Laos and Cambodia Explorer

14 days - from $2690

A stunning journey through the quiet heart of Indochina

Laos and Cambodia are the two hidden gems of the former French Indochina. Starting in Bangkok, we explore the bustling Thai capital before flying to Chiang Rai, then crossing into Laos and spending a week in this unique, but little-known country. We take the slow boat to Luang Prabang, where royal palaces and temples tell the story of the rich Lao culture and heritage. A visit to the mysterious Plain of Jars takes us even further back in time to an archaeological site said to be 2000 years old, whilst nearby Hmong villages remind us also of the country’s cultural diversity. The capital, Vientiane, is a sleepy yet charming town on the Mekong River, with its old buildings still exuding the mood of the French colonial days. Just in the last couple of years the Kingdom of Cambodia has arisen from the ashes of war and internal strife, and its monumental treasures are again on show to travellers. The incredible temple complex near Siem Reap has astounded archaeologists since its rediscovery and subsequent recovery from the jungles, 150 years ago. The famous Angkor Wat is but one of many glorious monuments in that area. Phnom Penh, now reconstructed, still contains vestiges of the French colonial era in its historic architecture.

Highlights

• Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Phnom Penh
• Phnom Penh's history
• Tuol Sleng Prison Museum
• Angkor Thom's stone-carved human faces
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat
• Kuang Si Waterfalls
• The mysterious Plain of Jars
• Vientiane
• Bangkok's Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha
• The Buddha images of Tam Ting Cave

Itinerary:

Day 1: Bangkok2: Bangkok - Chiang Rai3: Huay Xai - Pakbeng4: Luang Prabang5: Luang Prabang6: Phonsavan7: Phonsavan - Vientiane8: Vientiane9: Siem Reap10: Siem Reap11: Siem Reap12: Phnom Penh13: Phnom Penh14: Phnom Penh
Included:

• The services of Peregrine's expert English-speaking local tour leaders in each country, and local guides at some sites.

• Local flights: Bangkok to Chiang Rai, Phonsavan to Vientiane, Vientiane to Siem Reap (unescorted) and Siem Reap to Phnom Penh (unescorted).

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Bangkok - the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Temple of the Reclining Buddha; thousands of Buddha images in Tam Ting Cave; Ban Sang Hai village; Luang Prabang - the procession of monks, Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Wisunalat and the National Museum at the former Royal Palace; Kuang Si Waterfalls; Muang Khun; Plain of Jars; Vientiane - Patuxai Monument, Wat Si Saket, Wat Prakeo and That Luang Stupa; Phnom Penh - Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom, Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.

• Visit to the Angkor complex: Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Banteay Srei and a sunset over Angkor Wat from Phnom Bakheng.

• ‘Slow’ boat cruise down the Mekong River to observe rural life.

• A night in a simple hostel in Pakbeng village home to tribal Thais and a night in a basic hotel in Phonsavan - home to the Hmong hill tribe.

• Lunch at Sala Bai Hotel School prepared by underprivileged local youths learning skills to find employment in the hospitality industry.

• Free time to explore Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

• Arrival transfer.

Departure taxes, visas, other meals, insurance, tips, any additional optional tours or activities during free time, and items of a personal nature.