General Information
Duration: 15 days/14 nights
Start/End: Phnom Penh/ Vientiane
Tour Route: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake – Luang Prabang – Phonsavan – Vang Vieng – Vientiane
Tour Categories: Cambodia Laos tours
Tour Type: Natural and Landscapes, Explore and Experience
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Guides: Local Guide (English Speaking Guide, Other Languages upon Request)
Transportation: Private first-class air-conditioned vehicles
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges
Highlights
Experience local culture and heritage of Laos through cultural activities and in-depth tours of ancient pagodas and colonial-era sites
Discover the hidden beauty of the capital with a closer look into the modern buildings and busy street of Vientiane
Taste the exquisite flavors of Cambodian cuisine and explore colorful local villages to learn more about Khmer culture
Discover the breath of life along the Tonle Sap Lake and savor every moment among the rustic living of rivers
Brief Itinerary
Day 01: Phnom Penh Arrival
Day 02: Phnom Penh – Highlight City Tour
Day 03: Flight to Siem Reap – Angkor Wat Tour
Day 04: Angkor Wat Sunrise – Angkor Thom – Cambodia Phare Circus
Day 05: Full Day Kbal Spean – Banteay Srei Temple and Landmine museum
Day 06: Half–day Tonle Sap Lake Discovery – Flight to Luang Prabang
Day 07: Luang Prabang: Buddhist Ancient City and Temples
Day 08: Boat Trip to Pak Ou Caves – Khouang Si Waterfall
Day 09: Luang Prabang – Fullday Relaxing
Day 10: Luang Prabang to Phonsavan
Day 11: Full Day Plain of Jars and Muang Khoun
Day 12: Phonsavan to Vang Vieng – Boat Trip
Day 13: Vang Vieng to Vientiane
Day 14: Vientiane City Highlights
Day 15: Vientiane Depart
Day 01: Phnom Penh Arrival
Welcome to Cambodia!
Upon arrival, you will be greeted and escorted to the hotel by your local tour guide and driver. Check-in and take free time afterward.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 02: Phnom Penh – Highlight City Tour (B, L)
After breakfast, start your full day city tour to the most outstanding attractions of the capital city, Phnom Penh. The first stop is the Silver Pagoda, “The Temple of the Emerald Buddha”, has 5329 solid silver tiles on the floors. Next, visit the nearby Royal Palace, which was the resident of the King of Cambodia and his family over a century ago. You will also pay a visit to the Cambodia National Museum which provides a splendid introduction to Khmer culture and history. It houses a wonderful collection of Khmer art, with more than 14,000 exhibits including some of the finest pieces in existence.
In the afternoon, dead straight to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum which now serves as a testament to the crimes of the Khmer Rouge. Here you can see numerous implements of torture, photographs of inmates and a bone-chilling map made of skulls. All display is served as a solemn and grim reminder of the cruelty inflicted on thousands of innocents. Afterward, head to the verdant environs of the city to see the impressive Choueng Ek Memorial, the site of a former orchard and mass grave of victims of the Khmer Rouge which also known as the Killing Fields. Drive back to the hotel in the late afternoon and relax.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 03: Flight to Siem Reap – Angkor National Museum and Angkor Wat Tour (B)
Following your breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Welcomes upon arrival by your local guide and driver, then you will be escorted to the hotel for check-in.
We will start our Siem Reap discovery in the afternoon. First, we visit the Angkor National Museum which is considered as the grand entrance to a world-class heritage that reveals the glory of Angkor Civilization. The museum enhances the cultural heritage of the golden era of the Khmer Kingdom through an amassed collection of invaluable artifacts and through state of the art multimedia technology exhibition for a full picturesque legendary story.
Then, your guide and driver will accompany you on a journey to the world’s wonder sites – Angkor Wat. This magnificent complex was built in the 12th century and is the largest first Hindu and Buddhist temple complex as well as the largest religious monument in the world. Later on, we will climb Bakheng Mountain to enjoy the stunning sunset.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 04: Angkor Wat Sunrise – Visit Angkor Thom Ancient Capital – Cambodia Phare Circus (B, L)
Today will begin with a pre-dawn departure (4 AM to 5 AM) from your hotel in time to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Enter the great temple in darkness from the less-visited western side and immerse in the atmosphere of dawn at Angkor from the edge of one of the ancient library pools.
