17 Day Laos and Cambodia Unveiled Tour Itinerary
DAYS 1-2 FLY TO VIENTIANE
Fly overnight to Vientiane via Bangkok.
Depending on your time of arrival the rest of
the day is yours to start soaking up the local
culture.
DAY 3 EXPLORE VIENTIANE
Nestled in a sleepy bend of the Mekong,
Vientiane is a delightfully quaint city, more
friendly backwater than chaotic capital. Visit
the morning market, Wat Si Saket and Wat
Phra Keo, the former Royal Temple, before
viewing That Luang Stupa and the Patuxai
Victory Monument. Also, drop in at the COPE
visitor centre. Dinner this evening will be
accompanied by a traditional Lao music and
dance performance.
DAY 4 TRAVEL TO VANG VIENG
Depart Vientiane for Vang Vieng, a town
beautifully set in a spectacular karst
landscape that has become Laos adventure
capital. En route, stop at Nam Ngum Lake, a
reservoir created by damming the Nam Ngum
River, where deep green waters are backed by
mountains and forest.
DAY 5 EXPLORE VANG VIENG
Venture into the Tham Chang cave before
wandering through the dramatic limestone
karst countryside beside the Nam Song River.
DAY 6 TRAVEL TO LUANG PRABANG
Return to Vientiane and fly to the beautiful
city of Luang Prabang. The quintessential
image of Laos and a place of vivid colours,
where youll find a rich heritage and enduring
French legacy.
DAY 7 PAK OU CAVES
Visit the exquisite Wat Visoun and Wat Xieng
Thong. Cruise up the languid Mekong River
to the sacred caves of Pak Ou, known for the
hundreds of miniature Buddhist sculptures
that reside within. On the return trip stop off
at the villages of Thin Hong and Ban Xang
Khong.
DAY 8 KUANG SI WATERFALLS
Begin the day at the National Museum,
housed in the former Royal Palace. Drive out
of the city, stopping for a visit to Ock Pop Tok
Weaving Centre, before heading to the natural
splendour of Kuang Si Waterfalls. Enjoy the
vivid blue, terraced pools that tumble down
through their forest setting, taking a dip or
relaxing by the waters edge.
DAY 9 TAKBAT
Rise early this morning to witness the monks
of Luang Prabangs monastic communities
collecting alms from the locals the ceremony
of Takbat. These lines of silent saffron robeclad
monks will be an enduring image of your
trip. Later this morning, climb Phousi Hill for
panoramic views over the city. Fly to Siem
Reap where you can while away the evening
at the lively night market.
DAY 10 EXPLORE ANGKOR
The seat of the Khmer Empire between the
9th and 15th centuries, the Angkor complex
includes over 1,000 temples. Rising early,
the tour begins in the heart of Angkor Thom,
the old walled city – passing through its South
Gate youll reach the enigmatic Bayon and
visit the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of
the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm, an
atmospheric temple left in the grips of the
jungle. This afternoon is dedicated to the
indescribable Angkor Wat. The best preserved
of Angkors temples, examine the vast number
of intricate details and relish the sheer
magnificence of its architecture.
DAY 11 TONLE SAP LAKE
High Water Season (Aug to Feb) Visit Beng
Mealea, a mysterious temple overrun by the
jungle before enjoying a cruise on Tonle Sap
Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong
Kleng and observing the way of life of these
lake communities. Return to Siem Reap via
Artisan D’Angkor, an organisation working to
revive traditional Khmer arts and crafts. This
evening sit down to dinner and the Apsara
dance show.
Low Water Season (Mar to Jul) Head to
Beng Mealea to explore this mysterious
temple overrun by the jungle. Drop by Artisan
D’Angkor before visiting the floating village of
Chong Kneas. This evening sit down to dinner
and the Apsara dance show.
DAY 12 BANTEAY SREI
Admire the captivating Banteay Srei, a richly
embellished Hindu Temple made of rosecolored
sandstone. Wander the atmospheric
ruins of Preah Khan. Take a leisurely boat ride
on the moat of Angkor Thom and view hidden
elements of the ancient Khmer water systems.
DAY 13 RURAL BATTAMBANG
Depart Siem Reap for the city of Battambang,
stopping off at the National Silk Centre, where
you can learn about the silk creation process.
DAY 14 EXPLORE BATTAMBANG
Battambang is set in some of the countrys
most beautiful landscapes. Head out of town
to the 12th-century Prasat Banan Temple,
returning to Battambang to stroll through the
village of Wat Kor. Later, visit a local NGO,
La Maison de Coco, where traditional skills
such as weaving are taught to locals before
exploring a cave at Phnom Sampov, home to a
huge colony of bats.
DAY 15 TRAVEL TO PHNOM PENH
Journey south to the city of Phnom Penh,
making a stop at the 17th century capital
of Udong and Kampong Chhnang to see the
traditional handmade pottery. On arrival at
Phnom Penh, the rest of the day is at leisure.
DAY 16 PHNOM PENH BY CYCLO
Experience a cyclo ride to the magnificent
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before scaling
the small hill topped by Wat Phnom. Later,
enjoy the exhibits of the National Museum,
which are housed in a spectacular Khmerstyle
building, before learning about the
tragedies of the recent past at the harrowing
Tuol Sleng Museum.
DAYS 17-18 FLY PHNOM PENH TO UK
If your flight time permits, this morning there
is an option to visit the poignant Killing Fields
(payable locally). Transfer to the airport to
board your flight back to the UK, arriving the
next day.
