We highly suggest this special journey that takes place around the Mekong, in the area of Luang Prabang. This river, called "the impetuous" by the Chinese, is called "the mother’s rivers". Here, the Mekong River is quiet and calm, she is the source of life and prosperity. We will begin this journey with the visit of Pak Ou caves.
We embark at 8.30 for a 2 hours cruise. On the way, your guide would be pleased to answer all the questions you could have about the history and the legends, because there are plenty all around... including the spirit stories, who are considered as strong, fearless, and without any pity.
Pak Ou should be reached before 10h30, when the light on the faces of the cave is the most impressive. 2 caves inside the karstic mountain host thousands of statues of Buddha, sometimes covered by Burma gold leafs.
Lunch at a local restaurant, in Pak Ou village.
We then go back downstream. Possible stop in Ban Xiang Hai, well known for its local rice alcohol production. Some add the most venomous animals they can find, as medicine whisky... Also possible stop in Ban Xang Khong, specialized in silk products and confection of Saa paper (made with the bark of the Saa tree).
We then continue to the village of Ban Xieng Mene, with its former royal caves and its harmonious temple, mix of Lao and French colonial architectural influences. This village, just at the Mekong bank opposite of Luang Prabang.
Back to Luang Prabang.
(option: minivan with air-con or tuktuk can be organized from/to your hotel to/from the boat peer).
End of the journey.
Options:
Option 1: Visit the pottery village downstream
We can continue our exploration with the village of Ban Chan, the pottery village, where we can see the way the local people produce potteries, bricks, construction material, still in the traditional way. Here, the savoir faire is passed on from generation to generation.
Warning: during the "Van Sin days" (Full moon, New moon, and 1st and 3rd quarter), the workers have religiously day off and can’t work.
Option 2 : Visit the pottery village and the botanical garden
In addition to the visit of Ban Chan (or also written Ban Jan), visit the site of the Botanical garden with its exhibition of plants coming from the area including special dedicate area for bamboos and orchids. The garden opened in 2016.
It will then be time to return to Luang Prabang to watch the sunset reflecting on the Mekong, in one of the restaurants that stand on the bank of the river.
Included:
- English speaking guide
- Private boat
- Entrance fee for paying visits
- 2 small bottles of mineral water per day and per person
- Government taxes
Can be chose as options:
- Lunch in a local restaurant
- Air conditioned minivan with driver for hotel / boat transfers
- Visit of the village of potters
- Visit the Botanic Park
