Laos and Cambodia Discoverer
Laos and Cambodia Discoverer
Laos and Cambodia Discoverer
16 Days Starting in Luang Prabang, Laos and ending in Siem Reap
Visiting: Luang Prabang, Pak Ou Caves ຖ້ຳຕິ່ງ, Kuang Si Waterfall, Vat Phou, Muang Champassak, Pakse, Bolaven Plateau, Ban Khiet Ngong, Phou Asa, Don Khon, Krong Kracheh, Kampong Cham Province, Phnom Penh, Skun, Krong Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Beng Mealea, Kampong Phluk
Tour operator:
Tour code:
3368
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
- Participate in the morning alms with monks
- Get hands-on at a local rice farm
- Spend time with the hill tribe minority groups
- Explore the island of Koh Trong by bike
- Dine at a local restaurant run by former street youths
- Visit Cambodia’s famous Angkor temples
- Cruise through the water villages on Tonle Sap
Explore two former French colonies and uncover some of the unforgettable places in Southeast Asia. From exquisite golden temples to refreshing turquoise waterfalls.
Follow a different path as you discover the mysterious Plain of Jars archaeological site, before travelling through lands of raw beauty and a slower, more traditional way of life. Continuing into Cambodia, explore lesser-known temples and come face to face with the country's harrowing past. On this journey, you will eat like a local, live with the locals in their homes and support local community projects. A wonderful hands-on way to understand two diverse lands through culturally immersive experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival In Luang Prabang
Location: Luang Prabang
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kiridara Luang Prabang or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Saibadee! Welcome to Laos. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. The UNESCO World Heritage small city of Luang Prabang is a favourite for many travellers. Nestled in the hills of northern Laos between the Mekong and Khan Rivers it is a wonderful place to explore by foot or jump onto a Jumbo (local transport) to experience a local’s perspective on the town.
Tonight, you will experience a Laos feast. Served in family style, which means all the dishes will be served up on the table and you can try them all. Enjoy all the local flavours and foods from chunky bamboo soup to sausages and dips accompanied by sticky rice, herbed fished in banana leaf, lemongrass stuffed chicken, pumpkin with kaffir lime and ginger and a selection of sweet Laos confections.
Meals
Dinner in a local restaurant
Accommodation
3 nights Kiridara Luang Prabang – Deluxe Room or similar
Services
Airport Transfer
Day 2 - Luang Prabang And Pak Ou Caves
Location: Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang, Pak Ou Caves ຖ້ຳຕິ່ງ
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kiridara Luang Prabang or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Luang Prabang City Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a short guided tour exploring the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roof sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. You will also visit the National Museum (former Royal Palace), which hosts a range of interesting artefacts and the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic minorities.
Note: National Museum is currently closed on every Thursday of the last week of the month.
Mekong River Cruise and Pak Ou Caves
You then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which provides you with a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Two linked caves are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. You might want to climb up to the top of Mount Phousi where you can explore the sacred, gilded stupa as well as take in sweeping views of the city and the Mekong River at sunset.
Night Market
Finish the day visiting the famous Night Market, where you can find a fascinating selection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Kiridara Luang Prabang – Deluxe Room or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Mekong River Cruise
Sightseeing: Wat Sene, Wat Xiengthong, National Museum (former Royal Palace), Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, Night Market, Pak Ou Caves
Travel time and distance
Optional walk to Mount Phousi: It is about a 330-step climb and will take roughly 15-20 minutes.
Day 3 - Luang Prabang - Rice Farming And Kuang Si Waterfall
Location: Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Waterfall
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kiridara Luang Prabang or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional: Offering of Alms
For those who are early risers and are keen to experience the mystical aura of Luang Prabang, there is an optional early start giving you the opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms, (often in the form of sticky rice), from the faithful residents.
