Day 1: Arrival – City of Luang Prabang, UNESCO World Heritqge

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’. This evening you have tickets to attend the unique Royal Ballet Performance set in the Royal Palace. This colourful show features excerpts from the Ramayana (the show starts at 6pm to 7pm). Overnight in Luang Prabang. Meals: _/_/_

Day 2: Luang Prabang – city tour, museum and Baci Ceremony

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning ritual of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms from the faithful residents. This procession is truly unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the tradition. Afterwards, we have the option of visiting the local morning market, before returning to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we visit the Royal Palace Museum which hosts a range of interesting artefacts (closed on Tuesday). Then we begin our walking tour taking in some the cities most beautiful temples. Depending on the rest of your programme this may include the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing the classical Luang Prabang style, as well as Wat Sene, the oldest temple in Luang Prabang.

We will also visit Wat Visoun, known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape. We stop at Yensabai, where you will see some Lao traditional stensils made with Saa paper. Lao Xiengthong Stencils Optional: Lao traditional Stencil class Discover and learn how to produce a Lao Stensil. Mr Anousith will teach you how to do it and how you can use it when you come back to your own country. – Make your own stencil – Demonstration with gold painting and Saa paper Duration: around 1h20 minutes Number of pax: 2 pax maximum Cost: 15 USD/pax

Our next stop is the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre which gives us a further insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos (closed on Monday). We then climb up Mt Phousi, which offers a spectacular sunset and a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River. Afterwards, strolling through the night market (open between 5pm-10pm) setting in downtown selling a large variety of local textiles and ethnic handicrafts. At the end of the day we transfer out to a local village, where you take part in a traditional Baci Ceremony, involving the tying of strings to ones wrists aims to keep bad spirits away and bring good luck. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Meals: Breakfast/_/_ A Baci Ceremony, an important feature of traditional Lao culture

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Ock Pop Tok –Natural dyes and Weaving

To begim with you will be transferred to Ock Pop Tok weaving centre for a unique Silkworm and Natural Dyes Class. First there is an explanation about the worms’ lives; where they come from, who makes silk in Laos and a bizarre list of facts regarding sericulture. Guests are invited to prepare mulberry leaves and feed the worms. After a brief introduction to the natural dyes, you will dye scarves in your chosen colours.

And by late afternoon there is a chance to meet the weavers and get an introduction to the weaving technique, there will also be a chance to try your hand at weaving and spinning. Finally the day finishes with cocktails and canapés overlooking the sunset on the Mekong River. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/_

Day 4: Luang Prabang – Cooking Class 

The day starts with a visit to the local market, accompanied by the head chef who will advise you on the different types of ingredients. Using the fresh produce, you will be taught in the art of Lao cuisine. Lunch is your own mornings efforts!. The afternoon is at your own leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/_

Day 5: Luang Prabang – Departure from the city

Depending on your departing flight you may have time at leisure before your transfer to the airport for departure. Meals: Breakfast/_/_