Grab this chance to wake up before dawn to observe or to take part in Alms Giving Ceremony – a traditional ritual rite with hundreds of saffron-robed monks in the early morning. Arrange beforehand with your guide about your intention so he/she can bring along some local food to hand over the monk. Notice to dress formally, it means your shoulder, chest, and legs had better be covered. If you don’t want to make the offering, just watch the practice from an appropriated distance quietly.
Then visit the Morning Market with a variety of regional products and food such as local tea, dried buffalo skin, saltpeter, poultries, vegetables, handmade weaving from ethnic groups, etc.
Have breakfast at the hotel, Luang Prabang National Museum at the former Royal Palace where presenting artifact collection of Laotian culture from the very beginning monarchy up to now is the first destination to spend the morning. Follow your guide to luxurious Wat Xiengthong with giant, big and long roof spread to the ground which still remains the sense of classical Laotian architecture. Next, join in a cruise upstream on Mekong River, which gives you a general view of natural beauty, heading to Pak Ou Caves where plenty of gold lacquered Buddha statues in all kinds of size and shape exist in two linked caves. On the way to the caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum, we will stop at Ban Xang Hai – a rice wine village. Have lunch at a local restaurant.
Back to Luang Prabang in the afternoon and finish 328 steps of Mount Phousi in order to view gilded stupa, an amazing sunset picture of the city and also Mekong River. In the evening, Luang Prabang Night Market is the spotlight of the night with a variety of handmade textiles from minorities and local people.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
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