10 Day Cambodia And Laos Stopovers

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will have a great opportunities to explore “the hidden pearl of Asia” with a guided tour of the city including the spectacular Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, the pagoda at Wat Phnom, the Independence Monument and the newly erected statue commemorating the late King Sihanouk. For an insight into Cambodian religious life, visit a pagoda. In the late morning, depending on your time of arrival at the pagoda, you may also be able to see the monks chanting prior to their lunch. After lunch by your own, we continue our tour of Phnom Penh by taking a sobering walk through Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21). Here there are stark and moving reminders of Cambodia’s recent tragic past. Our expert guide will explain the historical, political and social context of the bleak period of Khmer history which followed the fall of Phnom Penh in April 1975. Return to your hotel by early afternoon and the remainder of the day is free and easy for you.

After breakfast at hotel, you will free at leisure until you will be transferred on our private vehicle to the airport to catch a flight to Siem Reap City. Siem Reap city is widely renowned as the gateway to Angkor Wat, the millennium-old temple ruins of the Khmer Empire. Set along the Siem Reap River, this small provincial capital boasts hundreds of sightseeing opportunities such as well-preserved colonial buildings, unique museums, traditional markets, cultural performances, and verdant parks. This small but lively town close to the northern shore of Tonle Sap Lake has seen phenomenal growth as a tourist destination in recent years, and now offers all the facilities expected by experienced world travelers. Meet and greet upon arrival and private transfer to the hotel. Check-in the hotel and rest of the day will be at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

We rise early to travel to Ta Prohm in the dawn light. Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, left as it was ‘discovered’ by French explorer Henri Mouhot in 1860, the tentacle-like tree roots here are slowly strangling the surviving stones. After soaking up the unique atmosphere of Ta Prohm, we continue to the giant pyramid of Takeo, one of the highest temples in the Angkor area. There is also the option to visit the smaller temples of Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon for avid temple enthusiasts. In the afternoon, we visit the immense walled city of Angkor Thom that was the masterpiece of King Jayavarman VII. We begin our visit at the Terrace of the Leper King, continue along the Terrace of Elephants, and visit the Baphuon, once of the most beautiful temples at Angkor, Our climax is the enigmatic and enchanting temple of the Bayon. Return to hotel to relax and leisure at your own account. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap

Wake up early and we will head for Angkor Wat – A temple complex built for king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best preserved temple of this historical site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious purpose since its founding. Watch the sun rise over the Angkor Temple to reveal the natural beauty of this area. Roam around and gaze across at the amazing scenery and unrivaled architecture. Stroll through the temple’s complex chambers and learn the site’s fascinating history. After visiting Angkor Wat, you will be transferred back to the hotel to relax and enjoy your breakfast. 

In the afternoon at 14:00 pm, we will start explore the real Cambodia with our All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV). From the lush countryside to isolated villages, let us take you out for unforgettable memories!! Strikingly beautiful view of the rice fields in the villages and At the end of the day. Back to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Breakfast and you will be taken to the airport to fly to Luang Prabang, unique in that the entire city is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has many attractions to explore during your stay. Your first afternoon is free to relax or explore at your own leisure. The local night market is a nice introduction, bright, colourful and easy to navigate. Here you can find a selection of excellent value souvenirs. Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

Option: Rise early this morning, in time to watch monks as they walk through the city receiving alms. Each morning, a procession of monks passes through the streets collecting food offerings from locals. Back to hotel for breakfast.

After your breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken on a tour of Luang Prabang’s sacred temples. Visit Wat Visoun, Wat Aham and especially Wat Xieng Thong, a 16th century temple which epitomises all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture. Continue visiting the National Museum, a former Royal Palace, housing a collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue and gifts received from foreign dignitaries. After enjoying a delicious, authentic lunch at a local restaurant, you will pay a visit to Ock Pop Tock weaving center to learn and discover Laos through textiles. Ock Pop Tock means “East Meets West”  was founded in 2000 by an English Photographer and and Laotian weaver with a passion for textiles and a mission to become this place one of the most important textile and artisanal institutions in all of Laos and South East Asia. Transfer you back to the hotel and you will enjoy your evening free. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Breakfast at the hotel and today we begin begins with a 30-minute drive to the banks of the Nam Khan River and cross the Nam Khan River via local boat to begin the traverse up to a mid-mountain Theung village of Khamu hill tribes. The trail is an invigorating and sometimes technical hike taking you through canyons to remote villages and small lakes. 6-hour trek rated at medium to difficult, and always well worth the challenging hike. You’ll arrive at the Khmu village late evening for an authentic cultural homestay and a well-earned meal prepared by your guide. Enjoy exploring the village with your guide, have a drink with the locals if you like, and otherwise enjoy this incredible night deep in the mountains living for a night as the mountain tribes have for ages before.

After your breakfast we set up for 1.5 hour trek to the Tad Sae Waterfall. You will be introduced to protected Asian elephants in the project area and go out for a scenic ride. Enjoy the new perspective and the wonderful nature on this ride through the forest next to the Nam Khan River. Afterwards a boat will take you to the Tiger Trail Adventure Camp where we’ll prepare kayaks and set out on a 3-4 hour paddling trip downriver. Even for inexperienced paddlers, this is a great option. End this adventure packed cultural immersion tour with transfer return to Luang Prabang mid-afternoon. A trip to Luang Prabang could never be complete without a festive celebration, and there are few more joyous moments than being able to take part in a real Baci Ceremony. The ritual will offer prayers for you and your family and loved ones, praying for harmony, peace, good fortune, honesty and warmth. Well wishes and prayers will be showered over you in this delightful ceremony. Return to your hotel for a peaceful night’s sleep this evening.