Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour
4.6 / 5 · 73 traveler reviews
Walking with a local guide and visit Luang Prabang Unesco World Heritage sites. You will hear many unique local stories about Luang Prabang, from the history of the temples and the city to the Buddhist narratives and legends painted all over the temple walls. The Luang Prabang community shares such stories and collective memories, and the locals are still firmly connected through sharing them. Join in this small group tour, you will gain insight into Luang Prabang’s culture, which is difficult to know just by looking around on your own.
Your experience
Stop 1
[5:30 am opition only] In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is the respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk, nun, spiritually-developed person or other sentient being. It is not charity as presumed by Western interpreters. It is important to know the ceremony is also a spiritual practice to accumulate good karma for those who give the alms. It is closer to a symbolic connection to the spiritual realm and to show humbleness and respect in the presence of the secular society. The act of almsgiving connects the human to the monk and what he represents. The morning alms giving is a living Buddhist tradition for the people of Luang Prabang which, because of its beauty, has become a major tourist attraction. However, when tourists are unaware of its customs their inappropriate behaviors can be disruptive.
Stop 2
[5:30 am opition only] I Following alms giving, we visit a local morning market. Luang Prabang morning market lining a couple of quiet streets near the Royal Palace, starts early and is over by mid-morning. It sets up along a couple of side-streets next to one of the city’s many Wats. A butcher and some of the more touristy stalls have actual tables for their wares. But most of the vendors, selling anything from rice, to fresh vegetables, to steamed fish, frogs, and anything else that might be the day’s catch, just set up on the ground. We go back to your accommodation and have a free time for breakfast until 8:30 am.
Stop 3
[The museum is closed on the last Thursday of every month and cannot be visited] We will visit the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace, which is today the national museum and built by French colonialists between 1904-09, displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture. (Entrance fee 200,000 LAK Approx. $8.90 USD)
Stop 4
Climb the steps to the summit for panoramic views over the old town, the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, and the surrounding mountains. The climb is optional; if you prefer a gentler morning, your guide can adjust the route.(Entrance fee 60,000 kip Approx. $2.70 USD)
Stop 5
Visit this local temple on the hillside and receive a Buddhist blessing. The ritual includes a sprinkling of holy water and the tying of cotton threads around your wrists, with wishes for well-being and good fortune.
Stop 6
Discover one of Luang Prabang’s most important historic temples, known for its graceful, sweeping roofs and intricate decoration. Your guide will introduce its history and explain some of the stories behind the artwork.(Entrance fee 60,000 kip)
Stop 7
Finish with a short walk to the tip of the peninsula, where the Nam Khan River meets the Mekong, before returning to your hotel at approximately 12:30 PM.
What’s included
- English speaking licensed local tour guide
- A donation to senior monks who bestows a Buddhist blessing
- Bottled water
- Carbonated beverages
- Foods for alms giving ceremony
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Meals
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
Before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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