Classic Cambodia & Laos

Day 3: Phnom Penh – Kampong Thom, visit the Sambor Prei Kok temple

Today, we depart the capital city on the way to Kampong Thom, a picturesque small town. Discover the hidden secrets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sambor Prei Kok. This temple complex near Kampong Thom, often referred to as Isanapura, dates back to the Angkorian era of Cambodia. Set off early in the morning to what was once the capital of the Chenla Empire, located between Tonle Sap Lake and the Sen River. There you will find the ruins of nearly 100 brick temples, which are scattered in the dense tropical forest. The mysterious atmosphere of this jungle complex will make you feel like you are in an adventure film. After you have explored the terrain and the surrounding jungle at your leisure. In the evening, relax and unwind as you enjoy a traditional Khmer dinner with your host family. Overnight stay at the community homestay near the temple.

Day 4: Kampong Thom – Siem Reap, evening food tour

Today, depart Sambor Prei Kok temple for a journey to the Ancient Kingdom of Angkor. On arrival in Siem Reap town, check-in at the hotel and have some free time until 5 PM when your guide will arrive in a tuk-tuk for a food-focused tour of the city.

You will visit the night market, where you can try some bugs, fantastic barbecued chicken, whilst enjoying a cold beverage sitting on a mattress alongside the street market.
You will then visit the Sambai liqueur house where you will learn how Cambodia liqueur is made and visit the infusion room. There you will be invited to try rice whisky in various flavours. Finally, you will transfer back to your hotel.

Day 5: Siem Reap, tour to the Angkor Archaeology Park

Today, It’s time for the main event with a full day to enjoy a guided tour around the unforgettable Angkor complex. First, we will visit Angkor Wat, which is the most famous of all the Angkor temples. The temple, built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II contains three stories of libraries, galleries and towers surrounded by a thick retaining wall and an imposing moat. Having your professional historian guide, you will be able to discuss in detail what you are looking to achieve from your time at the temples.

You will then head out into the center of Angkor Thom and enter the city through the ancient Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with elephants and four giant faces. From here, continue to Bayon Temple, found in the center of the city famed as the enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.

Have lunch at a local restaurant for exotic Khmer cuisine. Ta Prohm temple is your next stop before some leisure time in the late afternoon. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found- overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground, and creating one of the most photogenic and atmospheric temples of the entire Angkor site.

Day 6: Siem Reap, explore the National Park of Kulen Mountain

Depart early in the morning by a private air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel to Kulen Mountain. The Kulen Mountain range rises from the plains 50 km north of Siem Reap.

On arrival, we will trek up the mountain slope, visit the natural water spring from the Buddha’s foot and enjoy the panoramic view, then trek through the thick forest. Enjoy the magnificent waterfall of Kulen Mountain, after that you will visit the Hindu carving of Kulen’s riverbed where most Khmer people believe is a sacred place on the mountain.

After a refreshing dip in the water and a bite to eat, we trek through fantastic undulating single track, made up mostly of walking trails, guided by a ranger from the National Park. Then, you will hike through the jungle past remote villages see life-sized stone elephants standing serenely at Srah Damrei. We’ll also visit the small wat which houses Cambodia’s largest reclining Buddha before heading to the 20 meters high Kulen Waterfall where we can enjoy a refreshing dip before returning to town.

Day 7: Siem Reap, explore Rolous Group temple & Tonle Sap Lake

Begin the tour in the morning to Rolous Group, the temple that was the centre of Khmer civilization, built in the 8th century. The group consists of three main temples, Lolei, Bakong, and Preah Ko. Visit the zone with our experienced tour guide, who will be with you every step of your journey.

We will have lunch at the temple complex before heading to the floating village. To reach the Tonle Sap Lake, you will go down dirt roads and take a boat to see the floating village life and the stilt houses where you will experience the livelihoods of Cambodian people living in the floating villages, offering you the opportunity to see how families adapt their life to living on the water. Back on dry land, transfer back to Siem Reap.

