Arriving in Phnom Penh around midday, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, begin your journey through Cambodia’s vibrant capital aboard a traditional tuk-tuk — a fun and local way to experience the city. Start with the Royal Palace, a 19th-century architectural treasure housing the Silver Pagoda, named for its floor made of over 5,000 silver tiles. Discover intricate Buddhas crafted in gold, crystal, and bronze. Next, delve into Khmer heritage at the National Museum, which displays thousands of historical artifacts, including Angkorian sculptures and the famed ‘Leper King’. Finish the day exploring the bustling stalls of the Russian Market, perfect for picking up souvenirs and witnessing everyday local commerce.
Cambodia and Laos Discovery Holiday 13 Days 12 Nights
Travel through scenic countryside to Oudong, the former royal capital. Begin with a visit to Wat Phnom, perched atop a leafy hill and offering panoramic views. Continue to Kompong Luong village, renowned for its generations of skilled silversmiths. At Oudong, explore the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Center and admire the jade Buddha and murals depicting the Ramayana. Climb 509 steps to the summit of Oudong Hill, where sweeping views await. After a picnic lunch and relaxing hammock break, return to Phnom Penh for your afternoon flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.
Rise early to witness the iconic sunrise over Angkor Wat — a breathtaking moment as the sun glows behind the temple’s towers. Explore Angkor Thom and the enigmatic Bayon Temple, famed for its smiling stone faces. Visit the Elephant and Leper King Terraces, then admire the restored Baphuon Temple. After lunch, journey to Ta Prohm, known for the dramatic embrace of ancient roots. In the late afternoon, board a gondola-style boat at Angkor Thom moat for a sunset ride with refreshments, gliding toward Prasat Chroung. End the day with an inspiring performance by Phare, the Cambodian Circus — a powerful mix of acrobatics, storytelling, and traditional art.
Depart on a full-day excursion to Cambodia’s remote temple sites. Explore Koh Ker, once a 10th-century capital under Jayavarman IV, where the impressive Prasat Thom temple mountain towers above the forest. After a local lunch, continue to Beng Mealea, a sprawling ruin shrouded in jungle and mystery. Built in the same style as Angkor Wat, its collapsed corridors and towering trees offer an “Indiana Jones”-like experience. This lesser-visited site, with minimal modern restoration, evokes the awe early explorers must have felt. Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon.
In the morning, travel through villages and rice paddies toward Tonle Sap Lake. Cruise to Kompong Pluk, a stilted village where homes rise above the water and daily life unfolds on wooden platforms. Observe local fishing techniques, floating schools, and seasonal rhythms that shape life on Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. After this peaceful and eye-opening journey, return to Siem Reap for your flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, you’ll travel onward to Champasak and settle in for the evening.
Begin with a scenic two-hour boat cruise to Champasak. Disembark to explore Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site older than Angkor Wat, showcasing early Khmer architecture from the 7th to 11th centuries. Continue by road to Don Khong, a gateway to the 4,000 Islands of the Mekong River. Along the way, visit the ruins of Oup Mong temple at Ban Houei Tomo, nestled in the forest. Arrive at Khong Island by evening, ready to explore its tranquil charm.
Embark on a longtail boat ride to Don Khone Island, where you can explore by bicycle or tuk-tuk. Discover remnants of the French colonial era and the powerful Liphi Waterfall, also known as “the Devil’s Corridor.” Return to the mainland via Ban Nakasang and drive further south to Khone Phapheng Falls, Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall by volume. Witness this natural marvel near the Laos-Cambodia border before heading back to Khong Island for the night.
Travel north to the Bolaven Plateau, renowned for its cooler climate and fertile land. Visit the Katu village of Houey Ten, known for traditional knife making, then stop at a tea plantation and admire the dramatic twin cascades of Tad Fan Waterfall. Continue to Tha Teng Market, a lively ethnic food hub, and visit the Alak village of Ban Bong Neua, where sacrificial altars remain in use. Pause at Tadlo Waterfall before returning via weaving villages and Paxuam Waterfall, arriving in Champasak by early evening.
Enjoy a leisurely morning before your transfer to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang, connecting through Vientiane. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel for a restful evening in Laos’ cultural heart.
Cruise upstream on the Mekong River, stopping first at Ban Muangkham village to observe daily rural life. Continue to the Pak Ou Caves, carved into limestone cliffs and filled with thousands of Buddha statues. In the afternoon, drive to Kuang Si Waterfalls, a multi-tiered cascade framed by lush jungle. Enjoy a swim in the turquoise pools or stroll along forest paths. Return to Luang Prabang in time for sunset views over the Mekong River.
Start your day with an immersive elephant encounter at MandaLao. After a river crossing, meet and bathe the elephants, hike through scenic gardens and forest trails, and learn about elephant communication and conservation. Lunch is served with organic Lao cuisine. In the afternoon, explore the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Sene, and Wat Xieng Thong — prime examples of Laotian architecture. Visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre, then climb Mount Phousi for panoramic views before strolling through the vibrant Night Market.
Catch your morning flight to Bangkok to connect with an onward flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for the night.
Enjoy some free time before being transferred to the airport in time for your international departure flight. Tour ends.
