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Laos and Cambodia

Two of the most culturally rich countries in the region, Laos and Cambodia are real treasures and certain to leave an unforgettable impression.

As these countries are more off the beaten path, you’ll feel welcomed by the locals on a more personal level than in more touristic areas. People here are gentle and friendly and the spectacular scenery is of water buffalos, rice paddies and tropical forests is classic textbook south east Asia.

This fascinating tour will give you an in-depth understanding of the culture and history of these beautiful countries.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Luang Prabang, Laos

Day 2 - Luang Prabang

Day 3 - Luang Prabang

Day 4 - Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Day 5 - Vientiane

Day 6 - Vientiane to Pakse

Day 7 - Pakse to Don Khong

Day 8 - Four Thousand Islands

Day 9 - Pakse to Siem Reap, Cambodia

Day 10 - Siem Reap

Day 11 - Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Day 12 - Phnom Penh

Day 13 - Fly Home or Extend Your trip

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Laos

Upon arrival at Luang Prabang’s’s International airport you will be met by your driver and escorted to your centrally located hotel by private vehicle. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, to recover from the long journey and get a first taste of your exotic new surroundings.

Day 2 - Luang Prabang

LuangPrabang is Laos’ second city and is known for its beautiful setting surrounded by mountains and its relaxed atmosphere. It consistently ranks high on travelers’ lists of their favorite cities and today you’ll learn why. After checking in to your hotel, your tour will begin with a visit to Wat Visoun, the oldest temple in the city, before continuing to the nearby Wat Aham and the Wat Xiang Thong, the crown jewel of Laos’ temples. The city is an exotic and extremely charming place where it’s common to see saffron robed Buddhist monks walking the streets.

This evening, climb the hillside stairs to visit the small temples atop Phou Si, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view over the city, the river and temples.

Day 3 - Luang Prabang

Your sightseeing of this lovely city continues with a visit to a local market to see the busy activities here and where you can bargain for local handicrafts and silk products if you like. After a visit to the National Museum, you’ll take a leisurely boat ride down the Mekong River, past steep limestone cliffs overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers, home to the famous Tham Pak Ou Caves. On the return journey you’ll stop in Ban Xang Hai, a traditional rural village to learn about life in this region and the production of lao-lao, the local rice wine. Continuing to the village of Ban Xang Khong, you’ll learn how the local people produce traditional hand woven cotton and silk, as well as the the production of mulberry paper.

Day 4 - Luang Prabang to Vientiane

After a leisurely breakfast in your hotel you will be escorted to the airport by private vehicle for your short flight to Vientiane, the pleasantly tree-lined and quiet capital of Laos. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and drive to your hotel. The rest of the day will be yours to explore the city at your leisure.

Day 5 - Vientiane

The capital of Laos, and possibly the cleanest city in southeast Asia, Vientiane is a delightful place to visit. With its meticulously manicured gardens and tidy streets you’ll find it hard to believe that you’re in one of the poorest countries in Asia. Lao citizens are known for their friendliness and curiosity of foreigners and interacting with them is a highlight of any visit here.

Today’s tour begins with the Pha That Luang, the most important national monument of Laos, a symbol of both the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. Next, you’ll visit Ho Pha Keo, the former royal temple as well as Patuxai, a monumental arch inspired by Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Spend the evening at your leisure, perhaps visiting the bustling night market, along the banks of the mighty Mekong River which runs through town. You can sample plenty of delicious, fresh and very inexpensive street food here.

Day 6 - Vientiane to Pakse

After breakfast you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Pakse. The largest city in southern Laos, Pakse sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Don Rivers. There is a pleasant riverfront, the perfect place to enjoy a drink as the sun sets and there’s a laid-back provincial vibe here. After checking in to your centrally located hotel, explore the town at your leisure.

Day 7 - Pakse to Don Khong

This morning you will visit the Bolaven Plateau, a fertile coffee and tea growing region outside Pakse. You’ll appreciate the pleasantly cool climate here as you visit some of the beautiful waterfalls in the area. You’ll continue driving along the east bank of the Mekong, which you’ll cross by ferry at Champasak. Here you can visit Vat Phou Champasak, one of the best preserved temples of Khmer architecture.

Day 8 - Four Thousand Islands

This morning you will take a boat to Don Det Island and Don Khone in the Si Phan Don region of the Mekong River, also known as Four Thousand Islands. This is a beautiful and tranquil area, best visited from the deck of a boat as you pass by fishermen and local villages where life hasn’t changed in a long time. On Don Khone Island you’ll visit Ban Khon Village, where there are several French villas from a bygone era of colonialism. You’ll continue to visit the raging rapids at Li Phi Falls before returning to your hotel in Don Khong.

