Cambodia & Laos Travel

HIGHLIGHTS: Siem Reap - Angkor - Angkor Wat - Ta Prohm - Angkor Thom - Phnom Bakheng - Banteay Srei - Sala Bai Hotel School

The extensive archaeological zone of Angkor is among the greatest temple complexes in the world. The site includes the ancient city area of Angkor Thom, with its multitude of stone-carved, human faces that stand as silent witnesses to former days of glory, and Ta Prohm, a temple complex that has been reclaimed by the creeping jungle. We feel like real adventurers in this fascinating place and have plenty of time for exploration and discovery.

HIGHLIGHTS: Siem Reap - Angkor - Angkor Thom - Angkor Wat - Ta Prohm - Phnom Bakheng - Banteay Srei - Sala Bai Hotel School - Phnom Penh - Killing Fields - Choeung Ek - Tuol Sleng - Prison Museum - Wat Phnom - Selver Pagoda

In recent times the Kingdom of Cambodia has arisen from the ashes of war and internal strife, and its monumental treasures are again on show to travellers. The incredible temple complex near Siem Reap has astounded archaeologists since its re-discovery and subsequent recovery from the jungles, 150 years ago. The famous Angkor Wat is but one of many glorious monuments in that area. The reconstructed capital, Phnom Penh, still contains vestiges of the French colonial era in its historic architecture.

DAY 1: Luang Prabang. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a brief orientation tour of the spiritual capital of Laos before climbing to the top of Mount Phousi to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. In the evening you will get the chance to shop at the hill tribe market.

DAY 2: Luang Prabang. Begin with a visit to the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, Wat Sensoukarahm, and Wat Xieng Thong, Laos' most photographed temple.

Continue to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, a museum dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of Laos' ethnic minorities. Cross the Mekong for a walk on the opposite riverside and a climb to Wat Chompet for a different view of the city for sunset.

DAY 3: Cooking Class and Kuang Si Waterfall. After breakfast, transfer to Tum Tum Chung Restaurant to enjoy a Lao Cooking Class. Visit the market, learn how to shop and cut the different ingredients, spices and vegetables. Learn how to roll spring rolls and wrap meat in banana leaves and learn the history of Lao cooking.

Enjoy dishes that you have prepared. In the afternoon, travel to Kuang Si Waterfall, south west of Luang Prabang with stops enroute to visit some ethnic minority villages. Kuang Si waterfalls also hosts a rescue centre for black bears which aims to raise awareness for the protection of this endangered species.

DAY 4: Luang Prabang - Kamu Lodge. For early-risers there is a very special dawn visit to witness the long lines of orange-robed monks receive offerings of food from Luang Prabang residents. After breakfast, you will embark on the Nava Boat for a trip up the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves.

Continue upriver for one hour to reach the Kamu Lodge. Located in a unique setting Kamu Lodge offers original activities such as; rice planting, gold panning and fishing in the Mekong. This eco-oriented lodge provides a very different Laos experience.

DAY 5: Vientiane Kamu Lodge - Luang Prabang - Vientiane. After a relaxing morning at the lodge, return to Luang Prabang by boat. In the afternoon, visit the Heritage Information Centre to learn about the architecture of traditional Lao houses. Then, transfer to a weaving village where traditional Lao textiles are woven and where mulberry paper is made. Stop at Wat Pa Phon Pao, a forest retreat before transferring to the airport for your flight to Vientiane.

DAY 6: Vientiane. Your tour of Vientiane begins at the serene Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital. Continue to the nearby Wat Phra Keo, and the Presidential Palace and stop at Wat Simuang, the most popular temple in Vientiane.

In the afternoon, continue to the Patuxay monument, Laos' version of the Arc de Triomphe, where you can climb the stairs for sweeping panoramic views of the city. Next, your tour takes you to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. End your day along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set.

DAY 7: Vientiane - Pakse - Boloven Plateau. Depart early to the airport for your flight to Pakse. On arrival take a short tour of the city and then drive east to the Boloven Plateau via Tad Lo, an area of three separate waterfalls. In the afternoon, continue to Tad Yuang and Tad Fane waterfalls.

These twin waterfalls stand 120m high and are sure to impress. On return to Pakse, visit a tea and/or a coffee plantation. The beans grown in this region have become one of the most famous coffees in the world, which is sometimes called the "Champagne of coffee".

DAY 8: Pakse - Wat Phou - Elephant Ride - Khong Island. After breakfast, transfer by road to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wat Phou, a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. Return to Champassak, and continue on to Ban Nong Bune, a wood carving village, to enjoy lunch with the villagers.

