Upon on your arrival in Luang Prabang, your tour guide will meet and take you on a private transfer to your hotel for four nights. The rest of the day is free at leisure. In the evening, experience the traditional baci (welcome) ceremony then enjoy a private dinner.

Baci is held on important occasions such as births, welcomes, weddings and home comings. Laotian believes that the human being’s main body parts are inhabited by 32 spirits. In some circumstances, these spirits may leave the body to wander around and get lost in the universe, thus causing you to become weak. Therefore, it’s important to call the missing spirits back, so you can be yourself again.  A village elder will wrap a white cotton thread around your wrist while chanting an invocation to strengthen the power of the blessing.

Today you will explore Luang Prabang with your personal guide and driver. Take in the interesting fusion of Lao traditional architecture and colonial-era villas along the drive to Wat Xieng Thong, the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang. Built in the 16th century, Wat Xieng Thong epitomizes the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture. Then visit the Wat Khili, which is situated opposite Wat Xieng Thong and known as the Temple of the Golden Mountain. The temple is home to the Buddhist Archives, which preserves historic photographs and documents, many of which had been safeguarded by monks in Luang Prabang throughout the turmoil and war of the 20th century.

Continue on to the Royal Palace, which is now a museum. The location of the palace was chosen so that official visitors to Luang Prabang could disembark from their river voyages directly below the palace and be received there. In 1975, the monarchy was overthrown by the communists, and the palace was then converted into a national museum housing precious artefacts that belonged to the Lao Royal Family.

Leave your hotel at 5h30am for Tak Bat or morning alms ceremony, a well-known Buddhist tradition in Luang Prabang which dates back generations. Witness and participate in the offering alms to a procession of hundreds of saffron-robed monks in the early morning light, a truly spiritual occasion! After the almsgiving, watch the town come to life during a visit to the bustling morning market before returning to your hotel in time for breakfast.

After your breakfast, drive 5km (3mi) east of Luang Prabang to visit Ban Xang Khong, which is well-known for their woven textiles and silk. People in the village are also adept at making traditional Saa paper, which is made from mulberry trees. Walk around the village and visit shops with your guide, and if you are looking for a Lao silk scarf, you can get a good one here.

Board a small boat for your private adventure on the meandering Mekong River, an ideal introduction on the river that runs through Laos. Enjoy the idyllic scenes of rural riverside life and spectacular scenery until reaching Pak Ou Caves, which locates amongst the limestone cliffs where the Mekong and Nam Our rivers meet. Pak Ou Caves include Tham Ting and Tham Theung, both filled with thousands of Buddha statues and images for centuries.

Visit Ban Xang Hai village, also known as the “Whiskey Village”, where you can see the process of making “Lao Lao” (Lao whisky). Along with Beerlao, Lao-Lao is a staple drink in Laos. It’s impressive how rudimentary and traditional the method is, the locals are still using an open fire and earthen jars to make their wine. Stroll around the village to browse the stands selling bottles of local whiskey and also textiles before heading back to your hotel.

Relax at your hotel until your guide and driver come to pick you up in time for your departure flight, private transfer to the airport.