Arrive to Luang Prabang where you meet your guide and transfer to your hotel to settle in for the evening.

Rise early this morning to the sound of the monastery bells at dawn. If you are up early enough you can witness the lines of monks emerging to receive their morning rice from the townspeople. Respectfully wander the streets to witness this sacred ritual as long lines of barefoot monks weave through the streets on their alms rounds. We request that you observe this from a respectful distance and discourage photographs that interfere with the ritual. Afterwards, visit the Morning Market to see an array of meats, vegetables, and spices for sale by local vendors before returning to your hotel for breakfast.

Next set out to explore this historic World Heritage city. Start with the most popular and classic Luang Prabang temple, the 500-year-old Wat Xieng Thong. Explore small side streets along alleys and through temples as you get a feel for a city that seems to have been designed with slow travel in mind. Wander up the peninsula further and visit the National Museum (or former Royal Palace). Here see relics from Laos' royalist past and the overlooking Phousi Mountain. Climb the 328 steps to get the best view of the city and breathtaking views of the entire landscape.

Depart this morning through Laos's scenic countryside to the Pak Ou Caves, a mystical pilgrimage site high above the Mekong River. Stop in at two riverside villages along the way. Visit Ban Xang Khong to see the weaving of prized Lao textiles still created on ancient wooden looms. Some villagers here also engage in mulberry paper production. The villagers of the next stop in Ban Xang Hai produce a well-known rice whiskey called Lao Lao. Try a swig of this potent drink before continuing on to the ferry boat that takes you to the Pak Ou Caves. Peer into the dark corners to see the more than 3,000 Buddha figurines and faces. Cruise along the Mekong River on your way back to Luang Prabang, enjoying snacks along the way.

This afternoon you set out to visit the nearby Kuang Si Waterfalls, starting with a stop en route to the Living Crafts Centre. Here you learn about textiles and the weavers who strive to keep these cultural techniques and traditions. Continue on to the falls where you can hop into the idyllic turquoise pools at the base of the cascading water.  Also take time to visit the nearby Sun Bear Refuge to learn more about the poaching of these endangered creatures. Return to Luang Prabang for the evening.

Return to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.