Laos & Cambodia round trip

The best time to travel to Laos and Cambodia is between November and February. During this period, it’s pleasantly warm, and there’s little rainfall.

The loving capital of Vientiane welcomes you to Laos! Your tour guide will pick you up and take you to your first hotel. After check-in, freshen up because you will already embark on the first tour of your trip. This orientation tour will give you first impressions of the city's rich history, and your tour guide will tell you stories about the Vientiane's hidden charm. The "sandalwood" or "moon" city is also known as one of the most relaxed capitals in the world.

The sightseeing tour continues to Pha That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Then you will head to the Patuxay Monument, Laos' version of the Paris Arc de Triomphe, from where you will have a stunning view of the city.

Another highlight of the tour is Wat Si Saket Temple, constructed in 1818. This historic temple is the only one in Vientiane that the Thai invasion of 1828 didn't destroy. It captivates with remarkable frescoes and a total of 6,840 Buddha images!

You will also have the chance to see an emerald green Buddha in the former royal temple of Vat Phra Keo.

Trip duration Vientiane Airport - hotel: 5 km / about 15 minutes

One night at Xaysomboun Boutique Hotel*** with breakfast in a Superior Room, Vientiane, Laos

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, your transfer will pick you up and take you back to the airport. Hop onto a short domestic flight to Luang Prabang, a quiet provincial town and spiritual capital of Laos. Once you arrive, you will barely see any traffic, monks typically walk around in their traditional orange robes, and open parasols scurry across the streets in all directions.

Your first sightseeing tour in Luang Prabang will give you informative insights about the town’s history and culture. First, you will head to Mount Phousi, where you will climb 328 steps to a breathtaking vantage point of the city and surrounding countryside. Afterward, your guide will take you on a stroll through the evening markets in downtown Luang Prabang.

Flight time Vientiane - Luang Prabang: approx. 45 minutes

Four nights at Villa Chitdara*** with breakfast and 1x lunch in a Standard Room, Luang Prabang, Laos

Optional: for the early risers (approx. 5:30 AM), we have a unique experience for you. At sunrise, the monks leave their pagodas to receive food and donations from the people of Luang Prabang. If you’re interested, your guide will help you prepare food and show you the correct way to present these donations to the monks. After this exciting experience, head back to the hotel where you will have breakfast.

After breakfast, explore the tranquil town of Luang Prabang by tuk-tuk! Together with your guide, you will embark on a city tour to all of the best highlights. Visit the Buddhist temple, Wat Mai, a popular site because of its impressive golden exterior. Next, you will reach the most beautiful monastery in town: Wat Xieng Thong. Your jaw will drop when you see its exquisite mosaics and gilded wall paintings.

The afternoon brings you to the former royal palace, and now National Museum of Laos. It’s faithfully preserved as the residence of the last royal family and thus offers a unique insight into the history of the country,

Next on the must-see list is Wat Visoun, a temple that was completely rebuilt after its destruction in 1887 by the southern Chinese bandit group, the Black Flag Army. In the courtyard of this temple, you can see the watermelon stupa and Wat Aham.

Before dinner, visit the village called Lao Loum, also known as the “lowland dwellers.” Stopover in a family home and participate in a traditional Baci ceremony, an impressive prayer service. The head of the family asks for the gods’ blessings for the residents and guests of the house. They then perform a prayer combination of Buddhism and nature beliefs. This particular ceremony happens before special events such as weddings, births, and traveling.

Did you dream of an enchanting hideaway in nature, where the sound of gentle water hits a turquoise pool and nothing but the beautiful flora and fauna surround you? Today, this dream will come true when you visit the Kuang Si Waterfall! With your guide, you will drive twenty miles outside of Luang Prabang, past some indigenous villages, and into the stunning natural surroundings of the region.

The waterfalls rush down over several levels of limestone formation, creating an array of turquoise shimmering swimming pools that are perfect for a dip on a hot day. Join your tour guide for a little hike around the falls in search of some wildlife! Head through the jungle’s dense branches and climb above the magical waterfalls for impeccable views.

After this exciting adventure, the rest of the afternoon is up to you.

Today’s destination is MandaLao Elephant Conservation on the Nam Khan River, just on the outskirts of Luang Prabang. Listen to interesting facts about the behavior and communication of the gentle giants and take a short boat ride across the river. The boat ride will then lead you to the beginning of your hike through the jungle, where you will follow the footsteps of the elephants! As soon as you’ve found one of the magnificent creatures, you will guide them back to the conservation where you can also feed them bananas.

Around noon, enjoy a traditional meal at the conservation’s restaurants. Then you will head back into town, where you can do as you wish for the rest of the day.

Enjoy your last breakfast in Laos before your transfer picks you up for the airport. Today you will continue your round trip to Siem Reap! Your tour guide will greet you when you land and take you to your hotel.

