Grand Experience Laos Cambodia 22 Nights / 23 Days
Worthily enjoy the grand adventure to see Laos’s fabulous destinations included the must-visit Luang Prabang’s heritage site, picturesque Kuang Si Waterfalls, cultural Wat Xiengthong, feeding buffaloes and reveal the Alms Giving searching by saffron monks. Indulgently emerges yourselves in the natural town of Vang Vieng admired by the spectacular scenery, Nam Song River, lush mountains and mysterious caves while the sleepy Vientiane Capital offers Buddha Park and other popular attractions before flying to Pakse for Bolaven Plateau and 4000 islands which are quite suitable for nature explorers. In Cambodia, witness the marvelous Angkor Wat along with incredible complex, Tonle Sap Lake, elephant sanctuary, Sihanoukville’s beautiful Koh Rong Island for pleasant beach leisure and enjoy guided trips to southern coast cities combines Kampot’s pepper farms & tranquil Riverside and Kep’s famous attractions along with having fresh seafood with Kampot pepper lunch on Rabbit Island before heading to the iconic Phnom Penh dotting with the striking Royal Palace, national museum, historical sites of killing field, national museum, interact locals from cyclo ride and get on board for sunset cruise followed by delicate dinner.
Destinations
Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng → Vientiane → Pakse → Don Khong → Siem Reap → Koh Rong Island → Kampot → Kep → Phnom Penh
Or Vice Versa
Program Detail
Day 1: Luang Prabang – Arrival
International flight is NOT included in the tour price.
Our friendly team (guide and driver) will welcome you at the arrival gate upon your arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport then transfers to a reserved hotel for check in and simply enjoy yourselves free time at hotel or explore central city by your own.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
*Meal Plan: None
Day 2: Buffalo Dairy, Kuang Si Waterfalls & Pak Ou Caves
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off at 8.45am and journey passing rural Lao countryside and Hmong tribe villages then we stop for a short visit Ban Na Ouane Hmong minority village where you witness their basic living and daily activities before going for a worth visit at Buffalo Dairy that you’re gonna observe how they feed, milk buffaloes and get to know how some kinds of cheeses are produced from buffalo dairy in the region. Continue our journey to visit the fascinating Kuang Si Waterfalls where we have a walking up to wander on the top of the waterfalls, enjoy the tranquil surrounding and beautiful views. Return to the major area then spend times to observe its natural beauty with take nice photos, get refreshed and cooled off, and swim in crystal blue water pools. We’ll then visit the Black Bear Rescue Centre before having lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, we process to take a long tail boat which sails on the mighty Mekong River admired by beautiful scenery of river, mountain and forest then our boat slowly moves close the mountain cave mouth where we walk along the stairs up into limestone caves which house hundreds of Buddha images as it has come a sacred place for worship for many centuries. Unlock interesting legends and story about the caves from your tour guide as if we enjoy the spectacular view of Mekong River. Near the end of the trip, we will visit and see the process of Lao rice whiskey at Ban Xang Hai which is popularly known as the rice whiskey village in Luang Prabang, and it’s a nice time to take a sip before returning hotel in the evening.
Evening, our team takes you to have delicious Lao set menu dinner at Bamboo Tree Lao (or similar).
Overnight in Luang Prabang
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Alms Giving & Luang Prabang City Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. We rise a bit early in the morning to observe Buddhist saffron monks in progress searching for alms offers from locals which it is religiously known as traditional alms giving ceremony that all tourists can’t definitely ignore when visit Luang Prabang.
Return hotel for breakfast before heading out again to stroll at Phosy market to observe bustling trades between locals and vendors. Continue to challenge 328 steps up to the top of Phousi Hill to catch the spectacular views of Luang Prabang city, Mekong & Nam Khan Rivers, forests and mountains. Afterwards, visit Royal Palace which is one of national museums in Laos that was built by French during French colonial period, see Heuan Chan Heritage – the 19th century and well reserved wooden house in Luang Prabang then we’ll wander to observe the finest artistic styles of Buddhist monasteries included Wat Sensoukharam, important Wat Xiengthong and Wat Wisunarat at the end of the trip.