Day 9 - Don Khong to Pakse, Fly to Siem Reap

This morning you’ll start the drive to Pakse, crossing the Mekong River by ferry to visit the impressive Khone Phapheng, the largest waterfall in south east Asia. From here you’ll continue to Pakse airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Day 10 - Temples of Angkor

Angkor Wat is the crown jewel of ancient Khmer architecture, and is the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The main temple of Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, however sunrise and sunset are particularly beautiful times to watch the colors change. After a guided tour of the main temple, you will continue to the temple of Angkor Thom. This fortified city covers an area of 4 square miles and is surrounded by a moat. You enter the city via the monumental South Gate, after crossing a causeway lined with statues of demons and gods.

Continue to the Terrace Of The Elephants and the Terrace Of The Leper Kings, both of which are former spaces for public ceremonies and are adorned with dramatic carvings. After visiting the ruined Royal Enclosure and temple of Ta Prohm, made famous in the movie Tomb Raider, you will continue to the mysterious Bayon Temple, one of the most impressive in Angkor.

Watch the sunset over the countryside from a high terrace of an ancient temple, before returning to your hotel. Tonight, explore the town at your leisure, sampling some local cuisine.

Day 11 - Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

This morning, after a leisurely breakfast you’ll take the short flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city. It’s a relaxed and pleasant place located at the confluence of the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers. Enjoy a stroll at your leisure this afternoon around the riverfront area, and enjoy a drink or meal overlooking the river.

Day 12 - Phnom Penh

This morning you will start to discover this interesting city by visiting the spectacular Royal Palace and the adjacent Silver Pagoda, known as the ‘Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha’.

After visiting the elegant National Museum, which contains a huge collection of ancient Khmer Art, you will continue to Tuol Sleng. Here you will learn about a terrible, but significant chapter of Cambodia’s more recent and tragic past at the Tuol Sleng Museum. In 1975, this former high school became the interrogation and torture facility for the regime of the Khmer Rouge, and thousands of Cambodians passed through here. It’s a sobering place to visit, but an important experience to learn about the history of Cambodia.

This afternoon a visit to the Central Market, will be a complete change of scenery as you walk through this labyrinth of stalls selling everything from bootleg CDs and DVDs to local silks, handicrafts, jewelry and much more.

Day 13 - Fly Home or Extend Your Trip

This morning you will be escorted to Phnom Penh’s airport for your flight home, or to continue tour tour to another part of Asia. How does a few days relaxing on one of Thailand’s tropical beaches sound?

Hotels listed below are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used.

Luang Prabang - Belmond La Residence Phou Vao (5 star - Deluxe)

Located on a hilltop, with views across the mountains surrounding Luang Prabang, La Residence Phou Vao is conveniently located just a mile and a half from the center of town. Decorated in traditional Lao style, the furnishings feature Lao teak as well as locally sourced textiles and artwork. The hotel’s rooms are modern, stylish and luxurious, averaging over 500 square feet of space, with large windows and terraces overlooking the tropical gardens of the hotel.

 

Luang Prabang - Luang Prabang View Hotel (4 star - Luxury)

Boasting spectacular, panoramic views over the countryside and town, the Luang Prabang View Hotel is a beautifully restored, recently updated hotel. The modern, stylish rooms are designed to take full advantage of the views, and all feature elegant design and furnishings. The Som View Restaurant offers a beautiful backdrop of the surrounding hills for outdoor dining and features an open show kitchen preparing gourmet Lao cuisine.

 

Vientiane - Lao Plaza Hotel (5 star - Deluxe)

This was the first officially recognized 5-star hotel in Laos and has set the standard for all others. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel features 142 recently renovated modern rooms and suites. The style of the hotel, from the expansive lobby to the luxurious rooms is strongly influenced by Lao culture, blended with contemporary art. The sparkling pool offers views over the city, while the hotel’s restaurant offers a creative menu of Lao and international cuisine.

 

Vientiane - Green Park Boutique Hotel (4 star - Luxury)

Located beside the largest park in the city and within walking distance of the main tourist attractions of Vientiane, the Green Park is an intimate, luxurious hotel and a perfect base for exploring the city. With only 34 rooms and suites, the hotel has a unique style and a delightful blend of traditional Lao and contemporary architecture. The lush, tropical gardens feature an organic farm, which provides the restaurant with much of its ingredients.

 

Pakse - Arawan Riverside Hotel (5 star - Deluxe)

The only 5 star hotel in Pakse, the Arawak Riverside sets the standard for all other hotels in the area. Located on the banks of the Mekong River in the center of town, it’s close to all attractions and offers 128 comfortable rooms offering river and mountain views, as well as a restaurant, bar and pool.

 

Pakse - Champasak Grand Hotel (4 star - Luxury)

With a prime riverfront setting in the center of town, the Champasak Grand was designed to offer viewing vantage points from each guest room. With a blend of Lao and contemporary design, the hotel features a fresh, airy feel and rooms are luxurious and spacious.

