Itinerary in brief

Day 1     Siem Reap - Arrival
Day 2     Siem Reap - Angkor Thom - Angkor Wat
Day 3     Siem Reap - Roluos group + 3 boudhist temples
Day 4     Siem Reap - Koh Ker - Beng Mealea - Kbal Spean
Day 5     Siem Reap - Tonle Sap - Kampong Thom
Day 6     Kampong Thom - Kompong Cham - Kratie
Day 7     Kratie
Day 8     Kratie - Stung Treng - Cross Laos border - Khong island
Day 9     Khong island - Khone island
Day 10   Khone insland - Wat Phou - Champassak - Tadlo lodge
Day 11   Tadlo lodge - Savanakhet
Day 12   Savanakhet - Thakhet
Day 13   Thakhet - Ban Konglor
Day 14   Ban Konglor - Vientiane
Day 15   Vientiane - Vang Vieng
Day 16   Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang
Day 17   Luang Prabang
Day 18   Luang Prabang - Departure

Itinerary in details

DAY 1: SIEM REAP - ARRIVAL

Met and welcome by the Hanoi Voyages Guide upon arrival at the airport. Then transfer by private car to your hotel.

Overnight in Siem Reap

DAY 2: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR THOM - ANGKOR WAT

We then return to our hotel for a deserved breakfast before embarking on our tour of the Angkor Temples.

Firstly we will visit the walled city of Angkor Thom, 10sq kms in size. To see :

• South Gate, Bayon built under Jayavarman VII in late 12th century, with 54 towers, each with four faces of Buddha.
• Completing our day we see the fascinating Buddhist monastery of Ta Prohm, invaded by the jungle and truly stunning to see and photograph.
• The Baphuon with its splendid sculptures.
• The Terrace of the Elephants.
• The Terrace of the Leper King with its beautiful carvings of gods, nagas, and dancers.
• The Royal Enclosure and its small temple, Phimeanakas.
• Then we see the fascinating Buddhist monastery of Ta Phrom, invaded by the jungle and truly stunning to see and photograph.

In the afternoon
Visit Angkor Wat, built in the first half of the twelfth century, and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. This huge temple-mountain, built by King Suryavarman II, is considered a masterpiece of art and fine architecture of the Khmer, so much so the five towers of Angkor Wat appear on the Cambodian flag.

If the weather does not permit you to see the sunrise, you may witness the sunset, from the top of the hill of Phnom Bakheng, which offers a magnificent overview of Angkor Wat.

Overnight in Siem Reap

DAY 3: SIEM REAP - GROUPE DE ROLUOS - 3 BOUDHIST TEMPLES

In the morning we travel 15kms from Siem Reap, to visit the Roluos group, Hindu worship temples dating from the late 9th century and representing the beginning of Khmer architecture.

We will visit the three main temples dedicated to Shiva :

• The temple Preah Ko, erected by Indravarman in the late 9th century.
• Temple Lolei, the twin to Preah Ko,and see its sandstone carvings.
• Temple Bakong, the largest of the Rolous group, and served as the city,s central temple.

The Group represents the remains of Roluos Hariharalaya, the first major capital founded in the Angkor region.

In the afternoon we will visit three Buddhist sites

• The monastery of Preah Khan ("Sacred Sword"), one of the largest complexes at Angkor, with its maze of vaulted corridors and fine carvings.
• The small temple of Neak Pean, a small temple built in the late 12th century.
• Ta Som, east of Neak Pean, restored by the WMF, back to its former glory.

These three temples were built by King Jayavarman VII and illustrate the pre-eminence of Mahayana Buddhism during his reign.

Then visit the old Eastern Baray Reservoir, now completly dried up, but its size of 7km by 2kms is impressive and once used for irrigation, we also visit the Eastern Mebon Temple built on a former island in the middle of the Baray Reservoir, to see the perfectlt carved stone figures of elephants, still in remarkedly good shape

The day ends with a sunset on the mountain temple of Pre Rup, a former mortuary temple dedicated to Shiva, whose colors are magical at sunset.

Overnight in Siem Reap

DAY 4: SIEM REAP - KOH KER - BENG MEALEA - KBAL SPEAN

Enjoy an 80km journey northeast of Siem Reap passing through the beautiful landscapes of the Cambodian countryside, to discover 3 sites far removed from the normal tourist tracks.

The magnificent site of Koh Ker, built in the 10th century and is the site of 84 smaller temples and a gigantic temple-mountain of seven floors.

The beautiful temple of Beng Mealea, built in the 12th century and has been, until recently the forgoten temple. Once fully consumed by jungle, it has recently had much of the dense foliage cut back to reveal a massive and spectacular temple.