The rest of the afternoon is reserved as free and easy.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 4: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Blue Lagoon & Phu Kham Cave
Breakfast is served at hotel. Checked out and we leave Luang Prabang at 7.00am with 5-6 hour drive to Vang Vieng – the town emerges the spectacular nature, Nam Song River, lush mountains and various caves. The journey passes Laos villages, beautiful views of nature, mountains, rivers and forests. Feel free to ask for some stops to take picturesque photos as if we make our way to Vang Vieng.
After check in, we set off to visit Blue Lagoon & Phu Kham Cave which provides a scenic ride through the countryside leads to natural lake, a turquoise pool with a tree swing, for relaxation and swim (if you want) before we observe Phu Kham Cave – a labyrinth of chambers with stalactites, stalagmites and a reclining Buddha. A steep hike and a flashlight are needed to explore the cave.
Note: You can speak with our tour guide for a recommendation for lunch at a local restaurant on the way.
Overnight in Vang Vieng
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 5: Explore Natural Beauty of Vang Vieng & Drive to Vientiane
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today we venture to explore mysterious limestone caves of Vang Vieng included the most notable Tham Xang which is a temple cave and also known as Elephant Cave, resume to visit Snail Cave followed by its long corridors and wonderful limestone formations and the last is the Water Cave where you can cool off and swim. We’ll then unpack and enjoy our picnic lunch before trekking with an hour and half to a Hmong village, passing through rice paddies and vegetable gardens.
Continue our journey by kayaking on the famous Nam Song River which it is truly admired by picturesque nature, green mountains, limestone formation and interesting local life along the river while we’re making our way back to Vang Vieng. Checked out and we drive with 2 hours to a booked hotel in Vientiane Capital.
Overnight in Vientiane
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Buddha Park & Vientiane City Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. We leave hotel at 8.30am to see interesting local trades at Talat Sao market then drive with 25km for a worth visit to the impressive Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane) situates along the Mekong River, the park contains more than 200 religious Hindus & Buddha images along with the notable giant reclining Buddha, the park comes with three interesting stories representing three levels: Hell, Earth and Heaven. Hear story from your tour guide while strolling around to take some nice photos of various sculptures.
Enjoy lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, we go for city tour of Vientiane Capital, start with Wat Si Saket which is known as the oldest temple in city and wander at Wat Si Muang which admired by its attractive cultural Lao art styles. We’ll continue to unlock history of Haw Phra Kaew was built 16th century and used to house sacred Emerald Buddha. Next, we pay attention at the famous Pha That Luang which is well recognized as the significant gold covered Buddhist stupa and also the national symbol of Laos. Near the end of the trip, go for breathtaking at the garden park dotting with the remarkable Patuxai Monument – the most prominent Victory Gate in the city.
Overnight in Vientiane
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Vientiane: Flight to Pakse & Bolaven Plateau
Breakfast is served at hotel. Our team transfers you to Vientiane Airport for an hour morning flight to Pakse.
Upon your arrival, our experienced team (with welcome signage) will greet you at the arrival gate then transfers to a booked hotel for check in.
After check in, we journey out with 45 minutes to the undeniable Bolaven Plateau – a scenic region in southern Laos with waterfalls, lush forested mountains, coffee farms and ethnic minority villages. We’ll then visit the well-recognized Tad Fane admired by its twin cascades tumbling down 120 meters from the top before continuing to catch the glimpses of beautiful Tad Champee & Tad Yuang Waterfalls nestle among the tranquil jungle. Next, we drive to lush and verdant Tea and Coffee plantations, where you can learn about the growing and processing methods, and with a chance to taste a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
Return Pakse town for your own free time at hotel or make your own exploration at Ban Tong Night Market where you can sample yummy finger snacks and Lao street food.
