REVEALING SECRETS OF LAOS & CAMBODIA IN 15 DAYS

Welcome to Cambodia!

After arriving at Siem Reap Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel in the city center. Hotel check-in is available from 2pm. The rest of the day is free for relaxing or discovering the city by yourself.
Overnight at a hotel in Siem Reap.

We start very early in the morning so we can capture the iconic picture of the pre-dawn facing Angkor Wat temple. Sunrise at Angkor Wat can be a busy venue especially during the months of December, January, February and March.

After sunrise, we will explore the vast and rich of Angkor Wat temple, taking pictures at different angles, playing with light and shadows and capturing the most beautiful devatas carved in sandstone.

Next destination will be the Ta Prohm Temple, famous for its giant trees where the most impressive scenes of the Tomb Raider movie were filmed. We will continue by veering you away from the crowd to a remote temple in the jungle. We will also visit places out of the beaten path where you will capture unique pictures.

We will get lost in the magnificent Preah Khan temple, one of the best temples to learn photography.

Next, at the Golden Hour, will be the impressive Bayon temple with its 54 towers and 216 faces overlooking the defunct city of Angkor Thom. The final stop will be at one of gate of Angkor Thom to capture sunset over the moat.

Overnight at a hotel in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, we depart to Preah Khan Temple. It is located northeast of Angkor Thom and just west of the Jayatataka baray, with which it was associated. It was the center of a substantial organization, with almost 100,000 officials and servants. Next is Neak Poan, “the entwined snakes” is a small temple located on an island in the center of the now dry Jayatataka baray, a water reservoir 3,500-meter-long and 900 meter wide. Continue to Tasom offers some beautiful photo spots, especially the rear entrance where tree roots adorn the gateway.

You’ll also visit the Akira Landmine Museum, to learn more about Cambodia’s modern history. By the end of the day, you’ll have a greater understanding of Cambodia’s ancient and recent past.

Drive to the rural outskirt 35km from Angkor area to visit the smallest, but magnificent, Banteay Srei built in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. The pink sandstone structure bears a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women for the details are too fine for the hands of a man. On the way back stop at Pradark Village, where you will see the villagers making palm sugar and handicrafts for selling to tourists. It’s a nice chance for you to see the local people living at the countryside with their struggling for daily life.

Not to be missed is Banteay Samre: Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer.

Overnight at a hotel in Siem Reap.

Depart for the Tonle Sap. You will enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake. This is the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and flows into the Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. You will see a fishermen’s “floating village” with floating schools, a floating police station, etc. It is the same as a big village floating on the lake, and the “village” moves from place to place following water levels and currents. You will go to a pagoda, where you should change into clothes you can get wet in as here you will experience the ceremony “SrouchTeok”, which roughly translates into “Water blessing”. A monk will chant in ancient Pali as he splashes water over you, washing away your sins and bad luck so you can start fresh and by being a good person can increase your good luck.

Visit the Rolous Group including Lolei, Preah Ko & Bakong temple first. This island temple consists of four brick towers on a double plate rite platform. The 3 temples Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko – located 11 Kilometers (6.8 miles) southeast of the Siem Reap Market – comprise the Rolous group of monuments dating back to the late ninth century and is the earliest site of the 600 years Angkor Period that is open to visitors.

Overnight at a hotel in Siem Reap.

After a breakfast, journey through the Cambodian countryside to the colonial city of Battambang (Cambodia’s second largest city.) Despite being (not too long ago) a stronghold of the erstwhile Khmer Rouge, the city still boasts a beautiful countryside and some striking French colonial architecture. The former “rice bowl” of Cambodia, Battambang today still holds a thriving agriculture with large orange and jute plantations.

Drive to the Bamboo Railway Station. The Bamboo Train has been set up by the villagers to facilitate the transportation of goods and people. The train is very basic – one platform on 4 wheels activated by a small motor. Sitting on the platform we travel the 8km to the next station through beautiful landscape and rice paddies.

Departure to Phnom Sampeu Mountain to catch the bats! As darkness falls, we will begin to see thousands of nocturnal bats taking flight from the surrounding caves in a massive formation of dark, black clouds. Be sure to photograph this amazing and staggering sight!

Overnight at a hotel in Battambang.

Depart Battambang for the overland transfer to Phnom Penh (duration 5 hours not including stops).

Starting early travel first to Kampong Chhnang, known for its traditional pottery, with many kilns at work in this province. In a village near Kampong Chhnang, to see the different aspects of pottery making and experience in the production of traditional rice wine.

Continue to Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia. The drive passes through many rural villages and pagodas, and you will visit the temple mountain with its dozens of stupas from afar. Upon arrival at Oudong you enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch at a picnic hut at the foot of the hill.

Before heading to Phnom Penh, you stop at the spectacular Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Centre. Your guide can explain more about the school of Vipassana (Insight Meditation) as you tour the centre, before taking part in a meditation class with a master.

