Contrasts of Laos and Cambodia

DAY 1: DEPART the UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Luang Prabang.

DAY 2-5 LUANG PRABANG

Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel for a three-night stay. 

During your stay, with your private guide, you’ll get an insider's perspective of the sleepy city. Discover the temples, learn more about the country’s diverse ethnic traditions and experience one of the most traditional and ancient Laotian rituals – a Baci Ceremony. 

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. 

DAY 6 & 7 CHAMPASAK

Your guide and driver will transfer you to Luang Prabang airport 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.

Explore the historical town of Champasak, the surrounding villages and picturesque Don Daeng Island. Journey along the Mekong River, 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 where you'll 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 8-11 TRANSFER TO CAMBODIA

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

Your guide will take you away from the crowds to some of Angkor’s more remote temples such as atmospheric, Beng Mealea, an ancient temple shrouded in jungle. You'll of course, also visit the more well-known temples such as beautiful Angkor Wat, the largest religious building ever contructed.

There is time to discover 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. 

DAY 12 & 13 FARMHOUSE SMILING GECKO

Transfer to the countryside near Phnom Penh. Here you'll stay at the wonderful Farmhouse Smiling Gecko - a sustainable boutique resort with an organic farm within the grounds. It offers a relaxing place to stay and an experience where you can learn, cook, eat and explore whilst supporting the local community.

Day 14 Fly Home 

You will be transferred to Phnom Penh today for your flight back to the U.K. If time permits then add in some time to explore the city or visit the beaches along Cambodia's southern coast.