Kbal Spean, known as ‘The River of a Thousand Lingas’. It is a natural riverbed with many Lingas elaborately carved into the riverbed and many images of Hindu deities and animals are dotted in the surrounds. The clean waters it once carried were used to supply Angkor.

The day concludes with a sunset on the mountain temple of Pre Rup, a former mortuary temple,dedicated to Shiva, to see the magical colours of the setting sun.

Overnight in Siem Reap

DAY 5: SIEM REAP - TONLE SAP - KAMPONG THOM

We drive to the fishing village of Chaong Kneas, on the banks of the Tonle Sap Lake, board a boat and take a cruise to explore some of the floating villages on this massive expanse of water. We see the huts of bamboo and straw, built on stilts, to avoid flooding, and practice some of the traditional fishing techniques employed by the locals, on one of largest reserves of fresh water fish known to man.

Afternoon, depart for Kompong Thom. On the way we will stop at traditional villages in this area that specialise in the production of palm sugar and rice cultivation to see for ourselves the processes the villagers undertake. We also stop at the ancient Angkorian structure of ‘Naga Bridge’, for photo opportunities, and on arrival at Kompong Thom we check into our hotel.

Overnight in Sambor village in Kompong Thom

DAY 6: KAMPONG THOM - KAMPONG CHAM - KRATIE

In the morning, we will explore the temples of Sambor Prei Kuk, some of the oldest structures in the country, built by King Ishanavaman in the early 7th century. These temples were heavily influenced by Indian art, and are some of the most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments. Set in a shady forrest they have a serene and soothing atmosphere.

We head forward to Kratie. We cross many varied landscapes during our morning tour including rice fields, forests of rubber trees, and sugar palms, and also find many vendors selling one of Cambodia more exotic culinary delights, roasted spiders. Tasting a little like chicken, the spiders are hunted in holes in the hills, and are an interesting dining experience.

Overnight in Kratie

DAY 7: KRATIE

Discover this lively riverside town. Set on the banks of the Mekong River, close to the border with Vietnam. While here, we visit the Vihear Kork pagoda, which dates back to the nineteenth century, and Wat Phnom Sambok where we will also see and admire a Buddhist monastery. The view from this place is spectacular and breathtaking.

• Lunch at a local restaurant

In the afternoon we continue to Prek Kampi on the Mekong River, a nature site, where we will get the best chance of seeing the rare and protected Irrawaddy dolphins, the only freshwater dolphins.

We cross the Mekong in a small boat, enter the mangroves and wait ! As well we have the chance of spotting the rare Mekong mud turtle, and with any luck you will see both and be truly amazed.

Overnight in Sala Koh Trong lodge

DAY 8: KRATIE - STUNG TRENG - CROSS BORDER LAOS - KHONG ISLAND

We breakfast at the hotel and transfer by road to Kralor Dom, on the border with Laos. Along the way we have a quick city tour of Stung Treng, and stop to pay a visit to the village of Thala Barivat, before continuing on to Kratie, a small colonial town.

After completing Customs formalities, and meeting our Laos guide, we drive to Khong island.  The site of the "4000 islands" and its wonderful peaceful landscapes. The river floods the plain and after it recedes, many small islands appear, hence the name, "4000 islands". There are many permanent, inhabited islands offering fascinating glimpses of tranquil, river-oriented life.

Overnight in Khong island

DAY 9: KHONG - KHONE ISLAND

Discover the village of Ban Khong to see the Wat Keo Phouang, and the magnificent Buddha, protected by seven heads of Naga’s. We detour and stop by at the local market to discover the trade of palm sugar and other commodities.

Then taking a motor canoe we cruise through the region of the 4,000 islands to enjoy a look at river oriented life. We stop at Khone Island, to see the old colonial mansions of the French period, and while on the island we visit two waterfalls:

• Firstly the Li Phi falls, known as the “Phantom of the Abyss”.
• Then we visit the spectacular Phapheng Waterfall, the largest in South-East Asia, on the border of Cambodia.

We will offer lunch at the resplendent Kingfisher Ecolodge.

The day concludes with the observation of rare, white “Irawaddy” river dolphins.

Overnight in Khong Island

DAY 10: KHONG ISLAND - WAT PHOU - CHAMPASSAK - TADLO LODGE

In the morning we transfer to the pier for a boat cruise on the Mekong to Champassak. On arrival at Champassak we visit the Vat Phu (“Temple of the Mountain”), a sacred place dating back 1500yrs, and now a UNESCO protected building. Renovations have been undertaken to return it to its former glory.