From here, it is not far to Phnom Penh where you will reach in the late afternoon.
Overnight at a hotel in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, we meet our guide and hop on tuktuk, an original means of transport from Phnom Penh and a fun way to explore this vibrant city. First visit to Wat Phnom. It is a Buddhist temple located in center of Phnom Penh City. It was built in 1373 and stands 27 meters above the ground. Next, we visit the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, is the most conspicuous feature and one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), display plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver, continuing visit to National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was built since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others. Then, you will visit Independence Monument, which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony.

We will stop at Central Market that is in the heart of Phnom Penh. The Khmer name of the market is Phsar Thmei, which translates to “new market”. The Central Market was built in 1937 during the French colonial period, in Art Deco style, and is painted bright ochre.

We will enjoy a cruise for view the sunset on the Mekong and Tonle Sap River (1 hour). Situated at the “Four Arms” where the Mekong meets the Tonle Sap River before splitting into two branches, Phnom Penh offers the ideal location to discover the mighty Mekong.

Overnight at a hotel in Phnom Penh.

Free time for your personal activities before check-out at your hotel.

Depending on your departure time, your driver will meet you at your hotel for the transfer to Phnom Penh airport for taking your flight to Vientiane.
Overnight at a hotel in Vientiane.

In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power.  After that drive to Buddha Park which takes around 45 minutes away. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. Start the afternoon with a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun shines upon its towering golden spire.  Then, enjoy a panoramic view over the city as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”. Continue down Lane Xang Avenue the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. Continue to the nearby Wat Phra Keo.  Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. End your tour of the capital along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set. Stroll along the river, stop to enjoy a cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls.
Overnight at a hotel in Vientiane.

Recommendation:

+ You can also visit Sinouk Coffee Pavilion to discover the Lao coffee, stroll around the mini coffee gallery, view the in-house coffee roaster and try a cup of delicious and unique coffee or tea. Discuss with our guide about this. Entrance fee and extra coffee/drinks are payable on spot.

+ There is also the chance to visit Ban Hom, where you can visit the farmers working in the field and learn about the rural local life. Just 12Km from the old quarter!

Early in the morning, your journey continues in a northerly direction to Vang Vieng. Along the way, you will be immersed in an unforgettable landscape as you drive through spectacular countryside towards the mountainous region. Arrive in Vang Vieng around midday. In the afternoon, you will discover Tham Nangfa (Angel Cave), a natural masterpiece with caves full of stalactites and stalagmites. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to explore the local cultures and daily lifestyle of the local people. Then you will have plenty of time to visit the Blue Lagoon, a great place to relax and refresh before the transfer back to Vang Vieng. Finally, enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Namsong River admiring the sun setting behind the mountains.
Overnight at a hotel in Vang Vieng.

Recommendation: In the late afternoon, you can join a hot-air balloon ride over Vang Vieng Mountain at sunset and admire the beautiful nature of the surrounding area. For more information, please consult with our team.

In the morning, transfer to the station for the train to Luang Prabang, which takes about 1 hour. Upon arrival at the railway station, you will be met and transferred to the city centre. Free time to explore the city at your leisure.
Overnight at a hotel in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. We then embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.  Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On arrival back in the city, we will visit the old Wat Sene and the nearby magnificent Wat Xiengthong a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall.

If time permits, we will drive out of the city to visit Ban Xangkhong, the Thai Lue village, which is famous for its arts and crafts. We also visit the nearby village of Ban Xienglek specializing in making the traditional Saa paper. You can either get to the nearby village and join a petanque game with the local team. Late afternoon, we will make a stop at Wat Prabath to admire the sunset; this is the ideal place to catch the last beauty of the day. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by locals and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Overnight at a hotel in Luang Prabang.

Tip: If you are fond of various ethnic cultures, you can visit Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday).

Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets. We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken.

After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. Then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si, which is the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals. There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene, and explore the hidden waterfalls, which is rarely visited by other tourists. If you wish, take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. This is also one of the best spots to admire the sunset in Luang Prabang. Transfer back to your hotel late afternoon. Overnight at a hotel in Luang Prabang.

Recommendation:

+ For the family vacation, you can visit the Buffalo Dairy Farm on the way to Kuang Si waterfalls, which offer fun and interesting experiences for the kids.

+ After visiting Kuang Si waterfalls, you can visit the nearby Butterflies Park, where you can enjoy afternoon tea with homemade cookies whilst relaxing inside the green peaceful garden full of colorful butterflies.

At around 8:00 or 8:30, we and our guide depart for the elephant village. Upon arrival, participate in a short presentation of the camp. Begin your experience with the elephants by approaching and feeding them. Visit the elephant hospital, museum, gallery and dung paper production plant! Enjoy the impressive experience of being a Mahout! Hop on a traditional Laotian boat to the Tad Sae waterfall and relax or swim in the clear water. A buffet lunch is served with coffee/tea and drinking water (vegetarian options are available) at our Elephant Camp restaurant.
Overnight at a hotel in Luang Prabang.

Breakfast will be served in your hotel. Depending on your departure time, you will have free time to relax or buy souvenirs for your relatives or friends. Our driver will take you to Luang Prabang International Airport at least 3 hours before departure.

Thank you very much for travelling with Asia Viva Travel.