Hidden Treasures of Laos and Cambodia

Luang Prabang arrival / Visit (L/D)

Upon arrival, you will meet your guide and be transferred to the hotel.

Luang Prabang is a peaceful small provincial town that retains its status as the spiritual capital of Laos. The road traffic is so calm that one can see monks in their orange robes strolling through the city, sheltering from the sun under their umbrellas.

Luang Prabang has been designated by UNESCO as the "best preserved city in Southeast Asia".

You begin your visit with Wat Visoun and its famous stupa in the shape of a watermelon, the fruit that gave it its name. This temple was destroyed in 1887 by the Black Flags from China and restored in 1930 by Buddhist monks and locals.

You will also visit Wat Aham where you will discover the spirit of the two guardians of Luang Prabang.

And finally, continue your tour with Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its gold bas-reliefs.

You will continue your quest with Mount Phousi located in the center of the city. Climb the 328 steps that will lead you to the top of the hill where a splendid view of the Mekong, the Nam Khan, the surrounding mountains and the city will reward your efforts.

Sunsets are breathtaking as the sun casts all its colors on the wild landscape of Luang Prabang. Descend the steps on the other side of the hill and stroll through the stalls of the very colorful night market.

Every evening, ethnic minorities gather along the main street to sell their local produce. The calm and tranquil atmosphere of the evenings and the soft lights of the stalls give a magical character to this market where it is pleasant to hunt for souvenirs.

Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

The city tour will begin with a visit to Wat Sene and its dazzling gold facade.

Finally, end your morning with the most photographed temple in Luang Prabang: Wat Xieng Thong.

Then embark on a private long-tail boat for a 2-hour cruise on the Mekong to the famous Pak Ou Caves, located upstream from Luang Prabang.

The Pak Ou Caves, locally called Tam Ting, contain several hundred lacquered gold Buddha statues piled up on 2 sites located in an impressive cliff.

Their size varies from a few centimeters to the size of a human being.

You will be amazed by the viewpoint that the caves offer of the Mekong and the Nam Ou.

The caves are also an important destination for pilgrimages, especially for the Lao New Year, Pii Mai.

Two stops are planned before reaching the famous caves: one at the village of Ban Xang Hai and the other at Ban Xieng Khong, which has become expert in the manufacture and sale of products made from silk and Saa paper (paper made from mulberry bark).

Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang – Kouang Si Falls (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, today you begin by crossing the Mekong River by boat, to the picturesque village of Ban Chan, a pottery village.

The excursion begins with a visit to the Phousi market where you can observe local life or buy some fresh fruit.

Your guide will also be there to encourage you to try new flavors.

Continue with a visit to the Kouang Si Falls, located 32km from Luang Prabang.

These falls cascade through the jungle, across multi-level karst formations and turquoise blue pools where you can swim if time permits (please wear a sarong, no bare bodies).

The surrounding jungle and woods are populated by wild animals.

Trails offer pleasant hikes through this preserved nature.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, a short stop at the village of Ban Tha Pan to share a moment of life with the Kamu people.

Then visit the village of Ban Ou where Lao Loum, the ethnic majority of Laos, live.

Finally, meet the H'mong people in the village of Ban Na Ouane. This tribe originates from the mountains of Southern China. They have an oral tradition; there are no written records of their history except in the writings of people who have met them.

Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang – Vientiane (B/L)

After breakfast, the city tour will begin with a visit to the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. The Royal Palace was built in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong and his family, during the French colonial era. It now houses art and jewelry exhibitions as well as the residence itself.

Free time, then transfer to the airport for your flight Luang Prabang/Vientiane.

Upon your arrival in Vientiane, transfer to the hotel and free time.

Lunch and dinner at leisure in a local restaurant. Overnight in Vientiane.

Vientiane – City Tour (B/L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

First, visit Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese invasion of 1828. It is one of the most beautiful temples in the capital with its teak corridors adorned with thousands of miniature Buddha statues.

Then continue with Wat Phra Keo, which has become a religious museum showcasing a wide range of Lao and Khmer art.

Next, visit Wat Simuang, the most popular and revered temple in Vientiane, which is also the guardian of the city's soul. Within this sacred place is a Khmer-era pillar, and legend has it that one should walk around it three times while making a wish. If it comes true, you should return to offer some offerings as a thank you.

End the day on the banks of the Mekong for a fabulous sunset…

Stroll along the river, and visit Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng and Hai Sok.

Lunch and dinner at leisure in a local restaurant. Overnight in Vientiane.

Vientiane – Pakse – Khong Island (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, you will be transferred to the airport early for your flight to Pakse.

Upon arrival in Pakse, you will be welcomed and head towards the city of Pakse, crossing the Mekong by ferry to visit the fascinating pre-Angkorian ruin of Wat Phu, one of the most impressive temples in Southeast Asia. Wat Phu is a Lao World Heritage site recognized by UNESCO in 200. This magnificent archaeological site of Khmer civilization dates back to the 5th century, before the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

We will continue our journey by car and then take the ferry to Don Khong, the largest island in the Southern Mekong region known as the 4000 Islands, one of the most spectacular sites in Laos.

Lunch and dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight on Khong Island.

Khong Island – Tadlo - Pakse (B/L/D)

After breakfast, depart by traditional boat for the 4000 Islands on the borders of Laos and Cambodia, towards the tranquil islands of Don Det and Don Khone.

Don Det and Don Khone are 2 islands with a very relaxed atmosphere, without vehicles, located on the border with Stung Streng province in Cambodia.

