While Cambodia and Laos share many similarities, why not experience them together on one unforgettable trip? Cambodia and Laos Tours let you uncover hidden gems that few travelers see. Continue reading for ideas, insights and tips to guide you through two of Southeast Asia’s most captivating lands.
Why Combine Cambodia and Laos in One Tour?
- Geographic Proximity
Cambodia and Laos lie side by side in mainland Southeast Asia, and the Mekong River runs through both like a shared lifeline. Travelers can cross the border at several points: by riverboat through the Four Thousand Islands in southern Laos to Stung Treng in northern Cambodia, or overland via checkpoints such as Nong Nok Khiene, Trapeang Kriel. These easy connections make Cambodia and Laos tours seamless without long detours or complicated travel plans.
- Cultural Parallels
Buddhism is at the heart of daily life in both nations, reflected in temple ceremonies, festivals, and the presence of monks in local communities. Yet each country expresses these traditions differently: Cambodia’s grandeur is evident in Angkor Wat and its ornate pagodas, while Laos is known for the meditative calm of Luang Prabang’s monasteries.
Both also share a colonial past that enhances Cambodia and Laos tours with tree-lined boulevards, French-influenced architecture, and a café culture that blends seamlessly with local flavors.
- Variety of landscapes
The geography of Cambodia and Laos offers striking variety for those who love the outdoors. Cambodia brings the vast temple complex of Angkor, the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake, and lowland rice fields stretching to the horizon. Just across the border, Laos offers a different rhythm—river islands scattered across the Mekong at Si Phan Don, the thunder of Khone Phapheng Falls, and the mountain scenery around Pakse and Bolaven Plateau.
Together, the two countries provide a mix of ancient monuments, waterways, jungles, and highlands that can all be experienced in Cambodia and Laos tours.
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Hidden Gems in Cambodia
Kratie
Overview
Tucked along a peaceful bend of the Mekong, Kratie is the kind of town where the river sets the rhythm of daily life. It’s a highlight of Cambodia and Laos tours for the rare Irrawaddy dolphins that surface in its waters, but part of its appeal lies in the faded French architecture, golden-hour views from the riverbank, and the surrounding countryside where traditions remain strong.
Top things to do
- Pedal through Koh Trong Island, just a short ferry ride away, fruit orchards, ox carts, and stilt houses make the island feel like a living time capsule.
- Wander the local markets, where bamboo sticky rice, fried river fish, and other regional specialties give you a taste of everyday flavors.
- Step inside Wat Roka Kandal – A restored 19th-century wooden pagoda that reveals a style of Khmer craftsmanship rarely seen today.
Kampong Thom
Overview
Halfway between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Kampong Thom often slips under the radar, though it holds one of Cambodia’s great treasures: Sambor Prei Kuk. This collection of pre-Angkorian temples, recognized by UNESCO, predates Angkor Wat by centuries and offers Cambodia and Laos tours a quieter, more atmospheric exploration. Beyond the ruins, the province’s landscapes stretch wide with rice fields and villages where traditional crafts continue.
Top things to do
- Watch artisans at work in rural villages, where silk weaving and palm sugar making are passed down through generations.
- Climb the stairways of Phnom Santuk – A hilltop temple that rewards the effort with sweeping views over the plains below.
- Venture to Boeng Tonle Chhmar – A wetland biosphere reserve that draws flocks of migratory birds and offers a glimpse of life tied to Tonle Sap’s waters.
Mondulkiri
Overview
Far from the bustle of the lowlands, Mondulkiri opens up into rolling hills, cool air, and dense forests. This remote province is home to the Bunong minority, whose spiritual traditions remain woven into the landscape, and to initiatives that focus on protecting elephants in a more ethical, community-based way. It’s a destination in Cambodia and Laos tours that feels both wild and deeply human.
Top things to do
- Hike out to Bousra Waterfall, where cascades thunder through the forest and create natural swimming spots.
- Connect with Bunong heritage through homestays, traditional music, and visits to sacred spirit forests that are central to local belief.
- Taste the highlands, sampling coffee and even wines grown in the rich volcanic soil of the plateau.
