This morning, you will be picked up from your hotel for a unique and heartwarming experience at MandaLao Elephant Camp. After an in-depth introduction to elephant behavior and communication, you will cross the river to interact with the elephants. The experience includes an easy trek through lush gardens and jungle along the Huay Nok stream, accompanied by these majestic animals. Following the trek, you will return to the camp for a lunch featuring fresh organic produce.

Trek Details: Approximately 2.5 kilometers / 1 hour 30 minutes

In the afternoon, explore Luang Prabang’s most emblematic and culturally-rich sites. Your guide will provide insights into the city’s history, architecture, and culture. Key sites include:

• Mount Phousi: Climb 328 steps to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
• Vat Mai: A revered shrine with an impressive roof, built in the late 18th century.
• Royal Palace: Now the National Museum, showcasing the royal family’s treasures and the sacred Phrabang Buddha.
• Vat Xieng Thong: The Royal City temple complex, renowned for its traditional Lao art.
• Vat Visoun: The oldest temple in the city, notable for its stone stupa representing a Lotus flower.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight in Luang Prabang

Today, visit the Free the Bears NGO, located 30 kilometers from Luang Prabang, to learn about their efforts in combating illegal wildlife trade. The sanctuary houses sun and moon bears rescued from bile farms and illegal pet trade. You will have the opportunity to observe these bears in their naturalistic enclosures and participate in a food hiding activity for the bears.

Enjoy lunch at the Capre Diem Restaurant, set in a beautiful location downstream from the Kuang Si Waterfalls.

In the afternoon, visit the Kuang Si Waterfalls. Marvel at the three-tiered cascades and turquoise pools, explore nature trails, and swim in the refreshing waters. For those seeking adventure, a steep path leads to the top of the falls for a spectacular view.

Optional: Evening street food dinner at the Night Market, offering traditional Lao dishes from various food stalls.

Duration: 1 hour – 1.5 hours.

Meals Included: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Overnight in Luang Prabang.

This morning, board the Heritage Line ‘Anouvong’ for a three-night journey along the Upper Mekong. The first destination is the Pak Ou Caves, home to approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues. Following the cave visit, choose between an adventurous kayak tour on the Nam Ou River or a visit to Ban Muang Keo village, known for traditional silk weaving and Lao whisky distillation.

In the afternoon, arrive at Ban Khok Phou, a 200-year-old village inhabited by the Lao ethnicity. Experience mountain farming practices and the traditional Baci ceremony conducted by local elders. If time permits, visit a small temple for meditation with monks.

The evening features a welcome cocktail and barbecue dinner on the sandbank, amidst stunning natural beauty.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight on board

Begin the day with a sunrise yoga session on the terrace deck. The ship departs early, providing breakfast while you enjoy the Mekong’s morning scenery. A mid-morning stop at Khok Luang introduces you to the Khum people and their simple, agrarian lifestyle. Engage with local families and learn about their daily lives.

Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy onboard activities such as a Lao cooking class or relaxation on the deck. In the evening, partake in a terrace deck dinner (weather permitting) and watch the film “Chiang,” shot in the region.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Overnight on board.

After breakfast on board, transfer to a traditional longtail boat for upstream travel due to river conditions. Visit Khok Ek village, where Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khamo ethnic groups coexist. Explore their distinct cultures and daily lives.

Lunch is served aboard the longtail boat. Continue to Laos’ most sustainable elephant sanctuary, where you can observe elephants in their natural habitat. If time permits, visit a hilltop vantage point in Pakbeng for panoramic views.

Check in at the hotel with views over the town and river. Dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight in Pakbeng.

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing for Huay Xai. Navigate the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Tha Rivers, with careful navigation through rocks and rapids. Arrive at Huay Xai pier for transfer to the Lao-Thai border.

You will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in Chiang Rai for check-in.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Rai

The day is free for personal exploration. Optionally, take a Chiang Rai City Tour:

• Hot Springs: Relax and enjoy the therapeutic waters.
• White Temple (Wat Rong Khun): Admire the resplendent all-white exterior of this contemporary temple.
• Black House (Baan Dam): Visit the contemporary art museum showcasing unique artistic expressions.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Rai

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Board your flight and return home with cherished memories of your incredible journey.