Thailand, Laos and Cambodia Experience – 14 Days

This morning, we explore the Hall of Opium museum, which offers an intriguing look at the effects of this crop on the region. We will also visit the junction where Thailand, Laos, and Burma converge and enjoy a boat ride on the Khong River.

We head east to the Thai border and cross the Mekong River into the tranquil landscapes of Laos. After boarding our luxurious boat, we embark on a leisurely cruise along the Mekong, making a stop at a Thai Lu village. Enjoy the scenic river views as we arrive in Pakbeng in the late afternoon and check in to our stunning lodge.

Following a relaxed breakfast, we board our boat again for a full day’s journey to Luang Prabang. Along the way, we’ll cruise past jungle-covered cliffs and stop at the famous ‘Cave of a Thousand Buddhas.’ Enjoy time on the deck, savoring delicious food and drinks as we smoothly arrive in Luang Prabang in the evening.

Luang Prabang is renowned as the most charming and captivating town in Laos. Today, you’ll embark on a guided stroll through its cobblestone streets, visiting the National Museum and some of the town's most stunning temples, including Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai.

Wake up early today to witness one of Asia's breathtaking scenes: hundreds of robed Buddhist monks gathering morning alms. Later, we head to the stunning Kuang Si Falls, stopping en route at a Hmong village to gain insights into one of Laos's prominent ethnic groups. In the evening, enjoy a lively cooking class where you can savor the dishes you create.

This afternoon, we take a flight to the tranquil Laotian capital, Vientiane. You’ll have some free time to explore this quaint city, along with a brief walking tour of the monasteries along Sethathilat Road. Familiarize yourself with the area in preparation for tomorrow's adventures, and check into your hotel.

Today, we’ll visit the key attractions of the city, starting with Wat Sisaket, Vientiane’s oldest and most stunning temple. We will explore Haw Pha Kaew, a former royal temple that now serves as a museum. Next, we’ll see Pha That Luang, the most significant national monument in Laos, symbolizing both the monarchy and Buddhism, as well as the Patuxai Monument, which is reminiscent of Paris’s Arc de Triomphe. In the evening, relax and enjoy the sunset over the Mekong River.

Bid farewell to Laos as you take a short flight to neighboring Cambodia. Upon your arrival in Phnom Penh, you’ll be greeted and taken to your hotel. After enduring years of conflict and turmoil, Phnom Penh is now a city in transformation. Many areas reflect its French colonial heritage, while the newly developed riverfront showcases its promising future. At 2:00 PM, we will start with a brief city orientation and visit the National Museum, home to a wealth of Angkorian and pre-Angkorian artifacts. As dusk approaches, we’ll embark on a short cyclo tour through the capital’s tree-lined boulevards, passing pagodas, markets, and impressive examples of colonial architecture.

Today, you'll explore the Royal Palace and the remarkable Silver Pagoda, known for its solid silver flooring. In the afternoon, we'll visit the somber Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the ‘Killing Fields’ at Choeung Ek. If time allows, you may also visit one of Phnom Penh's bustling markets. In the evening, unwind with a refreshing drink at a riverside café while enjoying the sunset.

Fly to Siem Reap, the gateway to the magnificent temples of Angkor. These temples showcase 600 years (802-1432) of Khmer civilization, one of Asia's most remarkable kingdoms. In the early afternoon, we’ll start our exploration by hopping into local-style motorized tuk-tuks. We’ll enter through the south gate of Angkor Thom, which once housed over a million inhabitants, and admire the haunting stone faces of the Bayon temple. As the sun sets, we’ll arrive at the causeway of Angkor Wat, Cambodia's premier attraction and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Start the day with a sunrise visit to the stunning Angkor Wat, where we’ll delve into its intricate architecture. By mid-morning, we’ll rise to 200 meters in a tethered balloon, enjoying panoramic views of the Angkor landscape. Afterwards, we’ll proceed to Ta Prohm temple, a haunting site enveloped by jungle, preserved as it was discovered by French explorers in the 1850s. In the late afternoon, we’ll embark on a brief cruise on the remarkable Tonle Sap Lake, a vital resource for the country and the second-largest freshwater lake globally.

Today, we will visit three remarkable temples located outside the primary Angkor complex. Our first stop is Banteay Srei, also known as the ‘Citadel of the Women,’ renowned for its intricate carvings and exceptional preservation. Many regard Banteay Srei as the crown jewel of Angkor due to the stunning detail in its artwork. Next, we’ll explore the Boeng Mealea complex, built in the 11th century under King Suryavarman II, which served as an inspiration for the renowned Angkor Wat. Although it remained isolated during Cambodia's civil war, Boeng Mealea is now accessible and often overlooked by tourists. This temple is the largest outside the main Angkor area and remains remarkably intact in many parts. In the late afternoon, we will visit the tranquil Banteay Samre temple before returning to Siem Reap to commemorate the conclusion of our incredible journey.

This morning, you'll be taken from your hotel to the airport for your upcoming flight.