Laos & Cambodia Essence – 15 Days

After an early breakfast, cruise along the Mekong River to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha images. Visit Ban Xang Hai, known for rice wine, and Ban Xang Khong, famous for Saa papermaking. Enjoy lunch, then explore Wat Xieng Thong, a masterpiece of Laotian architecture with low-sweeping roofs. Tour Wat Mai, a revered temple, and the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, showcasing Lao artifacts from ancient kings to the last sovereign. Conclude at Huean Chan Heritage to learn about Laos’ cultural heritage. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Rise early to join the Morning Alms Giving ceremony, a sacred ritual of monks collecting offerings (optional participation; arrange with guide). Visit the Morning Market, then climb Mount Phousi for panoramic views of the Mekong River and city. Return for a special breakfast and a brief rest. Drive to Kuang Si Waterfalls, where turquoise pools invite swimming or forest trail walks. Stop at Buffalo Dairy Farm and Living Craft Center to observe artisans crafting silk and handicrafts, and visit the Bear Rescue Center. Return to Luang Prabang for the evening. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Fly to Vientiane after breakfast. Upon arrival, your guide transfers you to a hotel for check-in and breakfast. Visit Wat Sisaket, Vientiane’s oldest temple with thousands of Buddha statues, and Wat Prakeo, a former royal temple once housing the Emerald Buddha. Explore That Luang Stupa, Laos’ national icon, and photograph Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy dinner and relax at your hotel. Overnight in Vientiane.

Fly to Pakse and enjoy breakfast at Sinouk Coffee House. Travel 2.5 hours to Champasak, boarding the Vat Phou cruise via a long-tail riverboat. Savor a special lunch on deck, featuring Laotian, Vietnamese, and Thai dishes. Visit the 10th-century pre-Angkorian Wat Phou temple complex, exploring its museum and highest temple for stunning views. As the sun sets, return to the boat for a tropical sunset dinner, docked alongside a remote Laotian village. Overnight on the cruise.

After breakfast on board, sail to Tomo village and visit the hidden Oum Muong Temple in a forested setting. Rejoin the cruise, enjoying a leisurely lunch while heading toward the 4,000 Islands. In the afternoon, explore a Laotian village on Don Khong, the largest inhabited island, visiting a local school and interacting with students. Dinner is served on board, docked at Don Khong. Overnight on the cruise.

Cruise to Ban Veuthong after breakfast, then board a small boat to Khone Island in the 4,000 Islands. Visit the old French railway, a colonial house, and the bridge linking Khone and Det Islands. Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant on Don Khone. In the afternoon, explore Khone Phapheng Waterfall, the “Niagara of the East.” Transfer by bus to Pakse, where you check into a hotel for dinner and relaxation. Overnight in Pakse.

After breakfast, fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Your local guide and driver transfer you to a centrally located hotel for check-in. Spend the day at leisure, exploring Siem Reap’s vibrant markets or relaxing.

Optional: Angkor Street Food Tour Join a 4–5-hour tuk-tuk and walking tour to savor Khmer cuisine, from morning markets to afternoon stalls, learning about Cambodia’s culinary boom. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, explore Angkor Thom’s Southern Gate, flanked by gods and demons. Visit the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace, and Terrace of the Leper King. Admire Bayon’s serene stone faces and moss-covered walls. After lunch, tour Angkor Wat, a global wonder with intricate architecture. Climb Bakheng Mountain or Pre Rup Temple for a spectacular sunset. Return to Siem Reap for dinner and leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Drive 65 km northeast to Beng Mealea, a 12th-century temple mirroring Angkor Wat’s style but overtaken by jungle. After a special lunch, head to Tonle Sap Lake and cruise to Kompong Phluk, a stilted village. Canoe through the ecosystem, spotting birds and monkeys, and visit a Buddhist temple with vibrant paintings. Return to Siem Reap, visiting Les Artisans d’Angkor to observe fine art craftsmanship. Enjoy a welcome dinner with an Apsara Dance performance at Kannel Restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Fly to Sihanoukville after breakfast. Transfer to the pier and board a shared speedboat to Koh Rong, a pristine island off the coast. Relax on white sandy beaches, swim, or sunbathe in this tropical paradise. Enjoy a starry night sky and dinner. Overnight in Koh Rong.

Spend a full day at leisure on Koh Rong, relaxing on the beach, swimming, or exploring the island’s natural beauty. Overnight in Koh Rong.

After breakfast, enjoy the beach until the afternoon. Check out and take a speedboat back to Sihanoukville, then drive 4 hours to Phnom Penh by private vehicle. Arrive in the late afternoon and relax at your hotel. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, visit the Beoung Cheoung Ek Memorial (Killing Fields), a somber reminder of the Khmer Rouge’s atrocities. Continue to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), exploring Cambodia’s tragic history. After lunch, tour the National Museum, Royal Palace with its classic Khmer roofs, and Silver Pagoda, featuring ornate gilding and Buddhist treasures. In the evening, enjoy a cyclo ride along the Mekong Riverfront and visit Wat Phnom, a historic landmark. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Enjoy breakfast and free time until your transfer to Pochentong International Airport for your departure flight, concluding a remarkable 15-day journey through Laos and Cambodia.