6DAYS 5nigths Luang Prabang City Tour & Mekong River Cruise

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a captivating blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. This 6-day, 5-night tour promises an immersive experience, from exploring the city’s iconic landmarks to embarking on a tranquil Mekong River cruise. Travelers will witness the serene alms-giving ritual, marvel at the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall, and savor authentic Lao cuisine. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, this tour will leave you enchanted and eager to uncover more of Luang Prabang’s captivating secrets.

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Key Points

A 6-day, 5-night tour of Luang Prabang, Laos, including a city tour and a Mekong River cruise showcasing the region’s cultural and natural highlights.
The tour includes hotel transfers, private transportation, English-speaking guides, entrance fees, and most meals, with a full refund available up to 24 hours in advance.
Key activities include visiting the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xiengthong, Xangkhoung Textiles village, and the Arts and Ethnology Centre, as well as participating in the alms giving ritual.
The tour also explores rural areas, the Living Land Rice Farm, local handicraft workshops, Kuang Si Waterfall, and ethnic minority villages along the Mekong River.
The Mekong River cruise provides an opportunity to experience the region’s riverside life and attractions, such as Ban Xang Hai for Lao whisky and Tam Thing Caves.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This 6-day, 5-night tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, and a scenic cruise along the Mekong River.

Priced from $800 per person, the tour includes hotel transfers, private transportation, English-speaking guides, entrance fees, and most meals.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 2 or people over 70, and requires a valid passport or ID for crossing into Thailand.

Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and respect for local customs are recommended.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour kicks off on Day 1 with arrival at Luang Prabang airport, followed by a hotel transfer and free time to relax.

On Day 2, the city tour includes visits to the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xiengthong, Xangkhoung Textiles village, and the Arts and Ethnology Centre.

Explore Luang Prabang’s cultural highlights, including the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xiengthong, Xangkhoung Textiles village, and the Arts and Ethnology Centre.

The morning of Day 3 features the alms giving ritual, Phosi Market, Wat Visoun, Wat Aham, and a climb up Mount Phousi for panoramic views.

Day 4 includes a visit to the Living Land Rice Farm, local handicraft workshops, Kuang Si Waterfall, and ethnic minority villages.

The Mekong River cruise on Days 5-6 showcases rural life along the river.

Day 1: Arrival and Leisure Time

Upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport, guests will be met by a tour representative and transferred to their hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the charming city on their own. Guests can:

Stroll along the banks of the Mekong River, taking in the stunning mountain views.
Explore the vibrant night market, browsing local handicrafts and sampling delicious Lao cuisine.
Relax in the hotel, recovering from their journey and preparing for the exciting days ahead.

The first day sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure in Luang Prabang.

Day 2: Luang Prabang City Tour

After a morning of leisure, guests embark on a comprehensive city tour of Luang Prabang. They’ll visit the Royal Palace Museum, home to priceless artifacts and ornate architecture. Next, they’ll explore the serene Wat Xiengthong temple, a masterpiece of Lao architecture. The tour continues to Xangkhoung Textiles village, where they’ll witness skilled artisans weaving intricate patterns. Finally, guests will learn about the region’s diverse cultures at the Arts and Ethnology Centre.

| Attraction | Description | Duration |

|———————|————————————-|———|

| Royal Palace Museum | Priceless artifacts, ornate interiors | 1 hour |

| Wat Xiengthong | Serene Buddhist temple | 45 min |

| Xangkhoung Textiles | Skilled weavers, intricate patterns | 1 hour |

| Arts & Ethnology | Diverse cultural exhibits | 1 hour |

| City Tour | Comprehensive sightseeing | 4-5 hrs |

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Day 3: Alms Giving and Mount Phousi

Guests rise early to participate in the serene alms giving ritual, offering food to the local Buddhist monks as they silently collect their daily sustenance.

After this meaningful experience, they’ll visit:

Phosi Market, a lively local market selling fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Wat Visoun, a 16th-century temple housing the Prabang, a famous religious relic.
Wat Aham, a tranquil temple known for its Lao-style architecture.

The tour culminates with a climb up Mount Phousi, offering panoramic views of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and the historic town below.

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Day 4: Exploring Rural Luang Prabang

On day 4, guests venture out to explore the rural landscapes surrounding Luang Prabang. The tour visits the Living Land Rice Farm to learn about traditional farming methods. Guests also stop at local handicraft workshops to observe artisans crafting textiles, pottery, and other goods. The highlight is the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall, where guests can swim in the turquoise pools. The day concludes with visits to ethnic minority villages to gain insights into diverse cultural traditions.

| Activity | Duration | Details |

| — | — | — |

| Living Land Rice Farm | 1-2 hours | Learn traditional farming techniques |

| Local Handicraft Workshops | 1-2 hours | Observe artisans at work |

| Kuang Si Waterfall | 1-2 hours | Swim in the turquoise pools |

| Ethnic Minority Villages | 1-2 hours | Explore diverse cultural traditions |

Day 5: Mekong River Cruise to Pakbeng

The journey continues as travelers embark on a private boat cruise down the legendary Mekong River.

The day starts with a visit to Ban Xang Hai, known for its production of Lao whisky. Passengers then enjoy a hearty breakfast on board as they cruise upstream, taking in the serene rural landscapes.

The highlight of the day is a stop at the Tam Thing Caves, where they can explore the impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

As the sun sets, the boat arrives at the riverside town of Pakbeng, where guests will overnight before continuing their Mekong adventure.

Day 6: Upstream Mekong River Cruise and Departure

As the sun rises, travelers aboard the private boat continue their upstream journey on the Mekong River. They observe the rural riverbank communities, witnessing daily life unfold.

The boat stops periodically, allowing passengers to disembark and explore local villages. After a leisurely lunch on board, the cruise reaches Houeixay, the final destination.

Passengers disembark and transfer to their next destination, either continuing their Southeast Asian adventure or departing for home.

The 6-day Luang Prabang city tour and Mekong River cruise has provided an immersive cultural experience, leaving travelers with lasting memories of Laos’ serene beauty and rich heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book Additional Excursions During the Tour?

You can book additional excursions during the tour. The tour provider offers flexibility to customize your experience. However, any extra activities will incur additional costs beyond the included tour package.

What Is the Dress Code for the Temples and Cultural Sites?

The tour recommends visitors dress modestly when visiting temples and cultural sites. This typically means covering shoulders and knees, and avoiding revealing or casual clothing. Respecting local customs is important for a positive experience.

Is There a Wi-Fi Connection Available Throughout the Tour?

Wi-Fi connectivity varies throughout the tour. Some hotels and cruise vessels offer Wi-Fi, but it may be limited or unreliable in remote areas. Guests are advised to plan accordingly and consider purchasing a local SIM card for mobile data access during the trip.

Can I Purchase Local Handicrafts and Souvenirs During the Excursions?

Yes, you can purchase local handicrafts and souvenirs during the excursions. The tour includes visits to handicraft workshops and villages where you’ll have the opportunity to browse and buy traditional Lao products.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Water and Snacks for the Cruise?

The tour includes breakfast and dinner, but passengers should bring their own water and snacks for the Mekong River cruise. Packing extra drinks and light refreshments is recommended to have on hand throughout the day.

The Sum Up

Luang Prabang offers a captivating blend of ancient temples, vibrant culture, and serene natural beauty. This 6-day, 5-night tour provides an immersive experience, from exploring the city’s iconic sites to embarking on a Mekong River cruise. Travelers can expect to witness the alms giving ritual, discover rural villages, and savor authentic Lao cuisine, making for an unforgettable adventure in this enchanting destination.