Country
Laos
Duration
14 Days/13 Nights
Travel Type
Private Tour
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the vibrant bustling capital of Cambodia. Situated at the confluence of three rivers, the mighty Mekong, the Bassac and the great Tonle Sap, what was once considered the ‘Gem’ of Indochina. The capital city still maintains considerable charm with plenty to see. It exudes a sort of provincial charm and tranquillity with French colonial mansions and tree-lined boulevards amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. Phnom Penh is a veritable oasis compared to the modernity of other Asian capitals. A mixture of Asian exotica, the famous Cambodian hospitality awaits the visitors to the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Kampot
This province is located in the Southwest of the country, having an eighty kilometres coastal strip with the Gulf of Thailand. The provincial capital is named Kampot and sits near the base of the abundant green Elephant Mountains and the famous Bokor Hill Station. Compete to crowded Sihanoukville in the North of the province you may find quietness.
Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville province is a small southern province of Cambodia. The capital sits on a peninsula with beaches and tropical islands around. Sihanoukville (also known as Kampong Som or Kampong Saom) was founded in 1964 to be the only deep-water port in whole Cambodia. It is gradually being redeveloped as a tourist attraction, but despite the promise of massive Malaysian investment – a casino is planned for Naga Island – tourist numbers are still fairly low. Also its nice with sand beaches and several paradise islands have made it popular as a tourist destination.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap province is located in northwest Cambodia. It is the major tourist hub in Cambodia, as it is the closest city to the world famous temples of Angkor (the Angkor temple complex is north of the city). The provincial capital is also called Siem Reap and is located in the South of the province on the shores of the Tonle Sap Lake, the greatest sweet water reserve in whole Southeast Asia. The name of the city literally means Siamese defeated, referring to the victory of the Khmer Empire over the army of the Thai kingdom in the 17th century.
Luang Prabang
Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment. In the 14th century, the King Fa Ngum founded the first Lao Kingdom, Lane Xang, here in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang remained the capital of Lane Xang until 1565 when the capital was moved to Vientiane. It remained to serve as the country’s spiritual and religious centre.
Inclusions
13-night accommodation
19 meals: 13 breakfasts and 6 lunches
All transfers and transportation with private air-conditioned vehicles
Domestic flights Sihanoukville – Siem Reap and Siem Reap – Luang Prabang
Private local English-speaking guides
All entrance fees
2 bottles of mineral water per person, per day during transfers and sightseeings
Exclusions
International airfares – Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary – Beverages – Early check-in or late check-out – Visa (if needed) – Gratuities to drivers, guide and hotel personnel – Travel insurance – Items and expenses of personal nature – All other items not included in the inclusion section
1
DAY 1 PHNOM PENH ARRIVAL
Sua s’dei! Welcome to Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia which was once called “Paris of the East”. You are greeted by our guide and driver at Phnom Penh International airport for your transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation : Phnom Penh for 2 nights
2
DAY 2 PHNOM PENH BEHIND THE SCENES FULL DAY
Phnom Penh is an Asian capital, and the kind of destination that you only need to scratch the surface and explore beyond its classic sites to really know what it is truly made of. Get ready for a fun and experiential day around some popular but also lesser known corners of the city.
The guide picks you up at the hotel and we take off by local remork to a district out of the city centre. Enjoy a local coffee on the street, visit a true local market (Orussey Market), wander around narrow alleys and immerse you into the fascinating daily life of the locals. Continue on local remork to the pier for a ferry to a big island on the Mekong River. There we start a 15-kilometre bicycle ride on a small concrete road around the island; offering the opportunity to soak up a bit of rural life just outside Phnom Penh as well as to visit a silk weaving workshop. We stop for lunch at a local home and are hosted by a charming couple of islanders. We return to the city afterwards and will devote some time to dive into the tragic history at the Tuol Sleng museum. Our day continues with a stroll in the garden complex of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda before ending in style with a drink on a rooftop terrace with the best views over Phnom Penh’s riverfront.
