24 hours in Luang Prabang

Laos is arguably the jewel in Asia’s crown. Although a trip to this captivating country provides a perfect complement to its better-known neighbours – Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand – Laos has more than enough of its own to offer and enchant its visitors. In fact, Laos is often regarded as the most fascinating of Asia’s destinations and leaves those lucky enough to go with enduring memories of its warm people, mesmerising images and stunning scenery.

Leading Asia specialist, Travel Indochina, offers a range of Small Group Journeys of varying durations to its discerning customers, and because there is so much to do and see, the tour operator’s Highlights of Laos 5 day journey has been expertly put together to ensure no stone is left unturned! A trip to Laos would not be complete with a visit to the country’s undeniable gem – the city of Luang Prabang - and Travel Indochina has some top tips on how to explore this award-winning city in just 24 hours.

Having been voted by readers as “Best City” for the last 3 years at the Wanderlust Travel Awards, Luang Prabang possesses an old world charm. Surrounded by mountainous forests and situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang is undoubtedly the most beautiful and engaging of Laos’ cities. Friendly locals and careful street planning make the city extremely easy to get around, yet you cannot help but notice the atmosphere and history that abounds at every corner.

Perhaps the most iconic, and certainly one of the most memorable, highlights of a trip to Luang Prabang is soaking up the atmosphere at dawn as a vibrant orange line of hundreds of robed monks walk the streets in an orderly procession to collect the alms of the townspeople and guests. This spiritual experience can be enriched further by participation in a Baci welcome ceremony.

Travel Indochina’s customers have a unique opportunity to experience a truly “Lao” welcome in the private homes of their Laotian hosts – marked by the recital of prayers and the tying of white string around the wrist as a blessing – a superb introduction to Lao culture and an invigorating start to the day.

Undoubtedly the best way to explore the city is via Laos’ popular public transport – the tuk tuk! A trip on one of these three-wheeled thrill-providers is excitement in itself, but the attention of Travel Indochina’s guests is immediately drawn to the overwhelming sight of Luang Prabang’s famous Wats. Visitors are spoilt with a plethora of exciting photo opportunities, an interesting snapshot of life in the city and a chance to savour the sheer architectural beauty of this sensational destination.

Another highlight, only available to guests of Travel Indochina, is the opportunity to speak with a genuine practicing monk and to learn more about the intriguing and calming Buddhist faith which dominates in Laos. If your conversation with a monk does not leave you feeling cleansed, then a visit to the nearby Kuang Si falls for a refreshing swim most certainly will. Here guests have an option to swim in one of the many, beautiful turquoise coloured pools, surrounded by lush jungle and fed by the cascading water from the falls above.

At this stage of the day, Travel Indochina’s guests will already be feeling extremely “superior” from a day’s activities that have been made uniquely available to them. However, a chance to savour the day’s events presents itself in the form of a Travel Indochina “mocktail”, which can be sipped as the sun sets over the facing beautiful Wat Pha Bhat Tai, on the banks of the Mekong River.

For those with energy to spare, the perfect end of the day comes in the form of a traditional Lao cooking class at the Tamarind restaurant on the Nam Khan River. Guests learn about local cuisine and traditional cooking methods, with the chance to eat their own creations.

Prices for a 5 day “Highlights of Laos” Small Group Journey start from £395, including accommodation, internal flights, transfers and transportation, sightseeing, Western tour leader and local English-speaking guide, daily breakfast and one lunch and one dinner.

Travel Indochina has 15 years’ experience in operating small group journeys to “the real” Asia and unlike many other travel companies limits its group size to a maximum of 15 people. The smaller groups enable travellers to gain the best from both worlds - greater access to the local culture and plenty of opportunities for independent exploration.

For more information, visit Travelindochina.co.uk.