Contrasts of Laos and Cambodia Suggested Holiday Itinerary

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Explore the cultural wonders and contrasting landscapes of Laos and Cambodia on this 10-day journey. While exploring Laos’ beautiful ancient capital Luang Prabang, you will learn about its history and traditions and experience firsthand the local ways of life. In the contrasting landscape of Southern Laos, you’ll discover the islands of the Mekong. Then fly to Siem Reap to spend the last few days of your holiday getting off-the-beaten-track amongst the temples of Angkor.

Highlights include:

Immersing yourself in the history, culture and natural beauty of Luang Prabang
Exploring the islands of the Mekong, journeying past villages, cycling through rice fields and enjoying a home-cooked lunch in a local home
Admiring some of Angkor’s more remote temples as well as the beautiful Angkor Wat

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive Journey Planner here.

DAY 1: DEPART the UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Luang Prabang.

DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG

Upon arrival, you will be met by your Laos local guide and transferred to your hotel for a three-night stay. You can spend the rest of your day relaxing at your leisure in the hotel or exploring the local area.

DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG - AN INSIDER'S TOUR

Spend the first half of your day enjoying the highlights of the old royal capital. With your private guide, you’ll get an insider's perspective of the temples before popping into the fascinating Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn more about the country’s diverse tribal mix and ethnic traditions.

You will return to the city in time to experience one of the most traditional and ancient Laotian rituals – a Baci Ceremony. In the evening, travel to a local village to join one of these engaging celebrations during which the symbolic tying of a silk thread around the wrists of participants to invoke good luck and wellbeing takes place.

DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG - WATERFALLS & RICE FARMING

Experience the life of a Lao farmer through a fascinating visit to the Living Lands Organic Farm and get involved in ploughing, planting and harvesting the rice crops. You’ll also get an opportunity to try some of the local produce, before an afternoon visit to the beautiful cascades of the Kuang Si Waterfall.

DAY 5: CHAMPASAK

Your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport this morning for the short flight to Pakse, the principal hub for Southern Laos. Travel by road to Champasak where you check into your Mekong riverside accommodation.

DAY 6: EXPLORING CHAMPASAK & THE MEKONG

Spend the day exploring the historical town of Champasak, the surrounding villages and picturesque Don Daeng Island in the middle of the Mekong.

Journey along the river in the morning, stopping at both ancient and modern temples and meeting villagers along the way as they make rice baskets and fish traps from bamboo. You will then cross the river on a traditional style motorised boat to Don Daeng where you share a home-cooked lunch with a local family. Later, explore the island by cycling along rice fields before making your way back to Champasak town where your last stop will be the Sisumang Buddha Angkorian temple.

DAY 7: TRANSFER TO CAMBODIA

Depart Pakse this morning on the 50-minute flight to Cambodia. On arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to a lovely hotel for a four-night stay.

DAY 8: SIEM REAP - OFF BEAT ANGKOR

Enjoy an early breakfast before your guide takes you away from the crowds to some of Angkor’s more remote temples. Begin with one of the most atmospheric, Beng Mealea, an ancient temple shrouded in jungle. Many of the temple's original frescoes and paintings have long since worn away, but there are still lovely religious carvings to admire.

Relax by Troay Kot Lake for lunch before heading to another 12th-centurytemple that doesn’t see many visitors. There is also a Buddhist temple worth stopping at before you return to your hotel to relax.

DAY 9: ANGKOR WAT WITH A DIFFERENCE

It’s worth the early start this morning to catch the sunrise at the 9^th century Rolous Temple group. Then move on to Lolei (once an island in the middle of an artificial lake) and Bakong temple before stopping for a well-earned breakfast at a local restaurant.

The next stop is Kampong Phluk Village, situated on the floodplain of the Tonle Sap Lake. Houses appear to float when water levels are high, but in the dry season when the stilts are exposed, the village soars six metres above the ground. Relax over lunch and then spend the afternoon visiting beautiful Angkor Wat, the largest religious building ever constructed.

DAY 10: DAY AT LEISURE IN SIEM REAP

Spend the day relaxing in your hotel or exploring Siem Reap at your leisure – the choice is yours!

DAY 11: FLY HOME

You will be transferred to Siem Reap airport today for your flight back to the U.K.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week holidays range from roughly £2,500 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,300. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

Fill in our Quote Request form to get your quick, no-obligations proposal.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 or use the quote request form below for your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include:

International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
Accommodation as described
Privately guided tours and transfers
Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences
Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
24-hour in-country backup while away
Your dedicated travel expert in the UK

For more on our pricing policy read here.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Maison Souvannaphoum, Luang Prabang

Stylish boutique hotel in the centre of Luang Prabang

River Resort Champasak, Pakse

Small modern resort on the banks of the Mekong with fantastic views and infinity pool.

Shinta Mani Angkor, Siem Reap

Modern designer boutique hotel ideally situated in the heart of the French Quarter, Siem Reap.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Baci Ceremony, Luang Prabang

Join in a very traditional Laotian ceremony.

Breakfast at Kuang Sii Waterfalls, Luang Prabang

Beat the crowds with an early morning visit to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Explore the magnificent Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

Carefully crafted experience to ensure you get the most out of this iconic temple away from the crowds.

Living Land Companys Rice Farm Experience, Luang Prabang

Organic community farm on the outskirts of Luang Prabang, offering hands on educational tours on rice farming

Off-The Beaten-Track Angkor , Siem Reap

Visit some of the less-explored temples of the region. Majestic structures off the obvious tourist trail.

Tonle Sap Floating Villages, Siem Reap

Visit the floating villages of the Tonle Sap lake, the largest in South East Asia and home to these unusual dwellings.

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