Cambodia & Laos Encounter

Sua s'dei! Welcome to Cambodia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Please check with the hotel reception for where and when it will take place, or check the reception notice boards. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Wat, but it's not without its own charms. Perhaps start by hitting the local markets to try some delicious street food.

Today you'll visit the world-famous Angkor complex with your guide. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 square kilometres; this is the biggest religious monument in the world. However, the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap, so you'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the mind-blowing archaeological sites of Angkor Wat (the astounding main attraction), the Bayon (a marvel of many sculpted decorations) and Ta Prohm (the eerily beautiful temples covered in jungle).

Enjoy free time in Siem Reap today. If you feel like some adventure, you can take the optional Angkor zip-line course, which gives you a bird's eye view of the rainforest, plus an adrenaline rush! Other options here include a visit to the sobering Landmine Museum – it's located a little further afield but is well worth the journey. In the evening you might want to see Phare the Cambodian Circus. Coming from vulnerable households, the performers have gained international recognition through their art practice. Like a Cambodian Cirque Du Soleil, modern Khmer tales mix theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts, and contortion.

Travel by private bus to Sambor Prei Kuk and your homestay (approximately 3.5 hours). You will embark on a tour of the village with your local guide. The guide will introduce you to the way of life of the local people, your homestay facilities and your hosts for tonight. Facilities are simple at your homestay, but this is a fantastic opportunity to experience everyday life in rural Cambodia. The temple ruins at Sambor Prei Kuk just nearby are some of the oldest in the country (dating back to the 6th century) and are well worth a visit (this is optional). In the evening, relax and unwind as you enjoy a traditional Khmer dinner with your host family.

After breakfast, leave the village and travel to Phnom Penh in a private minibus (approximately 4 hours). Cambodia's capital is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-influenced architecture. This afternoon, enjoy some free time for optional activities. Perhaps explore Wat Phnom, a peaceful temple situated on a local hill. A great way to see the city's key landmarks is a cyclo tour, which generally covers the central market, US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong river front, Independence Monument and Royal Palace. The National Museum, housed in a beautiful traditional building, is a great place to see some excellent Khmer craftmanship. If you're in the mood for shopping, stop in at the art-deco Psar Thmei (Central Market), or travel out to Psar Tuol Tom Pong (Russian Market) for the best range of local souvenirs.

This morning you will learn about Cambodia's tragic past on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. Afterwards, head out to the Choeung Ek Memorial, where a stupa made up of some 8,000 human skulls marks the site of the infamous Killing Fields. This was the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng. In the afternoon there will be some free time for optional activities. You might like to simply stroll along the famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many cafes while observing the busy river traffic. Then it's time for your flight to Vientiane (approximately 1.5 hours). Possibly Asia's most laid-back capital, Vientiane is a city where daily affairs are conducted at a relaxed pace. It also has an excellent, diverse food scene.

Enjoy a guided walk around town this morning. Pay a visit to Wat Si Saket, a Buddhist temple believed to be the oldest still standing in Vientiane. You'll also see Victory Gate (Patuxai), otherwise known as the 'Vertical Runway' (as the US funds that were used to construct it were actually meant for airport upgrades). Climb up to the seventh storey for a nice view over Vientiane. Take in the brilliant Buddhist stupa of Pha That Luang, which is believed to have been established in the 3rd century. Also stop in at COPE, an organisation that rehabilitates children who have been injured by unexploded ordnance. This is an excellent cause and a chance to learn more about Laos' devastating war history.

Make the journey by public bus to Vang Vieng (approximately 3.5 hours). En route, take in scenes of small village life at various points along the hilly highway. When you arrive, you'll be greeted by stunning limestone karst scenery. These surrounding landscapes are the reason this town is known for its outdoor adventure culture. There are many fascinating caves to explore, some of which you can go swimming in. The classic Vang Vieng activity is to float down the lovely Nam Song on an old inflatable tractor tube. Hiking and cycling are all great ways to see the surrounding country.

Set out on a bicycle today for an adventure further afield (around 15 kilometres). Along the way you'll stop in at a Khmu or Hmong village. The Khmu and Hmong are some of the most populous ethnic peoples in Laos and the majority of them live in the north of the country.

Between May and January we head east out of the city for around 7 kilometres, then take a short trek (approximately 20 minutes) to the breathtaking Keng Yui waterfall. This is a great chance to relax and cool off with a refreshing swim.

Between February and April, or if it’s too wet, we will take an alternative route. Ride for around 7 kilometres to the west of the city, across the river with stops in a local village and at Tham Chang Cave.

Today you will journey by private bus, winding your way through the beautiful mountains to Luang Prabang (approximately 8 hours). The scenery is especially amazing on this leg of the journey – a reward for enduring the windy roads! When you arrive, stretch your legs and take a walk to acquaint yourself with this exotic city. It's located at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers. Luang Prabang's French colonial architecture, ornate Buddhist temples, unique markets and riverside ambience make for quite a combination. It's easy to get around on foot or by bicycle, which are cheap to hire.

Enjoy a guided tour around the Traditional Art & Ethnology Centre, a local non-profit museum dedicated to preserving Laos' many ethnic tribal cultures. You will also head out of town to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. The lovely pool at the base of the falls is perfect for an afternoon swim. For those who are more active, it is possible to leave early and trek to the waterfall (there will be an additional cost for the transport, village fee and local guide). If the timing's right, you might catch feeding time at the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre. The centre has been set up to protect, preserve and enrich the lives of Asiatic bears who have been rescued from trafficking.

There are no activities planned for today, and you are free to depart the accommodation any time this morning.