Published on Apr, 2025
Once in a lifetime experience, a must do in Luang Prabang! Ask for Mr. Sitthai, you will not be disappointed!
Our guide, Mr. Sitthai was fantastic! He met us at our hotel bright and early and made sure we were set up and educated on the Alms Giving ceremony before the parade of monks began. We were so focused on the process, that only later that evening did we find the great photos he had taken for us, what a great surprise!
The weather in Luang Prabang is very hot for us, but the early wakeup call allowed us to experience the quiet of the city during the cooler hours, this tour is obviously well thought out. After the Alms Giving ceremony, we were taken to explore the local morning market, I was expecting the same as we've experienced throughout SE Asia, but this market was unique and the informative stroll was so much fun.
Our short hike up Mount Phousi provided a great view over the city in the early morning light and Mr. Sitthai pointed out landmarks and shared legends of the city that we would see both later in the day and throughout our stay in Luang Prabang.
We enjoyed a short break and rest back at our hotel and resumed our tour about 8:30 AM. By this time more of the Wats in the city were open and we wandered to all the main sites while learning all about the history of these landmarks. The wats were all uniquely impressive and we were fortunate most of the time there were very few tourists. Since it was Lao New Year we witnessed many locals participating in the new year ceremonies and even were able to observe the bathing of the buddha at several wats.
As the heat increased throughout the day, we stopped for water in shaded areas and took the tour at our own pace. Mr. Sitthai called for an air conditioned van to take us longer distances across town and even showed us to a great local restaurant for lunch.
Our full day private tour was well worth it and certainly the highlight of our time in Luang Prabang, if you are lucky enough to have Mr. Sitthai as your guide, you will certainly be in good hands! He knew everyone, was so personable and thoughtful and made sure we had a great tour as well!
