Laos and Cambodia Encompassed

Day 1: Arrive Vientiane

Upon arrival in Vientiane, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Laos remains one of Southeast Asia’s most authentic destinations, offering a fascinating blend of culture, history and natural beauty. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey or begin exploring the capital independently.

🛏️ Overnight: Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel or similar, Vientiane

🍽️ Meals: None

Day 2: Vientiane

This morning we explore the flavours of Laos on a culinary journey through one of Vientiane’s local markets. Travelling by tuk tuk, we visit Don Kho Market where we sample traditional Lao coffee and discover the ingredients that form the backbone of Lao cuisine. We enjoy tasting local specialities including Kao Piak soup and spicy papaya salad.

After lunch, we embark on a city tour. Highlights include Wat Sisaket, the only temple to survive the Siamese invasion of 1828, and Wat Ho Pha Kheo, once home to the Emerald Buddha. We also visit the COPE Visitor Centre, which provides a moving insight into the legacy of the Secret War and the ongoing impact of unexploded ordnance in Laos.

We continue to Patuxai, the Lao Victory Monument, before visiting Pha That Luang, the country’s most sacred monument, and Wat Si Muang, one of the capital’s most revered active temples.

🛏️ Overnight: Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel or similar, Vientiane

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Vientiane – Luang Namtha

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Luang Namtha (suggested flight – QV601, dep. 1120, arr. 1220)

Upon arrival, we explore the surrounding region, home to a remarkable diversity of ethnic communities including the Akha, Hmong, Khmu and Lanten peoples. Visits to local villages provide an introduction to their traditions and way of life. This evening we browse Luang Namtha’s colourful night market before returning to our accommodation.

🛏️ Overnight: Thoulasith Guesthouse or similar, Luang Namtha

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Luang Namtha and the Lanten People

Today we enjoy a fascinating cultural and nature experience in the forests surrounding Luang Namtha. A short drive brings us to a traditional Lanten village where we begin an easy guided walk through the jungle. Along the way, our guide introduces local medicinal plants, edible leaves and signs of wildlife. We enjoy a picnic lunch beside Nam Dee Waterfall before visiting a traditional Lanten home to learn about village life and observe weaving and bamboo paper making.

🛏️ Overnight: Thoulasith Guesthouse or similar, Luang Namtha

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Luang Namtha – Huay Xai

After breakfast we visit a local village renowned for its weaving and handicrafts, where we learn about these traditional skills and have the opportunity to try them ourselves. Following lunch, we drive through the scenic landscapes of Nam Ha National Protected Area towards Huay Xai, located on the banks of the Mekong River. Along the way there are opportunities to appreciate the rich biodiversity and beautiful scenery of northern Laos.

🛏️ Overnight: Phonvichit Guest House or similar, Huay Xai

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Huay Xai – Pakbeng

This morning we board the Shompoo Cruise and begin our journey downstream along the Mekong River. As we cruise through some of Laos’ most beautiful landscapes, we gain an insight into local life along the riverbanks. During the afternoon we visit a traditional Khmu village where we learn about life in one of the country’s more remote communities. Arriving in Pakbeng before sunset, we transfer to our accommodation overlooking the Mekong.

🛏️ Overnight: Le Grand Pakbeng Resort or similar, Pakbeng

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Pakbeng – Luang Prabang

We continue our cruise downstream towards Luang Prabang. Along the way we visit Ban Baw village, famous for its traditional rice whisky production. We also stop at the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha images left by pilgrims over many centuries. Arriving in Luang Prabang during the late afternoon, we transfer to our hotel before enjoying dinner at one of the city’s renowned restaurants.

🛏️ Overnight: Maison Dalabua or similar, Luang Prabang

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Luang Prabang and Kuang Si Waterfalls

Today we travel south of Luang Prabang to visit the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfalls. En route we stop at the Living Crafts Centre to learn about traditional Lao textile production. At Kuang Si, turquoise pools and cascading waterfalls create one of Laos’ most beautiful natural settings. We also visit the nearby Sun Bear Rescue Centre before continuing to the Buffalo Dairy Farm, where we learn about sustainable farming initiatives and local community projects. Later we take part in a traditional Baci ceremony, one of Laos’ most important cultural rituals. We then visit a little known temple where local monks introduce us to meditation and Buddhist chanting.

