Under the Sign of Relaxation in Laos

Early in the morning, you join the banks of the Mekong for a Tai Chi session of about one hour, led by an experienced instructor. This session is devoted to concentration and energy circulation. It can also be organized in the evening or the next morning before your departure.

After breakfast at the hotel, you set out to discover Vientiane through local life, accompanied by a local host from the capital. Here, there is no set program or predefined itinerary: your host will discuss your interests with you and recommend places to explore. You will discover the city through places that are little known or unknown to travelers, in a genuine spirit of meeting and sharing experiences.

Your return to the hotel is at your leisure.

Please note: local hosts are not professional tourism guides. Students, retirees, or expatriates, they offer this experience with a desire to share "their" Vientiane. Their participation depends on their availability and can only be confirmed once your travel dates are set. In case of unavailability or cancellation, the local team will make every effort to find another host with a similar profile. This experience is above all based on meeting: an open and tolerant attitude is therefore encouraged.

You then continue to the Lao Disabled Women Development Center, a center dedicated to professional reintegration of women with disabilities. You will discover the artisanal production workshops and observe the different stages of production, while exchanging information about the center's activities. You can also participate in a hands-on workshop dedicated to newspaper recycling.

You then share lunch at the center with learners and trainers, a time conducive to exchanges.

Back in Vientiane, you have free time to enjoy your afternoon.

At the end of the day, weather permitting, you make a stop at the COPE exhibition center to better understand the impact of the second Vietnam War on local populations through the issue of UXO.

Dinner is at your leisure. The Pha Khao Lao restaurant, located in an alleyway in the city center, is recommended for discovering Lao-Thai cuisine.

You then enjoy breakfast at Monica's, with either a sweet or savory option depending on your preference, while taking in views of the Mekong. Back in Luang Prabang, you head off for a guided tour of Vat Pa Phai, a local temple where you discover different aspects of Laotian Buddhism, from architecture to culture, as well as the daily life of monks and novices. You then participate in a guided meditation session in a local temple. This experience allows you to better understand the role of meditation in Buddhist practice.

Note: for this meditation activity, respectful attire is required, with shoulders and knees covered.

For lunch, you head to Silk Road Café, located in the heart of the Ock Pop Tok weaving center. This center works to preserve traditional textile knowledge and practices, a sector that holds an important place in the country's economy. You take advantage of your time there to visit the weaving center.

You are then transferred to the jetty to begin your cruise on the Mekong. After approximately 1 hour 45 minutes of sailing, you reach the Pak Ou Caves, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. You explore these caves which house numerous Buddha statues and welcome Laotian pilgrims during the Lao New Year in mid-April. During the cruise, you sample several teas with local flavors.

Back on the peninsula, it's time to unwind with a traditional Lao massage at a professional salon. You then return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

In the evening, you dine at Dyen Sabai, situated on the banks of the Nam Khan river and accessible by a small bamboo bridge. You will be able to taste sindat, the Lao barbecue beloved by locals.

After breakfast, you set off by bike to discover the main monuments of Luang Prabang, a city inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1995. Your visit begins with the Royal Palace, now transformed into the National Museum. This stop allows you to better understand the actions taken to protect and enhance Luang Prabang. Within the museum, you also discover the training center and various trades linked to Buddhist art. You continue your journey by walking past the facade of the French Institute of Luang Prabang, former residence of humorist Pierre Desproges. You then head towards Kuang Si Falls, located 32 km from Luang Prabang. Along the way, you cross rice paddy landscapes before reaching the waterfalls and their turquoise and crystal-clear pools. You can enjoy the surroundings and, if you wish, swim in the natural pools. On site, you also visit a small permanent exhibition dedicated to the preservation of Asian black bears from Southeast Asia, an endangered species.

You then head back to Luang Prabang, where you have free time.

At the end of the day, you reach Vat Pha Bat Tai to watch the sunset. You can also share a moment with locals around a game of pétanque, before discovering the night market, set at the foot of Mount Phou Si and dotted with stalls dedicated to handicrafts.

Dinner is at your leisure. You can notably visit Luang Prabang Kitchen, located on the main street.

This morning, you start the day with a yoga session of about an hour. A moment dedicated to awakening your body and finding your inner balance.

After breakfast at the hotel, you set off to climb Mount Phou Si. A staircase of 382 steps leads you to the summit, where you enjoy a panoramic view of Luang Prabang and its surroundings. In the morning, the calmer atmosphere pleasantly accompanies your ascent.
You then head to the pier and embark on a boat trip to the pottery village of Ban Chan, where you take time to stroll around. You continue with a one-hour boat ride along the Mekong to reach Vat Chompet, which offers a clear view of the city.

Your journey continues in the shade of the trees to Vat Longkun, a site renovated by France where a community of monks has since settled again. In the peaceful atmosphere of the temple, you interact with the monks who introduce you to Buddhist culture.
You then share lunch with them.

You board a boat again to return to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, a vehicle awaits you to take you directly to your hotel. After some free time to rest, you join a local family to attend a Baci ceremony, organized specially for you to ward off evil spirits.

The day ends with a friendly dinner with the family who organized the ceremony, an opportunity to extend this moment of both spiritual and culinary sharing.