Luang Prabang Trekking Retreat

Luang Prabang - Ban Xieng Mouark

Luang Prabang – That Thong waterfalls: 15 minutes Trekking: 3.5 hours / Difficulty: Medium

Today we will set off from the center town for a 15 minutes’ drive out to the That Thong Waterfalls where our hike starts up towards a rarely visited protected area.

The flora is very rich in this area and we can admire a multitude of butterflies all year long.

On your way towards the top of the hill, you will be walking through the cascading waterfall, on vast jungle flora tracks. Walk through at a Kamu village and take the chance to learn more about highland agriculture.

Trek up the hill to discover a beautiful view of Luang Prabang from a new angle before hiking back down the other side.

Here in the middle of lush vegetation, arrive to the Hillside resort for lunch.

Enjoy your time here to unwind by the pool or in the tropical garden. Services available massage, natural hot sauna.

This evening, enjoy a feast filled dinner at the resorts restaurant.

Overnight in Ban Xieng Mouark

Ban Xieng Mouark - Luang Prabang

Transfer: 15 minutes Trekking: 4 hours / Difficulty: Medium

After breakfast, enjoy a last dip in the pool surrounding by the splendid garden before walking down towards the most famous falls of Luang Prabang: the Kuang Si waterfalls. There is a 15 minute transfer to the village of Long Lao where lives harmoniously Hmong and Lao people. Start trekking through various vegetation and landscapes before arriving at the top of the falls- what a sight! Don’t forget to take your swimming suit as we will have time after lunch at the falls to freshen up a swim in the famous turquoise waters. Kuang Si is known by locals to be a rejuvenating source with medical virtues!

Enjoy a delicious Lao Picnic lunch nearby the waterfalls.

You might also like to visit the bear sanctuary which is next to the falls, run by Free The Bears Fund Inc. There are currently 23 Asiatic Black Bears living in the sanctuary, which has saved them from poaching. The main threat to these bears is poaching due to the use of their bile in Chinese medicine. You can read about their habits and observe their playful nature, whilst learning about the difficulties they are facing.

Transfer back to your hotel in town this mid- afternoon.

Meet up again at 5.30PM in appropriate clothing and have the unique opportunity to experience one of Laos’ oldest traditions: The Baci. The purpose of the Baci, which is a mix of Animist and Buddhist beliefs, is to call back escaped spirits to the body. This is something that is very important before major events such as weddings, births, travel, welcoming friends and farewells.

Lao people believe that each person has 32 spirits which constitute their spiritual essence and the Baci is the ritual used to call back any escaped spirits to the body.

During the Baci, special flower trays and food treats are prepared which are then touched by the participants while a Buddhist mantra is chanted. After the chanting is completed, cotton threads are tied around the participants’ wrist whilst they receive and individual blessing. This special, private ceremony will leave memories for years to come.

Farewell dinner at Khai Phen. This restaurant is run by Peuan Mit, an organization founded by Friends-International in Vientiane in 2004, in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare to address the needs of street children and young people in Laos.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang - Departure

Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang Airport (4 km): 15 min

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy the morning free at leisure until transport (provided) back to the airport for the departing flight.