Here, everything is truly calm and electricity is only supplied in the evening.

In the northern part of Don Det island, near the pier, a "backpacker" spot has taken root, but the rest of the island as well as Don Khone island have managed to retain their own character, focused on coconut, kapok, and bamboo cultivation.

The islands played an important role in connecting Laos to Cambodia and South Vietnam during the French colonial era (19th century).

To bypass the waterfalls, a railway and a bridge were built, giving this place a unique atmosphere. The ideal place to enjoy your stay.

Also visit the Liphi Falls.

Impressive is the perfect word to describe these fantastic waterfalls that flow between Cambodia and Don Khone island, right in the middle of the rocks.

The Tad Somphamit Falls, locally called Lippi Falls, are sacred to local communities and mean "spirit trap" as they are believed to capture evil spirits.

Once your visits are done, transfer to the village of Ban Nakhasan where your vehicle will be waiting for a transfer to Tadlo, and visit the villages of Alak, Nge and Katu, then continue the road to Pakse.

Lunch and dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Pakse.

Pakse – Siem Reap (B/L)

After breakfast, free time for your own exploration of Pakse before transferring to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap.  

A former French colony until independence in 1953, the Kingdom of Cambodia has opened up to the rest of the world, after decades of war and isolation, to become a captivating destination for exploration.

Cambodia boasts many famous sights to see including the monuments of Angkor, masterpieces of architectural heritage, fine sandy beaches and stunning landscapes. Even after its tragic history, Cambodia still retains an intact sweetness of life, and you can truly feel the warmth and great generosity of its people.

Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, welcome and transfer to the hotel. The city of Siem Reap is our base for visiting the world-renowned temples of the Angkor Ancient city, which was the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire from 802 AD to 1350 AD.

We will head to the archaeological area to visit the Roluos Group of temples, including Lo Lei, Preah Ko, Bakong.

These temples represent the remains of Hariharalaya, the first capital of the Khmer Empire.

Lunch and dinner at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap - Visit (B/L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today, we continue to explore the ruins of Angkor by visiting the South Gate of Angkor Thom, famous for its series of human faces carved in stone.

We also visit the impressive keystone of the city, the Bayon temple, which emerges from the jungle like an incredible forest of heads.

We also visit the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King and the famous wonder of the world, Angkor Wat.

Built in the early 12th century by Suryavarman II to honor the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu, Angkor Wat is one of the most spectacular architectural masterpieces and one of the largest religious monuments in the world.

A spectacular view of these sandstone monuments at sunset is an ideal way to end the day.

Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap - Visit (B/L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

The Ta Prohm temple, one of Angkor's most popular temples due to its surrounding jungle, is crumbling under enormous fig trees and gigantic vines entwining themselves in the stone foundations of the temple structure, giving the impression that human creation has been reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature.

This temple is an incredible sight, Ta Prohm was used as a filming location for the Tomb Raider movie and unlike most of the Angkor temples, it has been left largely in the same state in which it was discovered.

We explore this masterpiece as well as its surrounding temples of Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon, and Chau Say Tevado.

The grand circuit, including Preah Khan, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, Eastern Mebon and Pre Rup temples are also visited this afternoon before walking up to Phnom Bakheng Hill to enjoy the setting sun.

This hill overlooks the surrounding landscape offering a magnificent glowing sunset over Angkor Wat.

Lunch and dinner at leisure in a local restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap - Visit (B/L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

We venture a little out of the city to visit some peripheral sites, including the village of Preah Dark, the finely carved and well-preserved temple of Banteay Srei, the River of 1000 Lingas, locally called Kbal Spean and Banteay Samre, with its impressive reliefs illustrating scenes from Vishnu as well as legends of Krishna.

The rest of the day is free for your own exploration of the city and strolling around the shopping area. Lunch and dinner at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap – Phnom Penh (B/L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, start by sailing by hydrofoil on the Tonlé Sap River to Phnom Penh (from January to June, a boat cruise is difficult due to the low water volume in Tonlé Sap Lake).

The Tonlé Sap is a lake created with the river system, it is also the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The cruise is long, but the picturesque scenery along the way makes it an interesting journey.

The capital of Phnom Penh was once considered the most beautiful city in Indochina.

Despite its turbulent history in recent years, it has retained considerable charm.

A half-day city tour introduces us to some of Phnom Penh's major tourist sites.

The private apartments of the Royal Palace are now for the royal family and are therefore very close to the public. In the northern area of the castle park is the Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country. We visit both structures as well as the National Museum which offers an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the splendor of Khmer history.

Lunch and dinner at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh – Visit (B/L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Your visit to the city of Phnom Penh begins with a visit to the Royal University of Fine Arts where young people learn the ancient Cambodian arts from their ancestors.

The most interesting part of this structure is the Dance Academy. Here, many young children practice the graceful movements of national dances.

We continue with one of the busiest markets in the city, Psar Toul Tom Pong, also known as the "Russian Market", where everything is good for sales.

The Tuol Sleng Museum, a former school that was transformed by the Khmer Rouge into a detention and torture center (more than 17,000 prisoners suffered here). Also known as Security Prison 21, or S-21 and the famous "Killing Fields" of Choeung Ek, the site is of interest to many people and is a must-see.

A visit to these sites is a painful reminder of the tragic history of this country and provides an in-depth understanding of the bloody period of the Khmer Rouge.

Lunch and dinner at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh – Departure (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free time for your own exploration and shopping before your transfer to Pochentong Airport for departure.