3-Day Luang Prabang Tour with Pak Ou Cave and Kuang Si Waterfall

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Witness monks' alms collection in the serene morning ritual
• 02 Explore Pak Ou Cave on a traditional Mekong River cruise
• 03 Immerse in Kuang Si Waterfall's natural beauty and the Bear Rescue Center
• 04 Engage with local culture at the morning market and tranquil Luang Prabang

Embark on a captivating 3-day journey through Luang Prabang. Experience the enchanting alms-giving ceremony, uncover the mystical Pak Ou Cave on a traditional Mekong River cruise, and revel in Kuang Si Waterfall's splendour alongside a visit to the Bear Rescue Center. Engage with local life at the morning market and depart with cherished memories.

Experience the enchanting alms-giving ceremony, uncover the mystical Pak Ou Cave on a traditional Mekong River cruise, and revel in Kuang Si Waterfall's splendour alongside a visit to the Bear Rescue Center.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

City Luang Prabang

Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Luang Prabang

• Arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Luang Prabang.

2

Day 02

Alms Ceremony, Pak Ou Cave and Kuang Si Waterfall

• Participate in the early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks collecting alms.
• Optional visit to the local morning market.
• Return to the hotel for breakfast.
• Cruise on a traditional boat along the Mekong River to explore Pak Ou Cave.
• Transfer by private minivan to Kuang Si Waterfall and the Bear Rescue Center.

Overnight stay in Luang Prabang.

3

Day 03

Departure from Luang Prabang

• Transfer to the airport.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• All meals as stated above
• All tours and transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles with an English-speaking guide, including all entrance fees
• Drinking water

What's Not Included

• Visa
• Travel insurance
• Beverages during lunches and dinners
• Gratuities for the guide and driver
• Personal and other expenses not stated in the itinerary

What to bring

• Passport with a minimum of 6 months' validity remaining (VERY IMPORTANT!!)
• A good-quality backpack
• Good travel insurance (most policies cover Laos, but check)
• A second photo ID other than your passport
• Driver's licence if you wish to go on the road or rent a bike or a car
• Important scans and documents in hard copy and on Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.
• Blood donor/type card in case of emergency
• Prescriptions for any medication you require. (Note: Most Lao chemists will sell medicine without a script, but if you are searched by immigration, it's good to be able to show that you need the medicine you carry.)
• Credit cards - not all in the same bag, please, and not all of them in your day-to-day wallet
• Light sleeping bag or blanket for cleanliness if you hang out at backpacker places; otherwise, only for trips around October to February
• Sun protection, a hat, mosquito spray, and sunscreen (enough of it)
• Small towel and swimsuit, maybe a light outdoor towel - the waterfalls are inviting!
• Good walking shoes and trekking sandals for activities, plus flip-flops
• First aid kit for outdoor activities if you plan such activities (we take first aid kits on our tours)
• Earplugs for sleeping and boat trips!
• Padlock to prevent unwanted searching of your bags
• An easy-to-wash set of long and short clothes for outdoor use, plus string or hooks
• Rain protection, as our tours are held rain or shine (especially in June-October)
• Basic toiletries and toilet paper, although these can easily be purchased at local stores and supermarkets
• Games and a good book for the bus or a quiet night
• Small knife, binoculars, head torch or flashlight, and extra batteries
• Chargers and power banks (some villages have no power)
• Candles and lighters make sense, but not in hand luggage.
• Hygiene kit with soap, tissues, toothbrush, tampons, etc.
• School supplies, pens, notebooks, toothbrushes, and toothpaste to donate to local villages with your guide. (Note: These can be bought in Luang Prabang, and your guide will give them to the school or village.)
• A small donation to your guide goes a long way toward supporting their family and community

Know before you go

• Language
  • The national language is Lao, but English is commonly used in major tourist centres.
  • Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai are also widely understood.
  • French, German, Russian, and several other European languages are spoken by many educated Lao due to higher education in Europe during the 1970s-1990s.
• Weather
  • Laos generally enjoys a mild tropical climate, but it can get quite chilly during the cool season.
  • Temperatures range from 10 to 40 degrees Celsius in the Mekong Valley.
• Currency
  • The official currency of the Lao PDR is the Kip.
  • Banknotes in circulation include 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 Kip.
  • The best currencies for exchanging money are US Dollars, Euros, and Thai Baht.
  • Currency exchange is possible at banks, airports, and foreign currency exchange offices.
• Travel with Children
  • Laos is a safe and peaceful country, suitable for both adults and children.
  • Lao people are fond of kids, and children provide opportunities for positive interactions with locals.
• Credit Cards
  • Visa, Master Card, and American Express are accepted mainly in larger hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops in major cities like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Champasack.
• Internet
  • Internet access is available in many hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants in urban areas.
  • Internet cafes are also present in provincial capitals, but rural areas might have limited connectivity.
• Healthcare
  • Laos offers basic healthcare services.
  • Precautionary measures such as consuming well-cooked food, drinking bottled water, staying hydrated, avoiding mosquito bites, and wearing protective clothing can prevent common ailments.
• Hospital Information
  • Google Maps can help you locate hospitals in Laos.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

On request.

Tour start

Luang Prabang, Laos

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.