12 Days Cambodia and Laos Tour with Mysterious Temples Exploration

Discover the highlights of Phnom Penh and the iconic landmarks. After breakfast, your guide will greet you at the lobby and then escort you to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. The Killing Fields were a place of execution and burial of people considered a threat or enemy of the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979). You'll walk near the fields which have been excavated, and see the monument which now houses the skulls of the victims. You'll also see an old tree which is notable for its eerie and death-like appearance. You'll also watch a video where you'll learn about the tragedies that happened at this site. Next, you'll continue to Toul Sleng Genocide Museum. Prior to 1975 Toul Sleng was a high school. When Khmer Rouge came to power in 1975 they converted it into the S-21 prison. In the afternoon, you'll continue to the National Museum where you will see the largest collection in the world of Khmer history, arts and architecture on display. You will also visit the Silver Pagoda, which has 5,000 silver tiles on the floor and then you'll visit the Royal Palace where the Khmer royal family lives. Finally you'll visit Wat Phnom. When the tour is finished, you'll be escorted to your hotel for the evening. Overnight in Phnom Penh

Today you will enjoy your free morning until transfer to airport for flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival escort to hotel for check in and rest own your own leisure. In the evening transfer to Apsara dinner show. Overnight in Siem Reap

Breakfast is at hotel. We depart hotel at 8.00am for full day guided Angkor exploration, start with the south gate of Angkor Thom atop 4 giant faces, stroll to explore Bayon temple consisting of more than 200 smiling faces in stone, admired by interesting temples including Baphuon, Phimeanakas, terrace of leper king, terrace of elephant & Ta Prohm temple adorned with the stunning tree roots where Lara Croft Tomb Raider was filmed. After lunch, continue to witness the marvelous Angkor Wat – the world’s heritage listed by UNESCO in 1992 and the largest monument in the world. Unlock the amazing history, its ancestral incredible, architectural masterpieces and the finest carvings dates back to the Khmer Empire when it dominated the largest parts of Southeast Asia. On your way back to Siem Reap, enjoy the sunset from the top of the pyramid-shaped temple of Pre Rup. Overnight in Siem Reap.

This morning, take a pleasant 1.5-hour drive through the Cambodian countryside to reach the sprawling jungle temple of Beng Melea. Constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style by King Suyavarman II in the early 12th century, Beng Mealea preceded and may have served as a prototype for Angkor Wat. Today the temple is largely overrun by vegetation and the stone walls are crumbling which adds to its charm in a unique way. Accessibility has improved as elevated walkways have been set up throughout most of the temple, although to see all corners does require a sense of adventure as you will need to climb over stone blocks or walk through narrow passageways. Continue on to the remote temple of Banteay Srei : set deep in the jungle. The Citadel of Women, Banteay Srei was carved from red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to elaborate decorative wall carvings, which are well preserved to this day. The buildings themselves are miniature in scale in comparison to the other colossal temples around Siem Reap, unusually so when measured by the standards of Angkorian construction. This temple is considered the jewel of Khmer art. Overnight in Siem Reap

In the morning, a half day excursion to the biggest Southeast Asia’s largest fresh water lake—Tonle Sap Lake. You’ll take a fun ox cart ride through the countryside, Continue on a boat trip to enjoy the beautiful lake views and mangrove forests. Spend rest of the morning at Kompong Phluk, the largest village on the lake, to discover the fascinating daily lifestyle of the local people who live on the water. After the tour you will transfer to airport and flight to Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Your full day city tour begins after breakfast, with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum (closed on Tuesday), which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. See the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground and representing classical Laotian architecture. Visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham. In the afternoon, Visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures before heading out of town to see the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek. Later this afternoon return to the city for a visit to Wat Mai. Finally climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and a sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. Finally visit the famous Night Market, where you’ll find handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe peoplesliving in the surroundings. Overnight in Luang Prabang

This morning, embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River. Along the way, stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where Laos rice wine and rice whiskey is produced. You'll be able to try some and learn about the process used to make it. Then on to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Lunch will be served near the caves. You'll have the opportunity to try a local dish called "Orlam" which is a soup with vegetables and features a spicy wood that is partially edible. On return, disembark to visit the traditional weaving village of Ban Phanom, famous for its hand woven textiles. Continue to explore the beautiful Khouang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails.  Overnight in Luang Prabang

Today transfer to train station for a journey to Vang Vieng. Upon arrival escort to hotel for chec-in. The continue a boat trip on the Nam Xong River for natural beauty of Vang Vieng, You'll check in at your hotel, then have free time at your leisure. Overnight in Vang Vieng

After breakfast, we take a tractor ride through paddy fields to the Tham Phoukham caves, the country’s beautiful and famous limestone caverns surrounded by forest. Along the way, you will meet local villagers and learn about their daily lifestyle. There is a small natural pool in front of the caves where you can swim and refresh yourself from the heat. This is also where we have our picnic lunch. Afternoon transfer from Vang Vieng to Vientiane. Overnight in Vientiane

Vientiane, the charming capital city of Laos with rich heritage of Buddhist culture, is waiting for you to discover. You full day city tour will take you to visit the highlights of Vientiane. Your will firstly get to know some more history of Laos by visiting the temple Wat Sisaket which is the oldest surviving temple with thousands of Buddhist images. The temple Wat Prakeo which housing the famous Emerald Buddha image really amazed the Indochina tour makers. Your full day Vientiane city tour will also visit the symbolic site That Luang Stupa and Patuxay Monument. In the afternoon Buddha Park and enjoy a stroll around the park. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. The quiet and tranquil setting along the Mekong River is a contrast to the slightly eccentric sculptures which were built in 1958 by a Laos shaman. The concrete sculptures are unique and intriguing, sitting majestically in the peaceful park. After Buddha Park start driving back to Vientiane. The rest of the day is free at your leisure. Overnight in Vientiane

Enjoy your free morning today until transfer to airport for your flight back home. Service End