Highlights of Laos and Cambodia

Highlights of Laos and Cambodia Overview

Begin with 3 nights in Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor, then fly to the culture capital of Laos; Luang Prabang. After a few days a road and river trip to a luxurious rural retreat; enjoy authentic trekking and village experiences – but get to come home to a luxury retreat with hot tubs each night!

DAY 1 - WELCOME TO SIEM REAP!
Welcome to Siem Reap. Your private guide and driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel, where you can check in and freshen up. Time permitting we will take you to one of our favourite temples at sunset, which will give you an introduction to the splendid temples of Angkor. Return to the Navutu Dreams, a gorgeous boutique resort in the countryside, which is the ultimate relaxation spot.

DAY 2 - A FULL DAY OF TEMPLE EXPLORING
This morning you will begin your day at the awesome Angkor complex, accompanied by your private guide. You will visit Bayon Temple, which has become famous for the countless faces in the stone, as well as the temples of Baphuon, Phimeanakas, The Royal Enclosure, Terrace of Elephants and Leper King. After lunch the whole afternoon is set aside for a visit to Angkor Wat, which is the largest religious structure in the world. Return to your hotel to enjoy your evening at leisure.

DAY 3 - TONLE SAP LAKE & BANTEAY SREI
This morning enjoy a private excursion to Mechrey Village on Tonle Sap Lake (about one hour’s drive), stopping at the traditional village of Ampil Peam on the way, where locals live much as they have for centuries. At Tolne Sap you will board a local-style boat and explore the floating village and flooded forests – it is a fascinating lake that has been declared a Unesco listed biosphere. On the way back to Siem Reap discover the lesser visited Banteay Srei temple.

DAY 4 - FLY TO LUANG PRABANG IN LAOS
Today we will fly you to Luang Prabang, where you will meet your new private driver and English-speaking guide who will take you to one of our favourite hotels in this UNESCO protected town. Maison Dalabua, with its beautiful huge lotus pond and pretty gardens, is a lovely place to relax, unwind and feel the stresses of life drop away. If you want to head into the centre it is a short tuk-tuk ride away – or 15 minute walk.

DAY 5 - HALF-DAY CITY TOUR OF LUANG PRABANG
This morning we will show you the key sites that have made Luang Prabang the cultural capital of Laos including the quaint Royal Palace Museum, the picturesque temple of Wat Visoun and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its roof sweeping low to the ground. We also visit the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre before you enjoy the afternoon at leisure to soak up this idyllic town.

DAY 6 - MONKS AT SUNRISE & A GOURMET WATERFALL BREAKFAST
Rise early this morning and partake in the daily morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat’ or giving alms to the monks. We then drive directly to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall arriving before anyone else arrives. A luxury gourmet picnic breakfast will be served overlooking the falls, which is next to the excellent Bear Rescue Centre (well worth a look). We return to Luang Prabang by car, with the option at stopping at some minority villages. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

DAY 7 - TAKE THE SCENIC ROAD TRIP TO MUANG LA
This morning head north to Muang La, past the rolling countryside where you can admire the beauty of the Nam Ou River and the surrounding rice paddy fields. You can stop for lunch before the road twists and the scenery becomes increasingly mountainous. This section of the journey is a good opportunity to stop and explore some Hmong villages and market towns before checking into your luxurious rural retreat.

DAY 8 - OFF THE BEATEN TRACK: TREK TO BAN PHAVIE
Depart by 4WD this morning to Pak Khai, passing rice terraces and many small villages, before beginning your trek along a small pathway used by local villagers. The trek will be an opportunity to meet with local farmers working in rice fields and observe rural life in Laos. Stop for a picnic lunch at the beautiful Khamu village of Ban Phavie, before continuing to a local waterfall. You can relax in the clear water cascades before returning to the hotel.

DAY 9 - TRAVEL BACK TO LUANG PRABANG VIA NONG KHIAW
This morning we drive to the riverside town of Muang Khua and board our local private boat for an unforgettable cruise down the Nam Ou River to Nong Khiaw. This particular stretch offers stunning scenery and remote villages, including Ban Sob Jaem a Khmu and Hmong village that can only be accessed by boat. We reach Nong Khiaw by late afternoon. We then continue by car to Luang Prabang, where you will return to Maison Dalabua.

DAY 10 - BON VOYAGE!
Depending on your departure flight, you may have free time at leisure this morning. If your flight is later today you could also spend the previous night in Nong Khiaw and return to Luang Prabang today. Either way, your private driver and guide will escort you to the airport a few hours before your flight… safe travels!