🛏️ Overnight: Maison Dalabua or similar, Luang Prabang

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Luang Prabang – Vientiane

This morning we experience Lao cuisine first hand during a village cooking experience. After exploring a local market, we cross the Mekong River and learn how to prepare traditional dishes in a family home. Returning to Luang Prabang, we visit the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, before exploring Wat Xieng Thong, widely regarded as the finest temple in the city. This evening we travel by high speed train back to Vientiane.

🛏️ Overnight: Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel or similar, Vientiane

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Vientiane – Pakse – Champasak

Before sunrise we witness the traditional alms giving ceremony, where monks silently collect offerings from local residents. Later we fly to Pakse and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wat Phou. Dating from the 6th century, this remarkable Khmer temple complex predates Angkor Wat and was once an important religious centre of the Khmer Empire. We continue to Champasak and cross the Mekong River by boat to Don Daeng Island, where we enjoy beautiful sunset views across the surrounding landscape.

🛏️ Overnight: La Folie Lodge or similar, Don Daeng Island

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Champasak – Bolaven Plateau

Today we explore the Bolaven Plateau by classic jeep. We visit Tad Moun Waterfall and travel through coffee plantations and agricultural communities before arriving at Mystic Mountain Coffee Farm. Here we learn about coffee cultivation, roasting and tasting, gaining an insight into one of Laos’ most important exports. We then travel to Paksong.

🛏️ Overnight: Sabaidee Valley Resort or similar, Bolaven Plateau

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Bolaven Plateau Trek

Today we enjoy a full day trekking through the landscapes of the Bolaven Plateau. Passing tea and coffee plantations, we visit the unusual Xing Sai limestone formations before continuing to Champi Waterfall for a picnic lunch. During the afternoon we visit both Tad Fan and Tad Yeung waterfalls before returning to our accommodation.

Approximately 5.5 hours of trekking.

🛏️ Overnight: Sabaidee Valley Resort or similar, Bolaven Plateau

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13: Bolaven Plateau – 4,000 Islands

This morning we visit Dao Heuang Market before travelling south towards the Mekong’s famous 4,000 Islands region. Boarding a private boat, we cruise through a maze of islands, villages and river channels before arriving on Don Khone Island. The remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this unique part of Laos.

🛏️ Overnight: Seng Ahloune Resort or similar, Don Khone

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14: Don Khone Island

This morning we explore Don Khone by tuk tuk, visiting the remains of the old French colonial railway and the impressive Li Phi Falls, known locally as the “Spirit Trap” waterfalls. Later this afternoon we join local fishermen and experience life on the Mekong River. Try your hand at traditional fishing techniques before enjoying sunset drinks while drifting among the islands. As darkness falls, we gather around a bonfire and enjoy a private barbecue dinner while listening to local legends and folklore.

🛏️ Overnight: Seng Ahloune Resort or similar, Don Khone

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15: Don Khone – Pakse

Leaving the islands behind, we visit the spectacular Khone Phapheng Falls, the largest waterfall by volume in Southeast Asia and often referred to as the “Niagara of the Mekong”. We then continue to Pakse where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

🛏️ Overnight: Athena Hotel or similar, Pakse

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

Day 16: Pakse to Siem Reap, Cambodia

After breakfast transfer to the airport for the one hour flight to Siem Reap where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

🛏️ Overnight: La Niche d’Angkor Boutique Hotel or similar, Siem Reap
🍽️ Meals: None

Day 17: Siem Reap and Angkor Wat by Bicycle

This morning visit a Buddhist pagoda for a special monk water blessing ceremony. This ceremony is believed to cleanse and keep bad spirits away while bringing good luck for the coming years. The offering of a Sadok, a traditional gift of sugar, milk, tea amongst other items, for the monk will be provided.

After the blessing visit the spectacular jungle temple of Ta Prohm before visiting the main temples of Angkor Wat.