Note: Laotian Lunch is provided at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Pakse
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Pakse: Vat Phou & Drive to Don Khong (4,000 islands)
Breakfast is served at hotel. Check out and we drive to visit Vat Phou which is a ruined Khmer Hindu temple complex in southern Laos that dates back to the 5th century, and it is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Laos.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on the way.
After lunch break, we continue our journey to Don Khong – the largest island in the Si Phan Don archipelago in the Mekong River, with temples, French colonial buildings, and dotted with thousands of islands between its stunning cascades and rapids. Checked in into a booked hotel and we will leave the late evening as free and easy for you after a long drive from Pakse or you probably pop out for an evening stroll around town.
Overnight in Don Khong
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Discover the Peaceful Don Khong (4,000 islands)
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off to take a long tail boat from Khong Island to Si Phan Don where you can spot the picturesque 4,000 islands and see other natural beauty included Li Phi Somphamit Waterfalls along with enormous rapids and rocky cliffs in the 4000 Islands area, locates between Don Det and Don Khon Islands (You can opt to visit Wat Khon Tai monastery on Don Khon Island). The boat adventure passes local villages as well as come across interesting lifestyle on the river banks.
Next, we continue our boat excursion to view the picturesque Khon Phapheng Falls which have become the most significant tourist destination in term of the largest and widest waterfalls on the Mekong River in southern Laos, with a total drop of 22 meters. Today’s lunch will be provided at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, we take our boat back to the mainland then we drive with 3 hours to Pakse for check in at a booked hotel.
Note: Make sure that you store all your luggage in car/minivan before you leave for boat excursion to 4,000 islands.
Overnight in Pakse
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Pakse - Flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast is served at hotel. Enjoy the rest of free time in Pakse before transferring to airport for flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Upon your arrival, our experienced team (with welcome signage) will greet you at the arrival gate then transfers to a reserved hotel for check in and simply enjoy yourselves free time at hotel or make your own strolling around city.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 11: Full Day Guided Angkor Discovery
Breakfast is served at hotel. We’re journeying out of hotel at 8.00am to the South Gate of Angkor Thom atop 4 giant faces that religiously represents compassion, sympathy, equanimity and charity. Stroll around Bayon temple consisting of more than 200 smiling faces in stone, admired by interesting temples including Baphuon, Phimeanakas, terrace of leper king and terrace of elephant. Resume the journey to visit Ta Prohm temple adorned with the stunning, amazing tree roots where Lara Croft Tomb Raider was filmed.
Enjoy tasty Khmer set lunch at a selected local restaurant near temples.
Afternoon, continue to witness the marvelous Angkor Wat – the world’s heritage listed by UNESCO in 1992 and the largest unrivaled monument in the world. Built by Suryavarman II in 12th Century, Angkor Wat is considered as one of the top destinations in Asia and is a must-see in your lifetime. Learning from your tour guide the amazing history, its ancestral incredible, architectural masterpieces and the finest carvings dates back to the Khmer Empire when it dominated the largest parts of Southeast Asia.
Note: Visiting beautiful sunset (free of charge) is available at Phnom Bakheng, please speak to our tour guide to manage this for you. This is a hiking up (Approx. 25 minutes/way) to the hill and it’s always touristy or skip it if you feel tired.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12: Kampong Phluk Village, City Tour & Apsara Performance
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off hotel at 8.30am for countryside sightseeing along with a visit at local market to see interesting trades before resuming our journey to Kompong Phluk village of Tonle Sap Lake. We process to take a boat trip along canal toward the centre of Kompong Phluk then the boat slows down to let you enjoy the surrounding admired by amazing houses atop high poles, come across the highlight of fishing activities as well as see people selling fruits/vegetable/meats on their boats, you sometimes see kids in their student uniforms coming back from their classes. Witness how life works on the water and how people make the lake as home then we embark on a canoe to explore the pleasant mangroves, enjoy the serenity while taking picturesque photos and you may see a few waterbirds. Continue by our main boat to see the great lake of Tonle Sap, learn from your tour guide about Tonle Sap ecosystem and its rich biosphere reserve.
