Luang Prabang just welcomed the new 25-hectare Pha Tad Ke (www.pha-tad-ke.com) botanical gardens—a first-of-its-kind for the nation which acts as a regional research center and living museum for Laos’ native flora.

 

Getting there takes a 15-minute boat ride from Ban Wat That, which departs every hour from 9am to 4pm. While you’re there, try one of the enticing workshops like traditional Laos bouquet making, forest foods, gardening and studying medicinal plants (all US$18/B640).

 

They also offer full-day tours like the Pha Tad Ke mountain trek (US$59/B2,100) and botanical field trips (US$125/B4,450). Entrance costs US$25 (B890) and includes a talk on orchids, bamboo handicraft workshop and herbal tea tasting.

 

Combine your trip with a stay at the gorgeously colonial Luang Say Residence, which right now offers a three-day-two-night package for US$740 (B26,343) for two people.

 

That gets you entrance and transfers to the gardens, two dinners for two people and airport transfers. A bargain, considering two nights would usually cost B32,000.