4 DAY LUANG PRABANG CULINARY EXPERIENCE @ AMANTAKA
DAY 1 ARRIVAL LUANG PRABANG – LUANG PRABANG [-]
Guests will be warmly welcomed upon their arrival at Luang Prabang’s International Airport our own Asian Trails’ representative before guided to their air-conditioned vehicle. The approximately 15-minute ride in style and comfort brings customers to the heart of Luang Prabang and your base for a culinary exploration of an incomparable nature.
Symmetrically constructed around the inviting swimming pool, Amantaka’s 24 suites are the epitome of tranquillity. Situated in the cultural enclave of Luang Prabang, guests can freely access dozens of fabled temples within walking distance of the resort’s extensive grounds. Amantaka has an airy set-up, with a well-balanced combination of earth tone-tinted colours and hues that blend meticulously with what Luang Prabang stands for – a serene haven for those interested in the area’s rich Buddhist heritage. Complementing the resort’s well-appointed suites are an extensive spa, dining options and a library. This is the perfect base to explore Laos’ leading heritage destination.
Private check-in procedures from the Amantaka team is followed by an afternoon completely at leisure. Depending on your guests’ arrival flights, you are free indulge in one of the leisure activities before choosing one of the top class dining venues for an immaculately-prepared degustation of extraordinary standards. Once wandering the serene grounds of Amantaka, you may meet the master chef who may hint what’s in season and what makes Laotian cuisine such a delight for one’s taste buds.
Accommodation is offered at one of the sanctuary’s suites.
DAY 2 LUANG PRABANG [B, D]
Early risers may head out the street side of Luang Prabang: a daily ritual of the ‘Tak Bat’ (alms giving) has been a spiritual activity for many generations of Luang Prabang residents. Aligned with its strong Buddhist believes, and open for anyone to partake, one dare not to skip this slowly- moving row of saffron-clad representatives of the Lord Buddha’s words of wisdom.
Breakfast is served at the main restaurant where guests are free to get their energy levels up for an exploration of the street side eateries with one of the Amantaka’s resident chefs. We highly recommend no having a large lunch, as a plethora of snacks and kerbside dishes will pass the revue at the end of the day.
As everything in Luang Prabang is within easy walking distance; our evening exploration of Laotian cuisine is done on foot. You are welcomed by the head chef of Amantaka who will be your resident guide for truly getting a taste of what Laos and in particularly Luang Prabang is all about.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Luang Prabang’s royal legacy goes back to the 14th century when it became the royal capital, which it remained – with varying degrees of influence – for six centuries until the abolition of the monarchy in 1975. Under royal patronage Buddhism flourished, leaving behind a city alive with Buddhist culture and history, a city where worship has always been an integral part of daily life. Today, Luang Prabang is home to large monastic communities, it is unavoidable not to catch a glimpse of saffron robed figures mysteriously gliding through the mist chanting ancient sutras, while bells, gongs and drums sound harmoniously across town.
The above forms the décor for what has to be one of the most authentic approaches to something that is so Luang Prabang, it brings you back into lesser-known area where locals dine the night away. Accompanied by an English-speaking team member of the Amantaka’s team, who has put together a Street Food Tour of Luang Prabang, you are guided along the sounds, smells and tastes of the alluring charm of Laotian street food culture. Your chef will guide guests on a walking tour of the night market and its stalls, taking them to the most authentic, off the beaten track food stalls serving sticky rice in hand woven baskets, banana pancakes and a mélange of East meets West dishes inspired from French colonial days. We end the evening with heading back to Amantaka for the night.
Accommodation is offered at one of the sanctuary’s suites.
DAY 3 LUANG PRABANG [B]
With a day at leisure, you and your travel companion will have ample time to explore the delicacies of local interpretations and western favourites at the Amantaka’s only restaurant. The flavours of fresh ingredients, accompanied by a serene atmosphere of which the resort is well-known about, may bring out the memories of your last night exploration through the streets of Luang Prabang.
If you feel lazing around the symmetrical pool for the day, taking a central position at the resort, indulge yourself into one of the many spa treatment or perhaps feel the urge to further explore the local food paradise further, our team is ready to fill in your excursion requirements.
Aside from the exquisitely-designed lunch and dinner options of Amantaka, where the head chef stays true to time-honoured recipes of bringing Laotian cuisine to your dining table, outside your sanctuary lies another world of exquisite experiences waiting to be tried out.
The comfort of your suite assures a peaceful night of sleep on this last night of your culinary-themed tour of Luang Prabang.
Accommodation is offered at one of the sanctuary’s suites.
DAY 4 LUANG PRABANG – DEPARTURE LUANG PRABANG [B]
Matching breakfast with your scheduled departure time from Amantaka to our next destination will be something worth considering on the final day of this culinary package. Following the resort’s check-out times and conditions, the hotel vehicle, accompanied by an Asian Trails representative, will be waiting for you at the resort to bring you in comfort back to Luang Prabang International Airport.