Cambodia & Laos Uncovered

Cambodia & Laos Uncovered

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Cambodia & Laos Uncovered

9 Days Starting in Luang Prabang, Laos and ending in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Visiting: Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

LAKH26

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Cambodia & Laos Uncovered" tour, starting in the UNESCO-listed city of Luang Prabang. Experience the serene beauty of Kuang Si Falls, participate in Buddhist rituals, and explore the vibrant town of Vang Vieng. Discover the laid-back charm of Vientiane, where you'll visit the COPE center and the whimsical Buddha Park. Cross into Cambodia to explore Phnom Penh's historical sites, including the Royal Palace and the poignant Killing Fields. In Siem Reap, witness the sunrise at the majestic Angkor Wat and explore the jungle-clad Ta Prohm. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural beauty, providing a deep insight into the rich heritage of Laos and Cambodia. Enjoy local cuisine, engage with social enterprises, and create lasting memories with fellow travelers on this captivating adventure.

Highlights

  • Luang Prabang: Explore the UNESCO-listed city and cycle around the former capital of Laos.

  • Kuang Si Falls: Swim under the 60-metre cascades and enjoy the natural beauty.

  • Vang Vieng: Experience adventure with kayaking and explore limestone karsts.

  • Vientiane: Visit the COPE centre and the Buddha Park with its unique sculptures.

  • Phnom Penh: Discover the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, and learn about the Khmer Rouge at the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

  • Siem Reap: Witness the sunrise at Angkor Wat and explore the temples of Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm.

  • Siem Reap: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Pub Street and the local night markets.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Luang Prabang

Location: Luang Prabang

Accommodation Name: Luang Prabang Inn (or similar)

After checking in to the hotel & getting comfortable, we'll join up, get acquainted, & begin taking in the sites of this UNESCO listed city.

Day 2: Luang Prabang

Location: Luang Prabang

Accommodation Name: Luang Prabang Inn (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

A city cycle and a swim under the 60-metre cascades of Kuang Si Falls will provide our daily nature fix, but most of the day is yours to visit palaces & temples & watch local life by the river, or choose to explore any way that suits. Tonight, watch the sunset at a riverside bar, and contemplate just how good life is and how relaxed you already feel just one week in.

Day 3: Luang Prabang To Vang Vieng

Location: Vang Vieng

Accommodation Name: The Silver Naga Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, the early risers will be rewarded with Buddhist rituals – kissed by the sun's morning rays. Take part in the daily ritual of offering alms to the Monks of Luang Prabang's 34 temples. After collecting our blessings, we’ll jump on a high-speed train that’ll whizz us to a lively tourist hub filled with plentiful opportunities for adventure. Makes leaving the charming town of Luang Prabang a little easier, right? Known for its dramatic limestone karsts, Vang Vieng will keep you busy this evening. Explore the local rivers and caves by kayak, or chill out surrounded by like-minded travellers, watching the sun set over the mountains.

Day 4: Vang Vieng To Vientiane

Location: Vientiane

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aaron (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you should wake up feeling satisfied with your Vang Vieng explorations, and ready to peel back the layers of another Laos hotspot… Welcome to the largest city in Laos! If you’re expecting a bustling Asian capital, prepare to be surprised. The vibe here is strictly chilled. Apart from seeing the beauty of Pha That Luang stupa & the artistic talent of Patuxai, we’ll use our time here to lend a helping hand to the COPE centre - a local charity that provides prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation services to those who have lost their limbs as a result of unexploded bombs. It’s now time to visit the Buddha Park - a fanciful sculpture garden adorned with significant Buddhist images. Spend some time talking amongst the bizarre & sometimes ornate statues, and head back to our hotel for a good night’s rest.

Day 5: Vientiane To Phnom Penh

Location: Phnom Penh

Accommodation Name: Mettavary Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we’ll cross the border sky high, flying out of Laos as we make our way to the capital of Cambodia. Drop your bags off at our cool hotel in the Bassac Quarter (the perfect spot to kick back with a beer and a bite). We’re doing some historical sight-seeing today. We’ll visit The Royal Palace (the official residence of the Cambodian royals) and the Silver Pagoda (one of the finest examples of Khmer architecture). Later tonight, the city is yours to explore as you please.

Day 6: Phnom Penh

Location: Phnom Penh

Accommodation Name: Mettavary Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

You'll find reminders of Cambodia’s dark past hidden among the shy smiles and pretty tree-lined streets. Today we'll learn about the horrific Khmer Rouge rule by visiting the mass graves of the ‘Killing Fields’ & the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum with our local guide. Once we’re done paying respect, we’ll head back to our hotel located at an after-dark dinner hotspot. (Ask your Trip Manager for some local favourites!)

Day 7: Phnom Penh To Siem Reap

Location: Siem Reap

Accommodation Name: Amber Angkor Villa Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We'll take a coach out of Cambodia's capital this morning and drive into the heartland of an ancient masterpiece and what is still the largest religious monument in the world. The resort town is all yours to explore today. You could relax poolside in the afternoon. Or visit the Phare Circus (which also holds the Guiness World Record for the longest circus show) for some insane multicultural entertainment. There are plenty of things you could spice up your night with - but it's probably best to reserve your energy for our early morning visit to an Eighth Wonder of the World (and something we know you've all been waiting for).