Afternoon, we go for guided orientation at the finest Artisan Angkor wood/stone carving center which displays various defined handicrafts and silk products, continue to stroll around old market to see interesting daily trade as well as bargaining for local handmade products, paintings, lacquers, carvings, clothes, traditional crafts and so on, and resume going to Royal Residence Garden where we enjoy the walking for breathtaking and take nice photos as well as observing the sacred shrine of Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm.
Evening, transfer to have yummy buffet dinner followed by traditional Apsara dance performance at a selected local restaurant.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner Show
Day 13: Kulen Elephant Sanctuary (Share Tour)
Breakfast is served at hotel. Our driver will pick you up at 7.30am at hotel’s lobby then transfers to Kulen Elephant Forest office in Siem Reap town where you’ll then transferred by shuttle minivan at 8.00am with an hour drive to the Kulen Elephant sanctuary which locates at the base of Kulen Mountain range.
Once at the reserve, you will spend time to learn from the local tour guide to get understanding the way of elephants live, play and roam as well as knowing how they are being well taken care mostly through their natural habitat, observing their relationships and behaviors. At noon, retire to base camp and enjoy a traditional meal before heading back to Siem Reap with the arrival around 2.00pm.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14: Flight to Sihanoukville & Speed Boat to Koh Rong Island
Breakfast is served at hotel. Simply have free time until our team transfers you airport for flight to Sihanoukville City.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our driver then takes you to boat pier, catch speed boat at 3.00pm (1 hour) to beautiful Koh Rong Island. Once you arrived at the pier in Koh Rong, the hotel staff will welcome and assist you with your luggage to the hotel/resort for check in and leisurely enjoy your own free time at the seaside.
Overnight in Koh Rong
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 15 - Day 16: Koh Rong - Beach Leisure
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today is completely reserved for your own free time by the seaside for sunbathing, swimming and relaxing.
Overnight in Koh Rong (2 nights)
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 17: Sihanoukville to Kampot & River Sunset
Breakfast is served at hotel. Enjoy the rest of your free time in Koh Rong Island. Catch speed boat at 10.45am back to the mainland then our awaiting car/minivan and escort guide will transfer you with 1 ½ to 2 hours to a booked hotel in Kampot Province and have free time after check in.
Evening, we leave hotel to the riverside where we process to take a local boat which slowly cruises along Kampot River to let you cool down to enjoy beautiful nature, along with local snacks and beers (or soft drinks) while catching the spectacular sunset fading right behind mountain range.
Overnight in Kampot
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 18: Kampot – The Surrounding & Bokor Mountain
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today we leave at 8.00am to see the salt fields, enhanced by beautiful rice paddies dotting with palm trees and mountainous landscape then we move toward Phnom Chhnouk where we experience walking 203-step staircase, down into the caves and admired by Pre-Angkorian bricked temple. Continue our journey to observe the process of pepper at Sothy’s Pepper farms where the best famous Kampot pepper comes from.
Enjoy delicious lunch with seafood at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, we drive up Bokor mountain to capture the highlights of Bokor attraction including 29-metres high Yeay Mao statue, The Black Palace of King Norodom Sihanouk, along with the interesting legend of Wat Sampov Pram (5 Boats Pagoda) which was built in 1924 by King Monivong and also grab the breathtaking with picturesque panoramic views. We resume to visit a grand colonial building “Le Bokor Palace” and Catholic Church before returning back to the hotel.
Overnight in Kampot
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 19: Kampot – Kep Crab Market, National Park Trekking & Rabbit Island
Breakfast is served at hotel. At 8.00am, we head out of Kampot town to visit the famous Kep Crab Market animated by crab farming, people selling a lot of fresh seafood as well as regional vegetables and fruits. Next, we venture by trekking with 8km through the jungle trail in Kep National Park, feel the serenity of the mother nature that admired by songs of wildlife/birds and you will probably come across wild monkeys, and take beautiful photos of Cambodia’s landscape overlooking blue sea, islands and countryside.
