Laos and Cambodia in 15 days: Temples and Nature

Start your day early with a peaceful walk or bike ride around the town, where you can witness the serene sight of Laotians offering alms to the monks along the roadside.

After returning to the hotel for breakfast, embark on a journey through the cultural and historical heart of Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom. Discover some of its most remarkable monuments, including:

• Wat Visoun with its impressive Sinhalese-style stupa
• The stunning Wat Xieng Thong, famous for its sweeping roofs that gracefully touch the ground
• The Royal Palace, showcasing the personal belongings of the royal family

In the afternoon, venture to the breathtaking Kuang Si Falls, where crystal-clear waters cascade through lush greenery, creating a serene natural retreat.

Return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon for a relaxing evening.

Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, set off by boat along the majestic Mekong River to explore the sacred Pak Ou Caves, located at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong rivers. Inside the caves, discover hundreds of Buddha statues, each with its own history and significance. The two caves, Tham Ting and Tham Phoum, offer a fascinating glimpse into Laos' spiritual heritage.

On the return journey to Luang Prabang, make a stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where local rice wine is produced. This is a great opportunity to experience traditional winemaking methods.

Once back in the city, visit the Center for Traditional Art and Ethnology to gain deeper insight into Laos' diverse ethnic cultures (please note the center is closed on Mondays).

End the day with a climb up Phousi Hill, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Luang Prabang, the Mekong River, and the surrounding landscape.

Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, depart by train for Vang Vieng, a charming village nestled on the banks of the Nam Song River, surrounded by stunning limestone mountains and lush landscapes. Vang Vieng is a paradise for nature lovers, offering a peaceful retreat with breathtaking scenery.

Along the way, stop to visit a local school in Ban Huay Sala, and explore the nearby villages of the H'Mong ethnic groups, where you’ll get a glimpse into the traditions and way of life of these vibrant communities. A free lunch will be enjoyed en route.

Arrive in Vang Vieng late in the afternoon and settle into your hotel, ready to experience the natural beauty of this unique destination.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Begin your day with an exciting kayaking adventure on the Nam Song River. After a safety briefing and an introduction to kayaking basics, you'll paddle downstream toward Tham None (the Sleeping Cave), one of the largest and most fascinating caves in Vang Vieng. Historically, this cave served as a refuge for villagers during the Second Indochina War and is now home to a family of bats. The cave is also known for the legendary "Magic Stone" of Vang Vieng. During the rainy season, you may need to swim through the cave’s entrance, adding an extra sense of adventure.

Enjoy a relaxed final leg of the kayaking journey, gently paddling back to Vang Vieng, where you’ll have some free time to unwind.

Afterward, travel by train to Vientiane, the laid-back capital of Laos.

Upon arrival in Vientiane, enjoy the evening at your leisure to explore or relax.

Overnight at your hotel in Vientiane.

After breakfast, transfer to Vientiane Airport for your flight to Siem Reap, a charming town located in northern Cambodia, renowned as the gateway to the majestic Angkor Temples.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and unwind at your hotel.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Apsara dance and music show accompanied by a delicious local dinner at a restaurant, offering a wonderful introduction to Cambodia’s cultural heritage.

Overnight at your hotel in Siem Reap.

Today is dedicated to exploring the awe-inspiring Angkor Temples, including the legendary Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire (9th-15th century).

First, visit the magnificent Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to Vishnu, the supreme god of Hinduism. This temple is considered the pinnacle of Khmer art and architecture, renowned for its stunning bas-reliefs and intricate carvings.

Next, explore Angkor Thom, a fortified city that once housed up to one million inhabitants. Key highlights include:

• The South Gate, guarded by massive statues
• The Elephant Terrace, adorned with carvings of elephants
• The Leper King Terrace, known for its enigmatic sculptures
• The iconic Bayon Temple, featuring 54 towers with 216 faces of Avalokitesvara, the Buddhist goddess of compassion

After a full day of exploration, return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon.

Enjoy a free evening to relax or explore the town at your leisure.

Overnight at your hotel in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, embark on a full day exploring the Small and Large Circuits of Angkor, a collection of extraordinary temples that showcase the grandeur of the Khmer Empire.

First, visit the stunning Banteay Srei Temple (Citadel of Women), often regarded as one of the finest examples of Khmer art. This small temple, built from pink sandstone, is renowned for its intricate carvings of Apsaras (celestial dancers) and deities, making it a true masterpiece.

Continue your journey to the sacred temples of Takeo, Banteay Kdei, and the impressive Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm is particularly captivating, as it remains largely as it was found, with enormous tree roots winding through the ruins, creating an enchanting and mystical atmosphere.

In the late afternoon, head to Pré Rup, a temple-mountain offering a stunning vantage point for the sunset, where you can watch the fading light over the temple ruins and surrounding jungle.

Return to Siem Reap in the evening and enjoy a relaxing night at your hotel.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Battambang, Cambodia's second-largest city, which serves as a key junction on the road and railway linking Phnom Penh with Thailand.

Upon arrival in Battambang, check in at your hotel and settle in.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore this charming city at your own pace. Known for its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and scenic countryside, Battambang offers plenty of opportunities to discover local culture and history.

Overnight in Battambang.

After breakfast at the hotel, discover Battambang, Cambodia's largest and most charming city, known for its colonial-style houses along the serene Sangke River. Visit Ek Phnom Temple, a stunning 11th-century temple set against a backdrop of vibrant modern Buddha statues. If time allows, explore the Old House, a French colonial-era building, and the Artisanal Rice Cake Factory, where traditional rice cakes are made by local artisans.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's lively capital. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and enjoy free time to relax.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, spend the day exploring Phnom Penh, the heart of Cambodia:

• Start at Wat Phnom, the Buddhist temple where Phnom Penh's name originated in the 14th century.
• Visit the Royal Palace, the residence of the Norodom kings since 1870, and explore the Silver Pagoda, known for its silver-tiled floors, a gift from Napoleon III.
• Discover the Apsara Association, an art school that provides training for disadvantaged children.
• Pay a visit to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly a high school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge regime, where thousands of Cambodians were detained and tortured.

Return to your hotel in the evening.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, take a private vehicle transfer to Sihanoukville (approximately 2 hours), Cambodia’s bustling coastal city. Sihanoukville is known for its pristine white-sand beaches, fresh seafood, and vibrant party scene, with several tropical islands nearby.

Upon arrival, transfer by boat to Koh Rong, where you can enjoy the serene beaches at your leisure.

Overnight on Koh Rong.

Spend the next two days unwinding on the stunning beaches of Koh Rong, known as "paradise island." The crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and perfect tropical climate make this a truly idyllic destination. Popular beaches include Long Beach, Coconut Beach, and Sok San Beach, each offering a unique atmosphere for relaxation and exploration.

You can spend your days lounging by the beach or indulge in activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, or hiking through the island’s lush jungle. Koh Rong is an excellent place to observe rich marine life, including colorful corals, seahorses, and other underwater wonders.

Overnight on Koh Rong.

After breakfast, take a boat back to Sihanoukville (1 hour) and then enjoy a private road transfer back to Phnom Penh for your return flight (approximately 2-3 hours by highway).

This marks the end of your 15-day Laos and Cambodia tour services! Thanks for choosing Kampá Tour for your trip!