Page 28 - Vietnam Cambodia Laos Sample 17 Day

DAY 15 LUANG PRABANG Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch At 7:00 AM transfer to the serene Wat Sibounheaung; a nearly century old temple. Your guide will prepare offerings such as fruits, candles and incense sticks to offer to the monks before enjoying a morning blessing ceremony that is believed to bring health, happiness and longevity. After the blessing, a white thread will be tied to your wrist – it is believed that this will make your wishes come true. Here you can witness the evening chanting, and learn more about a Buddhist monk’s life by interacting with Khampheng, a 20 year old monk. You will learn about the influence of Buddhism in daily local life. Then visit the morning Phosi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. At approximately 8:30 AM return to the Amantaka for breakfast. After breakfast, drive to the Nam Khan valley about 10 miles outside of town. The rugged mountains in front of you and the green lush countryside is the setting for the Elephant Village. On arrival, you will be introduced to the protected Asian elephants in the project area and enjoy a one hour elephant ride through the Nam Khan River and forest. Afterwards board a local boat for a journey to the amazing cascades and pools of the Tad Sae waterfalls. Your lunch will be served on the Mountain View terrace of the Elephant Village with views over the river and into the surrounding landscapes and mountains. At approximately 2:00 PM return to Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Visoun, known as the ‘Watermelon Stupa’ on account of its stupa’s unusual spherical shape and Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple, which more than any temple in Luang Prabang, epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture. Afterwards, visit the National Museum (the former Royal Palace), which houses the collections of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue and gifts received from foreign dignitaries. Return to the hotel around 4:00 PM. This evening enjoy a baci ceremony where gentle villages offer their foreign visitors tidings of good luck for their travels. A dinner reservation will be made at Apsara, Restaurant. The restaurant has a lively décor with natural colors and serves delicious fusion Asian cuisine. Overnight: Amantaka – Suite