Note: To see the Royal palace and silver pagoda in Phnom Penh, visitors are required to wear appropriated clothes. Guests wearing short pants (above knee level) and sleeveless tops are not permitted.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
3
DAY 3 PHNOM PENH – KAMPOT
Departing from your hotel after your breakfast, we head south to the region of Kampot, famous for its river, its pepper plantations and its lovely little colonial town. The drive takes about 3 hours, and we will have a break en route before arriving at the riverside restaurant of a local guesthouse for a slightly late lunch. In the afternoon, we take a boat directly from our lunch spot and cruise down the Kampot River. We will have a chance to explore a thick mangrove and to stop by a sandy river beach for a swim. The boat takes us to the heart of Kampot town, where we disembark before a short transfer to the hotel. Check in, make yourself comfortable and spend the remainder of the day at your own leisure. Dinner is also on your own accord.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : Kampot for 2 nights
4
DAY 4 PEPPER, COOKING CLASS AND MANGROVE CONSERVATION
Get ready for a day literally filled with exciting activities. We start at about 9:30 with a nice walk around the town and a visit of Kampot’s market. In the mid-morning, we take a transfer to go meet the team of La Plantation pepper farm (certainly the most reputed pepper farm in the whole country). Their Chef will lead us through an exciting cooking class that will be held in the lovely open-air restaurant. Under the guidance of the Chef, we will cook 3 dishes, of course all generously incorporating the spices cultivated at the farm, and later on we will enjoy the fruits of our labour over lunch.
After lunch we will take a tour of the farm before heading back to the hotel. But the day is not over yet. Around about midway, we stop at the Trapeang Sangkae mangrove conservation project. Here we will learn more about their efforts to preserve and develop the mangrove which acts as an important protection against coastal erosion and also serves as a natural habitat for an entire ecosystem. We hop into a small boat to go and make our contribution to the global effort by planting some mangrove trees. We then return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
After lunch we will take a tour of the farm before heading back to the hotel. But the day is not over yet. Around about midway, we stop at the Trapeang Sangkae mangrove conservation project. Here we will learn more about their efforts to preserve and develop the mangrove which acts as an important protection against coastal erosion and also serves as a natural habitat for an entire ecosystem. We hop into a small boat to go and make our contribution to the global effort by planting some mangrove trees. We then return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
5
DAY 5 KAMPOT – SIHANOUKVILLE – FLIGHT TO SIEM REAP
After breakfast, drive to Sihanoukville where you board a flight to Siem Reap.
Sua s’dei and welcome to Siem Reap! You are welcomed at the airport by your driver and guide who will transfer you to your hotel in the city center (rooms are available from 2pm). Make yourself comfortable and enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure, absorbing the various atmospheres of Siem Reap.
Sua s’dei and welcome to Siem Reap! You are welcomed at the airport by your driver and guide who will transfer you to your hotel in the city center (rooms are available from 2pm). Make yourself comfortable and enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure, absorbing the various atmospheres of Siem Reap.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Siem Reap for 4 nights
6
DAY 6 VISIT ANGKOR WAT - TA PROHM - ANGKOR THOM FULL DAY BY TUK-TUK
Today is dedicated to the discovery of the essentials of Angkor temples. Let’s first explore Angkor Wat, easily the most famous and best-preserved of all temples within the Angkor complex. It is a massive three-tiered structure crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 metres from ground level. Next, visit the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. Bayon Temple, Baphuon, the royal enclosure, and the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King are the main elements of this 12th century masterpiece. A lunch break will be arranged in a local restaurant and will be at your own expense. We continue to Ta Prohm Temple, which, unlike most of other Angkor temples, has been left just as it was when rediscovered: a photogenic and atmospheric maze of trees growing out of the ruins. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure.
Note: Appropriate attire when visiting Angkor temples is long pants (covering the knee) and shirts that cover shoulders. Skirts, small shorts, tank tops, and other items of revealing clothing are not allowed within temple grounds. Visitors can and are frequently turned away from temples when wearing revealing clothing.