Koh Rong Samloem
Overview
Just off the southern coast, Koh Rong Sanloem offers the island escape many dream of but fewer actually find. Less developed than its bigger sister, Koh Rong, it is a place of pristine beaches, clear waters, and a pace that slows to match the tides. Days here are measured not in hours but in swims, walks, and sunsets.
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Top things to do
- Snorkel the reefs at Sunset Beach or Saracen Bay, where colorful fish dart through coral gardens close to shore.
- Follow jungle paths across the island, discovering viewpoints that look out across the Gulf of Thailand.
- Glide along the water by kayak, slipping into quiet lagoons and sheltered mangroves where the sea and forest meet.
Hidden Gems in Laos
Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands)
Overview
Scattered along the Mekong in southern Laos, Si Phan Don is a tranquil patchwork of islands where life slows down to the rhythm of the river. Stilt houses perch above the water, small villages line narrow channels, and occasional rapids add a dramatic touch to the calm landscape. Among its waters, the rare Irrawaddy dolphins appear, making this stop on Cambodia and Laos tours feel quietly extraordinary.
Top things to do
- Paddle through the channels in a kayak or small boat, weaving between islets and hidden sandbanks.
- Cycle around Don Khon and Don Det, passing waterfalls, colonial-era bridges, and local villages tucked between the trees.
- Capture the majesty of Khone Phapheng Falls from multiple viewpoints, where the Mekong crashes in spectacular sheets of white.
Plain of Jars
Overview
The Xieng Khouang plateau holds one of Southeast Asia’s most intriguing mysteries: fields dotted with massive stone jars, some over two millennia old. These silent monuments hint at ancient funerary practices and sit against rolling hills and cultivated fields, blending history with the quiet rhythm of rural life.
Top things to do
- Walk among the jar sites, noticing variations in size, shape, and placement that spark questions about their original purpose.
- Visit the Xieng Khouang Museum to explore artifacts and historical context that illuminate the story behind the jars.
- Explore nearby caves, where past conflicts and natural formations create a layered, reflective experience.
Nong Khiaw
Overview
Nestled between jagged karst cliffs and the winding Nam Ou River, Nong Khiaw offers a dramatic and peaceful landscape that invites exploration. The town serves as a base for trekking trails, riverside adventures, and caves steeped in wartime history, creating a mix of outdoor activity and cultural discovery.
Top things to do
- Trek to cliffside viewpoints, where sweeping vistas of the river and valley stretch as far as the eye can see.
- Venture into Tham Pha and Tham Nam caves, discovering echoes of the past alongside striking geological formations.
- Take a boat downstream to Muang Ngoi, a remote village accessible only by river, where traditional Lao life continues in serene simplicity.
Bolaven Plateau
Overview
High in southern Laos, the Bolaven Plateau is a lush volcanic region where fertile soil supports coffee plantations, waterfalls, and ethnic minority communities. Cooler temperatures and rolling hills give Cambodia and Laos tours a refreshing contrast to the lowlands, while villages maintain a vibrant connection to centuries-old traditions.
Top things to do
- Tour coffee plantations, witnessing the journey from bean to cup and sampling the rich local brews.
- Hike to Tad Fane and Tad Yuang waterfalls, where towering cascades drop into verdant valleys.
- Visit ethnic villages, observing weaving, farming, and rituals practiced by Alak, Laven, and Katu communities.
Sample Itinerary Ideas
10-Day Adventure
Day 1: Phnom Penh
- Explore the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
- Visit the National Museum to see Khmer artifacts.
Day 2: Phnom Penh
- Reflect at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
- Walk along the riverside promenade at sunset.
Day 3: Phnom Penh → Kratie
- Travel north to Kratie by road.
- Stroll along the Mekong River and enjoy the sunset.
Day 4: Kratie
- Observe Irrawaddy dolphins on a river cruise.
- Cycle around Koh Trong Island, visiting villages and orchards.
Day 5: Kratie → Si Phan Don
- Drive south to Si Phan Don.
- Relax by the Mekong and watch river life unfold.
Day 6: Si Phan Don
- Kayak through the channels and small islets.
