Cambodia & Laos: Buddhist Sites & City Nights

Sabaidi! Welcome to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport, a private car and guide will transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Freshen up, then join us at 6PM for our Welcome Meeting. Tonight’s Welcome Dinner features Laotian family cuisine, food that will transport you into the past with traditional flavours.

For our first full day we’ll explore the UNESCO-listed streets of Luang Prabang. Our tour begins in the former Royal Palace, which now houses the National Museum. We’ll then walk to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for golden bas-relief, and the dazzling facade of Wat Sensoukarahm. Our final stop is revered temple Wat Xieng Thong. Built in 1560, it’s famed for its carvings and mosaics. Enjoy some downtime by the pool in the afternoon, before a Laotian cooking class. The culinary school’s lakeside locale is a fine place to learn about—and taste—local flavours.

Rise and shine! This morning we partake in the daily ‘Alms Giving’, where saffron-clad monks collect offerings from the faithful (Laos is the last Buddhist nation to practice this ritual). After breakfast we venture to Kuang Si Falls with views of rice fields, rolling hills, and viewpoints en route. After a stop in a local ethnic village, we arrive at Kuang Si Falls where waters cascade from pool to pool. Afterwards, we’ll have the option to visit the sun bear sanctuary next to the falls where we can observe the habits and playful nature of the 23 Asiatic black bears currently living in the sanctuary. On our way back into town we’ll make a stop at the magnificent Kuang Si Butterfly Park. Later in the afternoon there will be some free time to enjoy the hotel amenities or further explore beautiful Luang Prabang, then we’ll reunite for a delicious group dinner in the evening.

This morning we fly to Phnom Penh via Bankgok. Once the Orient’s most beautiful city, Phnom Penh retains colonial charm despite a turbulent history. We will arrive in Phnom Penh later in the evening, so we recommend grabbing a snack and some food while in transit. This evening you are free to explore this bustling city or perhaps relax in the hotel pool.

Please note: Today’s flight is not included in the cost of our 2024 departure. Please see Important Information for a special note on purchasing domestic and regional airfare.

Our morning begins with a sobering tour of the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum, which tells the tragic tale of the Khmer Rouge legacy. A former school, it’s estimated over 20,000 people were held and tortured here. In the afternoon we’ll take a deeper dive into the Khmer Rouge on a guided tour of the Killing Fields. This evening, we have an included dinner at a lovely local restaurant. 

This morning you may sleep in, sunbathe, or hit the local market. Just check-out by 11am, as we fly to Siem Reap in the afternoon. Built between the 9th and 13th centuries, this town is home to Angkor Wat, where perfectly-balanced temples represent the cosmic world. We’ll walk through the Royal Gardens tonight, then enjoy dinner where we’ll be joined by a member of the local gay community who will discuss Cambodia’s emerging LGBTQ+ movement.

Please note: Today’s flight is not included in the cost of our 2024 departure. Please see Important Information for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.

For the ultimate Angkor Archeological Park experience, rise early and join us at sunrise underneath Angkor Wat. After the sun has fully risen we’ll begin our private guided tour of this incredible site. To conclude our morning tour, a Buddhist monk will perform a water blessing on those interested. A gorgeous Khmer lunch awaits at a boutique farm where the majority of the restaurant’s produce is grown. In the afternoon we’ll visit Ta Prohm, which was made famous in Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider. Finally, our day concludes with visits to Angkor Thom—the ‘Great Royal City’—as well as Bayon temple, famed for its 200 smiling carved faces and 50 gothic towers. The intricate bas-reliefs and architecture here offer ample fodder for aspiring photographers. For dinner you are free to relax on your own or join the group for an optional dinner, and later in the evening we have an included visit to Phare, the Cambodian circus. But note, “circus” does not do this show justice. Trust us!

It’s our final day together and a slew of optional activities await you. For example you can enjoy a sunset boat tour on Tonlé Sap Lake where the region’s famous floating village awaits. Alternatively, we can arrange a quadbike ride through charming villages and rice fields. Finally, an afternoon poolside could be the ultimate way to relax before flying home. Tonight we’ll gather one last time for our atmospheric Farewell Dinner, and perhaps one last cocktail at one of the local gay bars.

There are no activities scheduled, so enjoy the day at leisure (check out time is noon, unless you’ve extended your stay). Departure transfers must be booked/arranged separately.