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.