Laos and Cambodia Tailormade - From the Mekong to Angkor

Arrive in Luang Prabang, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and surrounded by forested mountains, Luang Prabang is one of Southeast Asia's most atmospheric towns. Its combination of Buddhist temples, traditional Lao architecture and French colonial buildings gives it a distinctive character. The remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey or begin exploring the atmospheric streets around the historic centre.

Today we discover the cultural and natural highlights of Luang Prabang. Begin with a visit to Wat Xieng Thong, one of the town's most beautiful and important temples, before wandering through quieter streets where traditional wooden houses and small neighbourhood temples provide glimpses of everyday life. Continue to the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where exhibits provide an introduction to the history and traditions of the Lao royal court. After lunch, travel through the surrounding countryside to the magnificent Kuang Si Falls. Cascading through several levels of limestone pools surrounded by dense forest, the falls are one of the region's most spectacular natural attractions. There is time to enjoy the scenery and, conditions permitting, take a refreshing swim. Return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.

An early start is available today for those wishing to witness the traditional Buddhist alms-giving ceremony. Participation is entirely optional and should be undertaken respectfully. Later, visit the lively morning market before crossing the Mekong to experience a more rural side of Luang Prabang. Meet a local family and learn about traditional Lao cooking, helping to prepare lunch using fresh ingredients. This informal experience provides an opportunity to learn about Lao food and family life away from the main tourist trail. After lunch, board a boat and travel upstream along the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves. The caves contain thousands of Buddha images accumulated over centuries and are an important pilgrimage site. On the return journey, stop at riverside villages and, where appropriate, learn about traditional rice-whisky production before returning to Luang Prabang by boat.

Today offers the opportunity to experience the landscapes and communities beyond Luang Prabang. For those who enjoy walking, there is an optional countryside trek beginning near Ban Xieng Lom. The route crosses the Nam Khan River and continues through limestone scenery and forest towards villages inhabited by Khmu and Hmong communities. The full trek covers approximately 17 km and takes around 6–8 hours, with some moderately demanding sections. It is therefore intended for travellers who are comfortable with a full day's walking. Those preferring a gentler experience can instead enjoy a shorter village and countryside excursion, with time to meet local residents and appreciate the surrounding scenery. Return to Luang Prabang for your final evening in Laos' historic former royal capital.

Fly south to Pakse and continue into the lush landscapes of the Bolaven Plateau. Rising above the surrounding lowlands, the plateau is known for its cooler climate, fertile volcanic soils, coffee plantations and spectacular waterfalls. Travel by jeep through the countryside, stopping at coffee plantations and viewpoints and visiting some of the area's impressive waterfalls. Along the way there will be opportunities to learn about local farming and the different communities who live in this fertile region. The day provides a striking contrast to the temples and rivers of northern Laos.

Continue south towards the Mekong and visit Wat Phou, one of the most important ancient Khmer sites in Laos. Set against the mountains, the temple complex predates the great temples of Angkor and provides an important link between the history of southern Laos and the Khmer civilisation that later flourished in Cambodia. Continue to the 4,000 Islands, where the Mekong breaks into a maze of channels and islands before flowing towards Cambodia. Cross by boat to Don Khone and settle into the relaxed pace of island life.

A leisurely day allows us to appreciate the unique environment of the 4,000 Islands. Explore the island by bicycle or tuk-tuk, passing through small villages, rice fields and quiet riverside landscapes. There will also be an opportunity to meet local fishermen and learn about traditional fishing techniques. Later, enjoy a memorable sunset experience beside the Mekong, accompanied by a barbecue and an introduction to some of the legends and traditions associated with life along this extraordinary river.

Leave the islands by boat and continue towards Pakse. En route, visit Khone Phapheng Falls, the largest waterfall by volume in Southeast Asia, where the Mekong crashes over a series of rapids and rocky channels. Continue to Pakse for your onward flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening in this lively town.