Community Farm
After breakfast, head out to the outskirts of town and spend an enjoyable half day on a community-based rice farm situated in the idyllic countryside, surrounded by mountains and rice paddies. Experience the life of a farmer by trying your hand at various farm activities, providing great photo opportunities for all participants. Alternatively, watch life on the farm unfold from the comfort of a traditional Lao rice house balcony, surrounded by rice terraces and an organic vegetable farm. During the experience, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about bamboo weaving, blacksmith work, and sugar cane processing. Afterwards, tour the organic garden and learn how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine. Later, enjoy lunch with Lao dishes at the restaurant overlooking the farm.
Kuang Si Waterfall
Afterwards, you drive to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest paths. On the way, you will visit villages of various minorities Laotian (Ban Quay, Ban Ou). There’s also an opportunity to visit the bear sanctuary nearby the waterfall which is run by Free The Bears Fund Inc.
Ock Pop Tok
You finish the day with a visit to Ock Pop Tok. This Laos-based social enterprise works primarily in the fields of textiles, handicrafts, and design. Meaning ‘east meets west’, Ock Pop Tok brings the fascinating world of traditional Lao handicrafts alive for visitors. The Living Crafts Centre overlooking the Mekong is the heart of Ock Pop Tok and a fascinating place to visit. Enjoy a drink at Ock Pop Tok Silk Road Café and amazing views over the Mekong here.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Kiridara Luang Prabang – Deluxe Room or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Sightseeing: Offering of Alms (optional), community farm tour, Kuang Si Waterfall, village visits (Ban Quay, Ban Ou), bear sanctuary (optional), Ock Pop Tok.
Distance and Journey Time
approx. 30km/way (50 minutes to Kuang Si Waterfall)
Day 4 - Luang Prabang – Flight To Pakse – Wat Phou - Champasak
Location: Vat Phou, Muang Champassak, Pakse, Luang Prabang
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: The River Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Flight to Pakse
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Pakse.
Suggested flight: QV513 LPQ PKZ 8:30 10:10
Arrive Champasak
On arrival at Pakse, you will be met and transferred to Champasak, the former capital of the Kingdom of Champasak (1713–1946). Champasak is now a small town set on the banks of the Mekong. The highlight of this one-street town is the picturesque pre-Angkorian Wat Phou Temple.
Pre-Angkorian Wat Phou Temple
Built between the 6th and 13th centuries, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for being an outstanding example of the integration of a symbolic landscape of great spiritual significance to its natural surroundings.
Wat Phou
Depart Pakse and drive 35km (22 mi) south through pleasant rural scenery of hills and local villages to Champasak and explore Wat Phou. Notice how the temple is divided into two parts: the lower section consisting of two ruined palace buildings at the edge of a pond and the upper section, which is the temple sanctuary itself. You have the option to climb the old staircase adorned with nagas (mythical snakes) to admire the surrounding scenery. Stay overnight at a hotel on the riverbank in Champasak.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
The River Resort – Riverfront Villa or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Sightseeing: pre-Angkorian Wat Phou Temple
Distance and Journey Time
1hr drive 40km
NOTES: It is recommended that guests wear proper walking attire as the climb up to the main temple can be slippery at times.
Day 5 – Champasak – Bolaven Plateau
Location: Muang Champassak, Bolaven Plateau
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sabaidee Valley or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bolaven Plateau and Paksong
Depart Champask for approx. 1.5-2 hours’ drive to the Bolaven Plateau. The Bolaven Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. Rivers run off this high plateau in all directions and then plunge out to lush forests in a series of spectacular surging waterfalls. The coffee and tea grown in these areas are said to be some of the best in the world. The hill tribe people are unfailingly friendly, welcoming you with waving hands and smiling faces. These ethnic minorities still retain their age-old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. Continue your journey through the Paksong and Bolaven Plateau.