After feasting your eyes on the sunrise, you will have breakfast in the nearby food stalls. Then, start your explorations of the remains of one of the most ancient civilizations that once ruled much of Southeast Asia by car, Angkor Thom. It’s a great chance for you to soak up the physical and architectural centerpieces of Angkor, home to a trio of state temples – Baphoun, Phimeanakas & Bayon – and other royal, religious and secular structures.
The first stop is the Ta Prohm Temple. Worn by time, rain, and overpowered by the jungle, this immaculate structure is hidden under a canopy will leave you feeling as if you’d stepped into an adventure movie step. Continue to the Victory Gate, the Terrace of the Leper King, the Royal Palace, Baphuon and Bayon. Bayon sets itself apart with its almost 200 smiling faces, making you feel welcome on your second day to the Kingdom of Wonders. With its winding tunnels, chambers and darling climbs, Bayon offers many picturesque moments to keep your camera busy.
In the late afternoon, on the way back, we stop at Apopo center to enjoy Siem Reap’s most unique, authentic top-rated evening entertainment, the Phare Cambodian Circus. More than just a circus, Phare performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell the uniquely Cambodian stories. You will be amazed by the energy, emotion, and talent of young artists. It’s a great choice to end up a long tour today.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 05: Kbal Speal- Banteay Srei Temple and Landmine Museum (B, L)
After breakfast, we will drive out Angkor complex, passing beautiful countryside before arriving at the foothill off Kbal Speal. We will take a short hike up to visit the series of stone rock relief carvings in sandstone formations of the river bed “Valley of a 1000 Lingas”. Nearby the riverbed, we will see the small waterfall where you can have a quick bath to cool down (Waterfall is seasonal, it means the fall is dry in hot season).
After that, return to our car and drive to the intricately carved, beautiful pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei. It is a jewel of Khmer art featuring elaborate decorations and fine details. The last stop of today journey is Cambodian landmine museum that is one of the should-not-missed places when traveling to Angkor temples.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 06: Half-day Tonle Sap Lake Discovery – Flight to Luang Prabang (B)
After breakfast, start your discovery by a half-day excursion to the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and one of the richest fishing lakes in the world – Tonle Sap Lake. First, we will explore the countryside surrounding the lake by taking an ox-cart ride through a village and lush, green rice fields. Along the road, we will stop to enjoy coconut drink with a local family as you get to visit a traditional house and talk with them about their daily life.
Then, we head to the Tonle Sap Lake, where you will board a traditional wooden boat and cruise to the largest floating village on the lake, Kompong Phluk. Here, you will observe the daily lifestyle of the locals in this fascinating lake community.
After lunch, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will meet and escort you to the hotel for check-in. Later, you are free at your leisure.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 07: Luang Prabang: Buddhist Ancient City and Temples (B, L)
Your full-day city tour starts after breakfast, with the first glimpse of the Royal Palace Museum which used as the residence of King Sisavang Vong and his family during the French colonial era. The museum now houses numerous royal religious objects, weapons, statues, screens, and painting from centuries past. Next, feast your eyes on ‘the temple of 100,000 treasures’ Wat Sene, admire the example of the classic Luang Prabang architectural style in Wat Xiang Thong. It features with the sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics. Then, learn more about the city’s religious heritage as you peek into the Luang Prabang’s oldest temple, Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham.
In the afternoon, You will explore the diverse cultures and traditions of Laos at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center before heading out of town to soak up the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek. Later this afternoon, you will return to the city and pay a visit to Wat Mai Temple. Continue to climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and a sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. Last but not least, you will have some free time to wander around the Night Market. With stalls and shop selling everything you could ever want, it is worth exploring the winding lanes which run throughout the city.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 08: Boat Trip to Pak Ou Caves – Khouang Si Waterfall (B, L)
Following your breakfast, you will embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River. Along the way, stop at the village of Ban Xanghai to learn how to produce Laos rice wine and rice whiskey. Continue on to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves to admire the beautiful combination between solemn religion of Buddhism natural sightseeing. You also can try knowing your fortune by taking a baton at random, the corresponding paper will predict your future with a philosophy. Whether you believe or not, remember it’s just a random.
