Hidden Charms Of Hoi An & Luang Prabang 8 Days

Welcome to Luang Prabang, the ancient royal capital of Laos and one of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting UNESCO World Heritage cities. Upon arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our driver who will transfer you to your hotel nestled in this remarkably well-preserved town where French colonial architecture harmoniously blends with traditional Lao temples and wooden shophouses.

Check into your hotel and take time to settle in after your journey. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure, offering a perfect opportunity to begin discovering Luang Prabang’s unique atmosphere. Perhaps take a gentle stroll through the compact town center, where saffron-robed monks walk quietly along tree-lined streets, or find a riverside cafe to sit with a Lao coffee and simply absorb the peaceful ambiance of this special place.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Tour guide: English Speaking Guide
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your day of discovery with an enchanting cruise up the legendary Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves. Board a traditional wooden longboat and settle in for the relaxing 2-hour journey upstream, gliding past riverside villages where children wave from sandy banks, water buffalo cool themselves in shallows, and local fishermen check their nets. The Mekong, one of Asia’s great rivers, serves as the lifeblood of Laos, providing transportation, food, and irrigation for countless communities.

Arrive at the sacred Pak Ou Caves, locally referred to as Tam Ting, which translates to “Two Caves.” These remarkable grottoes are carved into towering limestone cliffs at the point where the Nam Ou River joins the Mekong. Climb stone steps to reach the lower cave, Tham Ting, then continue higher to explore Tham Theung, the upper cave accessed via steep stairs that reward your effort with stunning views.

Inside these mystical caverns, discover an extraordinary sight: thousands upon thousands of Buddha statues in various sizes, styles, and states of preservation. Gold-lacquered Buddhas ranging from tiny figurines to life-sized sculptures fill every niche and surface, placed here over centuries by pilgrims seeking blessings. The atmosphere feels profoundly spiritual, with incense smoke curling through shafts of sunlight that penetrate the darkness.

Return to Luang Prabang by boat and enjoy lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant. The afternoon brings you to one of Laos’s most beautiful natural wonders: Kuang Si Waterfalls, located approximately 32 kilometers southwest of the city. The scenic drive takes you through rural countryside dotted with small villages and rice fields.

Upon reaching Kuang Si, discover why this is Laos’s most photographed waterfall. A series of tiered cascades tumble down travertine formations, creating dozens of turquoise pools perfect for swimming. The main falls drop dramatically from a height of about 60 meters, creating a cool mist that refreshes visitors. Spend time relaxing in this beautiful natural setting – swim in the crystal-clear pools (wear appropriate swimwear), walk the forest trails, or simply find a shaded spot to sit and marvel at the scenery.

Before leaving, visit the Free The Bears sanctuary located adjacent to the falls. This rescue center, operated by Free The Bears Fund Inc., provides a permanent home for Asiatic black bears rescued from poaching and illegal wildlife trade, offering education about conservation challenges facing these endangered animals.

Return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. Before dinner, climb the 328 steps to the summit of Mount Phousi, a sacred hill rising 100 meters above town and crowned by a golden stupa. The climb takes about 20 minutes at a leisurely pace, passing shrines and Buddha images carved into rock faces. Arrive at the top in time for sunset, when golden light bathes the town, temples, and rivers in magical hues. The panoramic views encompass Luang Prabang’s entire UNESCO Heritage zone, with the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers forming natural boundaries.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Tour guide: English Speaking Guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You’ll be picked up at your hotel at 9:00 am by your guide, ready to explore Luang Prabang from a different perspective today – by bicycle. This active yet relaxed day allows you to experience the town and its surroundings at a pace perfect for observation and photography.

Begin with a visit to Phosy Market, Luang Prabang’s primary morning market where locals gather daily to purchase fresh ingredients for their meals. Follow your guide through the bustling covered sections where vendors sit beside baskets piled with exotic vegetables, aromatic herbs, river fish, and specialty items unique to Laos. This authentic market offers fascinating insights into Lao daily life and cuisine, far from tourist shops.

From the market, cycle to several of Luang Prabang’s most significant cultural sites. Visit the National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace built in 1904 during French colonial rule. This beautiful building served as home to Lao royalty until 1975 when the monarchy ended. Now a museum, it displays royal artifacts, religious treasures, and items documenting Laos’s history through various kingdoms and dynasties.

Continue cycling to Wat Mai, an important temple dating from 1796 that emphasizes the graceful architectural style characteristic of Luang Prabang. The temple’s ornate five-tiered roof and intricately carved wooden facade, covered in gold leaf, represent masterworks of Lao craftsmanship.