Tad Fane Waterfall
The scenery around Tad Fane waterfall is spectacular with twin waterfalls plummeting into a deep gorge surrounded by flourishing vegetation. Today you see the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that are grown in the area.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Sabaidee Valley – Deluxe Room or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Sightseeing: Bolaven Plateau, Paksong, Tad Fane Waterfall
Distance and Journey Time
approx. 1.5hr drive 70km
Day 6 - Bolaven Plateau – Ban Kiet Ngong – Phou Asa Mountain Trekking
Location: Ban Khiet Ngong, Bolaven Plateau, Phou Asa
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Kingfisher Ecolodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Bolaven Plateau
Enjoy cool fresh air in the morning of the Bolaven plateau before continuing your journey with approx. 1.5 hours drive to Kingfisher Ecolodge, sitting on the boundaries of Xe Pian NPA and the Kiat Ngong village.
Phou Asa Mountain Trek
Enjoy an afternoon trek to Phou Asa Mountain featuring stunning views over large areas of southern Laos, intriguing ruins and dense semi-evergreen forests. Walk along forest trails accompanied by a village guide to explore this archaeological site while learning about the forest including its many medicinal plants and non-timber forest products. The guides will also point out signs of wildlife (tracks, scat and habits) and other features of the forest. Atop the mountain, you will see an ancient stone structure called Vat Phou Asa, which is believed to be a temple. Return to Kingfisher Ecolodge for dinner & overnight.
The hike departs from Kingfisher Ecolodge at approximately 8:30 AM, returning around 11:30 AM, or in the evening from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
Kingfisher Ecolodge – Deluxe Bungalow or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Local trekking guide from the village
Sightseeing: Phou Asa Mountain and archaeological site
Walking information
Phou Asa Mountain Trek: approx. 3.5 hours. Bring walking shoes or sandals, long trousers (if available), hat, and sunscreen. The trek involves a moderate hike in forested areas, rocky paths, and gentle slopes. The forest path is also easy to walk, with only a few tree roots to step over.
Driving distance: approx. 70km (1.5 hours)
Day 7 - Wetlands Birdwatching Safari
Location: Phou Asa
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Kingfisher Ecolodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart the lodge early with your guide.
Ban Kiet Ngong Wetlands Trek
Before dawn around 0430hrs, you will trek along the edge of the Ramsar-protected Ban Kiet Ngong Wetlands, one of the largest and least altered wetlands in the region. Hike through swamps, lakes and marshes at the foot of Phou Asa, a large rock outcrop renowned for its intriguing ruins and superb views of the dense semi-evergreen forests below.
Once you arrive at your hide, you will have the pleasure of enjoying the bird activity in the day’s early light when birds are most active. The Ban Kiet Ngong wetland is considered to be one of the most important areas in Indochina for water birds.
Here you find the rare Giant Ibis, the White-winged wood duck, the Sarus Crane, the Lesser Adjutant and the White-shouldered Ibis. With over 320 species of birds present on the wetlands it is certainly one of the best places in Laos to view such a wide variety of wetland-dwelling birds.
At Leisure
Return to the lodge and the rest of the day is free at leisure at the lodge or wander around the nearby village with your guide.
Meals
Picnic Breakfast
Accommodation
Kingfisher Ecolodge – Deluxe Bungalow or similar
Services
English-speaking guide
Activity: Wetlands Bird Watching Safari (suggested departure 0430hrs, allow 3-5 hours duration. Includes a 3km walk around the wetlands).
Day 8 - Don Khone 4000 Islands
Location: Don Khon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sala Baan Khone or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Si Phan Don
Today you continue your journey by road to Ban Nakasang pier where you will take a local boat to Don Khone and explore the surroundings of the 4000 islands. The Si Phan Don (meaning 4000 Islands) is a riverine archipelago located in the Mekong River, Champasak Province in southern Laos. Si Phan Don is characterised by numerous islands, half of which are submerged when the Mekong River is in flood.
Ban Khone
Here you begin retracing the French colonial–past at Ban Khone by bike or tuk-tuk, where some old colonial houses still stand and glimpse the first Lao railway with its own locomotive.
