15 Days Laos and Cambodia Holiday with Koh Rong Island Retreat

ITINERARY

Day 1: Luang Prabang | Arrive Luang Prabang

International Flight: Excluded
Meals: Dinner

Welcome to Laos! Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, our guide will greet you at the airport welcome area and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

In the evening, enjoy a dinner at Hive Restaurant with “Ethnik Fashion Show” – a modern fashion show with a twist – ethnic wedding garments from over 100 ethnic groups in Laos on a show by Hmong underprivileged university students(all donations go to support their families and education).

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 2: Luang Prabang | Kuang Si Waterfalls and Laotian Monasteries

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the early morning, you can join in the alms giving ceremony where a procession of monks pass the hotel as participants solemnly give sticky rice and other objects into their bowls. Then start your full day tour with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum (closed on Tuesday), which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. You’ll also visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham.

Xieng Thong Temple

Following lunch, we visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures before we head out of town to see the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek. We then return to the city for a visit to Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong River.

The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 3: Luang Prabang | Befriending the Gentle Giants of Asia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer in the morning to Ban Long Lao village – a Hmong and Khmu ethnic village who live simple lives off the land in a self-sustained community. After exploring the village and mingling with the locals, you’ll begin the hike to Kuang Si Falls. Along the way are lush green forests and clear streams. Visit a cave along the way that once acted as a bomb shelter. Arrive at Kuang Si Waterfall – one of the most turquoise waterfalls in the world. The afternoon can be spent swimming in the waterfall and visiting the Bear Rescue Center where several Sun Bears and Malayan Black Bears are being cared for after being rescued from bile farms and wildlife traffickers. Then you’ll return to Luang Prabang and evening is at your leisure.

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 4: Luang Prabang | Boat Trip to Pak Ou Caves

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, transfer to Elephant Village – an elephant sanctuary with a focus on rehabilitation and care of rescued elephants. Here you’ll meet the camp manager and receive a short briefing about the elephants. Throughout the day, you’ll take place in the following activities:

• Riding an elephant – you’ll have the opportunity to ride directly on the neck of an elephant
• Mahout Training – learn about the commands of how to communicate to the elephant
• Enjoy lunch at the outdoor garden restaurant
• Bathe your elephant – Go down to the nearby Nam Khan River to bath your elephant; perhaps the elephant will bathe you as well!

Then return to your hotel for leisure time.

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 5: Luang Prabang – Pakse | Flight to Pakse | Leisure

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Board a morning flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, our guide will greet and transfer you to your resort for check-in.

Enjoy the stunning views of Mekong River at your resort.

Accommodation: The River Resort

Day 6: Pakse | Wat Pho Ancient Temple Ruins

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Discover the hidden charm of Southern Laos in this half-day tour, which encompasses visits to an ancient temple ruin and quaint colonial town. Wat Phou is a ruined Khmer Hindu temple complex which has been inscribed a world heritage site by UNESCO. Pakse and Champassak are tranquil towns where French colonial buildings are still standing.

Wat Phou Temple

After breakfast, a short walking city tour of Pakse will show you some nice remnants of the French period before transferring by road to Wat Phou. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. This temple was constructed in three levels: the bottom level is focused on the Baray (water reservoir) and promenade, the second level features quadrangular pavilions and galleries of carvings, and the top level is the sanctuary itself. The temple was built by the rulers of the Khmer empire before the construction of Angkor Wat. The temple served as the most important economic and political center of the region and still is one of the Lao people’s most revered temples.

Pass through Champassak, driving through streets lined with French colonial buildings, and continue on to Ban Kiet Ngong. Stop en route at the woodcarving village of Ban Nong Bune.

When the tour ends, you will be escorted back to your hotel in Pakse.

Accommodation: The River Resort

Day 7: Pakse | Explore Mekong Dolphins by Kayak

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, we transfer to Nakasang village. From here we board a local boat which takes us down the mighty Mekong and through some beautiful scenery until arriving at Don Khon Island. From Don Khon Island we walk along the island to see the old French train and the amazing Liphi waterfalls. At the waterfall, we take a short walk to above the falls where we enjoy lunch together amongst some beautiful surroundings! After our lunch and taking some time to relax, we begin kayaking down the Mekong to an area near the Cambodian border where we will have the chance to see Mekong Dolphins. After spending some time to try and spot the dolphins, we will return back to your hotel in Pakse. The evening is at your leisure.

Accommodation: The River Resort

Day 8: Pakse – Siem Reap | Tad fan Waterfalls and Knife Making Village | Flight to Siem Reap

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, we’ll go to visit a small village which is famous for knife making. See how knives are produced using traditional techniques before continuing onwards for another 14km to visit some tea plantations, here we see how tea is grown and produced, after which we carry on once again until arriving at the stunning Tad Fan waterfall. Here we take some time to look around and explore the local area which is home to coffee plantations.

In the afternoon, take a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, our guide will greet and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Li Phi Phi Falls

Siem Reap is a quaint town in Cambodia and the gateway to the vast remains of the Angkor empire. Discover the Royal Gardens on your own with ancient trees home to a colony of giant fruit bats. Take a stroll along the scenic riverside and visit the night markets to find unique souvenirs. You may also want to spend the evening with a visit to Pub Street with several restaurants and bars that stay open late into the night. Many restaurants have live entertainment in the evening.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Villa – Bensley Collection

Day 9: Siem Reap | Angkor Thom the Ancient City

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you’ll begin your explorations of the remains of an ancient civilization that once ruled much of Southeast Asia. Today, you’ll be visiting the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. On your way to Angkor Thom, you’ll catch a glimpse of the front of Angkor Wat as you pass by, which will leave you with a tingling feeling on the back of your neck as you take your first glance of the enormity and wonder of the largest religious complex to ever exist.

However, we’ll be saving the best for last as you go on today to see some other equally impressive structures of Ta Prohm Temple, Bayon Temple, Banteay Kdei, Baphoun, Elephant Terrace, Leper King Terrace, and the Royal Palace.

First on the agenda is Ta Prohm. Worn by time, rain, and overpowered by the jungle, this immaculate structure is hidden under canopy will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into the movie set of a treasure hunt adventure. Your private tour guide will give you the history and stories passed through oral tradition.
After you’ve had lunch, your exploits will continue as you visit Banteay Kdei (“Citadel of Chambers”). You’ll also visit Victory Gate, Terrace of the Leper King, the Royal Palace, Baphuon and Bayon. Bayon sets itself apart with its almost 200 smiling faces, sure to make you feel welcome on your second day to the Kingdom of Wonders. With its winding tunnels, chambers, and daring climbs, Bayon will give you many picturesque moments to keep your camera busy.

As the sun approaches the horizon, you’ll enjoy a sunset from the top of the pyramid-shaped temple of Pre Rup.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Villa – Bensley Collection 

Day 10: Siem Reap | Explore the Jungle Temple and Kulen Waterfall

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, your tour guide will escort you to discover Banteay Srei Temple: The Citadel of Women. Built in the10th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, this temple lies near the hill of Phnom Dei tucked away in the remote jungle north of Angkor Wat. Banteay Srei is built largely of red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings, which are still in excellent condition to this day. The structures are miniature in scale, but the attention to detail is unmatched among all the temples in Southeast Asia. These factors have made the temple a place of intrigue and wonder, which have led to it being widely praised as a “precious gem”, or the “jewel of Khmer art.” After visiting the temple, you’ll then enjoy your trip to Kulen Mountain.

Sacred Kulen Mountain

As the day begins to unfold, we’ll take your adventure to new heights into the Kulen Mountain National Park(Mountain of Lychees). Explore the jungles brimming with wildlife and tropical fruit. Discover stone carvings under the streams that predate Angkor Wat. See the 16th-century temple on the mountain where Buddhists and Hindus pilgrimage frequently.

For lunch, enjoy a picnic next to Kulen Waterfall where Angelina Jolie was filmed for the movie Tomb Raider. Take a swim if you like before we continue to the rice fields and countryside below the mountain.

Apsara Dancing Show – 15 Days Laos Cambodia Holiday Koh Rong Island Retreat

Be prepared to enjoy a beautiful traditional dance performed by a team trained in the Dance of Apsara.

This unique cultural experience highlights the mysterious civilization and heritage of Khmer spoken through choreography and music. Colorful costumes and playful activities will give you insights into the Khmer daily life and wedding traditions while you enjoy a delicious meal to welcome you to the Kingdom of Wonders.

The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Villa – Bensley Collection

Day 11: Siem Reap – Koh Rong Island | Angkor Wat Sunrise | Enter Koh Rong Island

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Before the light of day, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to the front of Angkor Wat Temple. From here, you’ll watch one of the most revered sunrises in the world. Our guide will arrange a light picnic breakfast for you to enjoy in front of the world’s #1 Heritage Site. Then in the early hours, you’ll explore the vast temple with your guide bringing to life the stories of Angkor. In the morning, the rays of the light play through the chambers as the morning haze settles and giving the temple a mystical ambiance while there are few tourists who visit during this time of day. After your explorations, you’ll return to your hotel for some rest and leisure time.

Angkor Wat Sunrise – 15 Days Laos Cambodia Holiday Koh Rong Island Retreat

In the afternoon, board a flight to Sihanoukville. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you and transfer to the pier where the speed ferry will take you to the resort at Koh Rong Island. Check in your villa and relax on the sandy beaches of Koh Rong.

Accommodation: Royal Sands Koh Rong

Day 12: Koh Rong Island | Relax on the Beach

Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day leisure on the private sandy beaches of Koh Rong or a spa treatment at your resort and other facilities.

Accommodation: Royal Sands Koh Rong

Day 13: Koh Rong Island | Relax on the Beach

Meals: Breakfast
Today is also at your leisure to explore the beaches of Koh Rong.

Accommodation: Royal Sands Koh Rong

Day 14: Koh Rong Island | Relax on the Beach

Meals: Breakfast
Today is also at your leisure to explore the beaches of Koh Rong.

Koh Rong Tropical Island – 15 Days Laos Cambodia Holiday Koh Rong Island Retreat

Accommodation: Royal Sands Koh Rong

Day 15: Koh Rong Island | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast
Today you will transfer back to the pier in Sihanoukville where our guide picks up you. Continue a transfer to the airport in Phnom Penh for your homeward flight. Our guide will bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

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