Jewels of Indochina: 11 Days in Cambodia and Laos
Embark on a captivating 11-day journey through Cambodia’s most iconic destinations, from the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor to the cultural and historical landmarks of Phnom Penh.
Begin your adventure in Siem Reap, where you’ll explore the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the enchanting Ta Prohm temple, all while experiencing the charm of tuk-tuk rides. Witness a breathtaking sunset at Angkor Wat and Here’s a beautiful image of Kulen Mountain (Phnom Kulen) bathed in bright sunlight. This sacred mountain in Cambodia is known for its beautiful waterfalls, ancient river carvings, and historical significance as the birthplace of the Khmer Empire. The golden light highlights the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this important site. cruise along the vast Tonle Sap Lake, home to floating villages.
Details
Begin your adventure in Siem Reap, where you’ll explore the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the enchanting Ta Prohm temple, all while experiencing the charm of tuk-tuk rides. Witness a breathtaking sunset at Angkor Wat and Here's a beautiful image of Kulen Mountain (Phnom Kulen) bathed in bright sunlight. This sacred mountain in Cambodia is known for its beautiful waterfalls, ancient river carvings, and historical significance as the birthplace of the Khmer Empire. The golden light highlights the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this important site. cruise along the vast Tonle Sap Lake, home to floating villages.
Arrival at Siem Reap airport and welcome by our English-speaking guide. Transfer to the hotel and overnight in Siem Reap.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will spend the day discovering the majestic temples of Angkor, a true heritage treasure, using the area's quintessential means of transport: a tuk tuk. In the Morning we will visit the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom (12th century), including the Bayon Temple, the Royal Temple of Baphuon, Phimean Nakas or celestial palace, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, 7 metres high and dominated by the statue of King Yama. We will continue by visiting the picturesque temple where part of the Tomb Raider film was shot, Ta Phrom, immersed in an aura of mystery caused by the roots of the trees that invade it.
In the afternoon, transfer by bus to visit the most famous and important of the temples, Angkor Wat, symbol of the State of Cambodia and greatest exponent of Khmer Empire architecture. Before returning to the hotel, we will contemplate the impressive sunset from this same temple. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation.
Breakfast at the hotel. Banteay Srei Temple, often referred to as the "Citadel of Women," is one of the most beautifully preserved and intricately detailed temples in the Angkor complex. Located about 25 kilometers (16 miles) north of Siem Reap, it is a must-see destination for visitors to Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park. Banteay Samré is a lesser-known but beautiful temple that showcases the elegance and precision of early Khmer architecture. Its exquisite carvings, serene atmosphere, and historical significance make it a hidden gem within the Angkor Archaeological Park. If you’re seeking a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path temple to explore, Banteay Samré offers a memorable experience without the crowds of more famous sites like Angkor Wat.
Afternoon, Neak Phan is a small but interesting temple located in the Angkor archaeological park in Cambodia. It's often overlooked by many visitors compared to the more famous temples like Angkor Wat or Bayon, but it offers a unique experience and rich history. The design of Neak Phan features a central tower surrounded by smaller towers, and it is renowned for its naga (serpent) motifs, which are believed to symbolize the cosmic mountain. This design is linked to Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, where the naga often represents both spiritual power and the connection between the earthly and the divine. Preah Khan is one of the most impressive and historically significant temples within the Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia. Built in the late 12th century, it was commissioned by King Jayavarman VII, who is also responsible for constructing many of the other grand temples in Angkor. Preah Khan, which means "Sacred Sword" in Khmer, was originally dedicated to the king's father and is often considered both a Buddhist temple and a mausoleum.
Breakfast at the hotel
Driving to Kulen Mountain, located about 40km from Siem Reap town. Part of the Kulen Mountain range Rises to approximately 487 meters (1,598 feet) above sea level Covers an area of about 25,000 hectares.
Kulen Mountain, also known as Phnom Kulen, is a significant national park and a historical site located in the Siem Reap Province of Cambodia. Here are some key points about Kulen Mountain: Cultural Heritage, Lingas, Waterfalls as One of the highlights of Kulen Mountain is the beautiful Kulen Waterfall, which cascades over a rocky cliff and is a popular spot for visitors.
Breakfast at the hotel. Located on the outskirts of Siem Reap, we will take a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, which during the rainy season can grow up to ten times its area of 2,600 km2 and reach 25,000 km2. On the way back we will stop at Artisans D' Angkor, a traditional crafts project that contributes to the social and economic development of the local rural community.
Once finished, transfer back to the hotel and free time to enjoy the facilities or to walk around the city center. Accommodation.
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time until your transfer to Siem Reap international Airport to take the flight to your next destination.
