Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang
(30km / 1 hour- 2 hours of waterway)
Optional: very early in the morning, around dawn, you can see the long lines of Bonzes coming out of their pagoda and walk the streets to receive food offerings from the faithful. A unique show that takes place every day of the year...
After breakfast, you will admire the splendor of Vat Xieng Thong, richly decorated and located at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong before embarking on a local boat for a trip up the Mekong to the sacred caves of Pak Ou. The two caves, also called Tham Ting by the locals, are home to thousands of Buddha statues of various sizes. The caves are the subject of processions and pilgrimages during great festivities. Return to Luang Prabang and have lunch.In the afternoon, visit Vat Visoun, completely rebuilt according to the sketches of Delaporte following the invasion, the looting and the destruction of the city in 1887 by the "Black Pavilions", pirates coming from the South of China. You will also visit Vat Aham right next door, where you will find the altar of the two main geniuses of Luang Prabang and the Vat That where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are enclosed, in the great central reliquary. In the late afternoon, crossing the Mekong to climb to Wat Chompet and enjoy the view at sunset. Night at the hotel.
SPECIAL: At the end of the day, you will participate in a "Baci". Mixture of animism and Buddhism, this ceremony is specific to Laos: it aims to "summon spirits" to the one who invokes them before performing an important task or to live a major event (birth, marriage, journey, etc.)
Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.