Optional Experience: Monk Arm Giving
Wake up as the sun rises, you will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning almsgiving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temples to gather their daily meals from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.
Return to the hotel for breakfast and start to visit the morning local market near the Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch, from rice to vegetable, to fish, or chicken. This is the best chance to experience the flavor of local life.
Continue to drive through Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Upon reaching the Waterfall, enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings or explore the dense jungle on foot. For the adventurous, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track where beautiful views await. These waterfalls cascade down a multilevel limestone formation creating a series of turquoise blue pools perfect for swimming on a hot day (if swimming, please dress modestly).
There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene and explore the hidden waterfalls, which is rarely visited by other people.
If you wish, you can also take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers
On the way back to Luang Prabang, stop at Ock Pop Tok, set in a tropical Mekong garden it opens doors to learning about Lao textiles and crafts. Bringing alive the concept of east meets west, the Living Craft Centre (LCC) is a place where you can meet silk weavers, craft artisans and silkworms and learn about textiles. Weavers work on traditional looms practicing the age-old techniques brought here to Laos over 1200 years ago. Intern artisans from the Village Weaver Projects work alongside the Ock Pop Tok weavers learning new skills that they, in turn, take home to their villages. The exchanges taking place at the LCC have proven to keep alive the spirit that was prevalent during the prime of the Silk Road and all that was instrumental then in the emergence of the silk industry and appreciation of silk textiles around the world.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon where the balance of the day will be free at your leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Luang Prabang