From Mekong Mist to Angkor Sun

After breakfast, you will head out to Kampong Kleang “floating village”, which is, in fact, a stilt-houses settlement of over 20,000 people where structures can tower up to ten meters above the water. Greeted by waves of the friendly locals, here you can glimpse Cambodia’s countryside culture and traditional family lifestyle. To get closer to it, you will have a chance to enjoy a home-hosted lunch and dine on stilts.

In the afternoon, we transfer to the forgotten temple of Beng Mealea. After a short walk through a dense jungle, you'll feel like an explorer when entering the completely overgrown temple. Undiscovered for centuries, Beng Mealea has only recently been made accessible and remains unrestored. It is one of the very few temples that actually give the opportunity to climb through it, giving a very 'Indiana Jones' feel to the experience.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Note: From February to August/September the water level of the Tonle Sap Lake is very low. It’s muddy and the boat can get stuck. If clients are still keen on having a boat trip on the lake we’ll change to Chong Kneas floating village instead of Kompong Kleang where the condition is a little bit better for the boat trip.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Today is dedicated to the discovery of the essentials of Angkor temples. Let’s first explore Angkor Wat, easily the most famous and best-preserved of all temples within the Angkor complex. It is a massive three-tiered structure crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65-metres from ground level. Next, visit the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. Bayon Temple, Baphuon, the royal enclosure, and the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King are the main elements of this 12th century masterpiece. A lunch break will be arranged in a local restaurant and will be at your own expense. We continue to Ta Prohm Temple, which, unlike most of other Angkor temples, has been left just as it was when rediscovered: a photogenic and atmospheric maze of trees growing out of the ruins. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Note: Appropriate attire when visiting Angkor temples is long pants (covering the knee) and shirts that cover shoulders. Skirts, small shorts, tank tops, and other items of revealing clothing are not allowed within temple grounds. Visitors can and are frequently turned away from temples when wearing revealing clothing.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Siem Reap. Explore any of the city’s numerous markets, they are all well worth a visit and a photographic spectacle.  If you’re into crafts, do not miss the Made In Cambodia market, as well as some craftsmen workshops such as the Artisans d’Angkor. For delicious food and a break from the iconic fried noodles and num pang sandwiches that you’ll find in the street, we recommend visiting one of the social restaurants of Siem Reap. Our top suggested restaurant is Spoons Café with its beautiful bamboo structure and fine Cambodian cuisine. For those interested in learning more about the tragic history of Cambodia, we suggest a visit to the Cambodian Landmine Museum and Relief Centre. Engage in discussions with locals who are passionate about educating visitors about the past as well as the continued issues of landmines that many Cambodians still face today.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

The day is free at your leisure until transfer to Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport for your onward flight to Luang Prabang. Sabaidee! Welcome to Luang Prabang, a tranquil town with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop has been claimed by UNESCO to be “the best preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia”. You are greeted by your guide and driver at the airport for your transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

After a short transfer to the outskirts of the town, in a tranquil setting made of ricefields and lush green trees, we discover the importance of bamboo in the Laotian culture. Spend the morning learning about several aspects of the local culture, from crafts to music and food. We will have a chance to learn from a skillful craftsman and to enjoy a hands-on cooking class. We will then dine on the food we have prepared.

This afternoon, we drive out through beautiful landscapes of rice fields, hills and villages. You will stop to visit an ethnic minority village to learn about their traditions and culture. Continue to Khuang Si Waterfall, where water tumbles over tiered limestone formations into crystal clear pools, ideal for escaping the heat. Between cooling off in the pools, you can also explore the lush forest setting around the falls. A short walk brings you down to the abrupt waterfall where you will have time to swim or simply relax by the water’s edge.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Rest of the day at your leisure.

This evening, we will witness a Baci Ceremony at a local house. The Baci Ceremony - or “Calling of the soul” is an integral part of the Lao culture and the Baci is a very important activity before or during major life events such as weddings, births, travels, welcoming of friends, the return of someone to the family and so on. We will help in the preparation of the flower trays and have the honor of receiving blessings from the locals. After that, enjoy meal with families before going back to your hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Luang Prabang. This town has an enchanting atmosphere which lends itself to the more relaxed way of life. Meander through the narrow alleys of the peninsula; put your feet up while sipping a coffee on a quaint terrace overlooking the Mekong River; or venture across the bamboo bridge over the Nam Khan River and simply take the time to absorb the peaceful atmosphere of the town. Two lovely places that are definitely worth a visit are: the Ock Pop Tock Centre, for people who are interested in crafts and local products; as well as the UXO Centre where you can learn more about war history in Laos.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

The day is free at your leisure until transfer to the airport for your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant flight!

Meal Plan: Breakfast