Lunch will be served near the caves. You will have a chance to taste a local dish called “Orlam” which is a soup with vegetables and features a spicy wood that is partially edible. On return, disembark to visit the traditional weaving village of Ban Phanom to observe the way people make textiles. It may be tired after a long journey, we will cool off in the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfall with a refreshing swim or walk along the forest trails. Leave all your worries and immerse yourself in the freshwater before heading back to the central city.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 09: Luang Prabang – Fullday Relaxing (B)
You will enjoy a full day relaxing at your own leisure!
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 10: Luang Prabang to Phonsavan (B)
After breakfast, you will be driven from Luang Prabang to Phonsavan (approximately 8 hours). Phonsavan, the provincial capital of Xieng Khouang province, is well known as one of the most heavily bombed countries on the earth per capita. En route, you will stop to visit Buddha Cave and Nong Jung Lake.
Upon arrival in Phonsavan, your local guide will support you to check-in the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to chill out.
Overnight in Phonsavan.
Day 11: Full Day Plain of Jars and Muang Khoun (B)
This morning, we will get off the beaten track and onto the dusty trail through central Laos. We first visit the interesting Central Market in Phonsavan. The drive out to visit the Plain of Jars – Site 1 (Thong Hai Hin), an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. Afterward, you will take a short scenic trek to Plain of Jars – Site 2 (Hai Hin Phu Salato) via Tai Dam and Lao Leum village.
After lunch, we have half-day afternoon tour seeing the old capital of Muang Khoun and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people.
Day 12: Phonsavan to Vang Vieng (B)
Today’s journey will start from Phonsavan, long road to Vang Vieng, a small riverside town in Vang Vieng district of Vientiane province. This small town is getting against a backdrop of dramatic karst limestone mountains filled with caves and the Nam Song River flowing through the heart of the town.
Upon arrival, you will check-in the hotel and have a short rest, then we transfer to the Nam Song River. Here, you can choose to experience tubing on the river. Gilding on the waters in large rubber tubes is great fun. You can see the riverfront and cool waters from the tubes floating on the water. Or, you can opt for kayaking instead. The slow current of the river is perfect for novices trying their hands at rowing. A full-day kayaking trip takes you around the local attractions including water caves and bat caves. Normal motorized boats also can be hired to enjoy the scenic riverside vistas. Whatever you choose, a trip down Nam Song River is a must while visiting Vang Vieng!
Overnight in Vang Vieng.
Day 13: Vang Vieng to Vientiane (B)
After breakfast, we will one of the most important sites of Vang Vieng caves tours, Tham Chang Cave. It was used as a bunker in defense against Yunnanese Chinese invaders in the early 19th century. You can see the crystal clear water runs out of the mountain into the river. Just down from the cave, there is a patch of grass where you can have a nice picnic by the river. Moreover, one of the paths leads to a viewpoint outside the mountain where you can see the stunning scenery of the countryside. Also, there are lots of legends and shapes attached to structures inside.
Say goodbye to the cave, we will transfer to Vientiane, the charming capital of Laos in the afternoon. Welcomed upon arrival and escorted to the hotel by your guide and driver.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 14: Vientiane City Highlights (B, L)
After having breakfast, you will start an unforgettable full-day city discovery filled with cultural treasures. The main purpose of today’s journey is to soak up major sights of the capital, including the oldest temple Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo which houses the famous Emerald Buddha image. En route to Laos’s national precious heritage, the well-known and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will stop at the symbolic Patuxay Monument which is known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Here, you can climb a stairway to the top passing 7 floors to enjoy a panoramic view of the oldfashioned capital city.
After lunch, head to the Buddha Park and enjoy a stroll around the park. This unusual park is home to over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. A quiet and tranquil setting along the Mekong River is a contrast to the slightly eccentric sculptures built in 1958 by a Laos shaman. Afterward, we drive back to Vientiane and take free time at your leisure.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 15: Vientiane Depart (B)
Morning is free for you until your local guide and driver arrive and take you to the airport for departure. Farewell from Vientiane. Enjoy your Cambodia & Laos vacation!
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