Laos and Cambodia Discoverer

After breakfast, embark on a short guided tour to discover some of Luang Prabang's oldest and most revered temples. Visit Wat Sene and the stunning Wat Xiengthong, renowned for its classic Laotian architecture with its gracefully sweeping roofs. The tour also includes a stop at the Royal Palace Museum, showcasing a variety of intriguing artifacts, and the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, where you'll gain insights into Laos' diverse ethnic groups.

Next, you'll board a river cruise upstream on the Mekong River, offering breathtaking views of the serene countryside and a visit to the enigmatic Pak Ou Caves. These caves are filled with thousands of Buddha statues, gilded in gold, which have been left by devoted pilgrims over the years.

Consider climbing to the summit of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, golden stupa and enjoy panoramic views of the city and Mekong River, especially stunning at sunset. Conclude your day with a visit to the vibrant Night Market, where you'll find an array of handmade textiles crafted by local and hill tribe artisans from around Luang Prabang.

For early risers eager to soak in the enchanting atmosphere of Luang Prabang, there is an optional early morning activity to witness the sacred tradition of monks in saffron robes collecting alms, typically in the form of sticky rice, from devoted locals.

Following breakfast, you'll head to the outskirts of town to engage with local farmers on a working community farm. Here, you'll gain insight into the rice cultivation process and participate in various seasonal farm tasks. These activities might include selecting viable rice seeds, ploughing with buffalo, hand planting, weeding, harvesting rice, and threshing rice seeds. Additionally, you may help pick vegetables from an organic garden or catch fish for a wholesome, organic lunch featuring a variety of local rice products.

In the afternoon, you'll visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can enjoy the turquoise pools or stroll through the surrounding forest paths. Along the way, you'll stop at several Laotian minority villages, including Ban Quay and Ban Ou. There’s also a chance to explore the nearby bear sanctuary, operated by Free The Bears Fund Inc.

Your day concludes with a visit to Ock Pop Tok, a Laos-based social enterprise specializing in textiles, handicrafts, and design. Known for its mission to bridge traditional Lao crafts with contemporary design, Ock Pop Tok’s Living Crafts Centre, overlooking the Mekong River, offers an engaging and informative experience into the world of Lao handicrafts.

This morning is free for you to either further explore or simply unwind. In the afternoon, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Pakse. Upon arrival in Pakse, you will be transported by road to the Bolaven Plateau. Known for its cooler climate due to its elevated position above the Mekong Valley, the Bolaven Plateau features rivers that cascade down from the plateau into lush forests, creating a series of stunning waterfalls. The region is renowned for producing some of the finest coffee and tea globally. Tonight, you'll stay at a location close to Etu Waterfall.

The hill tribe communities you encounter are consistently warm and hospitable, greeting you with cheerful waves and smiles. These ethnic groups preserve their ancient cultural practices and can be easily distinguished by their traditional attire. As you proceed through Paksong and the Bolaven Plateau, you'll be amazed by the breathtaking views at Tad Fan waterfall, where twin cascades plunge into a deep gorge enveloped by vibrant foliage. Throughout the region, you will observe the cultivation of a variety of crops, including coffee, tea, cardamom, and bananas. Your journey will then take you to Champasak.

Wake up early to witness the stunning sunrise over the pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, one of the most dramatically positioned temples in Southeast Asia. You'll have ample time to explore these captivating Khmer ruins, which are set at the foot of Mount Phu Kao.

Today, you’ll proceed by road to Khong Island, where the pace of life is relaxed and unhurried. Don Khong offers a serene environment for wandering past sun-dried fishing nets, enjoying a sunset boat ride, cycling around, or simply unwinding with a good book by the river.

After breakfast, you'll board a boat to Ban Nakasung and then drive to the Lao-Cambodia border. Along the way, stop to marvel at the impressive Khone Phapheng Waterfall, Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall, often referred to as the ‘Niagara of the East.’

A brief walk will take you across the border from Laos into Cambodia at the Voeun Kham/Dom Kralor crossing. You can obtain a visa on arrival for $30 USD, with a small processing fee possible and one passport photo required.