Day 8: Siem Reap

Location: Siem Reap

Accommodation Name: Amber Angkor Villa Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Prepare to be moved to the core this morning as we journey to Angkor Wat through dawn's hours in preparation for sunrise. Nothing can quite describe the feeling of watching the day's first rays touch this ancient spiritual site, it's pretty much magic. After a siesta and pool hangs to break up the day back at our hotel, we journey back to the temples to explore Angkor Thom and the Tomb Raider temple of Ta Prohm, which is slowly being swallowed by the jungle. With knowledge in hand, we'll pay a visit to a social enterprise, where disadvantaged and former street children are trained up in hospitality skills. And wow, do they do it well; their frozen shakes and mouth-watering menu never fail to impress. With no early rise on tomorrow's agenda, we can let loose on the city's famous Pub Street and the buzzing local night markets.

Day 9: Siem Reap

Location: Siem Reap

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our trip will wrap up in Siem Reap shortly after our final team breakfast. We'll go our separate ways after saying somber goodbyes & making sincere plans to organise a reunion tour.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay in comfort at the Luang Prabang Inn, The Silver Naga Hotel, Hotel Aaron, Mettavary Hotel, and Amber Angkor Villa Hotel, or similar accommodations, offering a blend of local charm and modern amenities throughout your journey in Laos and Cambodia.

  • Transport

    Travel seamlessly with a mix of high-speed trains and flights, ensuring swift and comfortable transitions between destinations, including a scenic train ride from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and a flight from Vientiane to Phnom Penh.

  • Dining

    Enjoy 8 breakfasts and 1 dinner during your tour.

  • Included Experiences

    Cycle around Luang Prabang, meditate at a temple, watch Lao textile artisans, offer alms to monks, and take a high-speed train ride. Visit the COPE centre in Vientiane, explore the Buddha Park, and admire the architecture in Phnom Penh. Visit Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon in Siem Reap.

What's Not Included

  • Meals Not Mentioned

    Any meals not specifically mentioned in the inclusions are not included in the tour package.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional activities, and other personal purchases are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel seamlessly with a mix of high-speed trains and flights, ensuring swift and comfortable transitions between destinations, including a scenic train ride from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and a flight from Vientiane to Phnom Penh.

Dining Summary

  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Dinner (D)

Included Experience

  • Luang Prabang: Cycle around the former capital of Laos. Then visit Big Brother Mouse to help locals improve their English.
  • Luang Prabang: Meditate at this ornate temple, or just marvel at its gilded beauty and take lots of pics.
  • Luang Prabang: Your chance to watch Lao textile artisans at work, making clothes and homeware using special techniques.
  • Luang Prabang: Always wanted to live like a Buddhist? Here is your chance to offer an ‘Alms’ to monks, in the spirit of karmic giving.
  • Luang Prabang: Hop onto the train from Luang Prabang, travelling at a dashing 160 km/h. You’ll catch some breathtaking views on the way.
  • Vientiane: See the amazing efforts of this non-profit, which gives prosthetic limbs to disabled locals – some of who are victims of unexploded bombs. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience
  • Vientiane: This isn't your typical hectic capital city. Today, you'll walk around the peacefully lovely city of Vientiane and admire Laos' version of the Arc de Triomphe - the Patuxai.
  • Vientiane: It’s bizarre. It’s beautiful. And it has a lot of Buddha statues. This fanciful sculpture garden will leave you with wonder (and a little bit of confusion) in your eyes.
  • Vientiane: Fasten your seatbelts folks, we’re off to Phnom Penh
  • Phnom Penh: Admire the architectural wonder of some of the best buildings from the Khmer Empire of Vietnam – built back in the 1800s!
  • Phnom Penh: A sombre but important remembrance for the victims of the Khmer Rouge. Visit the fields and Genocide Museum.
  • Phnom Penh: Spend the evening at one of Phnom Penh's best-loved after-dark hotspots for refreshing beverages and tantalising food.
  • Siem Reap: Visit Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Bayon – where Tomb Raider was filmed. But dress appropriately (no hotpants, soz).
  • Siem Reap: Not only is the food top-notch, this social enterprise makes a mission out of training and employing street youths. Respect.

Check out our Q&As

  • What activities are included in Luang Prabang?

    In Luang Prabang, you can participate in a city cycle, swim under the Kuang Si Falls, visit palaces and temples, and watch local life by the river. You can also take part in the daily ritual of offering alms to the monks of Luang Prabang's 34 temples.

  • What can I expect to see in Vientiane?

    In Vientiane, you will visit the Pha That Luang stupa, the Patuxai monument, and the Buddha Park, which is a sculpture garden adorned with significant Buddhist images. You will also have the opportunity to lend a helping hand at the COPE centre, a local charity providing prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation services.

  • What historical sites will be visited in Phnom Penh?

    In Phnom Penh, you will visit The Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the Killing Fields, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to learn about Cambodia's history and the Khmer Rouge rule.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to Siem Reap?

    The highlight of the visit to Siem Reap is the early morning journey to Angkor Wat to witness the sunrise. You will also explore Angkor Thom and the Ta Prohm temple, known as the Tomb Raider temple.

  • What unique experiences are offered in Vang Vieng?

    In Vang Vieng, you can explore the local rivers and caves by kayak, or relax and watch the sunset over the mountains. The area is known for its dramatic limestone karsts and offers plentiful opportunities for adventure.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

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Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

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Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

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Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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