DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVE (B) After breakfast, visit the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, visit the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves. Stop at the small village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is distilled. On our way back, we pass the local villages at Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan continue to see the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun, which once belongs to royal family patronage and near by Sackarine Caves. We cross to city and take a short drive to Ban Phanom, well known for its hand weaving.

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. From there you will visit the morning Phosi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups, then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turqoise pools or walk along the forest trails. We return to the city by late afternoon to observe the sunset at WAT PHABATH.

You will visit the protected Elephants at the “Elephant Park Project” along the Nam Khan riverbanks.  A short and easy hiking tour will lead you out into the Fair Trek project area where villages profit directly from your visit. A small Khamu community lives below a high rising mountain range. Depending on the time available your Lao style Lunch will be served at Ban Houay Fai and return to Tad Sae waterfall

After breakfast, we visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace and Central Market. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure.