Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap, Cambodia
Upon arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, proceed through immigration, after collecting your luggage, head straight to the Exit Gate where your driver (no guide) will be waiting. Following a brief self-introduction, you will be transferred directly to the hotel. Please note that check-in time is 2pm.
MEALS: Nil
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Pierre Hotel, Siem Reap
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Golden Temple Hotel, Siem Reap
Day 2: Angkor Highlight
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving the picturesque Ta Prohm, which has nearly disappeared into the jungle, creating an oddly haunting and exotic scene with the roots of trees enveloping the temple stones. Continue to Angkor Thom, a masterpiece of King Jayavarman VII. Following the occupation of Angkor by the Chams from 1177 to 1181, the new king built an impregnable fortress at the heart of his empire. Begin the tour with a visit to Bayon Temple, located at the exact centre of Angkor Thom, showcasing the creative genius and ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king.
Make a photo stop at the Terrace of the Leper King and walk along the Terrace of Elephants, originally used as a viewing gallery for the king to preside over parades, performances, and traditional sports. At the southern end lies Baphuon, one of the most beautiful temples at Angkor, dating from the reign of Udayadityavarman II in the 11th century.
Finally, journey to Angkor Wat, the mother of all temples and believed to be the world’s largest religious building, representing the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry.
For those seeking a taste of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, tonight’s dinner will be accompanied by an enchanting Apsara Dance Show at a local restaurant. Enjoy a traditional Khmer dance performance, presented as a captivating dance-drama that brings ancient stories, legends and traditions to life through graceful movements, music and elaborate costumes.
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Pierre Hotel, Siem Reap
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Golden Temple Hotel, Siem Reap
Day 3: Tonle Sap Lake & Adventure Quad Bike
After breakfast, depart for the Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, which flows into the Tonle Sap River and joins the Mekong in Phnom Penh. Enjoy a boat ride across the lake to explore a floating village, complete with schools, police stations, and homes – all drifting with the seasonal water levels and currents.
Visit a local pagoda where you will change into clothes suitable for getting wet and take part in the “Srouch Teok” water blessing ceremony. A monk will chant in ancient Pali and gently splash water over you, symbolically cleansing you of bad luck and past negativity, offering a fresh start and spiritual renewal.
In the afternoon, transfer to the Quad Bike office. After an introductory information and safety training you will set off on your quad bike on a scenic journey though the Cambodian countryside to the Prasat Chedei monastery. You will also visit the Cambodian Monastery to see how the monks in Cambodia live.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Pierre Hotel, Siem Reap
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Golden Temple Hotel, Siem Reap
Day 4: Siem Reap ~ Phnom Penh
After breakfast, you will be picked up by a driver and transferred to the Siem Reap bus station for your bus ride to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival at the Phnom Penh bus station, meet our driver (no guide) and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Mettavary Hotel, Phnom Penh
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Harmony Hotel, Phnom Penh
Day 5: Phnom Penh City Tour
This morning, head out for a visit to the mesmerising Royal palace. the official residence of the Cambodian King. Marvel at the intricate architecture and learn more about Cambodian royalty. Next door, explore the Silver Pagoda, adorned with a gleaming silver floor and housing priceless Buddha statues.
In the afternoon, indulge your senses at the bustling Central market, a shoppers paradise! Here you will wander through the alleys with stalls full of local crafts, souvenirs, clothing and Cambodian delicacies. Next you will ascend the scenic Phnom Penh Hill where the Buddhist temple Wat Phnom sits atop.
In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong and Tonle Sap River for an hour. Situated at the “Four Arms” where the Mekong meets the Tonle Sap River before splitting into two branches, Phnom Penh offers an ideal location to experience the mighty Mekong.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Mettavary Hotel, Phnom Penh
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Harmony Hotel, Phnom Penh
Day 6: Phnom Penh ~ Vientiane
Today you will be transferred to Phnom Penh airport for your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival you will be met by your driver (no guide) and transferred to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating capital with a fusion of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French and American influences. This charming city will provide the perfect welcome to Laos
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): La Orchard Hotel, Vientiane
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Salana Boutique Hotel, Vientiane
Day 7: Vientiane City Tour
After breakfast, depart for the colourful Thong Khan Kham market, one of many markets in Vientiane. After you have finished your shopping, head over to visit the Pataxuay Monument and That Lang Stupa before arriving at the Wat Sisaket, The oldest temple still standing in Laos.
In the afternoon, visit the Wat Si Muang, a Buddhist temple believed to have supernatural powers. Continue to the Buddha Park, filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. The approximately 45 minute drive takes you by the Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge, built by the Australian government in 1994, that connects Laos and Thailand.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy, perhaps with a stroll in the charming colonial neighbourhoods or enjoy a cup of coffee in the shaded terraces while you watch the sun set over the Mekong
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): La Orchard Hotel, Vientiane
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Salana Boutique Hotel, Vientiane
Day 8: Vientiane ~ Luang Prabang
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Vientiane train station for your train ride to Luang Prabang. In Luang Prabang you will be met by your driver (no guide) and transferred to your hotel.
Begin your exploration of Luang Prabang with a guided walking tour. This city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a rich history, architecture and culture. You will visit some of the top landmarks such as the cities oldest temple Wat Visoun, Wat Xieng Thong, a significant monument to religion, royalty, and traditional art, and the Royal Palace Museum. You will also get the chance to visit the markets and get an insight in to everyday Lao life, including how they show their respect to the local monks.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Villa Mira Heritage Hotel, Luang Prabang
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Choasis Hotel, Luang Pranbang
Day 9: Kuangsi Waterfall & Pak Ou Buddha Cave
Consider starting your day early to participate in the daily morning ritual of offering alms to saffron-clad monks, a unique tradition in Laos. Then travel south of town to the famous Kuangsi Waterfall, known for its turquoise waters and white limestone cliffs, creating a magical appearance. Depending on the season, you can swim in the beautiful pools. While there, visit the Sun Bear Reserve, a conservation centre that rescues animals from the wildlife trade, and the Kuang Si Butterfly Park, initiated by two passionate Dutch individuals in 2014, focusing on research and preservation of Laos butterflies. Lastly, visit the Laos Buffalo Dairy, a socially responsible and sustainable farm and social enterprise aimed at improving rural prosperity, welfare, nutrition, and health of the local population, with a focus on buffalo farming and childhood nutrition.
In the Afternoon, through the stunning mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, which contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. After the river trip, visit Ban Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving
MEALS: Breakfast
Day 10: Departure
On your final day, a driver (no guide) will transfer you to Luang Prabang airport for your departure to your next destination. It’s time to say goodbye. We thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.
MEALS: Breakfast
