Thailand, Laos and Cambodia Experience – 14 Days

This morning, we explore the Hall of Opium museum, offering a captivating perspective on the influence of this crop in the region. Following this, we visit the meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Burma, and then embark on a scenic boat excursion on the Khong River.

We travel eastward to the Thai border and cross the serene Mekong River into Laos. Boarding our luxurious vessel, we embark on a leisurely cruise down the Mekong, with stops at a Thai Lu village along the way. Enjoy the picturesque river landscapes before reaching Pakbeng by late afternoon, where we will settle into our splendid lodge.

Following a relaxed breakfast, we embark again on our boat for a full-day journey to Luang Prabang. Along the way, we pass by jungle-covered cliffs and visit the 'Cave of a Thousand Buddhas'. Enjoy leisure time on deck, indulge in delightful meals and beverages, and arrive gracefully in Luang Prabang by evening.

Luang Prabang stands out as the most picturesque and captivating town in Laos. Today, delight in a guided stroll through its charming cobblestone streets to explore the National Museum and visit some of the town’s most exquisite temples, such as Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai.

Start your day early to witness one of Asia’s remarkable spectacles: hundreds of Buddhist monks dressed in robes collecting morning alms. Afterwards, we journey to the stunning Kuang Si Falls, with a stop at a Hmong village to gain insights into one of Laos’s prominent ethnic groups. In the evening, participate in an enjoyable cooking class and savor the dishes you prepare.

In the afternoon, we take a flight to Vientiane, the tranquil capital of Laos. Spend some leisure time exploring this small city and embark on a brief walking tour of the monasteries along Sethathilat Road. Familiarize yourself with the city for tomorrow's activities before checking in at your hotel.

Today, discover the prominent landmarks of the city, starting with Wat Sisaket, Vientiane’s ancient and magnificent temple. We will also tour Haw Pha Kaew, formerly a royal temple transformed into a museum. Visit Pha That Luang, Laos' significant national monument symbolizing both monarchy and Buddhism, and the Patuxai Monument, reminiscent of Paris' Arc de Triomphe. In the evening, unwind and witness the sunset along the Mekong River banks.

Bid farewell to Laos as we embark on a short flight to neighboring Cambodia. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Phnom Penh, once plagued by violence and turmoil, is now undergoing a transformation. The city retains remnants of its French colonial heritage, while its newly developed riverfront area reflects its promising future.

At 2:00 pm this afternoon, we commence with a brief city orientation and a visit to the National Museum, housing a wealth of Angkorian and pre-Angkorian artifacts. Just before sunset, we embark on a leisurely cyclo tour along the city's tree-lined boulevards, passing by pagodas, markets, and elegant colonial architecture.

Today, you will explore the Royal Palace and the awe-inspiring Silver Pagoda with its remarkable solid silver floor. In the afternoon, our itinerary includes a poignant visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocidal Museum and the sobering 'Killing Fields' at Choeung Ek. If time allows, you'll have the opportunity to visit one of Phnom Penh's vibrant markets. In the evening, relax with a refreshing drink at a waterfront café and soak in the sunset.

Take a flight to Siem Reap, the starting point for exploring the magnificent temples of Angkor. These temples epitomize 600 years (802-1432) of Khmer civilization, showcasing the grandeur of one of Asia’s most illustrious kingdoms. In the early afternoon, we commence our exploration by boarding local-style motorized tuk tuks. We enter through the south gate of Angkor Thom, a city that once housed over one million people, and marvel at the enigmatic stone faces of the Bayon temple. Arriving in time for sunset, we reach the causeway leading to Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s iconic attraction and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Start the day with a sunrise visit to explore the magnificent Angkor Wat in depth. By mid-morning, ascend 200 meters in a tethered balloon to admire the panoramic views of Angkor from above. Later, we proceed to Ta Prohm temple, surrounded by jungle and preserved in a state much like it was discovered by French explorers in the 1850s. In the late afternoon, embark on a brief cruise on the impressive Tonle Sap Lake, which serves as the lifeblood of the country and is the second largest freshwater lake globally.

Today, we embark on a journey to three unique temples situated beyond the main Angkor group. Our first stop is the intricately carved and remarkably preserved 'Banteay Srei', often referred to as the 'Citadel of the Women'. Many consider Banteay Srei to be Angkor's crown jewel due to the intricate details of its carvings. Next, we explore the 11th-century Boeng Mealea complex, built by King Suryavarman II and serving as a prototype for Angkor Wat. Isolated during Cambodia's civil war, Boeng Mealea is now accessible yet remains off the beaten path for tourists. It stands as the largest temple outside the main Angkor complex, with remarkably intact sections. In the late afternoon, we visit the serene Banteay Samre temple before returning to Siem Reap to conclude this remarkable journey.

This morning, you will be transferred from your accommodation to the airport for your onward flight.