The small Lao village of Ban Kiet Ngong is the starting point for your 90 minute elephant ride. Afterwards continue on to Khong Island, the start of the 4000 Islands Region.

DAY 9: Khong Island - Siphandon - Pakse. In the morning visit Don Det and Don Khone, two very quiet islands without cars and electricity only in the evening. The islands played an important role during the French Colonial rule as they linked Laos to Cambodia and Southern Vietnam.

Continue to Lippi falls wedged between Done Khone Island and the Cambodian border. After a stroll through the palm-fringed villages near Lippi, continue to the southernmost part of Laos and the imposing Khone Papheng waterfalls. Return to Pakse.

DAY 10: Pakse. After breakfast transfer either to the Thai border or to the airport.

A brand new exciting tour to get your taste buds going. Sample Khmer cuisine at some fo the finest restaurants and visit the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat.

DAY 1: Phnom Penh. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Relax and unwind after flight as you will get pampered with a relaxing massage at Bodia Spa. This evening, indulge in a delicious Welcome Dinner at Malis Restaurant.

DAY 2: Phnom Penh. After breakfast, depart on a Khmer Architecture walking tour with a specialist guide. Enjoy lunch at the classy Le Wok Restaurant and afterwards, visit the most remarkable sights Phnom Penh has to offer by cyclo. You are treated to a delicious Khmer dinner at Romdeng, a charity restaurant and then finish the evening at the Sovanna Phoum Theatre and Art Gallery for a shadow puppet theatre and classical dance performance.

DAY 3: Phnom Penh - Battambang. Depart from Phnom Penh by road to Battambang where you will be taken to some of the many cultural villages around Battambang to learn how the locals produce rice paper, prahoc (typical Cambodian fish paste), grolan (sticky rice stuffed in bamboo), and other Cambodian treats.

You will also visit a weaving and handicraft centre. From here, you can experience a short ride on the famous Bamboo Train Enjoy a dinner at the authentic Smoking Pot Restaurant.

DAY 4: Battambang - Siem Reap. Embark on one of the most stunning boat trips in Cambodia, as you will be taken from Battambang to Siem Reap. Float along the Stung Sangker River until you reach the Prek Toal bird sanctuary, one of the most important breeding grounds for waterbirds in the region.

Emerge at Tonle Sap River and arrive in Siem Reap mid-afternoon. In the afternoon, you will visit the legendary Angkor Wat by local tuk tuk. Highlight the day with watching the sun set over Angkor Wat before an Asian-inspired French meal at Abacus Restaurant in the evening.

DAY 5: Siem Reap. Discover the secrets of authentic Khmer cuisine in a half-day cooking class at The Sugar Palm. Start with a guided trip to the market and later dine on your self prepared meals. In the afternoon, explore the illustrious Ta Prohm temple, engulfed by the jungle. Continue to Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple, The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.

DAY 6: Siem Reap. Take an interesting boat trip on the Tonal Sap Lake, where you will learn about local life. A delicious lunch will be served in a floating house, made from ingredients that can typically be found on the lake. In the afternoon, head to the countryside around the Western Baray, and observe the daily life of the locals.

Visit the Angkor Silk Farm and learn how silk is processed. A seven-course authentic Khmer Farewell dinner at the renowned Meric Restaurant will crown your culinary experiences.

DAY 7: Siem Reap. Transfer to the airport.

From Angkor Wat to remote river towns, journey down the Mekong and into the heart and soul of South East Asia. Our CEOs will share with you the region's cultural treasures and natural splendours. Explore the region's many temples and, if you're lucky, spot a rare Irrawaddy dolphin. Experience the highlights with a chance to get off the beaten track and explore the remote islands of Don Khong. With local transportation and authentic accommodation - like rural homestays - this adventure offers an intriguing blend of included activities and free time for personal discovery.

Laos, a country of majestic beauty, spectacular scenery and stunning landscapes, where the meandering Mekong winds its way south towards the Delta. Step into the tranquillity of a world dominated by Buddhism as we journey through Laos on this unforgettable trip.

From the capital Vientiane, with its wide boulevards and setting on the banks of the Mekong, we fly to Pakse, and from there explore the islands of Si pan don, where we hope to spot the freshwater dolphins that reside there. We visit Vang Vieng, before spending time in and around the World Heritage city, and former royal capital, Luang Prabang, set in the northern mountains.

Here the monks in their saffron robes carrying black umbrellas to shade themselves are a familiar sight, and it is here that you can witness the early morning alms ritual. A tour of Laos would not be complete without taking a slow boat along the Mekong, where we encounter some of the many minority tribes living in the fertile valleys, and visit the famous Pak Ou Caves. Laos is a land of natural beauty and many surprises.