Liphi Waterfall
Continue your exploration of the area of the 4000 islands by boat and visit the beautiful Liphi waterfall, also known as the Samphamith, which forms a natural border between Lao and Cambodia. Enjoy the sunset by the immersive Mekong River.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Sala Done Khone Hotel – Ban Lao Room or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Long tail boat to Don Khone
Bicycle hire (no helmet) or TukTuk at Ban Khone
Sightseeing: Don Khone, Ban Khone (by bike or tuk-tuk), first Lao Railway, 4000 islands (by boat), Liphi Waterfall
Distance and Journey Time
4000 Islands and waterfall experience: approx. 8 hours
approx. 2hr drive 105km
Day 9 - Don Khone - Kratie
Location: Don Khon, Krong Kracheh
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Soriyabori Villas Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Khone Phapheng waterfall
After breakfast, you board a boat to Ban Nakasung and take a short drive to the Lao – Cambodia border, en route visit the breathtaking Khone Phapheng waterfall, Southeast Asia’s biggest waterfall, known as the ‘Niagara of the East’.
Lao – Cambodia Border Crossing
A short walk takes you across the Lao border into Cambodia (Voeun Kham / Dom Kralor border crossing) and meets your Cambodian guide. You will need to carry your own luggage to Cambodian immigration. Visa on arrival is available at the Cambodian border for $ 30 USD. Immigration officials may request a small processing fee. You will need one passport photo.
Stueng Treng and Kratie
Travel from the border crossing to Stueng Treng province and on to Kratie (approx. 4hrs), a picturesque town on the banks of the Mekong. Until recently Kratie was a strategic trading port on the river between Phnom Penh and Stung Treng. Both the French and Khmer Rouge found the town useful and there are a number of French colonial buildings that remain.
Boat to Koh Trong
After a chance to buy essentials at the local market, board a local boat from Kratie waterfront to Koh Trong for your stay – approximately 280 families call this 6-kilometre island home. Almost totally removed from time and modernity, Koh Trong is a haven of peace and times gone by. Without roads, cars or modern facilities, the locals live a simple yet full life, within the beauty and serenity of this island. Its long stretching waters, almost peninsula-like, sit between the Mekong and create a truly ethereal feel.
Soriyabori Villas Resort
Depending on the season and the river height, you may need to walk up a stretch of beach and then board a Tuk Tuk, the only one of its kind, we will make the exciting journey to Soriyabori Villas Resort, a hotel hidden from view nestled into the countryside. Passing by locals, friendly and waving, you will see everyday life from the local shop in a wooden house, to the small school & town hall and past the many Pomelo trees which this island is famous for.
Cycle around the island
Later in the afternoon, go cycling or travel by horse and cart around the Island from Rajabouri Villas Hotel and visit the Pagoda and its interesting statues. See real local life and enjoy the dual aspect view of the Mekong. This island is very easy and safe to navigate alone or with your guide. Sample local snacks at leisure, in the little wooden house shops dotted along the paths.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Sala Done Khone Hotel – Ban Lao Room or similar
*Note there is no air conditioning at the resort – fan only
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Border assistance
Local longtail boat to Koh Trong
Tuk Tuk (if available)
Bike hire (no helmet) or horse and cart. There will be an extra cost if you would like to do both.
Sightseeing: Ban Nakasang, Khone Phapheng Waterfall, Border Crossing, Kratie, Koh Trong, Soriyabori Villas Resort.
Distance and Journey Time
Laos to Cambodia Border Crossing: 100m walk (you will need to take your own luggage)
approx. 213 km (4 hours excluding immigration process)
Day 10 - Kompong Cham
Location: Kampong Cham Province
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Hanchey Bamboo Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Boat to mainland
Awaken early and refreshed for an early breakfast, before you take a cart back to the ferry terminal and catch a local boat across the Mekong to the mainland. Continue with approx. 40-minute drive and a boat ride to the vast waters where you can find the rare Irrawaddy dolphins of the Mekong play and jump. There are thought to be around 60 dolphins located in this area, and your guide will help to suggest the best spot to witness these elegant mammals. A majestically quiet stretch of water, you may also glimpse rare birds and see the locals casting their fishing nets. You will see locals playing on the football pitch or selling their wares at the strategically placed market. You will be able to make a stop to view the goods and your guide will assist in the negation of any purchases.
