Highlights of Cambodia & Laos

Arrive in Phnom Penh, once considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, where French colonial architecture meets the gentle charm of riverside life at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. Meet your private guide and driver upon arrival and transfer to your hotel for check-in at 2:00 pm.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you unwind at your hotel or take a stroll to soak in the capital’s vibrant street scenes and welcoming atmosphere.

This morning after breakfast, you set out to visit some of the sights of Phnom Penh by traditional cyclo, gliding through the heart of the capital at a leisurely pace. Your first stop is Wat Phnom, where a 14th-century stupa crowns the city’s highest point. Continue along the lively riverside promenade to the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, both shimmering with treasures that capture the brilliance of Khmer civilization. Step into the National Museum to admire an impressive collection of Khmer sculpture and artifacts recovered from Angkor.

In the afternoon, gain deeper insight into Cambodia’s turbulent past. Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in a former school, and the haunting Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, a place of remembrance and reflection.

Return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

*When visiting the Royal Palace, visitors are advised to follow a dress code consisting of "long trousers or skirts that cover the knees and covered shoulders". Skirts, small shorts, tank tops, and other revealing clothing are not permitted.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the magnificent temples of Angkor. Meet your local guide upon arrival and transfer to your hotel for check-in and a short rest.

Later in the afternoon, explore the temples of the Small Circuit, including Ta Prohm, where ancient trees and tangled roots intertwine with centuries-old stone. Visit the serene Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery from the late 12th century, and Srah Srang, known as the “pool of ablutions.”

Spend the evening at leisure in Siem Reap.

Begin the day exploring Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under Jayavarman VII. Enter through the imposing South Gate, flanked by gods and demons holding the sacred Naga serpent. Continue to Bayon Temple, where 54 towers bear the enigmatic faces of the Khmer kings, and stroll past the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, their bas-reliefs telling stories of an empire’s grandeur.

At a nearby pagoda, take part in a private monk blessing ceremony and receive wishes for health and safe travels.

In the late afternoon, visit Angkor Wat as the day softens into sunset. Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, this vast temple complex symbolizes Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Walk through galleries adorned with intricate bas-reliefs and over 2,000 Apsara dancers carved in stone.

When visiting temples and other sacred sites in Cambodia, you’re asked to dress respectfully. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, such as long trousers or a modest skirt. Skirts, short shorts, tank tops, and revealing outfits are considered inappropriate and may prevent entry.

This morning, drive to Kampong Kleang, a community of towering stilt houses rising ten meters above the floodplains of Tonle Sap Lake. As you travel along dusty village roads, you pass traditional wooden homes, handmade fishing tools, and children waving cheerfully from the roadside.

At a local family’s home, share tea and coffee before setting out on foot to explore daily life in the village. See how locals smoke catfish, mend fishing nets, and prepare for the day’s catch. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the airport.

Fly to Luang Prabang, Laos, where your VIP fast-track service ensures a seamless arrival. Receive a warm welcome from your guide and enjoy a special local welcome gift before transferring to your hotel. The evening is free at leisure to unwind.

Seasonal note: From mid-February to mid-July, Kampong Kleang may appear muddy and less picturesque, but it offers deeper insight into the rhythms of local life.

Rise early to experience one of Laos’ most sacred morning rituals. In a quiet village outside town, you join locals in giving alms to lines of saffron-robed monks who collect offerings at dawn. Participate respectfully, guided by your host, and observe this serene tradition that has defined Lao spirituality for generations.

After breakfast, travel through the scenic countryside to the Pak Ou Caves, perched high above the Mekong River. Cross by boat to the caves and discover more than 3,000 Buddha images of various ages and styles, some inlaid with semi-precious stones. Cruise back to Luang Prabang, sipping local tea and enjoying Lao snacks as you drift past riverside life.

Stop at Ban Xang Khong, known for handwoven textiles and mulberry paper, and Ban Xang Hai, where villagers distill Lao Lao rice whisky. You may wish to sample a small taste if you feel adventurous.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, which showcases the traditions and artistry of Laos’ ethnic groups. Then venture into the countryside, stopping at local villages such as Ban Sa-aat for the Lowland Lao, Ban Pano for the Khmu, and Ban Long Lao for the Hmong. Walk through each community with local guides to learn about their languages, crafts, and ways of life, offering a rare glimpse into Laos’ cultural mosaic.

Continue to the Kuang Si Waterfall, where turquoise cascades spill into natural pools surrounded by jungle. Take a refreshing swim or simply enjoy the peaceful setting. Nearby, visit the Sun Bear Refuge, which protects these gentle creatures from poaching.

End the day at the Buffalo Dairy Farm, a model of sustainable agriculture. Join a guided tour, feed and bathe buffalo, try your hand at milking, and meet the resident chickens, pigs, and rabbits. Relax in the café with the farm’s signature cake and homemade ice cream before returning to town for a free evening.

This morning, explore Luang Prabang, the “Pearl of the Mekong.” Begin at Wat Xieng Thong, a 500-year-old masterpiece of classic Luang Prabang architecture. Wander along quiet streets and temple-lined lanes, meeting locals and soaking in the city’s unhurried rhythm. Visit the National Museum, once the Royal Palace, where relics of Laos’ royal past are preserved.

Climb the 328 steps up Phousi Mountain for sweeping views over the town and river. It is said that those who have not climbed Phousi have not truly visited Luang Prabang.

Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, meet your guide for the transfer to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

After breakfast, meet your guide and set out to discover the highlights of Vientiane, a city where tranquil temples blend beautifully with French colonial architecture. Begin at Wat Sisaket, the only temple to survive the Siamese invasion of 1828, and continue across the street to Ho Pha Keo, once home to the revered Emerald Buddha and now a museum of fine Lao artistry. Stroll along Lane Xang Avenue to see Patouxai, the city’s Victory Monument, and visit the shimmering golden stupa of Wat That Luang, the most sacred monument in Laos. Stop by Wat Si Muang, a lively temple where locals come to receive blessings for health, prosperity, and good fortune.

Enjoy lunch at Kua Lao Restaurant before continuing out of town to the surreal Buddha Park, known locally as Xieng Khouan. Here, a visionary monk created more than two hundred striking sculptures inspired by Buddhist and Hindu mythology. It is a fascinating place filled with spiritual energy and artistic imagination.

Return to the city in the late afternoon and transfer to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before your guide transfers you to the airport for your onward flight or on to your next destination.