Luang Prabang Heritage Walk and Mekong Finale
Meet your tour guide at the hotel and enjoy a walking tour of Luang Prabang.
Visit Wat Visoun, home to the impressive Thad Makmo stupa. Its rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao. Then head to Phou Si hill, which stands right in the center of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy commanding views for many miles in every direction. Wat Phu Si sits atop the mountain, alongside the skeletons of Indochina War anti-aircraft guns.
Continue to Wat Mai. Built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style.
Visit Wat Xieng Thong, which further emphasizes the uniqueness of Luang Prabang, with its several roofs sweeping low to the ground.
See the impressive 'tree of life' mosaic here. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts semi-erotic episodes from the Ramayana.
Arrive at the National Museum, once a king's palace. Displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from dignitaries of foreign countries.
Go shopping along the main street.
Stop at the Mekong river to conclude the trip.
