit the Cave, you cross the Mekong River to the other side and enjoy your lunch at local restaurant before cruising down to Luang Prabang.
- On the way, you will also have opportunity to visit the local riverside villages of Ban Xanghai, a popular stop-over producing some special varieties of Laolao, the local rice wine.
- Second stop at Ban Xang Khong, known for its handmade paper and weaving craft.
- Arrive back to Luang Prabang in the afternoon. This early evening, you will transfer to a local family and participating in the “Baci Ceremony” for blessings and preserving good luck.
For Laos people, the belief in kwan (spirits which inhabit the human body, as well as animals, plants and inanimate objects) are an important part of the Laos culture. To allow the kwan to return to the body, a ceremony known as a Baci or Sou Kwuan is carried out. A chant led by an important figure in the village or family is then repeated collectively to call the kwuan to return. Participants then tie white thread around each other’s wrists, symbolically binding the kwan to the body, while wishing them good fortune.
- Enjoy dinner with your host family with local Lao Traditional cuisines.
- Overnight in Luang Prabang.