LAO WOMEN'S TALES

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL – LUANG PRABANG  (B / - / -)

This excellent nine-day discovery starts in Luang Prabang.

Upon arrival at the airport we will be transferred to the hotel to check-in and receive a welcome drink.

We then have the rest of the day at leisure to settle into life in the laidback city. UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang served as the royal capital and seat of government for the Kingdom of Laos until the 1975 revolution. The streets are studded with ornate temples and striking buildings boasting a blend of French colonial landmarks and traditional local architecture. We can be mesmerised by Luang Prabang’s charm at our own pace.

An optional evening activity provides an even deeper insight into the country’s fascinating culture through participation in a baci ceremony. This calling of the spirits ritual is unique to Laos and it has been practiced for centuries. It involves tying white cotton strings around the wrist, while prayers are chanted by a shaman order to elicit good fortune.

Afterwards, all participants share a delicious traditional Laotian dinner with the hosts, followed by the return to the hotel. Please note: The official hotel check-in time is 2 pm. Meals are to our own account.

OPTION 1 : BACI CEREMONY WITH TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE SHOW AT LOCAL HOUSE AND DINNER

This evening, after the sunset, you will be invited to take part in one of the most important ceremonies for Laotian people: Baci ceremony. Baci is a specific ceremony in Laos which has been practiced for hundreds of years. The term commonly used is “sou khuan” which means “spirit enhancing or spirit calling”. The ceremony involves the tying of white cotton strings around a person’s wrists and the prayer saying or well-wishing for the person that the ceremony is intended for. The Baci ceremony is held on many different occasions or events throughout the year. It can be held any day of the week though it has to be on a good day in the lunar calendar. These good days are known to elders, senior monks, or ex-monks. The ceremony can be held for both sad times and happy times.

[Duration: around 30 min depending on the number of pax]

Then, you will share a delicious traditional Laotian dinner with your hosts, before going back to the hotel.

DAY 2 : LUANG PRABANG – CITY TOUR – OCK POP TOCK  (B / L / D)

We dig deep into Laos’ rich cultural heritage on today’s jam-packed agenda. At 8.30 am, we head to 16th century Wat Xieng Thong. Hailed as the town’s most beautiful temple, this is decorated in ornate coloured glass.

We continue to the Royal Palace Museum to browse a treasure chest of ancient relics and then on to Ock Pop Tok. This weaving centre and social enterprise aims to preserve traditional weaving techniques and support women’s empowerment. We can take part in an optional activity, such as dyeing fabrics.

After a local-style lunch, we return to the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure before dinner at stunning Manda de Laos.

Explore Luang Prabang’s landmarks and traditions on this eventful excursion.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

OPTION 2 : NATURAL DYE WORKSHOP AT OCK POP TOK 

Laos is famous for its hand-grown, spun, dyed, hand woven cotton and silk fabrics made by Lao women villagers, this afternoon, you will experience the natural dye workshop with an expert. Before you will start, a welcome drink will be served and you will have an introduction to silkworms and any varieties of silk by local expert.  Get your hands dirty, enjoy hands-on natural dyeing silk scarf activity and take home the dyed scarf that you made at the end of the class.

[Duration: 2.5-hours 14:00 to 16:30 / min: 2 pax max: 5 pax]

DAY 3 : LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI & BUFFALO DAIRY FARM  (B / L / -)

Bask in breath-taking nature with waterfalls, bears and buffalos on today’s itinerary. At 9 am, we set off on a 45-minute drive to the striking Kuang Si Waterfalls area. A short jungle jaunt takes us to a sanctuary that rescues bears from the cruel clutches of the illegal animal trade. Next, we continue to the three-tiered falls that thunder into inviting azure pools – perfect for a dip.

After lunch at nearby Carpe Diem Restaurant, we head back to the city, stopping at the Buffalo Dairy Farm. This innovative social enterprise rents cattle from farmers to boost their income. We can feed calves before sampling buffalo milk ice cream. We return to Luang Prabang by about 4 pm, with the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner is to our own arrangement. We enter the wild and forge unforgettable memories on a day of outdoors discovery.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

OPTION 3 : CULINARY SUNSET MOMENTS WITH MONICA

Enjoy stunningly beautiful sunsets, mouthwatering East-meets-West tapas and heartfelt company.

From the panoramic terrace of Jumbo Guesthouse, experience the ever-changing views of the mighty Mekong. Feel its energy, enjoy a sun-downer or a glass of wine while experiencing the best sunset views of Luang Prabang. As the sunlight disappears, a myriad of twinkling lights transforms the garden into a fairytale landscape – a perfect hideaway to spend an evening to remember. A passionate foodie and host that loved to share her place and stories that leads to an adventurous life from Brazil to Austria and now, 12 amazing years in Laos with positive and open-minded woman who loves being a good host, sharing interests in other cultures, art, theatre and classical music. She will prepare for you her renowned East-meets-West Tapas. 100% homemade, with fresh, healthy ingredients.

[Duration: 2.5hrs / time: 17h00 to 19h30 / capacity: 2 – 8 pax / incl. 1 spiked sun downer per person or glass of wine and dinner]

DAY 4 : LUANG PRABANG – BAN XANG HAI – PAK OU CAVES  (B / L / D)

We cruise to some sacred caves and climb up high to get a spectacular vista on a day of adventure. At 9 am, we head to the pier and board a traditional boat for a journey along the Mekong River to the highly-revered caves of Pak Ou. En route, we stop at picturesque Ban Xang Hai village to discover the secrets behind rice wine brewing. At the caves we visit Tham Ting and Tham Theung grottoes. These are filled with thousands of Buddha images left over the centuries by devotees.

