Morning with monks and along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves

In the early morning hours, when the bells ring at the temples, you will witness a very special daily event in Luang Prabang. Every day, more than 300 monks make their way silently in the fresh morning air through the city streets to collect rice and other food they receive in alms from the locals in their distinctive bronze bowls. The ritual is a tradition when the monks ask for food to demonstrate their humility. Almsgiving is an important religious act in Buddhism and must be conducted respectfully by locals and tourists alike. If you would like to participate in the almsgiving, the guide will show you the best way to do it.

The tour then heads to the bustling morning market, where the locals haggle over the price of fresh vegetables, fruit and meat.

Back at the hotel, you can enjoy your breakfast before embarking on a scenic boat trip on the Mekong River past lush jungle and dramatic limestone cliffs to the Pak Ou Caves. The caves are home to hundreds of Buddha statues left there by devout Buddhists. A stop is made on the way at a village along the river where you can see the locals go about their work with weaving.

You will be back in Luang Prabang at around 2 pm.

We recommend that you book the excursion when booking the tour.