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In all the years we have been sending guests to
Luang Prabang nobody has ever told us "I will never return there!" In fact,
most find it difficult to leave. Luang Prabang reposes gracefully on a peninsula between the mighty Mekong and peaceful Khan rivers, ringed by emerald mountains, dotted with more than
thirty active temples and hundreds of architectural treasures.
Daily life and the relaxed pace of Luang Prabang have barely changed in
fifty years and will not change easily in the future. The town has been
declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, which means noting new can be built
and little of the existing architecture can be modified easily. Here, each day still begins in the mists of morning, with wandering monks and ethnic tribespeople
heading to market, and ends with jovial dinners at magical twilight. Step back in time as you soak up the ambiance of
Languid Luang Prabang.

Arrive in Luang Prabang and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, your personal guide will lead you on a short introduction to this ancient, royal capital. Climb the Naga (river serpent)
Stairway up Phousi Mountain to Wat Paa Huak (your guide may be able to arrange for a key from the Abbot to view the spectacular murals) and Wat Thammothayalan, an active monastery with a lovely view of the Nam Khan river. As you wander around town you'll discover prime examples of 19th century French colonial villas and Lao-style homes. Luang Prabang has a multitude of charming restaurants offering outstanding Lao, French, and international taste treats (be sure to try a tasty Luang Prabang watercress salad and aromatic Lao coffee). After dinner our night guide will join you for an easy-going evening tour. Despite the quiet, small-town atmosphere, you may discover a number of places where locals meet for easy-going fun and socializing.

Early risers should wake and dress by 6am to catch an unforgettable spectacle as hundreds of temple monks quietly parade single-file around the city collecting food offerings from citizens garbed in Lao traditional dress. In the quiet morning it is fun to simply wander about, watching the city come alive. Papermakers pound mulberry bark into mulch, families tend to gardens and wood burning stoves, vendors offer a tasty breakfast treat called "khao jii paté" - freshly baked French baguettes filled with sweet and savory spiced pork.
After breakfast your guide will lead you on a tour of Luang Prabang's temples and city lanes. Wat Xieng Thong is an architectural treasure trove with structures dating from 1560, spectacular mirrored murals on vividly colored walls, a three story high golden funeral chariot, and unique sacred statuary. Take a break from temple-viewing on Sisavangvong Road, lined with open-air cafes, scrumptious bakeries, busy Internet cafes, and shops selling fabrics, silver and ceramics. If school is in session you might enjoy visiting the students at the Ecole des Beaux Arts.
Purple Dragon may also arrange for you to visit a temple project where young monks are being trained in the fast-disappearing traditional Lao painting and sculpture. You may like to visit the former Royal Palace (no shorts allowed,
closed Tuesdays), now a museum haunted by spectres of Luang Prabang's former glory.
Purple Dragon guests should pay special attention to a couple of the floor-to-ceiling paintings in the first exhibition hall!
If you are weary of palaces and temples, another alternative is a trip to
the spectacular Khuang Sii Waterfall, on the outskirts of the city.
(Please arrange this in advance since it requires a special vehicle.)

Depart at 9am for a Keong River boat cruise 25 kilometers north to Tham Ting Cave, famous for its mystical setting filled with hundreds of Luang Prabang-style standing Buddha statues and animist offerings. Along the way marvel at spectacular scenery and the chance to visit a local village or two specializing in producing Lao rice whiskey, paper, or weaving.
Stop for lunch near the mouth of the placid Ou River. (There is a
cute but touristy restaurant along the river, or we can arrange for a picnic
lunch.) On your way back, visit the recently restored Wat Long Khun, where Lao kings went into spiritual retreat prior to their coronations, or the hilltop temple, Wat Chompet, with its beautiful decor and unobstructed view of Luang Prabang and surrounds. You'll be back in town in the early afternoon with plenty of free time for more shopping, wandering, or just rest and relaxation.