Travel onwards from the border to Stueng Treng province, then on to Kratie, a charming town along the Mekong River, approximately a 4-hour drive. Once a vital trading port between Phnom Penh and Stung Treng, Kratie still boasts several French colonial buildings.

After shopping for essentials at the local market, board a boat from Kratie’s waterfront to Koh Trong, an island home to around 280 families. Depending on the season and river levels, you might need to walk along the beach and then use a local bike to reach your accommodation. The island is known for its pomelo fruit, rice, and other crops.

You'll spend the night in a Khmer home, sharing a meal with a local family. The accommodation is basic, providing a mattress, mosquito net, and pillow. The shared bathroom facilities include a squat toilet and cold water shower. This homestay offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Cambodian village life firsthand.

After breakfast, embark on a boat trip to Ban Nakasung and then take a brief drive to the Lao-Cambodia border. On the way, stop to admire the stunning Khone Phapheng Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia, often called the ‘Niagara of the East.’

A short walk will bring you across the border into Cambodia at the Voeun Kham/Dom Kralor crossing. You can obtain a visa on arrival for $30 USD, and a small processing fee may be required. Remember to bring a passport photo.

Continue your journey from the border to Stueng Treng province, then on to Kratie, a picturesque town along the Mekong River, about a 4-hour drive. Kratie was once an important trading port between Phnom Penh and Stung Treng, and several French colonial buildings still stand as a testament to its historical significance.

After purchasing any necessary items at the local market, board a boat from Kratie’s waterfront to Koh Trong, a 6-kilometer island home to around 280 families. Depending on the season and river levels, you might need to walk along the beach and use a local bike to reach your accommodation. The island is renowned for its pomelo fruit, rice, and other agricultural produce.

You’ll spend the night in a traditional Khmer home, enjoying a family meal with your hosts. While the accommodations are basic, this homestay offers a valuable opportunity to experience local village life. The family will provide a mattress, mosquito net, and pillow. Shared bathroom facilities typically include a squat toilet and a cold water shower.

Enjoying views of the river. Take a cart back to the ferry departure point and board a local boat to cross the Mekong. A private vehicle will then transport you to Kompong Cham, a journey of about 4 hours. This serene town, once a significant trading center, offers a glimpse into the charm of small-town Cambodia.

In Kompong Cham, visit the twin "mountain temples" of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei. Next, take local bikes (helmets not provided) to explore the rural island of Koh Paen, connected to Kompong Cham by a distinctive bamboo bridge (which is only usable in the dry season; a ferry is necessary during the wet season). The island’s residents engage in fishing and cultivating tobacco and sesame, providing an opportunity to see Cambodia’s traditional industries up close.

Your accommodation for the night is basic but represents the best available in this rural area.

Today involves a lengthy trip to Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. Along the way, you'll pass through Skuon, a small town renowned for its unique culinary specialty—fried spiders. If you're adventurous, you might try these crunchy treats, best enjoyed by cracking them open and savoring the legs one by one, much like eating crab.

Once you arrive in Phnom Penh, you can explore its many highlights, such as Wat Phnom, the National Museum, and the Central Market housed in a stunning art deco building. Stroll along Sisowath Quay to soak up the lively river scene and perhaps enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the riverside cafes.

For dinner, you'll dine at Romdeng, a charitable restaurant that trains former street children in hospitality. Set in a beautifully restored colonial building with a charming garden, Romdeng offers a meaningful dining experience right in the heart of the city.

Today's itinerary begins with a deep dive into Cambodia’s somber history. You will start with a guided visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once a school turned Khmer Rouge prison and torture center. Next, travel outside the city to the Choueng Ek Memorial, a site known for its pagoda filled with approximately 8,000 human skulls, marking one of Cambodia's notorious Killing Fields.

In the afternoon, shift to a more uplifting experience as you explore the tranquil grounds of the Royal Palace, including the stunning Silver Pagoda.

You will also have some free time for optional activities:

• Plae Pakaa: Enjoy a performance by Cambodian Living Arts at the National Museum.
• Phsar Thmei (Central Market): Explore this bustling market for a taste of local commerce and culture.

Travel by private vehicle to Siem Reap, a journey of approximately 6.5 hours with several stops along the way to explore rural Cambodia. One highlight will be a visit to Sambor Prei Kuk, an ancient temple site dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries.

