This epic adventure takes you from the UNESCO-listed city of Luang Prabang in untouched Laos to venture through Cambodia to explore the magnificent temples of Angkor, the rural beauty of Battambang and lovely Phnom Penh..
COPE Rehabilitation Centre - Visit the headquarters of medical charity COPE, and learn about their work to provide prosthetic limbs to survivors of road accidents and landmines in Laos.
Dawn Ceremony of Takbat - Witness the dawn ceremony of Takbat, a daily ritual which sees the saffron-robed monks of Luang Prabang's monasteries collect alms, in the form of food, from the local people who line the streets.
Visit a Silk Workshop - Visit the lovely NGO of Golden Silk Pheach, a heritage silk workshop working to revive the rich art of hand-spun golden silk whilst also providing skilled employment to over 100 locals.
Vientiane (2N) - Vang Vieng (2N) - Luang Prabang (3N) - Siem Reap (4N) - Battambang (2N) - Phnom Penh (2N
Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Vientiane
Fly overnight to Vientiane. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Includes: Dinner
Day 3: Explore Vientiane
Nestled in a sleepy bend of the Mekong, Vientiane is a delightfully quaint city, more friendly backwater than chaotic capital. Visit the morning market, Wat Si Saket and Wat Phra Keo, the former royal temple, before viewing That Luang Stupa and the Patuxai Victory Monument. Also, drop in at the COPE visitor centre.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Travel To Vang Vieng
This morning visit the Buddha Park located 25 kilometres from city centre, an open-air sculpture park with giant sculptures of Buddha and Hindu deities. Return to Vientiane where we will visit the Contemporary Art Museum displaying many art works of Laos. After lunch transfer 3.5 hours to Vang Vieng. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel and soak up the atmosphere on the Song riverbanks.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Explore Vang Vieng
Venture into the Tham Chang cave before wandering through the dramatic limestone karst countryside beside the Nam Song River.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Travel To Luang Prabang
Return to Vientiane and fly to the beautiful city of Luang Prabang. The quintessential image of Laos and a place of vivid colours, where you’ll find a rich heritage and enduring French legacy.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Pak Ou Caves
Visit the exquisite Wat Visoun and Wat Xieng Thong. Cruise up the languid Mekong River to the sacred caves of Pak Ou known for the hundreds of miniature Buddhist sculptures that reside within. On the return trip stop off at the villages of Thin Hong and Ban Xang Khong.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Kuang Si Waterfalls
Begin the day at the National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace. Drive out of the city, stopping for a visit to Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre, before heading to the natural splendour of Kuang Si Waterfalls. Enjoy the vivid blue, terraced pools that tumble down through their forest setting, taking a dip or relaxing by the water's edge.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Takbat
Rise early this morning to witness the monks of Luang Prabang’s monastic communities collecting alms from the locals – the ceremony of Takbat. These lines of silent saffron robe-clad monks will be an enduring image of your trip. Later this morning, climb Phousi Hill for panoramic views over the city before taking a short flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Explore Angkor
The seat of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, the Angkor complex includes over 1,000 temples. Rising early, the tour begins in the heart of Angkor Thom, the old walled city – passing through its South Gate you'll reach the enigmatic Bayon and visit the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm, an atmospheric temple left in the grips of the jungle. This afternoon is dedicated to the indescribable Angkor Wat. The best preserved of Angkor's temples, examine the vast number of intricate details and relish the sheer magnificence of its architecture. End the day with a sunset cruise around the moat of Angkor Thom.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Tonle Sap Lake
In the High Water Season (Aug to Feb) visit Beng Mealea, a mysterious temple overrun by the jungle before enjoying a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong Kleng and observing the way of life of these lake communities. In the Low Water Season (Mar to Jul) head to Chong Kneas floating village. Return to Siem Reap via the The SATCHA Handicraft Centre. This evening sit down to dinner and the Apsara dance show.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Banteay Srei
Admire the captivating Banteay Srei, a richly embellished Hindu Temple made of rose-coloured sandstone, before visiting a wonderful silk workshop reviving the art of handwoven Khmer gold silk.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Explore Battambang
Depart Siem Reap for the rural city of Battambang, a former colonial town with a wealth of French architecture on display. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of the city before freshening up for dinner.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Rural Battambang
Battambang is set in some of the country's most beautiful landscapes. Head out of town to experience life as a local with a countryside family before visiting the 12th-century Prasat Banan Temple. End the day with a visit to Phnom Sampov, where you can marvel at the extraordinary sight of millions of bats emerging from their cave in search of food.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Travel To Phnom Penh
Journey south to Cambodia's charming capital Phnom Penh. On the way, stop at the 17th century capital of Udong and Kampong Chhnang to see the traditional handmade pottery. On arrival at Phnom Penh, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Phnom Penh By Cyclo
Experience a cyclo ride to the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before scaling the small hill topped by Wat Phnom. Later, enjoy the exhibits of the National Museum, which are housed in a spectacular Khmer-style building, before learning about the tragedies of the recent past at the harrowing Tuol Sleng Museum.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 17-18: Phnom Penh To Australia
If your flight time permits, this morning there is an option to visit the poignant Killing Fields (payable locally). Transfer to the airport to board your flight back to Australia, arriving the next day.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.
S2-Modern Boutique - Vientiane
Set in a quiet neighbourhood not far from the Mekong River, S2 Modern Boutique features bright en-suite rooms with minimalist decor, air conditioning, and a minibar. Guests can unwind in the outdoor pool, visit the on-site gym, and enjoy a peaceful base away from the bustle of central Vientiane.
Amari Vang Vieng - Vang Vieng
Overlooking the Nam Song River and surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains, Amari Vang Vieng offers a comfortable stay in the heart of town. The en-suite rooms are bright and well-equipped, with air conditioning, a TV and minibar. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, fitness centre and stylish all-day dining restaurant, all while taking in the hotel's natural backdrop.
Angthong - Luang Prabang
Located in a peaceful neighbourhood just outside Luang Prabang's centre, near the Mekong River and within easy reach of local temples, the Angthong Hotel offers spacious en-suite rooms in a relaxing setting. All rooms feature traditional Lao decor, air conditioning and a private balcony. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, on-site bar and garden surroundings.
Lotus Blanc Resort - Siem Reap
Perfectly combining a French and Khmer aesthetic, the Lotus Blanc is a 10 minute tuk tuk ride from the lively heart of Siem Reap. Stately but chic, there is a large pool, fitness centre, spa, 3 bars and 3 restaurants serving a variety of local and international dishes. Rooms are expansive, bright and minimalist and boast a balcony, bathroom with rain shower, television, tea and coffee making facilities, safe, armchairs and air-conditioning.
Classy Hotel & Spa - Battambang, Cambodia
Perfectly located in central Battambang with an outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre, the Classy Hotel embraces both French architecture and more traditional styles. Bedrooms are contemporary, light and spacious with an ensuite bathroom with bathtub. The restaurant serves both local and Western food.
Anik Palace Hotel - Phnom Penh
This elegant hotel combines classical European style with Khmer hospitality and service. Take the opportunity to swim in the 13th-floor rooftop pool, or soak up the sun in the separate outdoor jacuzzi. On the 12th floor, you'll also find a spa, gym and separate male and female saunas.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.