We take the road to the Bolaven plateau (1250m altitude), a major agricultural region of Laos.
The area is primarily devoted to the cultivation of robusta coffee, introduced by the French, but tea, pepper cardamom and rubber plantations also exist in the region. Arrive in Tadlo lodge end of afternoon

Overnight in Tadlo lodge

DAY 11: TADLO LODGE - SAVANAKHET

We discover magnificent waterfalls named Tat Fan and Tat Lo before heading to Savanakhet. On the way, visit the city Pakse with its pastel houses of the French achitecture, the old shrine That Ing Hang, temples and monasteries active church and its central ridge along the Mekong.

Overnight in Savanakhet

DAY 12: SAVANAKHET - THAKHET

After breakfast, depart for 3 hours to Thakhek. Lunch in local restaurant in Thakhek. 

Afternoon, we walk to discover the small town and enjoy the sunset over the Mekong at the end of the day.

Overnight in Thaket

DAY 13: THAKHET - BAN KHONGLOR

Transfer to Konglor Caves in eastern Laos through the National Park Hinboun. Aboard an boat for cruising  through the limestone caves and underground rivers of Konglor. Then, short walk to the village and Ban Na Than discover the traditional village as the loom or swimming in the river Hinboun. Back to the Sala Hinboun late afternoon.

Overnight in Ban Konglor

DAY 14: BAN KONGLOR - VIENTIANE

Depart early in the morning to the Capital of Laos, Vientiane. Our day is spent visiting the main attractions of the city by tuk tuk.

Attractions include:

• Vat Sisaket, built in 1818 and the only temple in Vientiane that was not destroyed by the Siamese in the fiery raid in 1828.
• Phraken Ho, the former royal chapel, which was home to the Emerald Buddha, and the power base of the Kingdom of Lane Xang.
• Patouxay, a large monument, reminiscent of the Arc de Triumph in Paris. It boasts four archways and was built to commemorate the Lao people who died in pre-Revolutionary wars.
• The large golden stupa of That Luang, founded by King Setthathirah in 1566 and a symbol of Lao sovereignty and Buddhist religion. It is said to contain a hair of Buddha.
• The temple Wat Si Muang, the most visited temple in Vientiane as it is considered the seat of the guardian spirit of the city.

Relax in the Wat Sokpaluang, enjoying a wonderful steam bath and massage. Centered in a large park, with a hut on stilts as its steam room, and a large pot of aromatic plants and herbs “cooking” below, steam is piped and circulated in the steam room.

Overnight in Vientiane

DAY 15: VIENTIANE - VANG VIENG

We transfer to Vang Vieng, with a scheduled stop on the way to visit a village. Approaching of Vang Vieng, we  board a river vessel on the Nam Song River to get to your hotel.

Overnight in Vang Vieng

DAY 16: VANG VIENG - LUANG PRABANG

In the morning we visit the local market and discover some of the spectacular caves (thams) of the district, including the triangle of limestone rock caves of Tham Sang; Tham Hoi, the Tham Loup, and Tham Nam
We stop at the historical site of Vang Xang, and depending on the season (for a small added cost) experience the fun on the downhill banana boat song nam.

Later we depart for Luang Prabang, traveling on a well surfaced road, through gorgeous scenery, often surrounded by rice fields and mountains. We stop at the village of Meo to visit a tea plantation.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 17: LUANG PRABANG

Designated a UNESCO Heritage City.

Very early in the morning at sunrise, before breakfast, you have the opportunity to witness the everyday ritual of monks collecting alms. The monks, barefooted and dressed in their resplendent saffron robes, walk in single file through the streets, collecting food for the monastery. It is a wonderful, colorful sight!

After alms we will visit some small morning markets, selling produce from market gardens across the region. They also sell insects, bats and snakes for human consumption.
We visit a local food market to discover some typical local Laos cuisine.

After breakfast we travel by tuk-tuk, and enjoy an in depth discovery tour of this ancient capital of Laos.

We visit:

• Wat Xieng Thong, in the centre of a small religious complex built in 1560, considered the most beautiful - Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang, where we discover the chapel of the sacred Buddha Pavilion, the Royal
• Funeral Chariot and the Reclining Buddha Sanctuary contained in the complex.
• The temple of Wat Visoun, built in 1515, and the oldest temple in Luang Prabang, which houses numerous gold statues of Buddha.
• The That Makmo stone stupa
• Vat Aham, a major shrine in the city, dedicated to the ancestors of Laos.

In the afternoon

• The National Museum (formally the Royal Palace) which displays a collection of artifacts that once belonged to the royal family.
• The temple of Wat Mai, the most richly decorated temple in Luang Prabang, and was the residence of the Buddhist patriarch before 1975.
• Then stroll through the Darat market, before climbing Mount Phousi to discover a magnificent panoramic view of the ancient capital and Mekong River at sunset.

Relax with a massage provided by the Lao Red Cross

In the evening : we enjoy a traditional Baci ceremony and local dance spectacle.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 18: LUANG PRABANG - DEPARTURE

Free time until transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

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