Your cycling tour culminates at Wat Xieng Thong, positioned majestically at the end of the peninsula where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers converge. Built in 1560, this is Luang Prabang’s most historically and architecturally significant temple. The sweeping rooflines that nearly reach the ground, the stunning glass mosaic depicting the “Tree of Life,” and the peaceful compound with multiple pavilions create an atmosphere of timeless beauty.

After absorbing the history and visiting these architectural gems, cycle to Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise and non-profit organization dedicated to preserving traditional Lao weaving techniques. Here you’ll spend time learning about the intricate process of silk weaving, from the initial stages of creating natural dyes from plants and minerals to the final process of loom weaving where skilled artisans create elaborate patterns from memory. Consider purchasing ethically made textiles that support local weavers.

From Ock Pop Tok, take a short ride to the Elephant Village Sanctuary, an outdoor facility focused on elephant preservation and education. This ethical elephant center rescues working elephants and provides them with better care while offering visitors opportunities to learn about these magnificent creatures’ challenges in Southeast Asia.

Around noon, enjoy free time for lunch at a local restaurant of your choice. Your guide can provide recommendations based on your culinary preferences. In the afternoon, cycle back through town to visit Wat Visoun, dating back to the 16th century and housing the historic Watermelon Stupa, so named for its unusual rounded shape reminiscent of the fruit.

Another highlight of this afternoon is the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, an excellent museum where you’ll learn about Laos’s remarkable ethnic diversity. Laos is home to 49 officially recognized ethnic groups, each with distinct languages, customs, textiles, and traditions. The museum’s thoughtfully curated exhibits, housed in a beautifully restored French colonial building, showcase these cultures through clothing, tools, photographs, and artifacts, providing context you’ll appreciate if visiting rural areas later in your travels.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, where the evening is free at leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and spend the morning at leisure, perhaps taking a final stroll through Luang Prabang’s atmospheric streets, visiting the morning market one last time, or browsing handicraft shops for souvenirs. At the appointed time, our driver will collect you from your hotel for the transfer to Luang Prabang International Airport.

Board your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you’ll have a brief layover before connecting to your onward flight to Da Nang on Vietnam’s central coast. The domestic flight takes approximately 1.5 hours, offering aerial views of Vietnam’s diverse landscape: from the Red River Delta’s patchwork rice fields to the Truong Son mountain range and finally the South China Sea’s sparkling waters.

Arrive at Da Nang International Airport where our driver will be waiting with a welcome sign bearing your name. The transfer to Hoi An covers approximately 30 kilometers and takes about 45 minutes through increasingly rural scenery. Check into your hotel in Hoi An and take time to rest after your travel day.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to spend at leisure. You might take a gentle walk to begin exploring this enchanting riverside town, find a cafe overlooking the Thu Bon River, or simply relax at your hotel and save your energy for tomorrow’s adventures.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, embark on a half-day excursion to My Son Sanctuary, located approximately 40 kilometers from Hoi An in a lush jungle valley surrounded by mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site served as the spiritual and political capital of the ancient Champa Kingdom from the 4th to 13th centuries.

Arrive at My Son and begin exploring the ruins of this ancient holy land, where dozens of red brick temples and towers once stood in elaborate complexes dedicated primarily to Shiva and other Hindu deities. Though many structures suffered damage during the Vietnam War when American forces bombed the area, enough remains to convey the Champa civilization’s architectural sophistication and artistic achievement.

Walk among the atmospheric ruins, where jungle vegetation has reclaimed much of the site, with vines creeping over ancient stonework and trees growing from temple rooftops. Your guide will explain the fascinating history of the Champa people, the significance of the various structures, the unique brickwork techniques (archaeologists still debate exactly how the bricks were bonded without mortar), and the ongoing restoration efforts.

Return to Hoi An by mid-day and prepare for an enchanting walking adventure through the Old Quarter. This afternoon, explore the remarkably preserved streets of this 16th-century international trading port, where architectural influences from Chinese, Japanese, French, and Vietnamese merchants blend harmoniously.

Your guided walking tour takes you to the town’s most significant landmarks: the ornate Chinese Assembly Halls built by merchant guilds from different regions of China, each featuring intricate wood carvings, ceramic decorations, and altars honoring protective deities; the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community and adorned with detailed carvings; Phuc Kien Pagoda, also known as the Fujian Assembly Hall, with its stunning architecture and elaborate dragon-covered gates; and Tan Ky House, a beautifully preserved merchant’s home that has remained in the same family for seven generations, demonstrating the fusion of architectural influences.

As late afternoon turns to early evening, enjoy free time at your leisure. Hoi An truly comes alive after dark when hundreds of colorful silk lanterns illuminate the streets, their soft glow reflecting in the river waters to create a magical atmosphere. You might browse the countless shops selling handicrafts, textiles, and artwork, enjoy dinner at one of the excellent riverside restaurants, or simply wander the atmospheric lanes while absorbing the unique ambiance.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at your hotel, today is entirely yours to spend however you wish. Hoi An offers countless possibilities for activities, or you might choose to do absolutely nothing and simply relax.

