Spirit of Laos and Cambodia

Situated on the tranquil banks of the Mekong River, Luang Prabang offers the charm and serenity of a provincial town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Laos is renowned for its traditional Lao architecture, stunning Buddhist temples, and vibrant cultural heritage. For those arriving on time, our Tour Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Luang Prabang at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) which is 30 minutes from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Tour Leader will inform you of any essential information by note left at the front desk.

Today, we get to have a closer look at Luang Prabang. All the main sights of interest are close together and we'll have a chance to walk around the various wats (temples) including the splendid Wat Xieng Thong (Golden Temple). Built in 1559, it is strikingly decorated in brilliant red and gold designs with an imposing tiled roof and mosaic dragon motifs. We'll also visit Wat Khili and the Royal Palace Museum. Next we'll follow the quiet back lanes to Heuan Chan Heritage house which gives a unique insight into what pre-colonial life was like for Laotians. We'll end the sightseeing in the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre which brings to life the 50+ ethnic groups, languages, customs and religions found in the patchwork of Laos' hillsides, villages and countryside.

Early morning, there is the chance to witness the alms giving of Luang Prabang. The alms-giving ceremony is a serene daily ritual where locals and visitors offer food to rows of saffron-robed monks at dawn, symbolizing generosity and spiritual reflection. We then head out to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls, approximately 45 minutes from Luang Prabang. Passing forested hills and several ethnic minority villages, we arrive at the limestone falls that cascade into several turquoise pools below. We have some time to explore the many levels of the falls as well as the near-by Sun Bear rescue centre. Returning to Luang Prabang we visit Ock Pop Tock, a centre dedicated to showcasing the tradition of northern Laos' silk-weaving cottage industry. The rest of this afternoon has been left free to further explore this charming city, or to relax at one of the many al-fresco coffee shops that pepper the street sides. In the evening, there is chance to walk to nearby Mount Phousi and climb its 328 steps in time for sunset, offering excellent panoramic views over this sleepy city. Or you could join our Tour Leader for monk chanting. Each evening, visitors can observe or participate in chanting ceremonies held in many of the local temples. During the ceremonies, monks gather to recite sacred texts in rhythmic, melodic chants, creating an atmosphere of peace and reflection. Visitors are encouraged to sit quietly, dress modestly, and respect the sanctity of the ritual.

This morning, we board our private long tail boat for a leisurely cruise along the Mekong to the village of Pakbeng. As we navigate upriver the city of Luang Prabang soon fades away, passing river-side villages and then rice paddies and fields of vegetation, all under the shadow of the rolling mountainous terrain in the background. Along the way, we stop at Pak Ou Caves, a cavern hidden in the rockface and filled with a plethora of Buddha images and statues. Depending on the season, we may see locals panning in the river, children playing, blacksmiths at work and basket weavers as we cruise past dwellings. Lunch is served onboard, and we plan to arrive into Pakbeng in the early evening.

After breakfast, we leave Pakbeng by bus and head north on a scenic drive to Oudomxay. This part of Laos is very rural, and the road weaves its way past lush countryside, agricultural land and past minority villages. We visit Ban Yor, a Hmong village known for its intricate pottery, and take another break to enjoy a picnic lunch before arriving in Oudomxay in the afternoon. The drive today will take approximately six hours including stops.

This morning, we journey into the countryside for a guided walk, following a river that weaves through dense vegetation and serene farmland. Our journey leads us to Ban Phavie, a charming Khamu village perched atop a hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. From there, we continue to the nearby waterfalls, where we pause to enjoy our packed lunch by the refreshing cascades. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon to relax by the swimming pool or indulge in a relaxing massage. The total walking distance is around 8.5km with 250m ascent and 250m decent, which we anticipate will take around two to three hours and is graded as easy to moderate. It's worth noting that the path is uneven, involving climbing some rocks and crossing the river. Note: strap-on sandals or quick-drying shoes are ideal, as your feet might get wet along the way. If you wish you can bring hiking poles, however they are not essential.

After a leisurely morning, we begin our journey by heading to Oudomxay station to board the newly constructed Boten-Vientiane Railway for a short two-hour ride to the capital city of Vientiane. Opened in December 2021, this ambitious project, a collaboration between Laos and China, links the Chinese railway system at the northern border to the Thai railway system via the Friendship Bridge in the south. The railway now connects a network of rural villages in Laos, providing a significant boost to trade in a country with a challenging road network through mountainous terrain. With modern trains reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h, it has also made travel within Laos far more accessible and comfortable. The journey goes through tunnels and at times, pass lush rice paddies soaking in the scenic beauty of the Laotian countryside. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel where the evening is free to explore the night market and go out for dinner.

Before flying south to Pakse, we set off to explore the charming capital, characterized by its low-rise buildings, red roofs, French colonial influences, and relaxed atmosphere. Highlights of our tour include the Victory Gate, a majestic Triumphal Arch offering panoramic views of the city and That Luang Stupa, a revered monument said to enshrine a hair of the Buddha. Upon arrival, we transfer into town for lunch and visit the bustling Pakse Market, where vibrant stalls showcase fresh produce, local crafts, and traditional goods. It's the perfect opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture and observe daily life in southern Laos. We then continue our journey into the heart of the Bolaven Plateau. Here the soil is very fertile and so cultivation of Arabica and Robusta coffee and tea is the most important trade, which is complimented by the small scale agriculture of fruit, vegetables, cardamom and rattan.