 

4000 Islands - Little Eden Hotel (3 stars - Mid-range)

In the heart of Don Det, the Little Eden Hotel offers cleanliness and comfort and is the best hotel in this rural area. With 22 modern rooms exuding an atmosphere of peace and harmony, the hotel offers a pool and tidy gardens and is a great base to explore the surrounding area.

 

Siem Reap - Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor (5 star - Deluxe)

This beautiful hotel is set in 15 acres of landscaped French gardens. The hotel’s style combines tranquility and old-world grandeur in a spiritual setting. Ornamental gardens set around the hotel’s pool create a peaceful setting, while the other public areas of the property are stylish and elegant.

The 131 rooms and suites are classically furnished, elegant and luxurious, featuring everything a discerning traveler would expect from a luxury, 5 star hotel.

 

Siem Reap - Lotus Blanc Resort (5 star - Deluxe)

Lotus Blanc is a premier boutique style hotel, enriched by conceptual French design. Combining an elegant style of romance and harmony in its architecture, its public areas are wonderful for socializing and relaxation. The 100 recently refurbished rooms and suites all feature private balconies overlooking a tropical landscape of gardens and a large swimming pool

 

Phnom Penh - Raffles Le Royal (5 star - Deluxe)

The Raffles is Phnom Penh’s premier luxury hotel. Opened in 1929, it has gone through several major renovations and modernizations over the years, however it retains an old world charm and sophisticated service unmatched by other city hotels.

The 170 guest rooms and suites harmoniously blend classic style with modern features and luxury. This is a beautiful property, unlike any other in Cambodia.

 

Phnom Penh - Amanjaya Pancam Hotel (4 star - Luxury)

Located opposite the Wat Ounalom overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers, the Amanjaya Pancam is within walking distance of the Royal Palace and National Museum. Decorated in a blend of traditional and contemporary Khmer style, the hotel offers a riverfront restaurant and a rooftop bar with lovely views over the river. All rooms feature views over the Tonle Sap River or Wat Ounalom and are furnished with Cambodian hardwood furniture and textiles.

 

Optional Extensions

Tropical Beaches in Thailand or the Philippines (3-7 days)

Thailand and the Philippines are home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. A few days relaxing on an unspoiled, idyllic, powder-soft, white sand beach is the perfect way to end a busy tour around southeast Asia. Snorkel, SCUBA dive, visit uninhabited paradise islands by boat, or simply relax poolside at your luxury hotel as you contemplate the stunning turquoise water, while you enjoy the freshest seafood you’ve ever eaten at a fraction of the price you’d pay at home.

Bangkok (3-4 days)

Thailand’s capital and one of the most exciting cities in Asia, Bangkok is a real feast for the senses. It is one of the most confounding and chaotic, yet most rewarding cities in the world to visit. From the royal core of the city and its Grand Palace to the busy Chao Phraya River slicing through it, the incredible and exquisite historical temples and monuments, to the congested streets, lined with the best street food in the world, it’s exotic and mesmerizing at every turn.

Hong Kong (3-4 days)

Hong Kong is an enigma. A city of modern, glass towers, cosmopolitan cuisine, home to one of the world’s largest financial centers, and one of the world’s most modern, efficient transport systems; it’s also home to quiet villages and idyllic beaches not far from the chaos of the city. The food here is amazing, and the views - whether from the deck of the world-famous Star Ferry crossing Victoria Harbour (the best 25 cent ticket you’ll ever buy), or from the lofty heights of Victoria Peak are simply sublime.

Singapore (3 days)

Unlike any other city, Singapore is a mix of traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures, harmoniously blended with the cutting-edge, ultra-modern style of the most modern cities in the world. Immaculately clean, tidy, efficient and organized, with some of the best food offerings in the world, from simple ‘hawker’ stalls to Michelin starred restaurants, it’s a great place to spend a few days. With international non-stop flights all over the world, it’s also the most easily accessible city in south east Asia.

Fully guided, private tours are priced from:

Luxury - US$3855 per person (4 star hotels)

Deluxe - US$4155 per person (5 star hotels)

Ultra-Luxe - US$5095 per person (best available hotels, business/first class flights)

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double room in low season.

Hotels listed on the Hotels Tab are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used.

Price Includes:

All hotels as described in the itinerary
Services of our representatives while in Laos and Cambodia
Private transportation and private tours as described in the itinerary in air-conditioned vehicles
Flights:
   Luang Prabang to Vientiane
   Vientiane to Pakse
   Pakse to Siem Reap
   Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Sightseeing and entrance fees
Meals as described in the itinerary

Price Excludes:

International flights
Travel insurance
Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Sightseeing other than described in the itinerary
Additional room charges of a personal nature in hotels (eg: room service, laundry, phone calls, etc.)