Transfer to Kep boat pier, embark a local boat to Rabbit Island where we will have lunch mixing of fresh seafood and fried crabs with Kampot green peppers. Enjoy free time, swimming by the white sand beach or have a short trekking to see people growing sea weeds on this island. We take the boat back to the mainland and return to hotel in Kampot.
Overnight in Kampot
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 20: Kampot to Phnom Penh by Private Car/Minivan
Breakfast is served at hotel. Enjoy the rest of free time in Kampot. Our guide and driver transfer you back to a booked hotel in Phnom Penh and simply have free time after check in.
Note: If you love kayaking through the tranquil Kampot Riverside, please feel free to speak with our tour guide for this arrangement.
Overnight in Phnom Penh
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 21: Phnom Penh – Tuol Sleng, Killing Field, National Museum & Sunset Cruise
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today our guide and driver meet you at hotel’s lobby at 8.00am then drive to witness the tragic site of Cheug Ek – the killing field that proceeded more than 20 thousands of civilians and the site is connecting with Tuol Sleng Museum – was the former school that was transformed to Tortured Prison S21. Stroll around Russian market for shopping.
Afternoon, we go for a guided tour at the National Museum, the world’s most important collection of Cambodian antique sculptures and carvings. Next, continue to visit Wat Phnom with interesting legendary of founding place of Phnom Penh Capital. Return hotel refreshment and short break.
Evening, we head to Phnom Penh’s Riverside then get on board with a welcome cocktail while the boat is slowly cruising along Mekong & Tonle Bassac, watch the nice sunset fading at horizon before Western set dinner (or buffet) is started to serve, unwind yourself with colorful Phnom Penh nightlights. Disembark and return hotel.
Overnight in Phnom Penh
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner Cruise
Day 22: Royal Palace & Market Tour By Cyclo
Breakfast is served at hotel. We leave hotel at 8.00am to take a challenge of cyclo ride (rickshaw) along riverfront for fantastic morning highlight of Phnom Penh Capital toward Independent Monument where we stop to capture some beautiful photos before resuming the ride to stroll around central market to see bustling local trades. Finished the cyclo ride at Royal Palace, we walk to visit The Royal Palace – a complex of buildings which are served as the royal residence for the King of Cambodia, admired by impressive Silver Pagoda with over 5000 solid silver tiles and other Royal Stupas, shrines, monuments etc.
Enjoy Khmer family set lunch at Bopha Titanic restaurant by Phnom Penh Riverside.
The rest of the afternoon is reserved as free and easy.
Overnight in Phnom Penh
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 23: Phnom Penh - Departure
International flight is NOT included in the tour price.
Breakfast is served at hotel. Enjoy the rest of free time in Phnom Penh then our team will pick you up from hotel’s lobby and transfers to Phnom Penh International Airport for your flight to the next destination.
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Thank You
Goodbye Beautiful Southeast Asia
You May Also Like
Classic Asia Discovery 21 Days
Bangkok → Chiang Mai (+Chiang Rai) → Luang Prabang → Siem Reap → Saigon → Hoi An → Da Nang → Hue → Hanoi → Halong Bay
Extremely focuses on Northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai for cultural attractions, elephant sanctuary plus Chiang Rai’s famous golden triangle. Followed by Bangkok Capital, visit the notable Grand Palace, impressive old Buddhist temples and a nice…
Laos Cambodia with Beach Leisure 10 Days
Luang Prabang → Siem Reap → Koh Rong Samloem → Phnom Penh
Ideally go for a 10-day of wonderful trip to Laos combining Cambodia. Unwind in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its serene temples, stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, Pak Ou Caves, experience the alms offering and join the buffalo…
Thailand Cambodia and Laos Tour 10 Days
Bangkok → Ratchaburi → Siem Reap → Luang Prabang
Discover three beautiful countries who have similar cultures but each has its own uniqueness and charms. Ideally embark on 10-day journey, drive into Bangkok for the important Grand Palace, fascinating Wat Arun and other attractions before visiting…