After breakfast, we transfer to the impressive twin chute Tad Fan Waterfalls. Marvel at the magnificent falls which are formed by two separate rivers. We then embark on a guided walk through the coffee plantation, where our local guide introduces us to the different varieties of coffee grown and explains the details of the cultivation process. The walk ends in Tad Yuang, a picture-perfect 40 metres high waterfall. Take in the stunning views of the waterfall by following a path down to the base of the gorge, or enjoy a refreshing swim in the river above the falls. Afterward, savor a delicious lunch at the on-site restaurant. We then continue to Pakxong where we visit Jhai Coffee House. This philanthropic coffee roaster buys from the source and reinvests all profit back into the region. Learn the differences of taste and aroma of a variety of coffees and learn how to best bring out the taste and aroma of each varieties. After the tasting, we return to the resort and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. The walk is approximately two hours long, covering mostly flat, forested terrain, and is rated as easy.

We travel to Champasak this morning to visit the remarkable Wat Phu Temple. This impressive Khmer temple, dating back to the 6th century, is considered one of the most significant archaeological treasures of Laos. Originally constructed at the base of a sacred mountain, symbolizing Shiva in Hindu tradition, Wat Phu later became a revered Buddhist shrine. Each February, thousands of pilgrims from Thailand and Laos gather here to celebrate the full moon festival, participating in various cultural competitions and ceremonies. During this time, Wat Phu is adorned with offerings made to honor the earth spirit of Champasak, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere. Late morning, we cross the Mekong River to Don Daeng Island, a picturresque island inhabited by just a few villages. Lunch is served at a family home, where you can enjoy homemade dishes accompanied by the warm hospitality of the family. Afterwards, we travel by bus and boat to Don Khone, one of the islands in the 4,000 Islands region of the Mekong River, known for its serene landscapes, picturesque waterfalls, and a relaxed atmosphere, offering a glimpse into traditional Laotian life. We settle in our riverfront hotel where we spend the next two nights.

Today we explore the island by bicycle on a leisurely cycle, tracing the route on an old abandoned French railway - built at the turn of the century to avoid the treacherous rapids caused by the many channels. We will be able to admire some of the old French colonial buildings as well as the rough rapids of the Li Phi waterfalls. The afternoon is free for relaxation, or you can visit Don Det Island, easily accessible via a simple bridge connecting it to Don Khone.

We then make the short 30km drive to the border to cross into the Kingdom of Cambodia where we change vehicles. We then drive on to the town of Preah Vihear on a journey of around 4 hours. This area of Cambodia has a scattering of relics from the Angkor age, but receives few tourists in comparison to the main Angkor temples. As we drive along the red-earth rural roads of northern Cambodia, we'll likely see remnants of temples nestled in the jungle and children waving at us as we travel past.

After a short drive, we travel into the jungle in 4WD vehicles this morning, we make our way to the temple of Preah Vihear. This Khmer temple, dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva is dramatically perched atop a cliff in the sacred Dangrek mountain range, and affords breathtaking views over the expansive plains below, stretching all the way to the Thai border. We have some time to explore the UNESCO-listed temple, before continuing to Siem Reap, the gateway of Angkor. En route we stop at Koh Ker, located around 120 kms north-east of Siem Reap and therefore not often visited by most day-trippers. This temple contains a striking seven-tiered pyramid centrepiece and much of the complex has only been recently been uncovered, with much of this area having been covered in land mines from the civil war. After discovering this remote temple we continue to Siem Reap, where we should arrive in the late afternoon. The total driving time today is approximately six hours, including stops, though it may take a bit longer depending on road conditions.

We start the day's exploration with a visit to the temples of King Jayavarman Vll, reputedly Angkor's greatest king. The fortified city of Angkor Thom, which he built at the end of the 12th century, is enclosed by a wall with five monumental gates decorated with stone elephant trunks. Originally, crocodiles inhabited the moat and huge statues of 54 different gods protected each gate. The city contains another of Angkor's true gems - Bayon Temple. Although not as impressive as Angkor Wat from a distance, Bayon is nevertheless incredible for its maze of corridors, gothic style towers and magical central temples. We'll explore The Terrace of the Elephants and the Leper King, the Baphuon and Phimeanakas, and the 'Tomb Raider' temple of Ta Phrom which has been quite literally consumed by nature. We leave the best known and most breath taking of all the sights, Angkor Wat, to the end. Originally built as a funerary temple for Suryavarman ll in honour of Vishnu, the temple is unique as it faces west - symbolically the direction of death. It is an immensely grand and imposing structure with an extensive and intricately carved bas relief that stretches throughout the galleries and inner temples. We stay here until after sunset to really appreciate the beauty of the temple in the changing light.

This morning, we head out on the great Tonle Sap Lake by boat. We visit one of the many fascinating floating villages, where we witness the everyday life of locals plying their trade on the lake. For most of the year the lake is relatively shallow, with depths of just one metre in some places. However, after the monsoon rains the water billows into the lake from the Mekong, reversing the flow of the Tonle Sap river and causing the Lake to swell by up to 10 metres and flood nearby fields and forests. This natural process and the resulting eco-system is very important to local livelihoods as it is these floodplains that provide the perfect breeding ground for freshwater fish. We then drive back to Siem Reap where the rest of the day is at leisure before meeting up again for the last group dinner.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Siem Reap. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Siem Reap at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Siem Reap International Airport (SAI), which is approximately 60-80 minutes from the hotel. If you have time you may choose to browse the old market for some last minute bargains or enjoy afternoon tea at the Foreign Correspondent's Club.