Day 8: Siem Reap, authentic Cambodian Cooking Class

Today, we discover the wonders of Cambodian culinary by going to a village cooking class. Prepare to visit local markets, village life, and landmarks while whipping up delicious dishes. Cook with a private chef in their countryside kitchen, whilst learning the cultural traditions of several small rural villages. For authentic local food, vibrant village life, and amazing people, this tour is the way to go! It will probably be one of the highlights of your trip to Cambodia. What makes it unique and memorable is the opportunity to learn how Cambodian spirit beliefs are connected to food experience and tasting incredible dishes! Return to your hotel in Siem Reap at your own leisure! Then, take an evening flight to Luang Prabang.

Day 9: Discovery tour through Luang Prabang

Welcome to Luang Prabang! Luang Prabang is a highlight of any trip to Laos. Do not miss the impressive “Tak Bat”: at dawn, hundreds of monks stroll through the alleys of Luang Prabang collecting alms. A great deal of history awaits you: the charming city is a former royal seat and rich in temples and monasteries. You will visit the most important and beautiful.

Today, enjoy breakfast before setting off on this fascinating tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang. Start your day in the museum, which is located in the former Royal Palace and houses a collection of antiques and period furniture. Follow the quiet streets to the centuries-old Heuan-Chan house, one of the few surviving examples of the pre-colonial Lao architectural style. Stroll through the museum and relax in the gardens with a glass of refreshing iced tea.

Continue walking to the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the country. Explore the temple grounds and admire the masterfully crafted, curved temple roof. Continue your walk to Wat Khili, an 18th-century temple. The century that now houses Buddhist archives, including an exhibition of historical photos. In the early afternoon, make your way to the Center for Traditional Art and Ethnology to learn about the heritage of the country’s various ethnic groups.

Day 10: Luang Prabang, explore the Kuang Si Waterfall

This morning, we take a local boat up the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves, which are home to thousands of Buddha statues. On the way, you will stop at a local village that produces Lao rice wine. In the afternoon you will reach the Kuang Sii waterfalls after a 45-minute drive through a wonderful landscape. Gradually the water runs in a clear turquoise blue over countless limestone rocks. Before returning to Luang Prabang, stop at a bear sanctuary.

Day 11: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng

Today, we depart Luang Prabang by a private minivan through dusty villages and winding mountain roads to Vang Vieng. The drive is among the most beautiful in Laos, winding up and down and offering spectacular views, from jungle to low-lying valleys studded with the limestone Karst formations. We also stop at Phoukhoune, with its lively market and fresh air, and visit local hill-tribe villages along the way, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we head to south to Vang Vieng, with its lively atmosphere and famous landscape. Have your camera ready out for a photo-op at Pathang you won’t want to miss. Upon arrival, we will discover the surroundings.

Day 12: Vang Vieng, discovering Laos by kayak

Vang Vieng is a striking river landscape sitting on the banks of Nam Song River and surrounded by a mysterious cave system, towering karsts along with lagoons of turquoise water. This town is a perfect destination for adventurers. Today, we will visit some of the caves around Vang Vieng and then we will do a short and easy kayak descent that will show us Laos from a different point of view. After lunch, we will continue by private minivan to the country’s capital, where we will arrive late in the afternoon.

Day 13: Vientiane city tour

Today, visiting the morning market where you can buy various handicrafts from the surrounding hill tribes, you continue to Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in Vientiane, whose monastery walls house more than 2000 ceramic and silver Buddha figures.

Your next visit is Wat Phra Keo, which is considered the former “residence” of the Emerald Buddha. You will then visit the imposing Patuxai Victory Gate, which was built and inaugurated in honor of those who died in the struggle for independence from France. On the way there you will come to the famous, sacred That Luang Stupa, which is said to represent a banana blossom and is completely covered with gold. It is considered the most important national monument. Then, return to your hotel to complete the day.

Day 14: Trip Concludes

Our tour concludes today with a transfer to the Vientiane airport. Take the day to reflect upon the rewarding trip and say goodbye to your guide and driver.