Rise early this morning for one of Southeast Asia's great travel experiences – watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat. Explore the temple complex with your guide, learning about its extraordinary architecture, mythology and history. Rather than attempting to see every major monument in one day, today's sightseeing concentrates on Angkor Wat and the great walled city of Angkor Thom. Continue to the enigmatic Bayon, famous for its immense carved faces, and explore the Terrace of the Elephants and surrounding monuments.

Return to your hotel around midday for some time to relax during the hottest part of the day.

Later, venture out again to enjoy the changing light around one of Angkor's atmospheric temples before returning to Siem Reap.

Angkor's official visitor guidance encourages respectful behaviour at the temples, including appropriate clothing and consideration for worshippers and monks.

Today we leave the principal temples behind and experience rural Cambodian life. Visit a local market before travelling into the countryside, where you will meet a Cambodian family and learn about traditional ingredients and cooking techniques. Help prepare a local lunch before enjoying the dishes you have created. After lunch, explore the surrounding countryside by bicycle or local transport, passing rice fields, villages and traditional wooden houses. Continue to Banteay Srei, a smaller but exceptionally detailed temple renowned for its intricate pink sandstone carvings. Return to Siem Reap with the remainder of the evening free to explore the town or relax at your hotel.

Our additional night in Siem Reap provides a valuable slower day in the itinerary. Rather than adding another long list of temples, today can be tailored according to the group's interests. Options include visiting further Angkorian monuments, returning to a favourite temple in quieter surroundings, exploring the Angkor National Museum, or simply enjoying some free time in Siem Reap. The day could also be used for an optional excursion towards Tonlé Sap, Cambodia's great inland lake, where communities have traditionally depended upon the lake and its seasonal rhythms. This flexible day is deliberately less structured, giving travellers time to absorb the extraordinary experiences of the previous two days.

Travel west towards Battambang, with the option, subject to seasonal conditions and local operating arrangements, to make the journey by boat across the waterways of the Tonlé Sap. This is a particularly atmospheric way to experience Cambodia's rural landscape, passing floating and lakeside communities and observing life along the water. If the boat service is not operating or conditions are unsuitable, travel by road instead. Arrive in Battambang, Cambodia's second city and a place quite different in character from Siem Reap. Its elegant colonial buildings, riverside setting and surrounding countryside provide an appealing introduction to provincial Cambodia.

Today we explore the countryside around Battambang. Visit Ek Phnom and continue through rural communities where traditional products and crafts are still produced. Depending on local availability, see how specialities such as rice-based snacks and other regional products are made. Continue to Phare Ponleu Selpak, an important Cambodian arts and education organisation, before lunch. Later, visit Phnom Sampeou, a dramatic limestone hill rising from the surrounding countryside. The summit provides expansive views across the plains. As evening approaches, witness the remarkable spectacle of thousands of bats emerging from a cave in the hillside and streaming into the sky.

Leave Battambang and travel towards Phnom Penh, stopping at Udong, the former royal capital of Cambodia. Climb the hill to see the distinctive stupas and pagodas and enjoy views across the surrounding countryside. Continue to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's bustling capital, situated at the meeting point of the Mekong, Tonlé Sap and Bassac rivers. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure.

Begin the day with a taste of everyday Phnom Penh. Visit a local market and explore some of the city's neighbourhoods by tuk-tuk before continuing into the historic centre. Visit Wat Phnom, the city's symbolic hilltop temple, followed by the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Lunch is at Friends Restaurant, supporting a social enterprise that provides training and employment opportunities for young Cambodians.

In the afternoon, and optionally, turn to Cambodia's recent history with visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Memorial. These are necessarily sombre visits, but they provide important context for understanding modern Cambodia and the extraordinary resilience of its people. The sites should be approached respectfully and with sensitivity. Return to your hotel for a final evening in Cambodia.

Your tour comes to an end today.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Phnom Penh International Airport for your onward journey.

END OF TOUR SERVICES

Note – Optionally should you wish to extend for some relaxation on the spectacular Cambodian coast, please contact for prices and options