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Laos and Cambodia Unveiled

Resort:Laos and Cambodia Unveiled
Operator: Wendy Wu Tours
Destination: Asia, Cambodia, Laos, South East Asia
Price From: £3690.00

Overview

17 Day Laos and Cambodia Unveiled Tour Itinerary

DAYS 1-2 FLY TO VIENTIANE

Fly overnight to Vientiane via Bangkok. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

DAY 3 EXPLORE VIENTIANE

Nestled in a sleepy bend of the Mekong, Vientiane is a delightfully quaint city, more friendly backwater than chaotic capital. Visit the morning market, Wat Si Saket and Wat Phra Keo, the former Royal Temple, before viewing That Luang Stupa and the Patuxai Victory Monument. Also, drop in at the COPE visitor centre. Dinner this evening will be accompanied by a traditional Lao music and dance performance.

DAY 4 TRAVEL TO VANG VIENG

Depart Vientiane for Vang Vieng, a town beautifully set in a spectacular karst landscape that has become Laos adventure capital. En route, stop at Nam Ngum Lake, a reservoir created by damming the Nam Ngum River, where deep green waters are backed by mountains and forest.

DAY 5 EXPLORE VANG VIENG

Venture into the Tham Chang cave before wandering through the dramatic limestone karst countryside beside the Nam Song River.

DAY 6 TRAVEL TO LUANG PRABANG

Return to Vientiane and fly to the beautiful city of Luang Prabang. The quintessential image of Laos and a place of vivid colours, where youll find a rich heritage and enduring French legacy.

DAY 7 PAK OU CAVES

Visit the exquisite Wat Visoun and Wat Xieng Thong. Cruise up the languid Mekong River to the sacred caves of Pak Ou, known for the hundreds of miniature Buddhist sculptures that reside within. On the return trip stop off at the villages of Thin Hong and Ban Xang Khong.

DAY 8 KUANG SI WATERFALLS

Begin the day at the National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace. Drive out of the city, stopping for a visit to Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre, before heading to the natural splendour of Kuang Si Waterfalls. Enjoy the vivid blue, terraced pools that tumble down through their forest setting, taking a dip or relaxing by the waters edge.

DAY 9 TAKBAT

Rise early this morning to witness the monks of Luang Prabangs monastic communities collecting alms from the locals the ceremony of Takbat. These lines of silent saffron robeclad monks will be an enduring image of your trip. Later this morning, climb Phousi Hill for panoramic views over the city. Fly to Siem Reap where you can while away the evening at the lively night market.

DAY 10 EXPLORE ANGKOR

The seat of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, the Angkor complex includes over 1,000 temples. Rising early, the tour begins in the heart of Angkor Thom, the old walled city – passing through its South Gate youll reach the enigmatic Bayon and visit the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm, an atmospheric temple left in the grips of the jungle. This afternoon is dedicated to the indescribable Angkor Wat. The best preserved of Angkors temples, examine the vast number of intricate details and relish the sheer magnificence of its architecture.

DAY 11 TONLE SAP LAKE

High Water Season (Aug to Feb) Visit Beng Mealea, a mysterious temple overrun by the jungle before enjoying a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong Kleng and observing the way of life of these lake communities. Return to Siem Reap via Artisan D’Angkor, an organisation working to revive traditional Khmer arts and crafts. This evening sit down to dinner and the Apsara dance show. Low Water Season (Mar to Jul) Head to Beng Mealea to explore this mysterious temple overrun by the jungle. Drop by Artisan D’Angkor before visiting the floating village of Chong Kneas. This evening sit down to dinner and the Apsara dance show.

DAY 12 BANTEAY SREI

Admire the captivating Banteay Srei, a richly embellished Hindu Temple made of rosecolored sandstone. Wander the atmospheric ruins of Preah Khan. Take a leisurely boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom and view hidden elements of the ancient Khmer water systems.

DAY 13 RURAL BATTAMBANG

Depart Siem Reap for the city of Battambang, stopping off at the National Silk Centre, where you can learn about the silk creation process.

DAY 14 EXPLORE BATTAMBANG

Battambang is set in some of the countrys most beautiful landscapes. Head out of town to the 12th-century Prasat Banan Temple, returning to Battambang to stroll through the village of Wat Kor. Later, visit a local NGO, La Maison de Coco, where traditional skills such as weaving are taught to locals before exploring a cave at Phnom Sampov, home to a huge colony of bats.

DAY 15 TRAVEL TO PHNOM PENH

Journey south to the city of Phnom Penh, making a stop at the 17th century capital of Udong and Kampong Chhnang to see the traditional handmade pottery. On arrival at Phnom Penh, the rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 16 PHNOM PENH BY CYCLO

Experience a cyclo ride to the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before scaling the small hill topped by Wat Phnom. Later, enjoy the exhibits of the National Museum, which are housed in a spectacular Khmerstyle building, before learning about the tragedies of the recent past at the harrowing Tuol Sleng Museum.

DAYS 17-18 FLY PHNOM PENH TO UK

If your flight time permits, this morning there is an option to visit the poignant Killing Fields (payable locally). Transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the UK, arriving the next day.