Home >> >> Indochina Tours >> Laos & Cambodia Highlights Tour – 14 Days

Laos & Cambodia Highlights Tour – 14 Days

Tour Route: Vientiane arrival - Vang Vieng - Xieng Khuang - Luang Prabang - Siem Reap - Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh departure
Tour Duration: 14 days / 13 nights
Dates: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Starts/Ends: Vientiane (Laos) / Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
Tour Type: Landscape, Culture
Activity Level: Regular itinerary
Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)

BRIEF ITINERARY:
DAY 01: VIENTIANE ARRIVAL
DAY 02: VIENTIANE - VANG VIENG (B, L)
DAY 03: VANG VIENG (B, L)
DAY 04: VANG VIENG – XIENG KHUANG (B/L/)
DAY 05: XIENG KHUANG – LUANG PRABANG (B/L)
DAY 06: LUANG PRABANG (B/L)
DAY 07: LUANG PRABANG (B/L)
DAY 08: LUANG PRABANG (B/L
DAY 09: LUANG PRABANG - SIEM REAP (B)
DAY 10: SIEM REAP (B, L)
DAY 11: SIEM REAP (B, L)
DAY 12: SIEM REAP - PHNOM PENH (B)
DAY 13: PHNOM PENH (B, L)
DAY 14: PHNOM PENH DEPARTURE (B)

DAY 01: VIENTIANE ARRIVAL
Upon your arrival in Vientiane, you are met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. The day is free for you to experience the relaxed mood of the capital and admire the French colonial architecture. Overnight at hotel in Vientiane.
Meals included: None

DAY 02: VIENTIANE - VANG VIENG (B, L)
A city tour acquaints us with the major sights of the capital. We visit the imposing Patuxai monument (also known as the Anousavari, which translates as ‘Victory’ in Lao - hence the name Victory monument), which is Vientiane's version of the Arc de Triomphe and dominates the city's main boulevard. It has also been nicknamed the ‘Vertical Runway’, which refers to the fact that it was built in the 1960s from funds the US Government had given to the Lao Government for the expressed purpose of extending the runway at the airport! Also visit Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple in the city, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. We visit both temples and the most famous structure in Laos, the That Luang stupa, before catching our private bus for a four-hour journey to the village of Vang Vieng.

DAY 03: VANG VIENG (B, L)
Pick up from your hotel then meet others at our office down town then transfer to the north of Vang Vieng, we visit the first cave, Tham Xang (Elephant Cave) lies on the opposite banks of the Nam Song. It is an important Buddhist temple and owes its name to a remarkable limestone formation. The nearby Tham Hoi cave (Snail cave) winds its way deep into the mountain. One hour of exploration through numerous corridors ends at a crystal clear spring. Here, swimming in the stream - in a cave lit up by candles - is possible all the year round. The most beautiful cave on this trip is Tham Loup (Deep cave), our next stop for cave exploration. This cave is known for its many stalagmites and stalactites.
Another cool pool of spring water lies at the mouth of Tham Nam (Water cave), also a good place for a swim. Tubing inside the cave is possible. After a picnic lunch, the trek to the Hmong village of Phathao passes through rice paddy fields and vegetable gardens.
The trip back to Vang Vieng varies according to the level of the Nam Song. Descending the Nam Song by kayak leads us through idyllic scenes of rural life: a unique sight with the Limestone Mountains in the background. Transfer back to your hotel and finish.
Approximately: 25 minutes transfer/ 1½ hour trekking/ 2 hours kayaking/ 2 hours caving

Vientiane Laos
Pha That Luang-The Golden Stupa
Vang Vieng Laos
Vang Vieng

DAY 04: VANG VIENG – XIENG KHUANG (B/L/)
Today we leave this charming town and drive to Xieng Khouang, an area once devastated by American bombings between 1964 and 1973. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Laos. We see very few other travelers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The drive is very long, but we can make many stops at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars site 1, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. If time permit, a quick visit to UXO visitor information center.
Stay overnight in Xieng Khuang.