After lunch at Manivanh Restaurant, we return to Luang Prabang by boat and continue to Mount Phousi where the energetic can climb the hill’s 300-plus steps to enjoy a stunning panorama of the city and its surroundings. A small 200-year-old temple also sits atop the summit and we can explore this. At 7 pm we head to Bamboo Tree Wat Sene Restaurant to eat tasty Luang Prabang specialties cooked by our host Mrs. Linda. We can delve into the area’s rich heritage on a day packed with experiences.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 5 : LUANG PRABANG – CULTURAL TEMPLE TOUR (JOIN IN)  (B / - / -)

The morning is free at leisure to enjoy some solo exploration of UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang. This is an easy city to browse on foot. Alternatively, participate in a deeply rewarding spiritual experience. This involves a magical Mekong dawn cruise to Ban Don Kao where we receive a warm welcome from our host at her riverside property. We then watch lines of monks receive food donations from locals in exchange for a blessing during the daily tak bat ceremony.

After breakfast with our host, we cruise back to Luang Prabang. In the afternoon, we head to Wat Pa Phai, one of the town’s oldest shrines. This has a classic Tai-Lao fresco depicting everyday scenes in 19th century Laos.

The guide will give an insight into Buddhist culture, architecture, temple etiquette and the daily life of monks. We can also be guided through the meditation process and receive the blessings of a head monk. We are then transferred back to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure. All meals are to our own arrangement, with overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 6 : LUANG PRABANG – VIENTIANE BY TRAIN  (B / - / -)

After breakfast, we have the morning at leisure. When it is time, we transfer to the station and take a two-hour train journey to the capital. Vientiane is famed for its charm, charisma and tranquil riverside setting. Upon arrival, we will be met by a local guide and transferred to the hotel to check-in, with the evening at leisure. We recommend heading to the lively riverside night market that springs to life at dusk. We continue on the next leg of this adventure as we head to the charismatic capital.

Overnight in Vientiane

OPTION 4 : Traditional Cooking Class with lunch at Heun Chanh (Join in) 

Learn to cook like a local with an optional cooking class before we catch a train to Vientiane.

There is also the chance to head to Heuan Chan, the ‘house of Mrs. Chan’ for instruction in delicious and authentic cuisine. The venue for this activity is a traditional wooden structure that dates back to the early 1900s. We will learn how to make Laotian favorites and feast on the fruits of our labor for lunch.

DAY 7 : VIENTIANE – BUDDHA PARK – LAO DISABLED WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT CENTRE – THAT LUANG  (B / L / -)

We marvel at religious sculptures and are inspired by an innovative project to empower disabled women on a tour that provides illuminating experiences. At 9 am, we embark on a 40-minute drive to Buddha Park. This site dates back to 1958 and it features a collection of intriguing Buddhist and Hindu sculptures scattered among lush gardens and trees.

On our return to Vientiane we stop at the Laos Disabled Women's Development Centre. This vocational training facility helps to increase self-esteem and provide financial independence for marginalized females. After a 30-minute tour, we take part in a hienhou numkan group discussion with staff to hear about the challenges the women face. We then participate in a disability awareness raising game, followed by a traditional lunch.

We then continue to That Luang, Laos’ most revered shrine. This features a shimmering golden stupa that is believed to enshrine a breast bone of the Buddha. We end the day with a sunset Mekong stroll and dinner at our leisure. This is a day of enlightenment and great beauty.

Overnight in Vientiane

DAY 8 : VIENTIANE – KUNG CAFÉ – CITY TOUR  (B / L / -)

Today’s tour introduces us to three generations of women who have been championing the capital’s cafe scene for over a decade. At 9 am we head to one Vientiane’s hidden gems, Khung’s Cafe. Located on a quiet lane, the tiny garden cafe was started by Khung and her daughter Daeng. Now, three generations of women serve delicious Laos cuisine from their green oasis.

Next, we head to Wat Sisaket, Vientiane’s oldest monastery, dating back to 1820. This is one of the few temples to survive destruction when Siamese armies looted in 1827. We continue to Patuxai, an impressive arch similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. After lunch at local restaurant, we return to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Vientiane

OPTION 5 : HOMEMADE DINNER (only for groups up to 6 pax)

An optional excursion involves the opportunity to experience legendary Laotian hospitality in the company of a lady who has worked for many years as guide. She will welcome us into her home for lunch and relate stories of her life and her country. This cultural and culinary excursion will satisfy both minds and appetites.

DAY 9 : VIENTIANE – FREE DAY – DEPARTURE (B / - / -)

Enjoy a last leisurely morning before we leave Laos. After breakfast we have free time to enjoy Vientiane at our own pace, or we can take part in optional activities.

For weaver lovers, we recommend Carol Cassidy Lao Textiles. As a passionate weaver since the age of 17, Carol employs teams of female artisans to handcraft a range of stunning products. Mulberries is another innovative weaving project founded by Kommaly Chanthavong, who fled her village aged 11 after it was destroyed by a US bombing raid during the Secret War. She now employs 3,000 farmers and artisans.

When it is time, we check-out and transfer to the airport for our onward flights. This concludes our incredible discovery of Laos.

End of our services.