Kratie
After disembarking, you will then journey around the small town of Kratie, a former colonial town with almost a seaside feel, with its long French-style promenade and colonial buildings. You will walk through the local market and small bar/ pub street area having lunch at leisure.
Kompong Cham
You are then transferred (approximately 3 hours) by private vehicle to your hotel located north of Kompong Cham, a peaceful town that was once an important trading hub and a visit here is now a great opportunity to experience life in small-town Cambodia.
The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hanchey Bamboo Resort – Bungalow or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Boat to mainland
Distance and Journey Time
approx. 2.5 hr drive 100km
Day 11 - Skuon To Phnom Penh
Location: Phnom Penh, Skun
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: The Aquarius Hotel and Urban Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kampong Cham
This morning, drive to the centre of Kampong Cham where you will visit the twin ‘mountain temple’ of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei.
Explore by bike
Afterwards, grab some local bikes (no helmets) to explore the rural island of Koh Paen, which is linked to Kompong Cham by an elaborate bamboo bridge, (it is passable only in the dry season – we take a ferry in the wet). The locals here make their living fishing, growing tobacco and sesame so it is a good place to go for a closer look at some of Cambodia’s cottage industries.
Transfer to Phnom Penh via Skuon
Later, drive approx. 3 hours to Phnom Penh capital city via Skuon (a small town famous for its tasty spiders), where it’s possible to sample an eight-legged snack. It is recommended that you eat these furry arachnids as you would a crab, by cracking the body open and pulling the legs off one by one – delicious!
Romdeng
For dinner, you will be eating for a cause at Romdeng. This restaurant is where former street children are taught the principles of hospitality. It is located in a restored colonial building with an atmospheric garden right in the city Centre.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
Aquarius Hotel & Urban Resort – Deluxe Room or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Sightseeing: Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei, Koh Paen, Phnom Penh Capital City, Skuon
Distance and Journey Time
approx. 3hr drive 140 km
Day 12 - Phnom Penh
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Aquarius Hotel and Urban Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Home to about 1.5 million people, Phnom Penh, has been Cambodia’s capital since the French colonisation of the country. Located on the banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong River, Phnom Penh was once known as the “Pearl of Asia”, one of the loveliest French-built cities in Indochina.
Phnom Penh City Tour
Spend a full day exploring this charming city which boasts a rich blend of Khmer and colonial architecture. In the morning, explore Wat Phnom and discover the legend of Lady Penh, the founder of the city, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, two of the most striking buildings in the capital and considered some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. Also visit the National Museum, designed in Khmer style by a French archaeologist and painter in 1917. The museum houses Khmer art and sculptures from different periods of Cambodian history. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Tuol Sleng and Cheung Ek
In the afternoon, learn more about the turbulent Khmer Rouge years with visits to Tuol Sleng, a high school turned interrogation prison known as S-21 during the Khmer Rouge era and now a genocide museum; and Cheung Ek, a large memorial commemorating the 17,000 victims who died there under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot, made famous by the movie “The Killing Fields”. Here you will see a pagoda made up of some 8,000 human skulls marking the site of one of Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields. While sombre reminders of the cruelty of the Khmer Rouge regime, these visits will also provide an appreciation of the struggle that Cambodian people have faced and their tremendous courage to move on and rebuild their nation.
You may also like to take a stroll along the famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many cafes (at your own expense) while observing the bustling river traffic. Return to your hotel.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Aquarius Hotel & Urban Resort – Deluxe Room or similar
Services
English-speaking guide
Sightseeing: Wat Phnom, Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Tuol Sleng, Cheung Ek, Sisowath Quay (optional)
Note: Suggested departure time 0800hrs. Women should cover shoulders and both me and women should cover their knees. A respectful and humble demeanour is requested when visiting the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields.
