Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrive Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, the ancient capital city of the Lan Xang Kingdom, is famous for its superb Buddhist temples and beautiful gem-like mountain setting. Wat Xieng Thong, built in 1560, rests on the banks of the Mekong River. It remains the most beautiful monastery in Luang Prabang.  Built in the typical Lao-art style, it houses religious artifacts and some ancient masterpieces of Lao art.  Wat Wisumalat dates from 1513 and the reign of Chao Wisunalat.  It is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang and maintains a prized collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th  centuries.  Wat Saen, circa 1718, is a Thai-style wat that was restored in the 1950s.  The abbot Ajannn Khamjan, ordained here in 1940, is one of the most revered monks in Luang Prabang and perhaps in all of Laos.  Wat Mai, which came much later in 1821, was once the residence of Phra Sangkharaj (Patriarch of Buddhist clergy).   Wat That Luang is best known for its large central stupa, erected in 1910, which contains the ashes of King Sisavang Vong.  It also has a few 19th-century Luang Prabang Buddha images and other artifacts.  Luang Prabang was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.  La Residence Phou Vao

Day 2:  Luang Prabang
Today, you venture by Pal Ou boat to Pak Ou Caves.  Two caves, Tham Thing and Tham Phum, are cut into a steep rock cliff at the confluence of the Mekong and Ou rivers.  These incredible chambers contain thousands of Buddha images brought here over the years by followers of Buddhism.  The village of Ban Xang Hai is located nearby and produces láo-láo, a local rice whisky. La Residence Phou Vao (B)

Day 3: Luang Prabang / Depart
Depart for you onward destination. (B)

12/08