Flight time Luang Prabang - Siem Reap: approx. 1.5 hours

Three nights at eOcambo Resort & Spa**** with breakfast in a Deluxe Room, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Are you ready to see one of the essential highlights of your Cambodia trip!? Welcome to the stunning Angkor Wat. In the early 12th century, Suryavarman II built this temple to represent the peaks of Mount Meru, home of the gods. It’s a Khmer architecture masterpiece and one of the most fantastic temples in the world. Inside the temple, you’ll find beautifully designed walls and carvings depicting Hindu mythology. Angkor is also known for its 2,000 carved apsaras, meaning “heavenly dancers,” which you can see throughout the temple. Did you notice how all of the apsaras are different to one another?

In the afternoon, your adventure continues to the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Hop into a local tuk-tuk and drive to the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire (under the reign of Jayavarman VII) - does it feel like you’ve entered a new world? A twenty-six foot high and about three-mile-long wall surrounds the city, forming a perfect square around this enchanting destination. Enter the city through the impressive stone south gate, which will already impress you. Carved into the entrance are four gigantic faces, elephants, and fifty-four gods or demons holding the sacred Naga serpent. From here, head to the Bayon Temple, which is right in the middle of the city. What makes this site so special is the fifty-four towers that represent the fifty-four provinces of the Great Khmer Empire, each with four faces. Your tour continues to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.

End your sightseeing tour at the famous Ta Prohm Temple. Ta Prohm is unique because many parts of the temple have crumbled and overgrown with jungle trees and plants that wrap around the old building materials. Have your camera ready because these distinctive characteristics make this temple one of the most picturesque and most memorable of the Angkor temples.

After a replenishing breakfast at your hotel, hop aboard a boat on the shores of the mighty Tonlé Sap Lake. Today’s exciting boat tour will take you along the largest lake in southeast Asia. Its unique water system expands to five times its size during the rainy season. The water from its main tributary, Tonlé Sap River, gets pushed back by the Mekong and its incredible amount of water. Because of this phenomenon, the Tonlé Sap’s direction of flow reverses, causing the lake to overflow and flood nearby fields and forests. Your boat tour continues to Kampong Khleang, a village built entirely on stilts. Pass all of the floating houses and the flooded forests. These impressions will teach you about these villages’ life on the water.

Please note that the best time to take the boat trip and visit the floating village is from August to January.

In the afternoon, another temple visit is on the list! Banteay Srei, known as the “citadel of women,” was built between the 11th and 13th centuries. It’s one of the best-preserved temples in Cambodia and home to some of the finest examples of classic Khmer architecture - built from red sandstone that you can’t see anywhere else in Angkor. Take some time to see the remarkable, delicate stone carvings of the Hindu god, Shiva.

Another highlight of the day is the sunset from the Pre Rup Temple. This site nestles in the middle of rice fields, promising an unforgettable memory for years to come.

Sadly, today is the last day of your exciting roundtrip through Laos and Cambodia. Take your final stroll the city streets before your transfer brings you to the Siem Reap International Airport. If you would like to extend your stay, we would be happy to advise you! Contact us and we will help you put together your dream trip.

itravel - For that moment.

Xaysomboun Boutique Hotel***, Vientiane, Laos (One night)

This boutique hotel is the ideal starting point for sightseeing. The famous Patuxay Monument is only a five-minute walk away, and the Wat Si Saket temple is about ten minutes from your accommodation. The rooms feature a French colonial design and amenities such as a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, a small seating area, and air-conditioning. The private bathroom includes free toiletries, a hairdryer, and a bath or shower. Relax by the inviting pool while views of the city pleasantly put you at ease. The attentive staff is happy to help you around the clock.

Villa Chitdara***, Luang Prabang, Laos (Four nights)

Villa Chitdara nestles in the heart of the city, thus making it the perfect starting point for exploring Luang Prabang’s famous sites. You will discover an array of temples in the immediate vicinity and the night market is only a five-minute walk away. Start the day with a fresh breakfast in the hotel’s peaceful garden. All twenty-five rooms have comfortable furniture and offer a private balcony with garden or city views. Amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, satellite TV, a safe, and coffee/tea making facilities.

eOcambo Resort & Spa****, Siem Reap, Cambodia (Three nights)

This Siem Reap resort lies in a private garden and offers an Angkorian-style stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its ideal location makes it a great starting point to explore the fascinating city. The friendly staff is happy to advise you on all of the fantastic experiences the city and province have to offer. Your stay will be memorable because of the array of amenities the rooms have to offer.

Duration of the trip: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Including

• Privately guided roundtrip with transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
• Eight nights in the hotels mentioned above or similar:
  • One night at the Xaysomboun Boutique Hotel*** with breakfast in a Superior Room, Vientiane
  • Four nights at Villa Chitdara*** with breakfast in a Standard Room, Luang Prabang
  • Three nights at the eOcambo Resort & Spa**** with breakfast in a Deluxe Room in Vientiane
• Boat trips according to the program
• Tours according to the plan, including entrance fees
• Local tour guides
• Drinking water and refreshing towels during the excursions
• The starting price is valid during the travel period 01.10.21 - 31.10.21

Excluding

• International flights

• Domestic flights (approx. $300,-USD)

• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services

• Visa

• Entrance fees and excursions not mentioned in the scope of services

• Personal expenses, such as minibar or tips

• Travel insurance