Indochina Adventure | Laos and Cambodia Tour

Day 1 - Arrival in Vientiane

Arrival in Vientiane and time to stretch your legs with an introductory walking tour before riverside sundowners and a visit to the bustling night food bazaar for a local-style welcome dinner.

Overnight: Vientiane Transport: Walk,  Meals: D, 

Day 2 - Luang Prabang - boat trip on the Mekong

Departure for a scenic ride through the mountains on the new Lao-China railway (Lao’s first ever). Arrival and check-in to boutique-style accommodation in a converted French-period villa before a relaxing afternoon boat trip up the Mekong to visit the mysterious Pak Ou cave temples. Return to Luang Prabang for sunset and a chance to sample some of the sumptuous local specialities.

Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Train, Boat, Walk,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 3 - Luang Prabang - walking tour of the old town

Discover World Heritage Luang Prabang’s fabulous temples, French colonial architecture and sample Lao delicacies (and the famous Lao beer!) in riverside cafes. A morning walking tour of the town includes the local market, National Museum and former king’s palace and fabulous Wat Xiengthong. The afternoon is at leisure to allow you to wander the quiet, picturesque lanes at your own pace or check out the hill-tribe handicrafts?

Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 4 - Luang Prabang - into the surrounding countryside

Morning trip through the surrounding hills to visit the spectacular turquoise ponds, cascades and falls at Kuang Si as well as the nearby Free the Bears site which houses moon, (Asiatic black) and sun bears rescued from hunters, the illegal animal trade and private zoos. Return to Luang Prabang with a stop for a riverside lunch at the Ock Pop Tok community weaving project.

Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 5 - Central Highlands - Luang Prabang to Phonsavan

Early departure for a drive along mountain roads to Phonsavan in Xieng Khouang province – location of the famous and mysterious Plain of Jars. Stops on the way include Khmu and Hmong villages and a hidden cave temple that served as an army hospital during the Vietnam War.

Overnight: Phonsavan Transport: Walk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 6 - Plain of Jars - day tour

Tour of spectacular Jar Site 1 and return to Phonsavan Town for lunch and a visit to the well-laid out Xieng Khouang Museum to learn about the background to the famous jars, as well as the region’s more recent history when it played a key role during the Vietnam conflict. In the afternoon we travel to the picturesque Jar Site 2 and begin our 1-hour hike to impressive Site 3, consisting of over 150 jars and offering great views over the surrounding countryside.

Overnight: Phonsavan Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 7 - Vientiane - tour of some of the City's sights

Morning flight to Vientiane and an afternoon tour of some of the capital’s varied sites including Si Saket Temple with its 1,000 Buddha images and the famous That Luang Stupa. Less cheerful, but we feel important and highly informative, is a stop at the excellent COPE Visitors Centre highlights the problem of leftover bombs from the Vietnam War.

Overnight: Vientiane Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 8 - Phnom Penh - morning flight and walking tour

Morning flight to Phnom Penh and check in to a small, comfortable, downtown hotel. Time to relax before stretching your legs with an introductory tuk-tuk and walking tour of the historic French Quarter and lively waterfront giving you a first-hand feel for the bustling street life and finishing, perhaps, with sundowners by the river.

Overnight: Phnom Penh Transport: Plane, Walk, Tuk Tuk,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 9 - Phnom Penh - city tour

Tour of some of the sites of Cambodia’s fascinating capital: the infamous Killing Fields and the highly moving Khmer Rouge Genocide Museum, Tuol Sleng help explain the country’s recent tragic history.  The picturesque Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda provide plenty of photo opp’s while the Russian Market offers some ‘retail therapy’ and a chance for a street food lunch.

Overnight: Phnom Penh Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 10 - Road trip - upcountry to Siem Reap

Overland through Cambodia’s scenic countryside to the town of Siem Reap – our base for the next few days while we explore the nearby Angkor Temples. Stops on the way include the famous ‘spider village’ of Skuon, a rarely visited 10th-century temple and lunch by a scenic lake. A sunset visit to the atmospheric ruins of Banteay Kdei Temple completes our day.

Overnight: Siem Reap Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 11 - Siem Reap - dawn at Angkor Wat

Angkor: an unforgettable tour of this fabulous site with its vast jungle-clad temples and mysterious stone carvings. We begin with sunrise and a morning tour of Angkor Wat. Return to Siem Reap to escape the midday heat and an afternoon walking tour of Angkor Thom: Leper King and Elephant Terraces, Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Baphuon and last but not least, (we’ll wait until the crowds have gone), dramatic Bayon Temple with its famous faces.

Overnight: Siem Reap Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 12 - Angkor - jungle temples

An early forest hike to the spectacular, hill-top Bakheng Temple followed by the vast jungle-clad ruins of Preah Khan. Enormous roots and towering trees make this atmospheric temple a regular favourite.  After a midday break in Siem Reap we’ll continue with a short jungle walk to Ta Keo via the remote, rarely visited Ta Nei Temple. A visit to Ta Prom, the famous ‘Tomb Raider’ temple, continues our jungle theme and concludes our day’s visit.

Overnight: Siem Reap Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 13 - Siem Reap - Beng Melea and afternoon at leisure

Morning trip to one of the more remote temple sites – the truly spectacular Beng Melea. A huge, partially ruined, temple complex overgrown by jungle and lying to the west of Siem Reap, Beng Melea is one of the most impressive Angkor monuments. Return to Siem Reap with an afternoon at leisure to relax by the pool, perhaps visit the National Museum or check out Apopo and their famous mine-clearing giant rats.

Overnight: Siem Reap Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 14 - Siem Reap - at leisure and end of tour

Morning at leisure in Siem Reap and departure at your convenience.

Extra nights in Vientiane or Siem Reap before or after your tour are available on request.

Airport transfers are included if you purchase the 'with flights' package. If you purchased your own flights, airport transfers can be arranged.

Overnight: Departure Meals: B,