Explore the Wonders of Cambodia and Laos - Set Itinerary

Touch down in Cambodia’s vibrant capital, Phnom Penh, where your journey begins. After a warm welcome at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Once settled in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Whether you choose to unwind by the pool or take a stroll through the nearby streets, Phnom Penh offers a fascinating first impression. This riverside city blends French colonial charm with buzzing local life. You might spot saffron-robed monks walking past art deco buildings, or hear the hum of tuk tuks weaving through colourful markets.

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Today you’ll explore Phnom Penh on a traditional cyclo, a three-wheeled bicycle taxi that offers a relaxed and open-air way to see the city. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll pass through the capital’s lively streets, stopping at key landmarks like Wat Phnom, the city’s spiritual heart, and the Independence Monument, a symbol of Cambodia’s post-colonial identity. Along the way, you’ll also uncover lesser-known corners of the city, from bustling local markets to quiet pagodas tucked between modern buildings.

This tour offers more than just sightseeing; it’s a chance to understand Phnom Penh’s layered history, from its French colonial past to its vibrant present. The cyclo itself adds a nostalgic charm, connecting you to a slower pace of life that still lingers in parts of the city. (B)

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Today you’ll travel overland from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, a journey that offers a glimpse into Cambodia’s rural heart. Along the way, you’ll stop at the remarkable Kampong Kdei Bridge, also known as Spean Praptos. Built in the 12th century during the reign of Jayavarman VII, this laterite stone bridge is one of the oldest and longest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Its seven-headed Naga balustrades are a striking reminder of the Khmer Empire’s engineering brilliance.

As the road winds through countryside dotted with rice paddies and traditional stilt houses, you’ll get a sense of daily life beyond the cities. After a break for lunch in Kampong Thom, you’ll continue on to Siem Reap. Once checked in, the rest of the day is yours to relax (B)

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This morning, set out by tuk tuk to explore the Angkor Archaeological Park, home to some of the most important religious monuments in the world. Begin with Angkor Wat, a vast and intricately carved temple complex that has become a symbol of Cambodia. Built in the 12th century, it’s a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and still holds deep spiritual significance today.

Continue to Bayon Temple, located at the centre of Angkor Thom. Its towers are famously adorned with over 200 serene stone faces, and its detailed bas-reliefs offer a glimpse into life during the Khmer Empire. Your final stop is Ta Prohm, where nature and history intertwine. Left largely unrestored, the temple is wrapped in the roots of towering trees, creating an atmosphere that’s both haunting and beautiful. (B)

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After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. On arrival, a local guide will meet you and take you to your hotel.

Luang Prabang is a small city in northern Laos known for its mix of Buddhist temples, colonial buildings, and riverside setting. It’s quieter than most capitals, with a strong cultural identity and a slower pace of life. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in and get a feel for the town. (B)

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Start the day exploring Luang Prabang’s key cultural landmarks. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, one of the city’s most important temples, known for its sweeping roofs and intricate mosaics. Nearby, Wat Mai stands out with its gold-covered façade and quiet atmosphere. At the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, you’ll see artefacts that reflect the town’s royal and religious history. Climb Mount Phousi for a panoramic view over the town and surrounding rivers, an ideal way to take in Luang Prabang’s setting.

In the afternoon, head out to Kuang Si Waterfalls, stopping at the Living Crafts Centre to learn about traditional Lao weaving. The falls themselves are a series of limestone cascades and turquoise pools, perfect for a swim or a walk. You’ll also visit the nearby Sun Bear Reserve, a sanctuary for rescued wildlife, and stop at a local Hmong village on the return journey. (B,L)

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Begin the day early with one of Luang Prabang’s most meaningful traditions: the morning alms giving. As the sun rises, lines of monks walk silently through the streets collecting offerings of sticky rice from locals. It’s a quiet, respectful ritual that reflects the town’s deep Buddhist roots and offers a rare glimpse into daily spiritual life.

Afterwards, visit the morning market, where locals shop for fresh produce, herbs, and spices. Then return to your hotel for breakfast before heading out on a boat trip along the Mekong River. The journey takes you to the Pak Ou Caves, a sacred site filled with hundreds of Buddha statues left by pilgrims over centuries. Along the way, stop at a riverside village to see traditional weaving still done on wooden looms. (B,L)

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After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)