CAMBODIA & LAOS UNCOVERED 8 DAYS

Fly into Phnom Penh, the city that retains its traditional Khmer and colonial charm. French villas along tree-lined boulevards remind the visitor that the city was once considered the ‘pearl’ of Southeast Asia. Recent political changes have triggered an economic boom, with new hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs springing up across the city.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Visit to the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, is the most conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), display plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver, continuing visit to National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was built since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others. Travelers will proceed to visit Independence Monument, which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony. We will learn about the dark side of Cambodia – Its more recent turbulent and harrowing history. Initially you visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21), ironically a former school, located in a quiet Phnom Penh suburb, this was the infamous Khmer Rouge prison / torture center.
We visit Wat Phnom is a Buddhist temple located in center of Phnom Penh City. It was built in 1373, and stands 27 meters above the ground. It is the tallest religious structure in the city.
We will stop at Central Market is located in the heart of the Phnom Penh. The Khmer name of the market is Phsar Thmei, which translates to “new market”. The Central Market was built in 1937 during the French colonial period, in Art Deco style, and is painted bright ochre.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, pick up by bus company and take shuttle bus to Siem Reap. Upon arrival in Siem Reap bus station, meet our guide and transfer to hotel for check-in.

We will enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake. This is the largest permanent fresh-water lake in South East Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. We will see a fishermen’s “floating village” with floating schools, floating police station, etc. It is same as a big village floating on the lake, and the “village” move from place to place following water levels and current.

Dinner with Apsara Dance show at local restaurant.

For those travelers thirsting for cultural highlights of Cambodia, no visit to Cambodia is complete without attending at least one traditional Khmer dance performance, often referred to as ‘Apsara Dance’ after one of the most popular Classical dance pieces. Traditional Khmer dance better described as ‘dance-drama’ in that the dances are not merely dance but also meant to convey a story or message.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After meeting our tour guide, then we drive to Angkor Thom that was the masterpiece of King Jayavarman VII. We begin to visit Bayon Temple. At the exact centre of Angkor Thom, this is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king. From there we walk to Baphuon, once of the most beautiful temples at Angkor.

We continue to visit Terrace of the Leper King. Along the Terrace of Elephants, originally used as a viewing gallery for the king to preside over parades, performances and traditional sports.

We also visit Ta Prohm “Tomb Raider” fame. Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, a reminder that while empires rise and fall, the riotous power of nature marches on, oblivious to the dramas of human history.

We journey out to the Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Believed to be the world’s largest religious building, this temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength to all Khmers.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Pick up by driver and transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure to Luang Prabang Laos. Arrival to the airport, welcome and transfer to your hotel and accommodation.

Free at your leisure and overnight in hotel

We will start with the visit of the Royal Palace of Haw Kham, built in 1904 during the colonial period, by order of the King Sisavang.
Cruise on the majestic Mekong River, starting the navigation in the middle of the morning mist, surrounded by the jungle, you can enjoy the authentic Laos and its peaceful lifestyle. Arrival to the caves of Pak Ou. These are two excavated caves at the foot of the cliff, where thousands of statues of Buddhas (more than 8,000) are found. Exploration of the caves.
Cruise back to Luang Prabang and visit of the village of Ban Xang Hai, known for its production of rice liquor.
Back in town, visit of the Vat Xieng Thong temple, a vast combination of sacred buildings, jewels of Lao art, the most beautiful temple in the city.
Overnight in hotel.

Around 6:00, the monk parade through the streets of their district in search of offerings. If you wish, you get up early and participate in this beautiful spiritual show in Luang Prabang.
Transfer by road to the Kuang Si waterfalls, incredible jumps of turquoise water, forming stunning natural pools.
On the road, stop at the Phosy market and then visit the village of Ban Sing for a short walk through this authentic hamlet. Walk up to the local pagoda with views of the Mekong River.
Make a last stop at an organic buffalo farm working towards developping the community and education for local people.
Continue towards the National Park that houses the waterfalls. Start a walk through the Park, contemplating the different waterfalls and visit an Asian Bears rescue centre. Possibility to swim in the natural pools of the waterfalls during the visit.
Road back to the city and visit of the TAEC ethnic minority museum, opportunity to learn more about Laotian culture and its different ethnic groups.
Possibility to visit Mount Phousi, which after climbing its 328 steps, offers spectacular views over the city with the Mekong and Nam Khan river.
Free time in the night market, where the ethnic minority groups of the mountains trade their handicrafts and typical products.
Overnight in hotel

Back to the hotel for breakfast, free at leisure until transferring by driver to the airport.

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