The Laos - Cambodia Connection - 12 Days / 11 Nights

Luang Prabang – Vientiane – Vat Phou – Pakse – Khong Island – Pakse – Border Laos / Cambodia – Stung Treng – Kratie – Kompong Cham – Kompong Thom – Siem Reap

Discover the charms of Laos through Vientiane and the well- preserved culture and nature of Luang Prabang, dubbed as the jewel of Indochina, before witnessing the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Pakse, the Hindu- influenced Khmer temples of Vat Phou. Also enjoy boat trip along the Mekong River to scenic islands and riverside villages. End this meaningful trip with the stunning Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, and other remarkable remains in Siem Reap

Tour Highlights

• Visiting Luang Prabang, the former capital of the kingdom of Lane Xang, exploring by walk how people are living, with its well- nurtured tradition and customs in this magical little city
• Taking a boat ride to the Mekong River where the mysterious Pak Ou Caves with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues are waiting for your discovery
• Taking a relaxed sightseeing around Vientiane, to various old temples where collections of Laos and Khmer art collection, Buddha statues and big golden stupa can be seen
• Visiting Pakse for UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vat Phou, discovering the remains of the Hindu- influenced Khmer temples pre- dating those of Angkor Wat
• Driving southwards to witness the beauty of Mekong River, from a scenic section, attractive by its peaceful and isolate environment, accessible by boat only, to Laos- Cambodia border, and stopping for sleepy little towns along the Mekong River
• Witnessing stunning views of another UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and other world- remarkable remains like Bayon, Kompong Thom, Banteay Samre, Banteay Kdei, Banteay Srei in Siem Reap
  

Detailed Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Luang Prabang
Arrive in Luang Prabang, the former capital of the kingdom of Lane Xang, and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon explore this magical little city by foot visiting Vat Xieng Thong, Vat Sene, Vat Mai and the Royal Palace now converted into the National Museum. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (L)

Day 2 - Luang Prabang
For early-risers there is a very special (optional) dawn visit to witness the long lines of orange-robed monks leaving their pagodas to receive offerings of food from Luang Prabang residents. Return to hotel for breakfast. Continue with a boat trip on the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues are crammed into the two caves carved out of a towering limestone cliff. They range in size from a few centimetres to the size of a man. After lunch at a Kha village there is time to explore the village and its Kha culture before returning by road to Luang Prabang. In the late afternoon, climb the 328 steps to reach the top of Mount Phousi for sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B,L)

Day 3 - Luang Prabang - Vientiane
After breakfast there is time for more sightseeing around Luang Prabang before transferring to the airport for the short flight to the capital, Vientiane. On arrival transfer to hotel. In the afternoon a tour of Vientiane takes in Vat Sisaket with its thousands of Buddha statues, Vat Phra Keo with its Lao and Khmer art collection and That Luang, the ‘Big Golden Stupa’, one of the most venerated sites in Laos. At the end of the day climb to the top of the Patouxai monument, also known as Anousavari. Overnight in Vientiane. (B,L)

Day 4 - Vientiane - Vat Phou - Pakse
After breakfast visit the Morning Market before transferring to the airport for the flight south to Pakse. On arrival in Pakse continue by road to Vat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the remains of the Hindu-influenced Khmer temples pre-dating those of Angkor in Cambodia. The ruins have changed little since French explorers first visited them in the late 1800’s. Pass through the nearby town of Champasak where there are some interesting examples of French colonial architecture. In the late afternoon transfer to Pakse. Overnight in Pakse. (B,L)

Day 5 - Pakse - Khong Island
After breakfast, drive southwards to a scenic section of the Mekong River called Si Phan Don or the Four Thousand Islands. Accommodation will be basic but with charm at either Don Khong or Don Khone Island. The attraction is the peace and isolation of the islands, which are accessible by boat only. While exploring the islands and the waterways there is a chance of seeing the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin sometimes found in the area. Overnight at Don Khong or Don Khone Island. (B,L)

Day 6 - Pakse - Border Laos / Cambodia - Stung Treng
After breakfast head southwards and stop at the Khone Papheng Falls, the biggest and most impressive on this stretch of the Mekong River, before continuing to the Lao-Cambodian border post and meeting the Exotissimo Cambodia guide. Complete immigration formalities before boarding a speedboat for a fast ride to Stung Treng, a sleepy town by the Mekong. The afternoon is free to wander around town or to take a rest. Overnight in Stung Treng. (B,L)

Day 7 - Stung Treng - Kratie
After breakfast, board the public boat to Kratie and cruise down the Mekong. In the afternoon explore the surroundings keeping a look out for the elusive and endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin living just north of Kratie. Overnight in Kratie. (B)

Day 8 - Kratie - Kompong Cham - Kompong Thom
After breakfast at a local restaurant take the speed boat to Kampong Cham, a former French trading post on the Mekong. After a look around the town centre continue to Vat Nokor, an 11th century sandstone Buddhist shrine. On the way to Kompong Thom 140km to the north, stop at Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey, two hills whose names translate as the ‘man hill’ and the ‘woman hill’. Both hills feature their own temple. 15km south of Kompong Thom stop at Phnom Santuk Mountain and climb the 980 steps to the top to visit the pagoda and admire the sunset over the countryside. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Kompong Thom. (B)

Day 9 - Kompong Thom - Siem Reap
After breakfast at a local restaurant leave for the little-visited Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex, 35km north of Kompong Thom. Hidden in the forest, the 47 temples pre-date Angkor Wat, being built between 615 and 650 AD. Return to Kampong Thom for lunch. In the afternoon drive to Siem Reap, the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B)

Day 10 - Siem Reap
An early start to catch the sunrise (optional). Return to the hotel for breakfast. A morning tour of the temples includes the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the famous Bayon, Baphoun, the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon visit the magnificent 12th century Angkor Wat. Return to hotel after watching the sunset over Angkor Wat. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B)

Day 11 - Siem Reap
After breakfast drive northwards to the Citadel of Women at Banteay Srei. On the way back make a stop at Banteay Samre Temple. In the afternoon continue to Srah Srang, Banteay Kdei, Chau Say Tevoda, Thommanon and the fabulous Ta Prohm Temple, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. The day ends with a spectacular sunset at Phnom Bakheng. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B)

Day 12 - Depart Siem Reap
After breakfast visit the workshops of Artisans d’Angkor to see wood and stone carving or shop for souvenirs before transferring to Siem Reap Airport for onward departure flight. (B)

Note: We can arrange additional customized trips for you if the above itineray does not match your expectations.