Free time until your airport transfer (but we won't be surprised if you decide to stay in Luang Prabang a little longer!). Journey on to
Vientiane or colorful
Chiang Mai.
PRICE PER PERSON FOR ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE
in DOLLARS/EUROS/POUNDS/BAHT:
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Standard: Ancient
Luang Prabang |
|
May through
September 08 |
| Double |
313 |
196 |
157 |
10,440 |
| Single |
535 |
334 |
267 |
17,833 |
|
October 08 through
April 09 |
| Double |
326 |
204 |
163 |
10,860 |
| Single |
560 |
350 |
280 |
18,673 |
|
May through
September 09 |
| Double |
313 |
196 |
157 |
10,440 |
| Single |
535 |
334 |
267 |
17,833 |
|
Superior: Sala Luang
Prabang, Mekong view Room |
|
May through
September 08 |
| Double |
358 |
224 |
179 |
11,936 |
| Single |
641 |
400 |
320 |
21,357 |
|
October 08 through
April 09 |
| Double |
392 |
245 |
196 |
13,061 |
| Single |
338 |
211 |
169 |
11,250 |
|
Deluxe: Grand Hotel,
Deluxe/Mekong Deluxe |
|
Through September 08 |
| Double |
485 |
303 |
243 |
16,182 |
| Single |
863 |
539 |
432 |
28,772 |
|
October 08 through
April 09 (except peak period) |
| Double |
537 |
336 |
269 |
17,914 |
| Single |
967 |
604 |
484 |
32,237 |
|
24 through 31
December 08 |
| Double |
696 |
435 |
348 |
23,194 |
| Single |
1,126 |
703 |
563 |
37,517 |
|
Faaabulous: Three
Nagas, Superior Room |
|
May through
September 08 |
| Double |
412 |
258 |
206 |
13,736 |
| Single |
749 |
468 |
374 |
24,957 |
|
October 08 thorugh
April 09 (except peak period) |
| Double |
579 |
362 |
289 |
19,286 |
| Single |
1,082 |
676 |
541 |
36,057 |
|
24 December 08
through 05 January 09 |
| Double |
651 |
407 |
325 |
21,686 |
| Single |
1,226 |
766 |
613 |
40,857 |
|
May through
September 09 |
| Double |
509 |
318 |
254 |
16,961 |
| Single |
942 |
589 |
471 |
31,407 |
|
VIP: La Residence
Phouvao - Mountain View Room |
|
May through
September 08 |
| Double |
813 |
508 |
406 |
27,097 |
| Single |
1,060 |
662 |
530 |
35,318 |
|
October 08 and 01
through 22 December 08 |
| Double |
1,050 |
656 |
525 |
35,000 |
| Single |
1,534 |
959 |
767 |
51,123 |
|
November 08 + 23
December 08 through 28 February 09 |
| Double |
1,254 |
784 |
627 |
41,815 |
| Single |
1,943 |
1,214 |
971 |
64,753 |
|
March and April 09 |
| Double |
1,050 |
656 |
525 |
35,000 |
| Single |
1,534 |
959 |
767 |
51,123 |
|

choose from these
LUANG PRABANG
HOTELS
Standard: Ancient Luang
Prabang
Superior: Sala Prabang Deluxe: Grand Hotel Faaabulous: Three Nagas
VIP: La Residence
Can you spare an extra day? Here are some of the great things you can add to
your adventure in Luang Prabang
Learn the secrets
of Lao cooking
Weave your own
silk frock
Peddle through
History
Get Really Wet
Enjoy a picnic
by a psychedelic waterfall
Get personal with
your pachyderm
Overnight trips from Luang
Prabang
You can be a Mahout!
The
Road to Rainbows
Prices are based on exchange
rates of 03 May 08 and are subject to fluctuation. Some hotels have compulsory
Christmas and/or New Years Eve dinners.
|
|
INCLUDES
private airport transportation
accommodation with daily breakfast
guided sightseeing
Mekong river cruise with lunch





Includes round trip private airport transportation,
accommodation (including tax, service and daily breakfast beginning on day 2, touring with
private guide, night tour, Mekong boat trip, admission to places mentioned
in the itinerary. Not included: airfare, local transportation, beverages, other meals, gratuities, features not specifically mentioned in the itinerary, or items of a purely personal nature.
Peak season surcharges and/or compulsory Christmas and New Year meals may apply.
Peak season surcharges apply during Songkran festival (April).

Where We Shine: With
Purple Dragon you'll never be herded around on a bus with 40 strangers. Your tour is private and you have the undivided attention of our guides, all of whom speak excellent English. Our guests
often remark that the highlight of their holiday was the charming company of our trained guides and their friendly introduction to Lao life and culture.
Club Sanook Members can take an instant discount when you combine our Luang Prabang and Vientiane packages. For details click on the icon below and join the club!

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