Cambodia And Northern Laos

Welcome to the capital of Cambodia! Situated on the bank of Tongle Sap river, Phnom Penh is a city that  incorporates royal past, colonial legacy, Khmer Rouge’s tragedy and 21rst century’s modernity. Begin your discovery of the city with a visit to the Royal Palace and the splendid Silver Pagoda, from where the last Khmer God-king Shihanuk ruled over the country before it fell into turmoil. Finish the day by getting to know Phnom Penh’s origins by visiting Wat Phnom and taking a tour by cyclo, returning to your hotel at the end of the afternoon.

This day of history begins with a not-to-be-missed introduction to Angkor by either private air-conditioned vehicle or three-wheeled tuk-tuk. You’ll visit the National Museum, a superb example of Khmer architecture, which was officially inaugurated in 1920. Here, one sees sculptures dating from all different periods of Cambodia’s history. Travel to the city’s south to understand another period of Cambodia’s history: the regime of the Khmer Rouge. Here, you’ll visit the genocide museum of Tuol Sleng, an old secondary school that was transformed into a detention center under the Khmer Rouge. The prison gates carry the fearful name “S21”, with “S” standing for “security”. Thousands of prisoners were detained, tortured and killed here. Continuing the story, visit the Killing Fields of Choeng Ek, 15 km from Phnom Penh, which were used as a killing and burial place for victims of Tuol Sleng prison during the Khmer Rouge regime. Returning to Phnom Penh, visit the Russian Markets, Tuol Tumpoung, where you can stroll among all the stalls and try your hand at bargaining. You’ll find fabrics, jewels, jewelery, homewares and handicrafts among many other items.

You’ll head out early in the morning to travel through Cambodia’s countryside on a good-quality road to Battambang. You’ll see magnificent scenes of rice fields dotted with immense sugar palms and lots of beautiful traditional wooden stilt houses. After about two hours on the road, you’ll come to the provincial town of Kompong Chhnang, where you can walk through the traditional pottery villages, where artisans make cooking braziers and a number of utensils and decorative items used in Cambodian homes. 

An hour later back on the road, we’ll stop at Kompong Luong village where a traditional boat will motor around the lake allowing you to view community life of a real floating village and all its unique characteristics. Lunch at the local restaurant. Afterward, continuing on the road, arrive then at Battambang and your hotel. 

Notice: Battambang is not very developed for tourism yet. The quality of its restaurants, hotels and general services is considered very local still.

In the morning, drive about a half-hour from Siem Reap to discover one of the oldest sites of the region: the Roluos group. Begin your visit with the impressive Bakong Temple of the ninth century, then Preah Ko and Lolei, which today houses a small monastery. This visit will allow you to understand how this Khmer city was structured. This group is much less visited in comparison with other major sites, and is therefore very pleasant to visit. Their proximity to local communities also gives them a special feel. In the afternoon, visit the temples on the Grand Circuit, including Pre Rup from the 10th century; Mebon Oriental, a Hindu temple of the 10th century which sits on the central islet of Baray Oriental; Ta Som Buddhist Temple from the end of the 12th century; Neak Poan (entwined Nagas), which is by a square pool surrounded by four smaller pools; and Preah Khan (Sacred Sword), which has been invaded by creepers and young trees. Return to your hotel late in the afternoon.

Khan (Sacred Sword), which has been invaded by creepers and young trees. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Today, you are going to discover the legendary temple of Angkor Wat, a World Heritage Site with soaring towers and marvellous bas-reliefs. This is one of the most extraordinary monuments ever built by man, erected in the 12th century (1112-1152) in honour of Vishnu. In the afternoon, visit Angkor Thom (Grande City) starting at the south gate and the famous Bayon Temple of the 12th and 13th centuries. Dedicated to Buddhism, Bayon comprises 54 gigantic towers featuring 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Afterward, move to the Elephant Terrace which, at 350 meters long, was used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall. Also visit  the raised Leper King Terrace built in the 12th century, which features many admired sculptured Apsaras. You will leave the ruins at the end of the day, full of admiration for the Angkor empire’s greatness.

Early in the morning, travel by road to Beng Melea, where part of Jean-Jacques Annaud’s film “The Two Brothers” was filmed. Beng Melea was built during the reign of Suryavarman II in the middle of the 12th century. Far from the busy-ness of Angkor Wat, Beng Melea lends itself to daydream and meditation as practised by the celestial dancers, Apsaras. The symbiosis between plant and mineral here is really amazing. The tree roots that delicately envelop this temple seem wed to its shapes. Lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon return to Siem Reap. On the way, visit Banteay Srei Temple, where one of the most impressive jewels of Khmer art is found. Erected in the 10th century, this small pink sandstone temple, called The Citadel of Women, contains some remarkable carved lintels still in very good condition. Andre Malraux brought fame to this temple at the beginning of the 20th century when, in 1923, he returned the Apsara heads he had previously removed. Afterward, visit the ancient monastery Ta Prohm, where immense tree roots have taken hold of the stones. Beyond this stunning vegetation you will find some splendid sculptured Devatas and an ambience fitting this temple and others built during the reign of Jayavarman VII.

Have some free time until transfering to Siem Reap airport for your flight to Luang Prabang, where you’ll be met and taken to your hotel. In the afternoon begin your discovery of this charming town, a combination of centuries-old Buddhist temples and colonial residences stretching on a peninsula formed by the confluence of the Mekong and the Namkha river. Previously a religious capital, Luang Prabang accounts for more than 100 temples, including some of  the most beautiful in Laos. Today you’ll visit the temples of Vat Visoun, the oldest temple in the city, which resembles no other with its wooden windows inspired by the Khmer Temple of Vat Phou. You’ll also see Vat Aham, located just beside Vat Visoun, which is framed by two large Banyan trees. 

Continue your Luang Prabang discovery today by visiting:

● Vat May, built at the end of the 18th century, a capped sanctuary featuring a five-sided roof topped by three parasols.

● Vat Xieng Thong, the Temple of the Royal City, is a vast collection of sacred edifices, a jewel of Lao art and the most beautiful temple in the city.

● Vat Sene, the first monastery with a  roof covered with yellow and red tiles.

Then embark on a boat to ride the Mekong River’s current heading toward the Pak Ou caves which for centuries have housed hundreds of Buddha statuettes, protecting them from plunderers. Return to Luang Prabang.

At the end of the afternoon, climb Mont Phousi to admire the sunset. Afterward, come down and,experience the H’mong Night Market which sets up every day in the main street between 5 and 10 p.m, where you can stroll among all the interesting stalls, and bring home some beautiful Laotian handicrafts.

In the morning, visit the Royal Palace, which today is the National Museum. Then, make an excursion to the Khouang Sy waterfall (60 km round trip).  The road is bordered by villages and rice fields. You’ll stop along the way in some of these villages and continue on to the waterfalls. As you get close to the falls, you will feel cooler since the  area is in higher altitude and surrounded by a forest. Enjoy lunch in a field by the waterfall, which is frequented by locals and villagers. The waterfall is spectacular, scattering into many clear, turquoise basins in which you can have a swim. Return to Luang Prabang and continue to visit the city. It is sheer pleasure strolling along the riverbank and watch villagers going about their daily life.

A free day to spend as you wish visiting the city until transfer to Luang Prabang airport for your departure flight. Your room is available until noon.