Laos & Cambodia Experience - 14 days

2012 - Your Journey starts Chiang Rai, ends Siem Reap

DAY 1-2 - CHIANG RAI & PAKBENG
On arrival in Chiang Rai, transfer to your hotel and join your group of fellow travellers and tour leader for a welcome briefing to prepare for your Mekong boat journey. Cross the border into Laos for a tranquil cruise along the upper Mekong on your private wooden barge. Soak up the relaxing atmosphere on the way to your remote but comfortable riverside lodge.
Hotels: Laluna, Phetsokxai

DAYS 3-5 - LUANG PRABANG
Continue floating down the Mekong River, stopping to admire the Buddha effigies at Pak ou Caves, on the way to the captivating town of Luang Prabang. Discover ornate monasteries and museums, learn to cook Lao-style, visit the beautiful Kuang Si Falls and get to know the locals with a game of petanque. Be sure to rise early to witness hundreds of orange robed monks lining the town’s streets in the absorbing alms collection ritual.
Hotel: Sala Prabang (Lodge)

DAYS 6-7 - VIENTIANE
Fly to the serene riverside capital and explore Wat Pha That Luang, Wat Sisaket and the iconic Patuxai Monument. At the interactive COPE centre, gain a valuable insight into the problems UXOs, unexploded bombs, have caused in this peaceful land and what this fantastic organisation is doing to help. Enjoy free time to uncover the city and relax with a drink at an outdoor cafe watching the sun set over neighbouring Thailand.
Hotel: Mercure Vientiane

DAYS 8-9 - PHNOM PENH
Fly to Phnom Penh and reflect on Cambodia’s tragic past with visits to the Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing Fields, and admire the artistry of the Khmer empire at the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum. Learn about the plight of local street children, and what you can do to help, at the ChildSafe Centre. In your free time, take a stroll along the riverfront and feel the cool breezes of the Tonle Sap River along with the locals.
Hotel: Sunway

DAY 10 - KAMPONG THOM
A drive through the Cambodian countryside passes farmers driving oxen through paddy fields. In the town of Skuon, you may like to join the Khmers and sample the local delicacy – fried spider!
Hotel: Sambor Village

DAYS 11-14 - SIEM REAP
Discover the pre-Angkorian ruins of Sambour Prei Kuk and glide across a remote section of Tonle Sap Lake by boat before heading to Siem Reap, our base for exploring the temples of Angkor. Walk through the jungle in darkness to come upon the sun rising over the glorious temple at Angkor, a vision you’ll never forget, then venture off the tourist trail to remote Boeng Mealea and immerse yourself in the atmospheric ruins of the tree-covered Ta Prohm. On your last day, enjoy free time until your departure transfer.
Hotel: Royal Bay Inn