Highlights

The Best of Cambodia & Laos

09 Nights / 10 Days

ASD 3 C

 

Destination

Cambodia

Continent

Asia Continent

Location

Cambodia is located in both the eastern and northern hemispheres, and is positioned in Southeast Asia. Cambodia is bordered by the Gulf of Thailand, and the countries of Laos, Thailand & Vietnam.

Capital City

Phnom Penh

Language

Khmer (official), French, English

Currency

Riel (KHR)

Season

May to early Oct & Nov to March

Airport

Ratanakiri Airport | Batdambang Airport | Pailin Airport | Phnom Penh Airport | Siem Reap Airport | Krong Preah Seihanu Airport

Time Zone

GMT +7

Dial Code

+855

Tour Type

Cultural Tour | Heritage Tour | Adventure Tour | Leisure Tour

 

Package Itinerary

Day 01Arrive Phnom Penh

Upon arriving into the Pochenthong Airport in Phnom Penh, transfer to the hotel. Later, your city explorations begin with a visit to the National Museum and see some of the wonderful antiquities from the Khmer civilization. This will be followed by trips to the remarkable Silver Pagoda, a tour of the Royal Palace with its ornate grandeur, and Wat Phnom Pagoda. Over Night stay at Phnom Penh.

Day 02Phnom Penh – Siem Reap and Angkor

After B/F, check out from Phnom Penh hotel and transfer to the airport to board domestic flight to Siem Reap. Your Angkor explorations begin in the morning with a visit to the 9th century Roluos Temples – Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei. More discoveries await you in the afternoon with a visit to three impressive temples from the 10th century – Eastern Mebon, Pre Rup and Prasat Kravan. Here you can marvel at their intricate and ingenious designs. There is also time to take in the canals and waterways of ancient Takeo province. The first day concludes with panoramic views of Cambodia’s spectacular sunsets and Angkor Wat from temple mountain, Phnom Bakhaeng, dating back to 900 AD. Over Night stay at Siem Reap.

Day 03Angkor visit

After B/F, excursion to Banteay Srei – a temple which dates back to 967 AD. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is famed for the intricate friezes carved into its red sandstone walls. On the way back, visit Banteay Samre, which was built during Suryarvaman II’s rule in the middle of the 12th century. In the afternoon you will have a chance to discover the pride of Cambodia's heritage – the majestic temples of Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm. Over Night stay at Siem Reap.

Day 04Siem Reap

After B/F, visit to one of the jewels of Cambodia – the awe-inspiring Angkor Thom or Great City. This will include many of the finest Temples of King Jayavarman VII, who ruled from 1181 – 1220. At the southern gate of Angkor Thom, you will marvel at the imposing 23-metre high stone faces of Avalokiteshvara, which featured in the Tomb Raider movie. These astonishing carvings inspire awe and wonder in all who view them. At the centre of this citadel lies the state temple of Bayon. This temple-mountain, built at the end of the 12th century, is adorned with hundreds of gigantic stone faces. This tour also includes the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King and the 12 identical towers of Prasat Suor Prat. Later in the day you will discover some of the most famous temples from the 11th century: Baphuon, Phimeanakas, North Khleang and South Khleang. You will also visit the other important temples of Jayavarman VII: Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Prom. The evening is given over to entertainment – a visit to the Apsara Theatre to enjoy a fine Khmer dinner and traditional dances. Over Night stay at Siem Reap.

Day 05Siem Reap – Luang Prabang

Enjoy the morning with a relaxing boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake. Here, visit the floating villages of Chong Kneas commune. In the afternoon, check-out from Siem Reap Hotel and transfer to the airport for flight to Luang Prabang in Laos. Upon arrival at the airport Luang Prabang, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Over Night stay at Luang Prabang.

Day 06Luang Prabang – Pak Ou + City Tour

Luang Prabang is the best known for its beautiful scenery and high numbers of ancient temples. This former capital has a rich variety of architecture from the old facades of French colonial homes to the glittering temple rooftops. After B/F, it’s time to enjoy an excursion by boat on the Mekong river to the Holy caves of Pak Ou (Tham Ting and Tham Poum). The caves are crammed with the images of Buddha. Along the way, visit Ban Sanghai to learn about the traditional process of making local rice alcohol or whisky and weaving. You will have a picnic lunch before returning to Luang Prabang. Afterward, visit Royal Palace and then embark on a tour of this enthralling town visiting Wats Xieng Thong, the Golden City Monastery, the fine temples of Wats Mai, Visoun, and That Luang, Wat Siboun Heuang, Wat Si Moungkoun, Wat Sop, Wat Sene. Later in the day, adjourn to the Phousi Holy Hill to enjoy the excellent views of the town and a great sunset. Over Night stay at Luang Prabang.

Day 07Luang Prabang – Kuang Si – Luang Prabang

Early morning, participate in a daily Lao morning ritual. Monks carrying their bowls, wander through town blessing local people who give those offers (mostly sticky rice). After B/F, enjoy a day trip to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls where turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. Below the Kuang Si are large ponds perfect for swimming and cooling off under the spray. Before enjoying a picnic lunch next to the pools, you will pass through stupendous landscapes, teak forests and several ethnic minority villages (Hmong and Khmu). In Ban Thapan, a weaving village, we can find excellent pieces of Lao textile. Near the waterfalls it's worth while to visit a centre where the endangered black Asiatic Beers found a safe shelter. Over Night stay at Luang Prabang.

Day 08Luang Prabang – Vientiane – City Tour

After B/F, check out from Luang Prabang Hotel and transfer to the airport and fly to the sleepiest capital city "Vientiane", pronounced "Vieng Chane", the capital of Laos is a slow paced, clean city. At times controlled by the Bermese, Siamese, Vietnamese, and Khmers, it was made a capital city by the French in the late 19th century and the retains flavors of all its past inhabitants. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel. Later, visit the main attractions of Vientiane are the Wats Pha That Luang – the Great Sacred Stupa built in 1566 and later covered with 500 kg of gold leaf, and the Wat Sisaket. The latter is the oldest monastery in Vientiane, built in 1824. Inside the walls surrounding the main temple are niches displaying Buddha's. It is said that there are over 10,000 representations of Buddha here. Also visit Ho Prakeo the Emeral Buddha’s house and Patuxay the victoy gate (Arch de Triumph). In the evening is free for a walk along the path beside the Mekong at the sunset is always popular for travelers and locals alike. Over Night stay at Vientiane.

Day 09Vientiane – Buddha Park

After B/F, drive to the Friendship Bridge between Thailand and Laos located just outside the city and visit the Buddha Park where you can find many statues and Buddha images located near the Mekong Riverside. En-route, visit the National Ethnic Cultural Park. Its time to return to Vientiane later and the rest of the day is free for you to explore the capital city yourselves. Over Night stay at Vientiane.

Day 10Vientiane – Air – Onward Destination Journey

After B/F, you are free to explore or relax at your leisure. Check out from the hotel and transfer to the Airport to board a flight departing for onward destination journey.