6 DAYS IN LUANG PRABANG – BOUN PI MAI WITH LOVE

Pimai Lao is one of the most important dates in the Lao calendar. As well as being a time of celebration and endless fun, It has also become synonymous with holiday, the celebration of Lao identity. The official festival lasts for three days from April 14 to April 16 (although celebrations can last more than a week in towns like Luang Prabang). The first day is the last day of the old year. Houses and villages are properly cleaned on the first day. Perfume, water and flowers are also prepared for the Lao New Year. The second day of the festival is the “day of no day”, a day that falls in neither the old year or the new year. The last day …… Let’s explore.

DAY 1 – (13 APR) : LUANG PRABANG – ARRIVAL (D)

Arrival in Luang Prabang. Your guide and private car will meet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Welcome to the capital of Laos! Lao New Year is celebrated at the same time each year. This is one of the most famous and popular festival in Laos. Boun Pi Mai is a time for much joyous celebration, with good deeds and prayers in anticipation the New Year.
Enjoy free time at leisure or may like to take a walk around the town.
As the day comes to the end, you will have the unique opportunity to experience one of Laos’ oldest traditions, The Baci. This is something that is very important before major events such as weddings, births, travel, welcoming friends and farewells.
The Baci ceremony will be set at Wat Phou Kway or Wat That Luang.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at L’Elephant, one of the finest restaurants in Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Getting Soaked in Boun Pi Mai

DAY 2 – (14 APR) : LUANG PRABANG (B)

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of morning market fair. This small market is very active from the morning and is a typical passing spot for Laotians who come to buy and sell. You could be surprised by what you will find!

Then you will build a sand tomb in Mekong River. This is another Pi Mai tradition: sand is brought to the temple grounds and is made into stupa then decorated with flags, flowers, white lines and splashed with perfumed water before being given to the monks as a way of making merit.

After lunch (not included), take a half-day guided tour of Luang Prabang by walk. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 1400.

Start your city tour at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where you will explore the history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, and Wat Sensoukarahm, which features a beautiful dazzling golden façade.

Enjoy your evening at leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Lao New Year, Buddha bathing

DAY 3 – ( 15 APR ) : LUANG PRABANG (B,L,D)

This morning, you will escape from the hustle of the city and explore the beauty of Laos’ culture and natural wonders with a half day exploration around Luang Prabang.

You will be met at your hotel.

Board the Nava Mekong, a traditional river boat, for a shared cruise on the mighty Mekong River, the cruise upstream to the Pak Ou Caves takes approximately 2 hours and along the way you will stop to explore the village of Ban Xang Hai.

As you cruise back downstream a selection of typical Lao dishes will be served onboard.

The cruise back to Luang Prabang takes approximately 1.5 hours.

You will be met at the boat jetty for a private transfer to your hotel to freshen up.

This afternoon, you will attend the annual Miss Pi Mai parade, locally called “Nang Sangkhane”, which is only held in Luang Prabang. Every year, there are seven contestants, each one symbolizing one of King Kabinlaphom’s seven daughters and they ride down the main street from Wat Xiengthong to Wat That Noi.

Diner at Tamarind restaurant. Enjoy a fresh menu of Lao dishes in a family run restaurant dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of the local cuisine. As you order, the friendly staff will explain the ingredients and customs of the cuisine. (Note: closed on Sundays)

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 4 – ( 16 APR ) : LUANG PRABANG (B,L)

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You can get more amazing adventure here

After, End of tour

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