This afternoon we explore Angkor by bicycle. Ride past the King’s Siem Reap residence and through the Royal Gardens and continue up the Siem Reap River past private homes and small riverside markets. Crossing the river, we wind our way along red clay roads and small dirt trails, through a series of local villages, crossing small farms and passing school children on their way home. We make our way towards the west edge of the Angkor Park. After a brief stop, we bypass the crush of visitors exiting the park and instead follow single track lanes, past stunning rice fields and small historic family parcels where life appears unchanged for generations. As the temples close to visitors, we will access park roads and trails to view this remarkable historic site in twilight and poise ourselves for a glimpse of sunset as the day comes to a close.

We then take a peaceful dragon boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom, with local delicacies including soft drinks and champagne on board. After the boat ride you will be transferred back to your hotel.

🛏️ Overnight: La Niche d’Angkor Boutique Hotel or similar, Siem Reap
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Note: When visiting temples or other religious sites in Cambodia, visitors are advised to follow a dress code consisting of long trousers or a skirt which covers the knees as well as covered shoulders. Skirts, short shorts, tank tops and revealing clothing are culturally insensitive and not allowed.

The cycle ride is flat and approximately twenty kilometres in total. If you do not wish to explore Angkor by bicycle, a tuk tuk can be arranged, however this may make following the smaller trails more difficult. Please advise us at the time of booking.

Day 18: Phnom Kulen National Park and Circus Evening

Distance: approx. 50 km each way-mDriving time: approx. 1.5–2 hours each way

After breakfast we leave Siem Reap through the stunning countryside for a visit to the mysterious waterfall at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Phnom Kulen. Explore the area and visit Preah Ang Thom, which houses a large Buddha statue, as well as the Terrace of Sdach Kum Ling, a small brick built ruined temple which was covered by lava for hundreds of years.

We end at the waterfall where you can take a refreshing swim before a local Khmer lunch. After lunch we take a scenic drive to Banteay Srei, loosely translated as Citadel of Women, which houses some of the finest and best preserved examples of classical Khmer bas relief. Continue to the Cambodia Land Mine Museum. This is part museum, and also an orphanage, school and clinic for victims, run by Aki Ra, who was forced by the Khmer Rouge to lay thousands of mines as a child and has now devoted his life to clearing them and has so far removed over fifty thousand.

We finish our tour with sunset at Pre Rup Temple. This evening enjoy a night at the Cambodian circus. You will be picked up from your hotel at 7.30pm by remok, tuk tuk, to the Phare circus tent, located just outside of town. The show starts at 8pm and lasts about an hour.

🛏️ Overnight: La Niche d’Angkor Boutique Hotel or similar, Siem Reap
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 19: Siem Reap to Battambang

Distance: approx. 170–180 km- Driving time: approx. 4–5 hours

This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and drive to Battambang, a journey of around three hours excluding stops, with driver only. Upon arrival in Battambang you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

🛏️ Overnight: Bambu Hotel or similar, Battambang
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

Day 20: Battambang, Bamboo Train and Phnom Sampeou

This morning take your private remok and ride for about five kilometres to the bamboo train where you have the opportunity to ride this unique contraption on train tracks that were initially built by the French to transport goods. Continue to Ek Phnom, an ancient temple fifteen kilometres north of the town. This temple is stunning and seldom visited by tourists.

Along the way, you will pass many small villages and encounter various village activities such as making bamboo sticky rice, korlan, fish paste, rice paper and banana paper. Afterwards we return to town and visit the campus of Phare Ponleu Selpak. The campus lets you experience the vibrant energy of Phare first hand. Take a stroll through the campus with one of the guides to see circus students learning new tricks, music students practising beneath shady trees, and watch an animation film made by the students.

After lunch at a local restaurant visit the site of the Killing Caves at Phnom Sampeou. There is a Khmer Rouge memorial as well as an interesting temple on top of this hill. When at the top, you will have a commanding view over the Cambodian countryside. If you choose to stay until sunset, you will see countless bats exit from the cave down below, while enjoying a cold drink from a comfortable chair set up by enterprising locals. After sunset, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

🛏️ Overnight: Bambu Hotel or similar, Battambang
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 21: Battambang to Smiling Gecko Farm

This morning meet your guide and drive to Smiling Gecko Farm, a journey of approximately four hours. On arrival you have the remainder of the day to enjoy the farm at your leisure.