DAY 05: XIENG KHUANG – LUANG PRABANG (B/L)
Breakfast then en route we stop off to see the Buddha images in Thampra, a site more than 200 years old, and various Hmong and hill tribe minority villages along the way. Really nice and friendly people welcome you to their villages. After a photo stop, we continue driving uphill, enjoying the splendid natural scenery of the mountains, the forest and landscape. After a tea or coffee break at Sala Phoukhoun, where the borders of Vientiane-Xiengkhouang-Luang Prabang meet as a T-Junction. The journey will take us over mountainous regions until we approach Luang Prabang.
Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 06: LUANG PRABANG (B/L)
Breakfast, we visit the National Museum (close Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. The National Museum and the Central Market are not to be missed.
We continue seeing Luang Prabang with the temple of Wat Xieng Thong, a magnificent piece of architecture, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes as well as doorways and the main sim has a marvelous 'tree life' mosaic pattern on an outer wall. We embark on a boat for a leisurely trip on the Mekong River, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai to see the production of and to sample the local rice wine. Upon leaving this village we pass through stunning mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. These two linked caves are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, all brought there by devout villagers. After the river trip we drive toward Ban Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving.
Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang Laos
Luang Prabang
Pak Ou Caves Laos
Pak Ou Caves

DAY 07: LUANG PRABANG (B/L)
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession.
From there you will visit the morning Phosi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village, then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. After returning to Luang Prabang by late afternoon, we continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for its silk weavings and for its Saa (jute) Papermaking. We return to the city by late evening to observe the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath.
Proceed by car to visit the hill tribe village Ban Tha Paen then continue on to Kwang Si water fall. On the way a short stop at Hmong village. Return to city to climb up Mt Phousi overlooking the city of Luang Prabang.

DAY 08: LUANG PRABANG (B/L) PLEASE SELECT ONE

OPTION1: COOKING CLASS
Lao cuisine relies heavily on the freshest produce and incorporates a range of intriguing flavours, many unfamiliar to the western plates. We start with an early morning tour of Luang Prabang's major food market where we investigate these ingredients and explain their uses. You will then later learn how to pound your ingredients in a mortar & pestle, and cook over an open fire. Recipes are provided for you to take back home...
Start time: 09am End time: 03pm

OPTION2: NATURAL DYES CLASS
This living craft center is a place where you can meet silk weavers; craft artisans and silkworms learn about textiles and take some classes. You will see the women from the nearby villages working on their traditional looms. You will have a chance to join classes and create your own textile. You can experience dye preparation and complete 3-color dyes. Most of the natural dyes are growing in the local garden. You will take home 3dyed silk skeins and after classes you will enjoy lunch in the tropical garden facing Mekong River.

OPTION3: BAMBOO WEAVING
No experience is necessary for the Bamboo weaving class; get to learn all the techniques from our master bamboo weavers who will guide you on how to weave a placemat or traditional fan. Learn about the many uses of Bamboo and its everyday use.
Embarks the cruise at 17:30pm and motors downstream to moor near a traditional village where traditional Lao dancers perform age-old sets that include interpretations of the royal ballet, rural life, folk tales and legends. Enjoy its history and unique theatrical dining experience on board Nava Mekong. The “Full Moon Dinner Cruise” offers variety of Lao cuisines. Return to Luang Prabang at 19:30pm.

Luang Prabang Laos
Luang Prabang
Xieng Khuan Buddha park Laos
Xieng Khuan Buddha park

DAY 09: LUANG PRABANG - SIEM REAP (B)
You are transferred to the airport, where you say goodbye to your Lao tour leader and fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Please note that you are likely to be unescorted on this flight and will be met on arrival in Siem Reap by your Cambodian tour leader or a local representative. You will also meet other members of the group who will accompany you on the Cambodian sector of the tour.