Day 13 - Siem Reap
Location: Krong Siem Reap
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Navutu Dreams Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Sambor Prei Kuk and transfer to Siem Reap
Travel by private vehicle to Siem Reap (approx. 6.5 hrs travel time plus stops). Along the way, you will make several stops to see some of rural Cambodia. Visit the peaceful temple site of Sambor Prei Kuk, built in the 6th and 7th centuries.
Siem Reap
You arrive in Siem Reap in the evening. Siem Reap is only a few kilometres from the largest religious site in the world – Angkor Wat. However, the town itself is well worth exploring. A visit to the old market is a must, even if you’re not looking for souvenirs; wandering through the stalls and surrounding shops, the silks, cotton, sarongs, silver and statues is a feast for the eyes and nose! There’s also a long tradition of shadow puppetry in the region, and if you’re lucky you might catch a show at one of the local restaurants in the evening, perhaps while you’re eating the speciality cuisine of Cambodia – amok, the name given to curry steam-cooked in banana leaves.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Navutu Dreams Resort & Spa or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Sightseeing: Siem Reap, Sambor Prei Kuk
Distance and Journey Time
Approx. 6.5hr drive 320 km
Day 14 - Angkor Complex
Location: Krong Siem Reap, Angkor Wat
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Navutu Dreams Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Angkor Wat
Wake up early and transfer by private vehicle to the West Gate of Angkor Wat from where the sunrise can be best observed. Enter the temple complex. Angkor Wat (early 12th century) is surrounded by a 190-metre-wide moat 1.5 kilometres by 1.3 kilometres and is claimed to be the largest religious building in the world. It is certainly one of the wonders of the ancient world. You will be amazed by the sheer size of the temple, which took 30 years to construct and used the labour of up to 300,000 workers. Angkor Wat was built as the earthly representation of the universe with its central tower symbolising Mt Meru which, Hindus believe, is at the centre of the universe.
Return to the West Gate where you can enjoy breakfast just outside of the Angkor complex at a local restaurant.
Banteay Kdei
Drive to visit Banteay Kdei built between the 12th and 13th centuries. The ruined condition of the temple in no way detracts from the grandeur of this walled temple. Banteay means fortified monastery and refers to the double wall surrounding it.
Ta Prohm
Continue to Ta Prohm, this beautiful temple, built in 1186 as a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII, is one of Angkor’s jewels and is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, creating a ‘forgotten city’ feeling.
Ta Keo
Pause at Ta Keo, which would have been the finest temple in Angkor had it been completed. A short distance further, are the twin temples of Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon. Return to town for a rest and relaxation at your hotel mid-afternoon.
Angkor Thom
Drive to Angkor Thom, not a temple, but an entire walled city of 9 sq km which served as the ancient royal Capital of the Khmer Empire from approx. 1181. With a probable population of 1 million, it was far bigger and grander than any city in Europe at the time. Your guide will take you to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. The centrepiece of Jayavarman VII’s capital is the Bayon temple and, as you approach, you will notice the 216 giants, enigmatic, smiling faces looking in every direction.
Prasat Chrung Temple
Return to the South gate where you will board a small, private boat out to Prasat
Chrung Temple to watch the amazing sunset.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Navutu Dreams Resort – Explore Room or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Private boat ride to Prasat Chrung Temple
Sightseeing: Angkor Wat, Banteay Kdei, Ta Prohm, Ta Keo, Angkor Thom, Terrace of Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King
Distance and Journey Time
Full-day sightseeing 8 hours. Suggested departure 0445hrs
Day 15 - Countryside Temple
Location: Krong Siem Reap, Beng Mealea, Kampong Phluk
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Navutu Dreams Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Beng Mealea
After breakfast, you will transfer to the outskirts of town to visit one of the more remote jungle temples – Beng Mealea. Feel like an explorer when you discover the overgrown temple. Undiscovered for centuries, Beng Mealea has fairly recently been made accessible and remains largely unrestored. It is one of the very few temples that adventurers can climb through.
