Laos and Cambodia Unveiled

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.

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.

Depart Vientiane for Vang Vieng, a town beautifully set in a spectacular karst landscape that has become Laos's adventure capital. En route, stop at Ban Keun, famous for its salt production, a keystone of the local economy.

Venture into the Tham Chang cave before

wandering through the dramatic limestone

karst countryside beside the Nam Song River.

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

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.

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 water's edge.

Rise early this morning to witness the monks

of Luang Prabang's monastic communities

collecting alms from the locals – the ceremony

of Takbat. These lines of silent saffron robe-clad

monks will be an enduring image of your

trip. Later this morning, climb Phousi Hill for

panoramic views over the city before taking a short flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia.

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 you'll 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 Angkor’s temples, examine the vast number

of intricate details and relish the sheer

magnificence of its architecture, and enjoy a sunset cruise around the moat of Angkor Thom.

In the 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. In the Low Water Season (Mar to Jul) head to Chong Kneas floating village. Return to Siem Reap via the The SATCHA Handicraft Centre. This evening sit down to dinner and the Apsara

dance show.

Admire the captivating Banteay Srei, a richly embellished Hindu Temple made of rose-coloured sandstone.

Depart Siem Reap for the rural city of Battambang, a former colonial town with a wealth of French architecture on display. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of the city before freshening up for dinner.

Battambang is set in some of the country's most beautiful landscapes. Head out of town to experience life as a local with a countryside family before visiting the 12th-century Prasat Banan Temple. End the day with a visit to Phnom Sampov, where you can marvel at the extraordinary sight of millions of bats emerging from their cave in search of food.

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.

Experience a cyclo ride to the magnificent

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before stopping to visit the temple of Wat Phnom. Later,

enjoy the exhibits of the National Museum,

which are housed in a spectacular Khmer-style

building, before learning about the

tragedies of the recent past at the harrowing

Tuol Sleng Museum.

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.