On arrival at the airport, you will be met & transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham and 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 beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River
From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the hilltribe and local people surrounding Luang Prabang. We end our Luang Prabang package Tour today
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Today, we’ll start by enjoying visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace. It displays a collection of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign, and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as exploring the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims.
Along the way, we will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is produced. On return, we take a short drive to another small village Ban Phanom, which famous for its hand weaving. We end our Luang Prabang package Tour today and free time for you to walk around its ancient streets
Overnight in Luang Prabang
AM: The Rice Experience
(~08:30 - 11:30)
Experience a taste of rural life with a unique opportunity to try your hand as a rice farmer, learning about all the steps involved in traditional rice growing and production, with a fun and interactive half day out at the Living Land Rice Farm, set in idyllic countryside.
The Living Rice Farm is a community enterprise and organic farm, working with and supporting the local communities. Here you can have a go yourself at all of the processes involved – just try and keep up with the buffalo plowing the field when you’re knee deep in mud!
After you’ve learned all about rice you can also wander the vegetable garden and pick your own organic vegetables to enjoy with your delectable reward of rice products, sitting in the traditional wooden house overlooking the emerald fields and enjoying the views.
PM: Khouangsi Falls
(~14:00 – 17:30)
After lunch drive to the beautiful waterfalls of Tat Khouangsi. Below the 90m drop of the main cascade are a series of pools, connected by smaller falls and cascades. At low water levels the water is an unbelievable turquoise, and swimming in the lower pools is a great way to cool off in the afternoon.
On the walk through the forest to the falls, you will also pass the Free the Bears project – home to a group of rescued Asiatic Black (Moon) Bears and one Malayan Sun Bear. In the early afternoon they are often searching for food hidden in their enriched environment enclosures. Or they may just be sleeping! The route home gives the opportunity to stop at the villages of some of the (over 100) different Lao ethnic groups at Ban Ou, Ban Ouay and Ban Thapene.
Half Day Elephant Experience (HDE)
Description: Short but not short on fun! Enjoy the essentials on this exciting tour. Begin with a presentation about elephants, then Experience being a mahout / learn to communicate with your elephant, Lao long boat rides, Tad Sae Waterfall and finish with a delicious lunch buffet. You will also explore our elephant museum, hospital and dung paper making process. We’ll have you back to your hotel with plenty of time to enjoy your afternoon plans in Luang Prabang. Don’t forget to add Elephant Bathing to your tour for the ultimate experience!
Itinerary: 8:00 am – 8:30 am: Pick up by our English speaking guide from your hotel lobby within Luang Prabang,Laos Arrival at the Elephant Village Camp: Welcome greeting by your guide and participate in a short briefing about elephants Elephant Feeding: Get up close and personal with elephants Explore Elephant Village: Visit elephant hospital, museum, photo gallery and dung paper making area Learn to communicate with elephant: Enjoy the impressive experience of being a mahout and how they communicate with the elephants. Boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall: Ride in a traditional Lao long boat to the Tad Sae Waterfall and relax or swim in the clear water (swim suit recommended!)
Lunch: Dine at our Shangri Lao restaurant. Buffet lunch served with coffee / tea and drinking water (Vegetarian options are available) Depart: Transfer back to your Hotel in Luang Prabang around 1:00pm
Important Notes: Our tours do not include insurance. Elephant Village shall not be held liable for any injury, loss or damage the client suffers during, or in connection with, any Elephant Village tours or activities. We pick up and drop off at hotels or guesthouses within Luang Prabang only. We do not pick up or drop off at bus stations or the airport. The Tad Sae Waterfall may be dry during dry season. We reserve the right to provide alternative activities in place of the waterfall activity during dry season. Elephant Village reserves the right to operate any tour or tour activities in a different order than is published on our website if conditions warrant. Elephant Village reserves the right to break larger groups into smaller groups if conditions warrant. NEVER pay our staff for your tour invoices. The only way to pay for your invoices is by bank transfer using the account number on your invoice. Elephant Village tours do not offer Elephant riding.
AM: Early Morning Devotions (~05.30 - 07:00) Rise early to witness one of the most magical and timeless scenes of Southeast Asia: hundreds of monks processing through the streets of Luang Prabang accepting offerings of food from the local residents and businesses. Rising early also gives the chance to wander through the fresh market on the way back to the hotel for breakfast. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure.
Daytime hands-on cooking classes (Private):
- Tuesday - Sunday 9am-3pm.
- Minimum 1 pax, Maximum 12 pax
- Starting point: Tamarind Restaurant at 8.45am.
- Transport from Tamarind to cooking class venue and return is included in price for join-in classes.
- To book the class privately, a minimum of 12 pax must be paid for.
- The maximum for a private class is 18 pax.
- Transport for private classes is not included.
- Not appropriate for children under the age of 10 years old.
- Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged at 100%
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Breakfast, transfer to airport.
End of Services.
Write Your Review