Roluos
Afterwards, travel back to see some other early examples of Cambodia’s historic temples – the Roluos Group. Roluos is the site of an ancient centre of Khmer civilisation known as Hariharalaya. It was the first town built by the Angkorian kings in the 8th and 9th centuries and consists of three main temples:
Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko. The surrounding countryside with its rice paddy fields and sugar palm trees is very typically Cambodian.
Tonle Sap Lake and Kompong Pluk
From there, continue to the shores of the Tonle Sap Lake, where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. The Tonlé Sap is South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake with its size varying greatly depending on the season. Board a local boat and visit Kompong Pluk, a village where you will see houses on stilts that are submerged when Tonlé Sap Lake extends. On the way, you will pass floating houses and impressive flooded forests.
(NOTE: Due to low water levels during the dry season, the boat trip is only possible from approximately June to March. In the dry season it may be possible to arrange an overland visit to Kompong Pluk to walk among the stilted houses).
Malis Restaurant
Tonight at your final dinner, you will be experiencing Khmer cuisine from award-winning Master Chef Luu Meng at his restaurant Malis. The restaurant was born out of the desire to restore Cambodian cuisine to its former glory and put the country back on the culinary map after the terrible Khmer Rouge regime and civil war. Renowned for its fresh seasonal produce, delicate flavours and generous hospitality Luu Meng and his team are reviving long-forgotten countryside dishes.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
Navutu Dreams Resort – Explore Room or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Boat journey to Kompong Pluk
Sightseeing: Beng Mealea, Roluos Group, Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Pluk
Distance and Journey Time:
Siem Rap – Bang Mealea: approx. 1-1.5hr drive 5 km
Bang Mealea – Kampong Phluk: approx. 1.5hr drive 59km
Kampong Phluk – Siem Reap: approx. 1hr drive 32km
Day 16 - Departure
Location: Krong Siem Reap
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, travel to Banteay Srei via backroads and villages. On the way, you will have the possibility to stop at local communities. Seize the opportunity to taste palm juice and palm sugar, which are popular local produce (seasonal).
Banteay Srei
Arrive at the ‘gem’ of the Angkor area, the pretty temple of Banteay Srei. The small and charming ‘Citadel of the Women’ remains one of the best-preserved temples in Cambodia. It displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art and is noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs. Banteay Srei is unique in that it is constructed of pink sandstone, which is seen nowhere else in Angkor.
Departure transfer
This afternoon transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals
Breakfast
Services
Private vehicle and English-speaking guide
Sightseeing: Banteay Srei
Airport transfers
Distance and Journey Time
approx.1hr drive 35 km/way
What's Included
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Return airport transfers
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15 nights accommodation
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15 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners
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Domestic flight from Luang Prabang to Pakse
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Local bikes
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Private air conditioned vehicle
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English speaking tour leader
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All entrance fees as per the itinerary
What's Not Included
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International & domestic air tickets not mentioned above
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Meals and beverages not mentioned above
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Early check-in and late check out charges from the hotel
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Visas
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Personal travel insurance
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Expenditure of a personal nature such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, tipping etc
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Yes, Single Supplement will be chargeable at AUD$ 1,571.00.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, The local guides on the tour is English speaking
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, Return airport transfers is included.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
All entrance fees as per the itinerary are inlcuded.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in itinerary.
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What is the minimum group size?
The min group size is 2 people.
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Are flights included in this tour?
Domestic flight from Luang Prabang to Pakse is included.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.
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What sort of transportation is used for your tours?
Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels
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Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?
Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.
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What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?
Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.
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Who do your tours cater for?
Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.
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I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?
Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au
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Low Deposit
Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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