Day 1: Join Vientiane

Day 2: Vientiane. City Tour - Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, That Luang Stupa, Arch of Triumph

Day 3: Fly Pakse, Ferry to Champasak - Wat Phou Temple. Drive to Don Khong Island

Day 4: Boat Trip - Si Pan Don, Khone Phabheng & Li Phi Falls, Freshwater Dolphin Spotting. Drive Pakse

Day 5: Fly Vientiane, Drive to Vang Vieng

Day 6: Vang Vieng - Optional Kayaking, Inner Tubing, Caving

Day 7: Drive Luang Prabang World Heritage City

Day 8: Luang Prabang - Alms Bowl Ritual, City Tour - Wat Xieng Thong, Golden City Monastery, Wats Mai, Vixoun, That Luang. Sunset from Phousi Holy Hill

Day 9: Luang Prabang - Palace Museum, Kuang Si Waterfalls, Ban Xom & Ban Thapan Villages

Day 10: Luang Prabang - Pac Ou Caves by Slow Boat, Ban Xang Hai, Ban Phanom & Ban Xang Khong Village Visits

Day 11: Luang Prabang - Tour Ends After Breakfast

Cycling is a great way to see and get to know the real Cambodia with all its rustic charm, as we take to the quiet back roads and meet the local people. Combining bicycle, car, ferry and foot we explore Cambodia's diverse landscape of waterways, beaches, rice paddies, ancient ruins, national parks and jungle.

Sample seafood delicacies, relax on Cambodia's sandy white beaches, and discover temples and museums this tour has it all The temples of Angkor are the highlight of Cambodia for most people, but there is far more to explore in this beautiful country, and great biking destination.

Phnom Penh with its faded colonial charms and the beaches of Sihanoukville, make Cambodia a wonderfully varied destination. We ride just over 300km mostly on a mixture of tarmac roads and wide dirt trails. Most of the rides are on flat terrain, with a few undulating parts, but nothing too difficult.

Outside of Phnom Penh traffic is light and we often share the roads with ox carts and other cyclists. The trip is fully supported by an air-conditioned minibus that will shadow us for the entire journey, providing respite for tired muscles and a break from cycling.

Laos and Cambodia are the two hidden gems of the former French Indochina. Starting in Bangkok, we explore the bustling Thai capital before flying to Chiang Rai, then crossing into Laos and spending a week in this unique, but little-known country. We take the slow boat to Luang Prabang, where royal palaces and temples tell the story of the rich Lao culture and heritage.

A visit to the mysterious Plain of Jars takes us even further back in time to an archaeological site said to be 2000 years old, whilst nearby Hmong villages remind us also of the country's cultural diversity. The capital, Vientiane, is a sleepy yet charming town on the Mekong River, with its old buildings still exuding the mood of the French colonial days.

Just in the last couple of years the Kingdom of Cambodia has arisen from the ashes of war and internal strife, and its monumental treasures are again on show to travellers. The incredible temple complex near Siem Reap has astounded archaeologists since its rediscovery and subsequent recovery from the jungles, 150 years ago.

The famous Angkor Wat is but one of many glorious monuments in that area. Phnom Penh, now reconstructed, still contains vestiges of the French colonial era in its historic architecture.

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to hotel.

Day 2: City tour of Bangkok. Fly to Chiang Rai.

Day 3: Cross border into Laos. Boat to Pakbeng.

Day 4: Boat to Luang Prabang, stopping en route at Pak Ou Caves and Ban Sang Hai.

Day 5: Watch monks on alms round and explore historic temples and the former Royal Palace. Visit Kuang Si Falls.

Day 6: Drive to Phonsavan and visit the Plain of Jars.

Day 7-8: Fly to Vientiane. City tour including Patuxai, Wat Si Saket, Wat Prakeo and Pha That Luang.

Day 9: Fly to Siem Reap.

Day 10-11: Tour of Angkor, including Angkor Wat, Tha Prohm and sunset from Phnom Bakheng. Visit Banteay Srei.

Day 12: Fly to Phnom Penh.

Day 13: Visit Killing Fields, Wat Phnom and Silver Pagoda.

Day 14: Trip ends in Phnom Penh this morning (Fri).

Spend the night in a remote eco-lodge as you cruise slowly down the alluring Mekong, stopping at a sacred cave and hilltribe village. Explore the temples of fabled Luang Prabang and join the locals in a game of petanque. Uncover the mysterious Plain of Jars and the charming capital, Vientiane. Traverse the remote Bolaven Plateau with its stunning villages and coffee plantations, and discover the little-visited 4,000 islands.