Laos & Cambodia Highlight 15 days / 14 nights

TYPOLOGIES

Classic & Culture Tour

DIFFICULTY

MIN. AGE

Tour Overview:

With 15 days, the trip covers all famous destinations in Laos and Cambodia. To explore the fantastic wonders and to get close to the local people to understand the lifestyle and culture in the two regions. It is a journey of lifetime!

Your first stop is the city of Vientiane. Start to visit the National Museum, temple Wat Sisaket, the temple Wat Prakeo and Buddha Park. Travel to Vang Vieng, limestone mountains and cave with a blue-green lagoon and a reclining Buddha statue. Then discover the Luang Prabang’s famous Wat Xieng Thong, and climb to the top of Mount Phousi. Then have boat trip to Pak Ou Caves and explore the beautiful Khouang Si Waterfall.

Fly to Siem Reap and take an excursion to the biggest Southeast Asian’s largest fresh water lake - Tonle Sap Lake and then visit the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. Relax on the beach of Koh Rong. You will visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Wander through atmospheric streets in Phnom Penh, relax yourself totally.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Vientiane airport, we will be met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. Vientiane is a fascinating capital, with a fusion of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. This charming and easygoing city will provide a smooth introduction to Laos.

Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, we depart 25km south east of the city, a visit to this Buddha Park where 200 Buddhist and religious images dating back over 500 years are worth for a visit, most of which were introduced from India. On the way short to visit Lao – Thai Friendship Bridge for photos shoot. We will visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop en route to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. We observe the sunset by the Mekong Riverside until the late evening and experience the city lifestyle of the local Lao people.

Overnight in Vientiane.

We farewel Vientiane and depart for Vang Vieng. We visit the first cave, Tham Xang (Elephant Cave) is on the opposite banks of the Nam Song. It is an important Buddhist temple and owes its name to a remarkable limestone formation. The nearby cave Tham Hoi (cave of snails) winds deep into the mountain. An hour of exploration through numerous corridors ends in a crystalline spring. Possibility to swim in the stream, in a cave lit by candles (it is possible all year). The most beautiful cave of this trip is Tham Loup (Deep cave), our next stop for the exploration of the caves. This cave is known for its numerous stalagmites and stalactites. Another beautiful spring water pool is located at the mouth of Tham Nam (water cave), also a good place for a swim. The piping inside the cave is possible. After a picnic lunch, trekking to the Hmong village of Phathao passes through rice fields and vegetable gardens. The return journey to Vang Vieng varies according to the Nam Song level. Nam Song's descent by kayak takes us through the idyllic scenes of rural life: a unique spectacle with the limestone mountains in the background. Approximately: 25 minutes transfer / 1½ hours trekking / 2 hours of kayaking / 2 hours of caving.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

We have an early start for our expedition up route 13 North to Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang that is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The roads are well paved along the way for a smooth journey; we pass some stunning landscape scenery with a mixture of steep terraced fields and hill villages, we take a few photo stops at some small hill tribe village en-route. Each hill tribe village in Laos has a different feel, some are more prosperous than others but all have plenty of life. The Muang Xieng Nguen village is our next stop and we spend a short amount of time observing the local lifestyle prior to reaching Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Breakfast, we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. The National Museum and the Central Market are not to be missed. We enjoy a short tour seeing the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong, a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. Later we’ll visit the impressive Wat Visoun, the oldest temple that houses many Buddha images. Next is Wat Aham, the ‘Monastery of the Blossomed Heart’ exudes serenity, and Wat Mai, the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in this city.

We embark on a boat for a leisurely trip on the Mekong River, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai to see the production of and to sample the local rice wine. Upon leaving this village we pass through stunning mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. These two linked caves are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, all brought there by devout villagers. After the river trip we drive toward Ban Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. From there you will visit the morning Phosi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village, then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. After returning to Luang Prabang by late afternoon, we continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for its silk weaving and for its Saa (jute) Papermaking. We return to the city by late evening to observe the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Transfer to airport for flight to Siem Reap. Siem Reap – Treasures of the Kingdom of Cambodia, special welcome all warmly to everybody, a moment of courtesy meeting then self-introduce with our Cambodian tour guide in the meeting point's Siem Reap.

Dinner with Apsara Dance show at local restaurant. For those travelers thirsting for cultural highlights of Cambodia, No visit to Cambodia is complete without attending at least one traditional Khmer dance performance, often referred to as 'Apsara Dance' after one of the most popular Classical dance pieces. Traditional Khmer dance better described as 'dance-drama' in that the dances are not merely dance but also meant to convey a story or message.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Beat the crowd early morning by 7 am; visit the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. 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.

Journey out to the Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Believed to be the world's largest religious building, this temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength to all Khmers.