DAY 10: SIEM REAP (B, L)
Siem Reap is our base for visiting the world-famous temples of the ancient city of Angkor, home to the powerful Khmer Empire that held sway from 802 AD to 1350 AD. We spend a full day visiting the amazing temples of Angkor on a guided tour. Angkor Thom, the 'Great Royal City', is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. The impressive Bayon temple is the centerpiece of all this. Angkor Wat is the largest and most complete structure. It is the only one of Angkor's temples with its entrance facing to the west (the others face east), the reason being that it was constructed as a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II and a westerly countenance was seen to represent a sunset. Ta Prohm temple is an incredible sight, with large trees embedding themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We can end the day with a sunset view of Angkor Wat from Phnom Bakheng.
Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap Cambodia
Siem Reap Cambodia
Angkor Wat Cambodia
Angkor Wat Cambodia

DAY 11: SIEM REAP (B, L)
Our ticket for the Angkor ruins enables us to spend more time exploring this memorable archaeological area. It is an early morning start as we travel out to Banteay Srei, famous for its detailed and intricate stone carvings. It is not a big temple, but has been sometimes referred to as ‘the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art’. Back at the main temple complex, Preah Khan contains a maze of vaulted corridors and is another complex that has been largely reclaimed by the jungle.
Stay overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

DAY 12: SIEM REAP - PHNOM PENH (B)
You have a free morning before leaving Siem Reap. If you wish to stay in town, you can relax outside one of the cafes or visit the market in town, which sells some interesting artifacts and handicrafts. Another option would be to relax by the hotel pool or enjoy a massage by one of the famous blind masseuse of Siem Reap. Flying to Phnom Penh you notice a change of pace, as you arrive in Cambodia’s capital. A relaxing drink at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club is a great way to start your evening.
Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Phnom Penh Cambodia
Phnom Penh Cambodia
Phnom Penh Cambodia
Phnom Penh Cambodia

DAY 13: PHNOM PENH (B, L)
A full city tour introduces you to the sights of Phnom Penh, a city that lies near the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap Rivers. The private quarters of the Royal Palace is home to King Sihamoni and is therefore closed to the public; however, we are able to visit the Silver Pagoda which lies in the palace complex, which is the most sacred temple in the country and was previously spared from destruction by the Khmer Rouge. Wat Phnom is the temple which gave rise to the foundation of the city in the 15th Century. The bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge is a painful, but unavoidable, part of Cambodia's recent history and visits to the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek tell the story of this tragic legacy. (Note: These sites are a major part of sightseeing in Phnom Penh; however, if you do not wish to visit either of them, please inform your tour leader.) An ideal way to spend your last evening in Cambodia is to relax in a cafe by the riverfront.
Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh.

DAY 14: PHNOM PENH DEPARTURE (B)
After breakfast at hotel, free at your leisure until transfer to the airport for your departure flight to your home.

What's included ?

  • Accommodation with daily breakfast
  • Meals as mentioned as per itinerary.
  • Flight ticket: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh
  • Airport transfers by air-conditioned minivan
  • Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified
  • Local English speaking guide as per program
  • All boat trip as mentioned in program
  • Cold water and towel during tours.

What's Excluded ?

  • Visa fee to Laos
  • International air ticket in-out Laos
  • Flight tickets: Luang Prabang – Siem Reap
  • Single room (quoted separately)
  • Other foreign language guide
  • Peak tourist season or special event rates
  • Tip, drinks and other personal expenses

Additional Remarks:

  • Itinerary is subject to change depending on the confirmed flights, road conditions, and room availability.
  • Hotels listed in above might not be up to standard of your expectation, especially in the remote area where limitation of accommodation.
  • Prices are subject to change in case of VAT or other tax increases and USD currency fluctuations
Contact us

You May Also Like...

Tour themes

Duration

Price from

Keyword

WHY LAOS TOUR WITH US?

  • We are internationally registered, well-recognized
  • We respond you within 12 hours
  • Local experts, true knowledge
  • Our service is personalized, customized at its best
  • Easy to pay online
  • Best customer care/policy
  • Committment to Satisfaction
  • Professional Consultancy
  • Unrivalled values