Note: Appropriate attire when visiting Angkor temples is long pants (covering the knee) and shirts that cover shoulders. Skirts, small shorts, tank tops, and other items of revealing clothing are not allowed within temple grounds. Visitors can and are frequently turned away from temples when wearing revealing clothing.
Meals : Breakfast
7
DAY 7 BANTEAY SREI, KBAL SPEAN
This tour offers a nice blend of temples, cultural sites and outdoors. We depart your hotel to Kbal Spean. This is one of Cambodia’s earliest Hindu sites and refreshingly different from the other Khmer monuments. Take a 3-kilometer walk through the jungle to appreciate the scope and beauty of Kbal Spean. The walk ends at the ‘River of 1000 Lingas’, a riverbed featuring stone carvings of Hindu gods, animals and phallic symbols. Learn about the history of Hinduism in Cambodia while exploring this unique river.
Afternoon, we will visit Banteay Srei temple. Easily recognizable as made of pink sandstone, the “Citadel of Women” is reputed being the most beautiful and best preserved of all Angkor temples. We return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon, end of the day at leisure.
Afternoon, we will visit Banteay Srei temple. Easily recognizable as made of pink sandstone, the “Citadel of Women” is reputed being the most beautiful and best preserved of all Angkor temples. We return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon, end of the day at leisure.
Meals : Breakfast
8
DAY 8 VISIT KOMPONG KHLEANG FLOATING VILLAGE HALF DAY
Today, you will head out to Kampong Khleang “floating village”, which is, in fact, a stilt house settlement of over 20,000 people where structures can tower up to ten meters above the water. Greeted by waves of the friendly locals, here you can glimpse Cambodia’s countryside culture and traditional family lifestyle.
Note: From February to August/September the water level of the Tonle Sap Lake is very low. It’s muddy and the boat can get stuck. If you are still keen on having a boat trip on the lake, we’ll change to Chong Kneas floating village instead of Kompong Kleang where the condition is a little bit better for the boat trip.
Note: From February to August/September the water level of the Tonle Sap Lake is very low. It’s muddy and the boat can get stuck. If you are still keen on having a boat trip on the lake, we’ll change to Chong Kneas floating village instead of Kompong Kleang where the condition is a little bit better for the boat trip.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
9
DAY 9 SIEM REAP – FLY TO LUANG PRABANG
You are met in the lobby of your hotel for a short drive to the airport. Embark on your flight to the ancient town of Luang Prabang. Welcome to Laos! Go through the immigration and you will be greeted upon your exit of the airport and driven to your hotel.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Luang Prabang for 4 nights
10
DAY 10 LUANG PRABANG HIGHLIGHTS
Firstly, visit Wat Xieng Thong, the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang dating back to the 16th Century. Located at the end of the peninsula close to the Mekong, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat and is decorated with ornate carvings and mosaics.
Continue to visit The National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace, showcases many treasures of Laos’ royal past and features the Prabang, the sacred Buddha image for which Luang Prabang was named. Then visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre. Showing you more about Laos’ Ethnic group especially, minorities around the country.
Next, visit Wat Visoun a peaceful temple featuring the much-photographed Watermelon Stupa, and Wat Aham the site of Luang Prabang’s most important spirit shrine. Step up to the top of Phou Si Mountain. Rising 150m in the center of town, Mount Phousi cuts a distinctive figure on the Luang Prabang skyline. The hill is a popular as a place to watch the sun rise or set. From the summit you enjoy spectacular 360-degree views across the city and its many temples, and over the surrounding landscape to the mountains in the distance.
Continue to visit The National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace, showcases many treasures of Laos’ royal past and features the Prabang, the sacred Buddha image for which Luang Prabang was named. Then visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre. Showing you more about Laos’ Ethnic group especially, minorities around the country.
Next, visit Wat Visoun a peaceful temple featuring the much-photographed Watermelon Stupa, and Wat Aham the site of Luang Prabang’s most important spirit shrine. Step up to the top of Phou Si Mountain. Rising 150m in the center of town, Mount Phousi cuts a distinctive figure on the Luang Prabang skyline. The hill is a popular as a place to watch the sun rise or set. From the summit you enjoy spectacular 360-degree views across the city and its many temples, and over the surrounding landscape to the mountains in the distance.
