Colour is the first of Luang Prabang’s virtues to greet travellers. Pearly frangipanis with their heady perfume, banks of overgrown trees peppered with scarlet flowers, the burnt sienna robes of hundreds of monks and their novices, and resplendent gold and claret wats. The scent of fresh coffee, river activity, produce markets and spicy food soon follows. And then the broader aesthetics begin to unfold. Encircled by mountains, and set 700m above sea level at the confluence of the Nam Khan (Khan River) and the Mekong River, Luang Prabang is now Laos’ foremost tourist showpiece. The brew of gleaming temple roofs, crumbling French provincial architecture and multiethnic inhabitants captivates even the most jaded travellers, and the quiet benevolence of the city’s residents lulls them into a somnambulant bliss...

Full Itinerary

Day 1:  Luang Prabang – Nong Khiew – Village Homestay ( L, D )

In the morning, meet your guide and travel northward to Nong Khiew. Enjoy the scenic landscape as we drive past. In Nong Khiew, have lunch overlooking the Ou River. The Ou River originates near the border with China and feeds into the Mekong near Luang Prabang. Board a boat for a journey northward to a scenic village for a homestay. This village was the stage of an NXNE assistance project to build a new school. The locals are subsistence farmers as well as proficient hunters and fishermen. In the late afternoon, go for a refreshing bath in the river. Women should wear a sarong – no nudity please! Tonight enjoy tasty organic Lao cooking.

To get a real taste of Lao life, you may choose to sleep in the village headman’s house, or for those wanting a little more privacy, in a nearby bungalow which can sleep 4 people. In either case, comfortable mats, pillows and mosquito nets will be provided. Please be aware that there are no showers or western toilets in the village.

Meals : Lunch, Dinner
Accom: simple homestay in Headman’s House or in bungalow

Day 2: Village Homestay Experience ( B, L, D )

Today enjoy a local breakfast and explore the village. You will likely be the object of curiosity for the village children. They only rarely get the chance to interact and play with westerners. A game of football is a great icebreaker for those physically up for it. Watch the village women weaving their ancient patterns on aged looms, or just relax on your balcony. Depending on the season, your guide can suggest other interesting activities to watch or participate in.

Tonight many of the villagers will gather around tonight for a special farewell blessing ceremony. This rite, the Baci, is performed mostly for family and friends who are going on or coming back from a long journey. This is their way of saying thank you to you for visiting. Your guide will be able to explain more about the ceremony. Enjoy a feast afterwards.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accom : simple homestay in Headman’s House or in bungalow

Day 3 : Village Homestay – Ou River Cruise – Pak Ou Buddha Caves - Onward ( B, L )

After an early breakfast, say goodbye to the headman and villagers and board your boat. Enjoy a cruise downstream all the way to the end of the Ou River (about 5 hours). Enjoy lunch over looking the Pha An cliffs. After lunch visit the famous & sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. These caves, overlooking the confluence of the Mekong & Ou Rivers from on high, have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Today many still pay respect with this old tradition. Walk through the caves before returning by van to your accommodation or to the airport in Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Class	Number of Person in Group/Pax Tour cost per Person (in $US) from 1 Aug 2009 to 31 Aug 2009
	2	4 - 6	7 - 9	10 - 12
Homestay	470	350	310	270

Trip Include:

• All domestic land and water transportation as listed in the itinerary
• All meals as listed in the itinerary ( B = Breakfast, L = Lunch )
• All accommodation as listed in the itinerary
• All entrance fees
• Government Taxes and VAT

Trip Excluded :

• International or domestic air tickets
• Visa Fee (30-42$) depending on nationality + 1 passport size picture
• Meals not listed in the itinerary
• Tips and gratuities
• Items not listed in the itinerary
• Insurance