Afternoon, explore the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom & Bayon. Its 54-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another one, until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Further, visit the surroundings of the complex including the Baphuon, Elephant Terrace, Lepper King Terrace and Royal Place area.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, we continue to Chreav Communities Village. We will be warmed welcomed by our local English Speaking Tour Guide, he/ she will give you an introduction about geography and then being with oxcart riding tour, along the way, you see free chemical vegetable farm, local activities, typical stilt houses, authentic Cambodian living style, learning about Khmer culture, custom and tradition. The Oxcart tour will end at the local house behind Chreav Village. We will go to local pagoda, where you should change to clothes we can get wet in as here we will experience the ceremony “Srouch Teok”, which roughly translates into “Water blessing”. A monk will chant in ancient Pali as he splashes water over us, washing away our sins and bad luck so we can start fresh and by being a good person can increase our good luck. Visit a floating village on the Tonle Sap lake where we can experience a unique lifestyle. The lake is the largest fresh water in Southeast Asia. The size of the water body changes dramatically during the year. It is very rich in fish, snakes, crocodiles, turtles, turtles and otters. About 700 fishing families live on the lake. We visit a floating restaurant where we can have lunch based on daily fishing. So back to Siem Reap and the rest of the day is free, so you can buy souvenirs.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, we transfer to Siem Reap airport for flight to Sihanouk Ville. Arrive in Sihanouk Ville, we meet our driver and transfer to Sihanouk Ville port to take fast boat to Koh Rong Island “Little Paradise”.

Overnight in Koh Rong.

Today is at leisure to enjoy this beautiful island of Koh Rong.

Overnight in Koh Rong.

Farewell Island and take express boat back to Sihanouk Ville. Arrive in Sihanouk Ville, we met our driver (without guide) and depart for Phnom Penh.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Visit to the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, is the most conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), display plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver, continuing visit to National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was build since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others. Travelers will proceed to visit Independence Monument, which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony. We will learn about the dark side of Cambodia – Its more recent turbulent and harrowing history. Initially you visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21), ironically a former school, located in a quiet Phnom Penh suburb, this was the infamous Khmer Rouge prison / torture center. Continue to Wat Phnom is a Buddhist temple located in center of Phnom Penh City. It was built in 1373, and stands 27 meters above the ground. It is the tallest religious structure in the city. We will stop at Central Market is located in the heart of the Phnom Penh. The Khmer name of the market is Phsar Thmei, which translates to “new market”. The Central Market was built in 1937 during the French colonial period, in Art Deco style, and is painted bright ochre. We enjoy our cyclo ride along the riverside. This laidback tour gives us a different perspective of the streets and sights of the city. We will enjoy a cruise for view sunset on the Mekong and Tonle Sap River (1 hour). Situated at the “Four Arms” where the Mekong meets the Tonle Sap River before splitting into tow branches, Phnom Penh offers the ideal location to discover the mighty Mekong.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Transfer to Phnom Penh airport for departure to next destination. Say goodbye to your Cambodian driver. Goodbye Cambodia!!!!

Services

What’s include :

TOUR COST INCLUDES:

TOUR COST NOT INCLUDES:

Accommodation with daily breakfast in double / twin shared room

Meal: as mention in program (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner)

Airport transfers & Transport by air con. vehicles as per program

Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified

Local English speaking guide as per program

All boat trip as mentioned in program

Complementary local Sim Card

24hours supporting hotline

Flight ticket: Luang Prabang – Siem Reap

Flight ticket: Siem Reap – Sihanouk Ville

Speedboat: Sihanouk Ville – Koh Rong – Sihanouk Ville

Cold water and towel during tours

Cambodia Visa stamp fee: 30$ (Passport valid more then 6 months, enough space for visa stamp (1 free space), 1 passport photo (4X6), cash 30$)

Laos Visa stamp fee: 35$ (Passport valid more then 6 months, enough space for visa stamp (1 free space), 1 passport photo (4X6), cash 35$)

All International air ticket

Other meal, drink, personal expenses, tip, Travel insurance, all bank fees

Other thing not mentioned in included

    ” Possiamo dire che è stata la luna di miele perfetta. Abbiamo avuto la possibilità di entrare a stretto contatto con la gente locale, di vivere diverse esperienze molto interessanti e di visitare dei posti fantastici. Tutto era organizzato in maniera perfetta grazie anche al validissimo supporto del nostro corrispondente Roberto, che non ci ha mai lasciati soli. Da dietro le quinte ci ha assistito per tutta la durata del nostro magnifico viaggio di nozze, dandoci un valido supporto per qualsiasi cosa. Le guide e i drivers erano sempre puntuali, cordiali, molto disponibili e molto preparati. Difficile dire in una sola frase cosa ci sia piaciuto. In una sola parola: TUTTO. L’organizzazione pre e durante il nostro viaggio è stata ineccepibile. Non possiamo che ringraziare Roberto ed Eurasie per questa meravigliosa esperienza.”

    Erika e Andrea

    Tour Vietnam & Cambogia