Best of Cambodia and Laos Tour 12 Days

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, two of the most striking buildings in the capital which are considered some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. They were initially constructed in 1866 by the French. The Royal Palace is home to the current King Sihamoni. The neighboring Silver Pagoda stands out in its own distinctive way. The floor consists of 5,329 solid silver tiles to which the building owes its name.

Continue to Central Market, our guide will take you through the food hall and get you to taste different snacks, drinks, foods, and fruits that are available in the market. A landmark building in the capital, the art deco Psar Thmei (literally ‘New Market’) is often called the Central Market, a reference to its location and size. The huge domed hall resembles a Babylonian ziggurat and some claim it ranks as one of the 10 largest domes in the world, and return to the hotel for check-out.

And drive to Siem Reap, will take us 6 hours to drive, on the way, we will stop to visit Spiker Market in Skun, the Ancient Bride called Spean Neak in Kampong Kdei. On arrival at Siem Reap, check-in at the hotel and have dinner on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, our guide and driver pick you up from the hotel and visit Angkor Wat Temple, an architectural marvel, one of the world’s most impressive ruins to understand Khmer Culture and Civilization. The temple has fine carvings of Apsaras in stone made during the Angkor period.

Then we drive to visit Srah Srang and walk through the village to one of the local houses to get high tea and picnic breakfast, the hosts will greet us as friends, offering fresh fruits, snacks, coffee, hot tea, and picnic breakfast. Continue to visit the Ta Prohm temple of “Tomb Raider” fame. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. Undisturbed by crowds of tourists you can better appreciate the interplay of man and nature at this magical site. Return to the hotel for a lunch break.

Afternoon, explore the mysterious Royal city of Angkor Thom. At first glance, it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic, silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Enter at the South Gate before uniquely walking along the 8m high wall through the forest to the less touristy Death Gate. Passing behind the Terraces of Elephants and Leper King walk through the shaded parkland to Phimeanakas and Baphuon temples, learning about the trees and fruits used locally.

End our sightseeing this afternoon with a visit to Bayon temple with its iconic carved faces. Enjoy the sunset from Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, and have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Early wake up in the morning for a transfer to Phnom Krom, we climb up the hill to view the sunrise over the rice paddies and the floating village of Tonle Sap Lake and enjoy the picnic breakfast on the hip of Phnom Krom.

After breakfast, take the boat ride visiting the Chong Kneas Floating Village on Tonle Sap Lake and take a boat trip to see the daily life in the village. The natural wonder of Tonle Sap offers an insight into the old tradition of riparian life and the natural splendor of the countryside and is followed by an Artisan Dangkor workshop. Return to the hotel for relaxation, and lunch on your own.

Until 3 pm, our guide and the scooter/tuktuk driver pick you up and ride you to Krabei Riel Village to visit the daily activities of the villagers working in the vegetable gardens, rice fields, and weaving, a lot of stops for pictures and interaction with villagers. Then we get to Mr. Ron’s house and are greeted by his family, we will enjoy the cooking class that will lead by his wife, Mrs. Sina. Our guide will assist to do the presentation of his family and also bring you around his vegetable garden before we begin to learn to cook 3 Cambodian dishes with his wife. Taste the food you cooked as dinner, then say goodbye to Mr. Ron’s family and our scooter driver ride you back to your hotel in Siem Reap.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Your private transfer greets you at the hotel after breakfast and escorts you to Siem Reap International Airport where you board your flight to Laos. Upon arrival at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, transfer to your hotel in town (early check-in upon availability).

From its sleepy tuk-tuk drivers to its location on the right bank of the lumbering, lazy Mekong, this former French trading post is languid to say the least.

Indeed, despite being the capital and largest city of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, there’s not a whole lot to do in Vientiane. But that is also, quite honestly, its selling point.

There is no activity planned for today, so you can stroll around the town for your own exploration.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Vientiane.

In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power. After that drive to Buddha Park which takes around 45 minutes away. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.

We then visit Lao Disable Women Development Center, which assist disable women to cope with their disability and advocate for their rights. Spend time watching the video and learn about the effort to earn their daily living. You can support them by buying some small handicrafts at the shop.

Start the afternoon with a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun is shines upon its towering golden spire. Then, enjoy a panoramic view over the city as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”.

Continue down Lane Xang Avenue the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art.

End your tour of the capital along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set. Stroll along the river, stop to enjoy a cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Vientiane.

We leave the capital early for our journey northbound to Ban Thaheua via the highway Vientiane – Vang Vieng. We will see some breathtaking scenery enroute as we pass through spectacular countryside towards the mountainous region.  We will arrive in Ban Thaheua around noon.

In the afternoon, we will have a 2-hour kayaking around the Nam Ngum Lake to explore some islets, and local fishing villages. The kayaking is easy and fun, requiring no special skills. We will stop at Huay Samom village, chatting with the host family, and learning about the weaving techniques.

We are then free to stroll around the resort or the nearby area for your own exploration.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Ban Thaheua.

After breakfast, we start the cycling tour exploring the nearby villages & the famous Nam Ngum dam. We we will first pass through the local primary school, which is livelier during the school time. We then set-off toward Nam Ngum dam through the small village roads whilst admiring the life of local villagers. Stop at one of the villages to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Relax and talk with the villagers about their daily life.

We will also make another stop at the viewpoint to enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding area. We have ample time to relax at the dam before cycling back to the resort. If time permits, we will stop at another village to watch the rooster fighting in around 30 minutes.

Arrive back at the resort around noon time. In the afternoon we will transfer directly to Vang Vieng. Check in your hotel upon arrival and free to stroll around the town for your own exploration.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Vang Vieng.

The limestone cliffs and valleys surrounding the resort complex of Vang Vieng are home to numerous caves and caverns. The most famous of these caves is Tham Jang, which the local people used as a refuge from Chinese invaders 200 years ago.

Your tour continues by crossing the Nam Song River for a short drive to Tham Pou Kham (Golden Crab Cave). After passing through a small entrance hole you descend 100 meters into the ground. You have ample time to visit Blue Lagoon, a great spot to relax and cool off before transferring to the train station to take the afternoon express train to Luang Prabang.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in town.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, we’ll visit the Royal Palace Museum, dating back to the French colonial era. Then, we’ll enjoy a Mekong River cruise to Pak Ou Caves, housing thousands of Buddha statues. On the way, we’ll stop at Ban Xanghai for local rice wine. Back in town, we’ll explore Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong. If time permits, we’ll visit Ban Xangkhong for crafts and Ban Xienglek for Saa paper. You can even join a local petanque game. Later, we’ll pause at Wat Prabath for a beautiful sunset view. The tour concludes at the Night Market, known for handmade textiles by local artisans.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Start your day with the sacred morning alms giving tradition as monks gather offerings from residents at sunrise. Explore the bustling morning market near the former Royal Palace before breakfast at your hotel. Climb Phousi Hill for panoramic views. Optionally, visit the UXO Visitor Center to learn about Laos’ secret war. En route to Kuang Si waterfalls, stop by the Buffalo Dairy Farm. At Kuang Si, swim in azure pools and discover hidden Ban Thapene waterfalls. Consider visiting the Bear Rescue Center. On the way back, visit the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center for free tours and sunset views by the Mekong. Transfer back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before taking the departure flight