Luang Prabang , Laos

A Rice Journey in Luang Prabang

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

From grain to plate: the life story of rice largely remains a mystery to the general public. Numerous species and labour-intensity plus a growing interest in rice cultivation resulted in the creation of half a day Luang Prabang exploration of Laos’ rice.
• Enhance your knowledge about rice cultivation in Laos
• Get a hands-on lesson in the different stages to grow rice
• Become a part of sustainability practices in Laos
• An educational outing for the whole family
• Transfers from and to your hotel are included

Available options

A Rice Journey in Luang Praban

Pickup included

What's included

All applicable taxes and service charges

Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver.

All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.

A half-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide.

Detailed itinerary

Our driver for the morning will pick you up from your hotel in Luang Prabang where you may join other ‘rice enthusiasts’ before heading out into the rural landscape of charming Laos. The ride is a short one, and you may see the abundance of green already from a distance (season depending). This educational and family-orientated half-day journey into the rice paddy fields takes place all around a local farm, specializing for generations in the art of rice farming and cultivation. A local English-speaking guide will welcome you and will be your host for the morning. The process from seed until they reach your plate in a cooked or fried version are said to take 14 different levels, and all this, and more, is explained and showed during these 3.5 hours of learning the fine art that surrounds Laos' stable food.

The farm and the community living on and around this fertile part of Luang Prabang have made it their livelihood to cherish and protect this means of honest, Laotian form of labour. In just a few simple yet well-explained steps, your host takes you from one stage to the other: from planting to harvesting, quality control, sieving and packing it. In the end, nothing gladdens the mood when you see buffalos ploughing through the land to prepare the planting. All income of this tour goes back for the full 100% into the community, giving this experience a very much sustainable stamp of approval.

Other farming activities may pass the revue such as weaving and gardening, all in line with local Laotian traditions. At the end of the morning, we will bring you back to your hotel in Luang Prabang just before lunch. Time for some rice?

What's not included

Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees

Hotel accommodation in Luang Prabang

Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from Luang Prabang’s International Airport or resorts located outside town

Tips and gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour is operated on joint / Seat-In-Coach basis only with English-speaking guide.

Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Luang Prabang.

Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as Kuang Si, along the Ou and Nam Khan River, Nong Kiau and Luang Prabang International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.

Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.

To respect local customs and respecting the religious sites and temples on this tour, it is customary for guests to take off their shoes before allowed entrance. Your guide will inform you in advance for which of these sites this is applicable

Royal temples and palaces uphold a very strict dress code: it is essential that you dress appropriately during this excursion by wearing clothes that cover shoulders and fall below the knees.

Customers wearing shirts with obscene and disrespectful prints and pictures and brightly-coloured clothing may be refused entrance.

We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.

Please note pickup and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off.

Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this.

Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.

It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request.

In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.

This tour is operated only in the morning.

Important notes

Our office hours are from 09:00 hrs. until 18:00 hrs. from Monday to Friday

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

About Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its well-preserved traditional Laos architecture and serene natural beauty. Nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, it offers a unique blend of historic temples, French colonial buildings, and lush landscapes.

Top Attractions

Wat Xieng Thong

One of the most important temples in Laos, known for its beautiful architecture and intricate mosaics.

Religious 1-2 hours 5 USD

Mount Phousi

A small mountain in the center of Luang Prabang offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Nature 1-2 hours 5 USD

Kuang Si Falls

A stunning series of waterfalls and turquoise pools, perfect for swimming and picnicking.

Nature Half day 10 USD

Must-Try Local Dishes

Larb

A spicy minced meat salad with herbs, spices, and lime juice.

Main Dish Contains meat, can be made vegetarian with tofu.

Tam Mak Hoong

Green papaya salad with tomatoes, chilies, and lime juice.

Main Dish Vegetarian if made without fish sauce.

Khao Soi

A Northern Lao noodle dish with a coconut curry broth.

Main Dish Contains meat, can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the surrounding mountains Kayaking on the Mekong River Visiting spas and wellness centers Sunset watching at Mount Phousi Attending a traditional Lao dance performance Participating in a cooking class Swimming at Kuang Si Falls Boat tours on the Mekong River

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the cool and dry season, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings. The weather is pleasant, and it's the peak tourist season.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Lao
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Lao Kip (LAK)

Time Zone

Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Luang Prabang is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious with your belongings and use common sense.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable tour operators
• Be cautious when using ATMs

Getting there

By air

Luang Prabang International Airport • 3 km from city center

By bus

Northern Bus Station, Southern Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The most common and affordable mode of transport. Negotiate fares before starting your journey.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Limited app-based services

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town Ban Phou Khoune

Day trips

Pak Ou Caves

25 km north of Luang Prabang • Half day

A complex of caves filled with thousands of Buddha images, dating back to the 16th century.

Living Land Farm

15 km from Luang Prabang • Half day

A working farm offering insights into traditional Lao farming practices and sustainable agriculture.

Festivals

Lao New Year (Pi Mai) • April 13-15 Boun Ok Phansa • October (date varies)

Pro tips

Visit Kuang Si Falls early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cool weather.
Attend the alms-giving ceremony (Tak Bat) for a unique cultural experience, but be respectful and follow the rules.
Explore the city on foot or by bicycle to discover hidden gems and local life.
Try local Lao coffee and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at the many cafes in town.
Bargain politely when shopping at markets, as prices are often inflated for tourists.