🛏️ Overnight: Smiling Gecko Farmhouse, Kampong Chhnang area
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

Day 22: Smiling Gecko Farm to Trapeang Rung, Koh Kong

Distance: approx. 300–320 km- Driving time: approx. 7–8 hours

After breakfast say goodbye to the farm and drive to Koh Kong Province where you can relax at the lodge’s lounge in Trapeang Rung before embarking on the hour long trip over the Preak Tachan River to Cardamom Tented Camp. Settle into your comfortable safari style tent. This afternoon, go on an exploratory hike in the jungle around the camp. The diversity of the fauna will amaze you.

🛏️ Overnight: Cardamom Tented Camp, near Preak Tachan
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 23: Preak Tachan and Ranger Patrol

After an early breakfast, Wildlife Alliance Rangers will meet us and together with an English speaking guide you embark on patrol over a network of abandoned poaching and logging trails through the dense forest. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. The half day hike will stop by the ranger station, where confiscated snares, traps and improvised hunting rifles are on display. Enjoy a local Khmer lunch and swimming in the river. Later this afternoon, kayak along Prek Tachan back to camp.

🛏️ Overnight: Cardamom Tented Camp
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: The kayaking will be done by you independently. If you do not wish to kayak back to camp, there is a motorboat option available.

Day 24: Cardamom Departure to Kep

Distance: approx. 260–280 km- Driving time: approx. 6–7 hours

If you are an early riser, you can go on a self guided hike on the trails around the camp. At around 10am we head back by boat to Trapeang Rung and travel to Kep with driver only. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

🛏️ Overnight: Raingsey Bungalow or similar, Kep
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

Day 25: Kep and Kampot by Bicycle

Today explore Kampot by bicycle. The journey will take you through rice fields and durian and rambutan orchards against the scenic backdrop of the mysterious Elephant Mountains. Stop at local villages along the way to meet and speak with the local people. Your guide will help translate and, if you are feeling adventurous, you can try out a few words in Khmer, the locals are always delighted to hear you try. Our final destination will be the rapids on the Kampot River. This is where we will stop for a swim and enjoy a local picnic lunch. After a leisurely lunch and a swim in the cool waters you will be picked up and transferred back to your hotel.

🛏️ Overnight: Raingsey Bungalow or similar, Kep
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Note: This excursion can be done by car instead of bicycle and a small supplement will apply. Please let us know at the time of booking.

Day 26: Kep at Leisure

Spend the day at leisure enjoying the coastal setting, local seafood or simply relaxing at your hotel.

🛏️ Overnight: Raingsey Bungalow or similar, Kep
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

Day 27: Kep to Phnom Penh and Sunset Cruise

Distance: approx. 170–180 km- Driving time: approx. 3.5–4.5 hours

Today travel to Phnom Penh, a journey of around four hours excluding stops, with driver only. Upon arrival check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. This evening transfer to Phnom Penh’s riverfront for a sunset boat trip on the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers. Whilst on board, observe the past meeting the present through old Buddhist pagodas and new commercial buildings both visible. Pass local villages nestled on the banks of the river and see the traditional floating houses and markets of the Mekong.

🛏️ Overnight: Rambutan Resort or similar, Phnom Penh
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

Day 28: Phnom Penh City and the Killing Fields

Today we take a city tour. We start with a visit to Wat Phnom, where a fourteenth century stupa and small pagoda stand. It is the tallest religious structure in the city and the oldest building in Phnom Penh. Continue to the Royal Palace, built in 1866 under King Norodom. Adjacent is the Silver Pagoda, which is named after its floor that is covered with five thousand silver tiles.

Later visit the National Museum, which houses an important collection of Angkorian artefacts. Lunch will be taken at Friends Restaurant, which provides under privileged street children with the opportunity to gain first hand experience of the hospitality business. All profits are reinvested into the training centre activities.

This afternoon visit Choeng Ek, the location of the infamous Killing Fields. Continue to Tuol Sleng prison, the notorious Khmer prison where thousands of Cambodians perished in the darkest hours of Cambodian history.

🛏️ Overnight: Rambutan Resort or similar, Phnom Penh
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Note: When visiting the Royal Palace, visitors are advised to follow a dress code consisting of long trousers or a skirt which covers the knees and covered shoulders. Skirts, short shorts, tank tops and other items of revealing clothing are not allowed.

Day 29: Phnom Penh Departure

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast