Jewels of Cambodia and Laos

Upon arrival in Siem Reap and clearing customs, you will be met by a local representative at the main exit gate for a private transfer to your hotel. Along the way, your guide will tell you a bit about Siem Reap’s culture and history as well as answer any questions you may have about the area. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.

This morning you will begin with a Khmer scholar-led visit to the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex. Your guide, a renowned Khmer scholar with the Angkor Temple Conservation Institution, will share with you his experience and knowledge of Khmer history, culture, archaeology and civilization. Your private tour will take you through the maze of halls and ruins of the complex and can be tailored to your specific interests. Your afternoon is at your leisure to explore, however, we recommend an optional private sunset cruise on Tonle Sap Lake. Enjoy a selection of beer and soft drinks as you observe the local lifestyle along the banks of the Cambodia’s Great Lake. You may also wish to reserve a table for dinner ath the Angkor Village Aspara Theater where you can enjoy a Cambodian dinner while watching a traditional Aspara performance. (B)

You have the morning at your leisure to explore the city, or you may wish to take an optional tour of Ta Prohm Temple, a haunting and exotic temple overgrown with lush jungle. This afternoon, meet with your guide to depart for Banteay Kdei by tuk-tuk. Lose yourself in this peaceful compound, less visited than other temples in Cambodia, yet still impressive. Later, you will make your way to your VIP private boat, which awaits your arrival on the moat of Angkor Thom. Sit back and relax with a selection of local beer and soft drinks as your expert crew navigate the still waters to view the little known Temple Prasat Chrung. Here you can climb up the steep, iron staircase and visit this tiny, yet beautiful, temple while marveling at the views of the sunset over the horizon.(B)

Spend a quiet morning at leisure until the appropriate time to take your private transfer to the airport for your short flight to Luang Prabang, Laos (ticket included). Upon arrival, after clearing customs, you will be met by a local representative at the main exit gate for a private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure to explore the area and enjoy dinner on your own. (B)

We recommend that you take this morning to participate in a unique and enlightening experience. You have the option to wake before dawn and take part in a living Buddhist tradition known as Tak Bat, the giving of alms to a procession of saffron-robed monks in the early morning. If you wish to make an offering, inform your guide in advance and a gift of alms can be prepared. After the procession, you may watch the town come to life and visit a bustling morning market before returning to your hotel in time for breakfast. Alternatively, you may spend your morning at leisure before meeting your guide in the afternoon for a river cruise to the famed Pak Ou Caves. Sail past typical Laotian villages along the Mekong River to the limestone grottoes, housing approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist images. Explore the caves and return by boat with an en route stop at the village of Ban Muang Keo to observe local weavers and whisky distillers working their traditional craft. (B)

This morning will be spent exploring one of Luang Prabang’s most picturesque sights, the cascading Kuang Si Waterfall. En route to the main attraction, your guide will stop with you to visit the vibrant and bustling Phousi Market and the nearby Ock Pop Tock Weaving Center, a social enterprise working primarily in the field of textiles, handicrafts and design. Upon arrival at the electric blue Kuang Si, your guide will lead you on a leisurely hike through nature, past the Asian Bear Rescue Center. In the warmer months, swimming is possible and quite enjoyable during the less-crowded weekdays. Take some time for lunch before heading back to your hotel for the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. (B,L)

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before meeting your driver for a private transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)