Upon arriving in Siem Reap in the evening, you’ll find yourself just a short distance from the world’s largest religious monument, Angkor Wat. The town itself is charming and worth a visit. Stroll through the old market, where even if you're not shopping for souvenirs, the vibrant stalls filled with silks, cottons, sarongs, silver, and statues offer a sensory delight. Additionally, the region has a rich tradition of shadow puppetry, and if you're fortunate, you might witness a performance at one of the local restaurants while enjoying a meal of amok, a traditional Cambodian curry steamed in banana leaves.

Rise early to make the most of the cool morning air. As the roosters crow, you will be at Cambodia’s most significant religious monument, Angkor Wat, observing the iconic triple towers reflected in the surrounding pool. Once the sun rises behind the towers and the crowd disperses to return to their hotels for breakfast, you'll have a quieter experience.

Embark on a journey through the enigmatic temples of Angkor Wat. Constructed during King Suryavarman II’s reign in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is designed to symbolize Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods. The temple's interior is adorned with intricate stone carvings and bas-reliefs illustrating Hindu mythology and the king's battles. Renowned for its over 2,000 Apsara dancers carved into the walls, Angkor Wat's construction is believed to have taken around thirty years. Today, it features on Cambodia’s national flag, embodying the spirit of the Khmer people.

Next, explore Angkor Thom city. Visit the Bayon Temple, known for its 54 towers with over 200 mysterious smiling faces. Continue to Phimeanakas, Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Conclude the morning with a visit to the picturesque South Gate of Angkor Thom, where gods and demons engage in a cosmic struggle depicted along the road leading to the gate, which is topped with four large faces oriented towards the cardinal directions.

Finish your day with a trip to the stunning Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider) temple, renowned for its appearance in the film starring Angelina Jolie. Experience the temple as it is gradually overtaken by the jungle, giving a sense of discovery. If time allows, end the day by climbing Pre Rup, one of the oldest temples in the Angkor complex, built from brick.

After breakfast, you'll head to the outskirts of town to explore Beng Mealea, a remote jungle temple. Embrace the spirit of an adventurer as you navigate this overgrown site. Once lost to the jungle for centuries, Beng Mealea has only recently become accessible and remains largely untouched and unrestored. It's one of the rare temples where visitors can truly immerse themselves in exploration.

Next, travel to the Roluos Group to witness some of Cambodia's earliest temples. Roluos was once a central hub of Khmer civilization known as Hariharalaya, the first city established by the Angkorian kings in the 8th and 9th centuries. This site features three primary temples: Bakong, Lolei, and Preah Ko. The surrounding landscape, with its rice paddies and sugar palm trees, exemplifies traditional Cambodian scenery.

Continue your journey to the shores of Tonle Sap Lake, where you'll gain insight into life on the water. As Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap’s size fluctuates significantly with the seasons. Board a local boat to visit Kompong Pluk, a village with stilted houses that are submerged when the lake expands. You'll also see floating homes and expansive flooded forests along the way.

(Note: Due to low water levels during the dry season, boat trips are typically available from June to March. In the dry season, an overland visit to Kompong Pluk may be arranged to walk among the stilted houses.)

For your final dinner, enjoy Khmer cuisine at Malis, the restaurant of award-winning Master Chef Luu Meng. Malis was created to revive Cambodian cuisine and reintroduce the country’s culinary heritage after the Khmer Rouge era and civil war. Known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients, subtle flavors, and warm hospitality, Luu Meng and his team are bringing back traditional countryside dishes.

This morning, journey through rural backroads and local villages on your way to Banteay Srei. Along the route, you’ll have the chance to visit nearby communities and sample local delicacies like palm juice and palm sugar, which are seasonal treats.

Upon arrival at Banteay Srei, known as the "gem" of the Angkor area, you’ll find this charming temple to be one of the best-preserved in Cambodia. Often referred to as the “Citadel of the Women,” it is renowned for its exquisite bas-reliefs and intricate carvings. Constructed from pink sandstone, a material not used in other Angkor temples, Banteay Srei stands out for its unique and delicate artistry.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.