Meals : Breakfast
11
DAY 11 FULLDAY KUANGSI TREKKING
Leave Luang Prabang behind, you head out by vehicle to Ban Long Lao, (Hmong and Khamu minority village). Wander around to learn more about life in this rural lowland Lao and Hmong community. The hike leads you first for about half an hour through paddy fields before entering dense mixed growth jungle with a remarkable diversity of tree species.
After 3 hours of an up-and-down hike through the forest, head to Spring Water for a break.
You then reach Kuang Si Waterfall, where water tumbles over tiered limestone formations into crystal clear pools ideal for escaping the heat. Between cooling off in the pools, you can explore the lush forest setting around the falls. At the famous Kuang Si Waterfall, a short walk brings you down to the abrupt waterfall where you will have time for a swim or simply relaxing by the water’s edge.
Lunch is served in front of the fall of Kuangsi.
On the way back – about halfway between the park entrance and the waterfall is the Asiatic Black Bear rescue center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers… short visit is available if you are eager to visit the wild animal.
After 3 hours of an up-and-down hike through the forest, head to Spring Water for a break.
You then reach Kuang Si Waterfall, where water tumbles over tiered limestone formations into crystal clear pools ideal for escaping the heat. Between cooling off in the pools, you can explore the lush forest setting around the falls. At the famous Kuang Si Waterfall, a short walk brings you down to the abrupt waterfall where you will have time for a swim or simply relaxing by the water’s edge.
Lunch is served in front of the fall of Kuangsi.
On the way back – about halfway between the park entrance and the waterfall is the Asiatic Black Bear rescue center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers… short visit is available if you are eager to visit the wild animal.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
12
DAY 12 LIVING LAND EXPERIENCE AND OCK POP TOK
You head out to the local farm of Luang Prabang, and experience the local way of rice cultivation. You will spend half a day on Living Land, situated in an idyllic countryside setting surrounded by mountains in the middle of ancient rice terraces. After having an overview by visiting a small rice museum, you will learn how rice is farmed, using water buffalo for ploughing together with the traditional manual processes of ranking, transplanting, sowing, grinding, and pounding. Lunch is served at the Living Land. On the way back, stop at Ock Pop Tok – an organization that is offering the weavers in the area the chance to earn a decent income through their weaving skills, for a short visit – looking up at the center for a great way to learn about the culture while interacting with the community. Rest of the day is at your own leisure.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
13
DAY 13: LUANG PRABANG FREE
You have a free day in Luang Prabang to enjoy the slow life in this heritage city.
Meals : Breakfast
14
DAY 14 LUANG PRABANG - DEPARTURE
The day is free at your leisure until transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Room available until noon. We wish you a pleasant flight!
Meals : Breakfast
HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR
Phnom Penh
Ohana Phnom Penh Palace Hotel (4*) – Deluxe Balcony room
Kampot
Kampot Sweet Boutique (4*) – Luxury room
Siem Reap
Saem Siemreap Hotel (4*) – Deluxe room
Luang Prabang
Sala Prabang Mekong Riverside Hotel (3*) – Classic room
SUMMER PROMO: Book before September 30th for travel between May and September
|
Rates in CA$, per person, starting from, in double occupancy |
Land Package |
|||
| Daily departures 2024 | 2 pax | 3 pax | 4 pax | Single occupation supplement |
| January 1st – April 30 | 3415 | 2980 | 2675 | +579 |
| May 1st – September 30 – PROMO | +570 | |||
| October 1st – December 31 | 3455 | 3019 | 2749 | +650 |
| Solo traveler’s rate | On request | |||
Solo traveler
A solo traveler is a person who travels completely on his own with services, such as guides and drivers, on a private basis. A solo traveler rate should not be mistaken by a single occupancy rate.
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
Discover Cambodia and Laos – Detailed itinerary
Discover Cambodia and Laos – Detailed itinerary
