Extension Lao – Luang Prabang

After the intensity and diversity of Vietnam, Laos offers a breath.
This extension to Luang Prabang, former royal capital listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an invitation to slow down, take the time to meet and let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the Mekong.

Designed in the spirit of Senteurs du Vietnam with our partner in Laos, this Laotian interlude prioritizes human exchanges, local initiatives and a respectful discovery of cultures. The stay is extended by a rare immersion in a khmu village for a journey that makes sense, closer to local life.

Program of 4 days and 3 nights

Day 1 - Around Luang Prabang, traditions and know-how (L)

Upon your arrival, welcome by our English guide and your driver for a first gentle immersion around Luang Prabang.

The morning begins with a visit to the TAEC – Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, an essential introduction to the ethnic diversity of Laos and the actions taken to preserve traditional knowledge.

You then join a small neighboring village to discover the ancestral weaving, once reserved for the royal family. The gestures are precise, passed down for generations.

The road continues towards the paper village, nestled in a green setting. Lunch in a pretty garden, then discovery of the artisanal manufacture of paper alongside the inhabitants. A local painter artist also opens the doors of his workshop.

At the end of the day, join the charming guesthouse then free time to stroll in the old town, along the Mekong or simply enjoy the sweetness of Luang Prabang.
Dinner at leisure.

Day 2 - Heritage, spirituality and solidarity initiatives (B, L)

After breakfast, departure with our English-speaking guide for the ascent of Mount Phou Si for a panoramic view of the peninsula. Going back down, passing by the morning market, lively and authentic, a reflection of the daily life of the inhabitants.

You continue with the visit of the Royal Palace, a place steeped in history, one of whose rooms has been entirely painted by the French artist Alix Aymé for the last king of Laos.

After lunch, the afternoon is devoted to the discovery of Wat Xieng Thong, jewel of Lao religious architecture, before participating in a workshop of batik hmong, to learn about traditional crafts and exchange with artisans.

Finally dinner at your leisure in Luang Prabang.

Day 3 - Khmu village, immersion in the heart of a khmu village (B, L, D)

After breakfast, departure by tuk-tuk with our English-speaking guide to a Khmu village.

On the way, stop at the Phosi market, one of the most authentic in Luang Prabang, where you discover local specialties, including khao lam, coconut rice cooked in a bamboo.

You then stop in a village of weavers, and take part in an initiation to this craft still very practiced in Laos.

In the village, discover one of the projects supported by your trip: the school canteen run by the association that feeds more than 100 children every day. Lunch shared with the project team, a simple and sincere moment.

In the afternoon, meet a grandmother from the village, who introduces you to bamboo weaving, an emblematic savoir-faire of the Khmu people.
Free time to swim in the small village waterfalls, a place of life and games for the inhabitants.

In the evening, dinner with the locals, participation in the preparation of the meal and exchanges around daily life.

Day 4 - Preserved nature and gentle return (B, L)

After breakfast, go to the famous waterfalls of Kuang Si. Free time to swim in their turquoise pools, in the heart of lush nature.

Visit of the Free the Bear Rescue Centre, a center committed to protecting Asian bears, then stop at a small café perched in the trees, offering spectacular views of the valley and the Mekong.

Lunch near the source of the waterfalls, in a still preserved place, before the transfer to the airport.

Price on request

Luang Prabang - An ideal extension after Vietnam

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Luang Prabang is the perfect place to extend your stay in Vietnam. Former royal capital, the city seduces with its iconic temples, colonial architecture, traditional crafts and peaceful atmosphere on the banks of the Mekong.
Easy to combine with a Scents of Vietnam tour, Luang Prabang offers an authentic interlude, between culture, nature and human encounters, to conclude your trip in Southeast Asia with serenity.