Laos and Cambodia Encompassed

Laos and Cambodia Encompassed

Duration
29 days
Group Size
16 people
Price
From £4995
Region
Asia & Pacific
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Overview

Laos and Cambodia, neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia, are known for the World Heritage Sites of Luang Prabang and Angkor Wat and for their shared rich French colonial past. On this extended tour we not only take in the key sights, but we take the time to get off the tourist trail and to uncover what makes these two destinations so special.

We start our adventure in Vientiane, Laos’ delightfully friendly capital, studded with crumbling French mansions, bougainvillea­-blooming streets and steaming noodle stalls. Next up is the little visited North of Laos to experience the ethnic diversity of the many hill tribes in the region of Luang Namtha and observe local customs and traditions. A 2-day journey down the mighty Mekong River then awaits culminating in an arrival in Luang Prabang, which captivates even the most jaded travellers with its brew of gleaming temple roofs, crumbling French provincial architecture and multi-ethnic inhabitants. Next, we head south to the spectacular lush jungle of the Bolaven Plateau and immerse ourselves in authentic coffee culture and visit some of the most alluring scenery in Asia, the landscape scattered with volcanos and sparkling waterfalls. We conclude the Laos leg of this remarkable tour visiting the mystical 4000 Islands, a one-of-a-kind river archipelago where the Mekong River spreads out over a width of 14km.

From Laos we take a short flight to Cambodia where our journey starts in Siem Reap with a visit to the magnificent Angkor Wat and its overwhelming collection of temples. Scattered throughout a huge area of forest, they comprise one of the world’s greatest man-made wonders. Travel to Battambang and explore the rural side of Cambodia before taking an exciting journey through the Cardamom mountains, where we spend two nights in the Cambodian jungle. Explore local villages and relax in the coastal province of Kep before ending the tour in Phnom Penh, where we learn about the country’s dark history, as well as experiencing the lighter side of the city; it’s bustling nightlife.

Highlights

Included/Excluded

Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
Domestic and regional flights as shown in the itinerary
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed, B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
International flights (, contact , us, for expert advice and a quote) – except from Pakse to Siem Reap
Any airport taxes (except when included for domestic and regional airfares for flights shown within the itinerary)
Travel Insurance
Visa – when required
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)

Tour Ratings

Fitness: 3/5
Unexplored: 4/5
Culture: 5/5
History: 4/5
Wildlife: 3/5
Tour-pace: 4/5
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Map and Tour Itinerary

The Laos and Cambodia Encompassed tour by Undiscovered Destinations is a 29-day adventure that explores the rich cultural and historical landscapes of both countries. Starting in Vientiane, Laos, travellers experience the city’s French colonial charm and vibrant markets, before heading to Luang Namtha to meet local hill tribes. A scenic two-day cruise down the Mekong River brings guests to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang, followed by a visit to the Bolaven Plateau’s coffee plantations and waterfalls. The journey continues south through the tranquil 4,000 Islands region, ending in Pakse and Champasak with a visit to the ancient Wat Phou temple.

In Cambodia, the tour highlights the grandeur of Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples in Siem Reap, before moving on to Battambang to witness rural life and visit historical sites like the Killing Caves. The group then journeys into the Cardamom Mountains for a jungle camp experience and unwinds in the coastal town of Kep. The trip concludes in Phnom Penh with visits to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, offering a balance of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and poignant history.

Itinerary Highlights
Two-Day Mekong River Cruise

Drift along one of Asia’s great rivers, passing remote villages and stunning landscapes en route to Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

A beautifully preserved city of golden temples and colonial charm, offering a serene insight into traditional Lao culture.

Wat Phou Temple, Champasak

This ancient Khmer temple complex predates Angkor Wat and offers breathtaking views over the Mekong River.

Angkor Wat and the Temples of Angkor

Explore the world’s largest religious monument and surrounding temples, a true architectural and spiritual marvel.

Jungle Stay in the Cardamom Mountains

Stay in a remote eco-lodge surrounded by pristine rainforest, with opportunities for trekking and wildlife spotting.

Dates and Prices

Tours & Dates
Destination Tour Code Start End Trip Status Pricing
Per person
Laos and Cambodia Encompassed

LCE/271025 Oct 27, 2025

Monday
Nov 24, 2025

Monday
Guaranteed £4,995.00

Single Room Supplement: £1,260.00
Book Now
Laos and Cambodia Encompassed

LCE/160226 Feb 16, 2026

Monday
Mar 16, 2026

Monday
Guaranteed £4,995.00

Single Room Supplement: £1,260.00
Book Now
Laos and Cambodia Encompassed

LCE/261026 Oct 26, 2026

Monday
Nov 23, 2026

Monday
Guaranteed £4,995.00

Single Room Supplement: £1,260.00
Book Now

Interested in knowing more?

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Feedback from our Travellers

Essential Info

Foreign Office Travel Warnings

Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.

We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Laos and Cambodia that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Visa Information

At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals require a visa for a tourist visit to Laos and Cambodia. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.

British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html 

Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au

Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.

Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.

As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.

Passports

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.

We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.

For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Vaccinations & Protection

As with travel to most parts of Asia, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you are travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, travellers from the UK can refer to the guidance provided by the National Travel Health Network & Centre and published on the Travel Health Pro website. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you will need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory that you are travelling to.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.

Local Conditions

When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.

The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.

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