- Visit Khone Phapheng Falls and take photos from viewpoints.
Day 7: Si Phan Don → Pakse
- Cross into southern Laos and arrive in Pakse.
- Explore the local market and riverside area.
Day 8: Pakse → Bolaven Plateau → Pakse
- Tour coffee plantations and learn about local cultivation.
- Hike to Tad Fane and Tad Yuang waterfalls.
Day 9: Pakse → Luang Prabang (Flight or Slow Boat Option)
- Travel north to Luang Prabang.
- Visit Kuang Si Falls and the Bear Rescue Centre.
Day 10: Luang Prabang
- Climb Mount Phousi for panoramic sunrise views.
- Explore night market and historic temples before departure.
Cultural Immersion in 12-14 Days
Day 1: Siem Reap
- Visit Angkor Wat at sunrise.
- Explore Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm.
Day 2: Siem Reap
- Discover Banteay Srei Temple.
- Cycle through nearby villages and rice paddies.
Day 3: Siem Reap → Kampong Thom
- Drive south to Kampong Thom.
- Explore Sambor Prei Kuk temples.
Day 4: Kampong Thom
- Visit Phnom Santuk for panoramic views.
- Walk through local villages to see traditional crafts.
Day 5: Kampong Thom → Mondulkiri
- Travel to Mondulkiri’s highlands.
- Stop at Bunong villages along the way.
Day 6: Mondulkiri
- Trek to Bousra Waterfall.
- Participate in cultural experiences with Bunong communities.
Day 7: Mondulkiri → Southern Laos (Pakse/Si Phan Don)
- Cross the border into Laos.
- Arrive in Pakse or Si Phan Don and relax by the Mekong.
Day 8: Southern Laos
- Explore Si Phan Don by kayak or boat.
- Visit Khone Phapheng Falls.
Day 9: Bolaven Plateau
- Tour coffee plantations and local villages.
- Hike to Tad Fane and Tad Yuang waterfalls.
Day 10: Travel North to Luang Prabang
- Journey by flight or slow boat along the Mekong.
- Stop at scenic viewpoints or villages en route.
Day 11: Luang Prabang
- Climb Mount Phousi at sunrise.
- Visit Wat Xieng Thong and local artisan workshops.
Day 12: Luang Prabang
- Explore Kuang Si Falls and Bear Rescue Centre.
- Shop at night market for crafts and souvenirs.
Optional Days 13–14
- Take a boat trip on the Mekong to Pak Ou Caves.
- Relax at riverside cafés or explore nearby villages.
Tips for Travelers
- Best time to travel: The dry season from November to March offers cooler weather and easier travel. The wet season (May–October) brings lush landscapes but can mean heavy rains and travel delays.
- Visa & entry: Check requirements in advance; most travelers can get e-visas or visas on arrival, but fees are usually in crisp US dollars.
- Money: Carry both USD and local currency (riel in Cambodia, kip in Laos). ATMs are common in cities but rare in remote regions.
- Health precautions: Vaccinations such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus are recommended. Bring a small medical kit for rural areas.
- Food & water safety: Drink bottled or purified water, peel fruit, and eat freshly cooked dishes to avoid stomach issues.
- Transport: Expect long journeys; buses, shared vans, and riverboats are common. Domestic flights save time between major cities.
- Road safety: Avoid night travel on rural roads. If renting motorbikes, always wear helmets and check insurance coverage.
- Clothing & etiquette: Dress modestly at temples (cover shoulders and knees), remove shoes before entering, and respect local customs.
- Connectivity: Buy local SIM cards for affordable data; coverage can be weak in rural areas, so download offline maps.
Final Words
Some places in Cambodia and Laos share a familiar rhythm, while others feel entirely distinct. Yet when woven together in one journey, these differences and similarities create a fuller, more enriching picture of Southeast Asia. Cambodia and Laos tours reveal not just two countries, but a whole region connected by history, culture, and the flow of the Mekong.
To turn these ideas into your own adventure, reach out to Asia Trip Deals. The team can help craft an itinerary that balances discovery and comfort, ensuring your Cambodia and Laos experience feels both seamless and unforgettable.
