Laos and Cambodia

17 days - from $1345

This overland journey takes you from Bangkok to Phnom Penh and tour combines the best of Laos and Cambodia – two of Indochina’s treasure troves.

After years of war, peace and tranquillity have come to Laos and this small land-locked nation is slowly opening its doors and offering the intrepid traveller a warm welcome. We travel by a wide variety of local transport, including bus, songthaew, tuk-tuk, Mekong River boat, mini-van, train and pirogue. Accommodation is in simple hotels and guesthouses.

A flight across to Cambodia enables you to uncover the mysteries of the ancient Khmer civilization. Our journey of discovery begins in Siem Reap, where we’ll explore what is regarded as one of the world’s greatest archaeological monuments - the magnificent Angkor temple complexes. A bus journey takes us to the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, where we spend the day exploring this re-emerging city and visiting the sad and sobering “Killing Fields” of Choeung Ek.

Highlights

• Kuang Si Waterfalls
• Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Phnom Penh
• Phnom Penh's history
• Huay Xai - old Yunnanese caravan disembarkation point
• Angkor Thom's stone-carved human faces
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat
• Tuol Sleng Prison Museum
• Laotian coffee
• Mekong by long tail boat
• Mekong slow boat cruise
• The Buddha images of Tam Ting Cave
• Vientiane
• Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar - Lanna handicrafts and traditional wares of the hilltribes
• The ethnic tribes of Pakbeng
• The monks of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Luang Prabang
• Vang Vieng's river

Itinerary:

Day 1: Bangkok2: Bangkok3: Chiang Mai4: Huay Xai5: Pakbeng6-8: Luang Prabang9-10: Vang Vieng11-12: Vientiane - Siem Reap13: Siem Reap - Angkor14: Siem Reap15: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh16: Phnom Penh17: Phnom Penh

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• Gecko’s expert English-speaking local tour guides throughout the tour, and local site guides at some sites.

• Day tour of the Angkor complex including the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Elephant Terrace, Baphoun, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Terrace of the Leper King, Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Bangkok, Vientiane and Phnom Penh.

• Slow boat trip down the Mekong River with a night in a simple hostel in Pakbeng and a visit to the Buddha statues at Pak Ou Caves.

• Trek to Kuang Si Falls and exploration of Vang Vieng caves.

• Free time to explore Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Huay Xai, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

• Local flight from Vientiane to Siem Reap.

• Overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.