16 DAY BEST OF LAOS & CAMBODIA TOUR

Fly to Vientiane, the capital of stunning Laos.

DAY 2: 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.

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.

Venture into the Tham Chang cave before wandering through the dramatic limestone karst countryside beside the Nam Song River.

Return to Vientiane and y to the beautiful city of Luang Prabang. The quintessential image of Laos
and a place of vivid colours, here you’ll nd a rich heritage and enduring French legacy.

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.

Begin the day at the National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace, before driving out of the city 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 water’s edge. Return to Luang Prabang via Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre.

Rise early this morning to witness the monks of Luang Prabang’s monastic communities collecting alms from the locals – the ceremony of Takbat. These lines of silent saffron robe-clad 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.

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 you’ll 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 Angkor’s temples, examine the vast number of intricate details and relish the sheer magni cence of its architecture.

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 oating 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 enjoy 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 oating village of Chong Kneas. This evening enjoy dinner and the Apsara dance show.

Admire the captivating Banteay Srei, a richly embellished Hindu Temple made of rose-coloured sandstone. Wander the atmospheric ruins of Preah Khan. Ascend to the summit of the high-reaching temple Pre Rup in time to watch the sunset over the rice elds.

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 13 – Battambang is set in some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. Travel 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.

Journey south to Cambodia’s charming capital Phnom Penh. On the way, stop at the 17th- century capital of Udong. On arrival at Phnom Penh, the rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 15: PHNOM PENH –  Marvel at the magni cent 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 Khmer-style building before learning about the tragedies of the recent past at the harrowing Tuol Sleng Museum.

This morning, if time permits, there is an optional tour  to the Killing Fields, a solemn site and chilling memorial. Later, you will be transferred to Phnom Penh airport to board your departure flight.