For beach lovers, take a short bicycle or taxi ride to either Cua Dai Beach or An Bang Beach. Cua Dai boasts fine white sand, clear blue water, moderate slopes, and small waves, making it ideal for swimming and other sea sports. An Bang, slightly further north, offers a more laid-back vibe with fewer crowds and excellent beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood.

If you prefer cultural activities, Hoi An provides numerous options: join a lantern-making workshop where artisans teach you to create your own colorful paper lantern; take a cooking class to learn Vietnamese culinary techniques (many classes include a morning market visit); rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding countryside, rice paddies, and vegetable villages; visit the fascinating An Bang Cemetery with its elaborate tombs; or explore more temples and assembly halls you didn’t see yesterday.

For those interested in shopping, Hoi An is famous throughout Vietnam for its skilled tailors who can create custom clothing, from suits and dresses to shoes and bags, typically within 24-48 hours. The town also offers countless boutiques selling silk products, handicrafts, ceramics, paintings, and other Vietnamese artworks.

Alternatively, you might choose to spend your day simply relaxing by your hotel pool, treating yourself to a traditional Vietnamese massage or spa treatment, or finding a quiet riverside cafe to sit with a good book and Vietnamese coffee while watching the world drift by.

As Hoi An is relatively small and very walkable, you can easily fill your day by wandering the streets at your own pace, discovering hidden temples, charming cafes, and photo opportunities around every corner.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Tour guide: N/A
Meals: Breakfast

Today promises a hands-on culinary adventure that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of Vietnamese cuisine. The experience starts at 8:00 am when you meet at Hai Café (98 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An Ancient Town), the designated meeting point.

Travel by minivan for approximately 10 minutes to Tra Que Organic Village, a farming community that has supplied Hoi An’s restaurants and markets with fresh herbs and vegetables for generations. Walk through the meticulously maintained market gardens where local farmers work their fields using traditional methods passed down through centuries – no electrical machinery here, only hand tools, water buffalo, and techniques proven effective over time.

Under the guidance of your instructor, pick fresh herbs that you’ll use in today’s cooking lesson: aromatic saw-tooth coriander, pungent Vietnamese mint (rau răm), fragrant lemongrass, and other herbs that give Vietnamese food its distinctive flavors. Before leaving, enjoy a special herbal drink at a local home, learning about the medicinal properties of various plants used in traditional Vietnamese wellness practices.

Next, visit the bustling local village market, shopping list in hand. Here you’ll purchase a range of ingredients essential to Vietnamese cooking: star anise with its licorice-like aroma, cardamom pods, thin sesame rice paper used for spring rolls, water spinach (morning glory), banana flower with its purple-pink petals, and much more. Your guide explains how to select the freshest produce and the role each ingredient plays in Vietnamese cuisine.

Arrive at Red Bridge Cooking School, a picturesque riverside facility set amidst tropical gardens. After freshening up, you’ll begin your hands-on cooking class. Working alongside Red Bridge’s experienced chefs, learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch, using the freshest ingredients and traditional Vietnamese utensils that home cooks still use today.

Your menu typically includes four famous Vietnamese dishes, often featuring Pho (Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup that you’ll make from scratch, learning the secrets to perfect broth), fresh spring rolls with their delicate rice paper wrappers, and other regional specialties depending on seasonal availability. The chefs share tips, techniques, and stories behind each dish.

After the class, sit down together to savor the dishes you’ve prepared, accompanied by Vietnamese beer or soft drinks. The satisfaction of eating food you’ve cooked yourself makes it taste even better! Following lunch, enjoy a leisurely boat cruise (approximately 25 minutes) along the Thu Bon River back to central Hoi An, arriving around 3:00 pm.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Tour guide: English Speaking Guide at cooking class
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (at cooking class)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and spend your final morning in Hoi An at leisure. Depending on your departure flight time, you might have a few precious hours for last-minute activities: return to the market for final souvenir shopping, collect any custom-tailored clothing you ordered, take one more walk through the ancient town to capture photographs in morning light, or simply sit at a riverside cafe and soak in Hoi An’s special atmosphere one last time.

At the appropriate time based on your flight schedule, check out from your hotel. Our driver will be waiting at the hotel lobby to transfer you to Da Nang International Airport, approximately 45 minutes away. Arrive with plenty of time for check-in and security procedures.

We hope you depart with wonderful memories of your journey through two of Southeast Asia’s most charming UNESCO Heritage towns – Luang Prabang’s spiritual serenity and French colonial elegance, and Hoi An’s lantern-lit beauty and culinary traditions.

End of service.

Tour guide: N/A
Meals: Breakfast