Luang Prabang Highlights Guided Tour -All Inclusive

I had an amazing time on this tour. Luang Prabang is such an incredible little city and this tour was a great way to get a taste of the best of what it has to offer. My guide Xoy was so informative and passionate about this place and its people and culture (I saw him pick up litter we came across to keep it pristine). He had studied at one of the temples we visited and had so much insight to share. I loved stooping at the Save the Bear mini sanctuary at the base of Kuang Si Falls and learn more about the bears. There was only one bear out bearing, two sleeping, one poking his/her head out of the enclosure and the rest were doing their thing away from prying eyes and I'm glad they have this choice. The waterfalls were impressive and not very hard to get to (the climb up Phousi Hill was tougher). Be warned that if it has been raining too heavily, you won't be able to swim (although you wouldn't want to when it's like that). Also, if you want to see that incredible coloured water (which Xoy explained is from limestone), you need to come in the dry season. We visited the Hmong village on the way back to town which was interesting but very touristy with a procession of mothers thrusting their young children (kitted out in traditional dress and looking adorable) at you to buy souvenirs. If I am lucky enough to cone back to Luang Prabang, I would give it a miss. Xoy also pointed out the local buffalo dairy on our drive and we pulled over so I could buy an icecream (once you add the flavours, it's just like regular icecream). Such a great day. Highly recommended.

A very easy tour and a nice chance to see a variety of unique things, close to Luang Prabang. Better weather would make this more pleasant, but you will probably have to take what arrives. The bears seem happy in their somewhat limited habitat, but I personally believe that someone would eat them as soon as they were turned loose, so better to keep them safe, for now anyway.

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