Welcome to Siem Reap

Siem Reap - Arrive in Siem Reap.

Welcome to Cambodia. Upon landing at Siem Reap Airport, secure your Cambodia visa, and proceed through Immigration and Customs. After retrieving your luggage, exit the airport to meet a local guide who will be holding a sign with your names.

You will enjoy a private transfer from the airport to your hotel with a professional driver and an English-speaking guide for a three-night stay at the Golden Temple Retreat Hotel, conveniently located near the renowned archaeological site of Angkor. Siem Reap serves as the gateway to exploring the legendary temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire.

Settle in and enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure.

: The wonders of Angkor

Angkor Thom South Gate - Begin your early morning with a visit to the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). This vast walled complex was the center of the world’s largest city in 1200. Following the Chams’ occupation of Angkor from 1177 to 1181, King Jayavarman VII constructed an impregnable fortress at the heart of his empire. The scale is truly impressive, and visitors are immediately struck by Jayavarman’s audacity upon arrival at the city’s gates. The causeway is adorned with an intricate bridge depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk from Hindu mythology, where the devas (gods) and asuras (devils) engage in a tug of war with a naga (seven-headed serpent) to obtain the elixir of immortality. Its massive walls, approximately 6m wide, 8m high, and 13km long, contain numerous monuments.

Bayon Temple - Next, visit Bayon Temple, surrounded by faces on all sides. Visitors are captivated by the enigmatic and enchanting Bayon Temple. Located at the exact center of Angkor Thom, it is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king. Its 54 towers are each topped with the four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion), which bear a striking resemblance to the king himself. These colossal heads gaze down from every side, exuding power and control with a hint of compassion, just the mix required to maintain control over such a vast empire.

Unlike his predecessors who worshipped the Hindu deities of Shiva and Vishnu, Jayavarman VII embraced Mahayana Buddhism as the source of royal divinity. This sets the Bayon apart from many other Angkorian monuments. The bas-reliefs here depict intricate scenes of ancient battles against the Chams and offer a wonderful snapshot of daily life during the Angkor period.

Baphuon Temple - Continue your visit to Baphuon, located in Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon. Built in the mid-11th century, it is a three-tiered temple mountain constructed as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II, dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.

Terrace of the Elephants - Stroll to the Terrace of the Elephants, part of the walled city of Angkor Thom. The terrace was used by Angkor’s king Jayavarman VII as a platform to view his victorious returning army. It was attached to the palace of Phimeanakas, of which only a few ruins remain.

Terrace of the Leper King - Visit the Terrace of the Leper King, located in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, Cambodia. It was built in the Bayon style under Jayavarman VII, though its modern name derives from a 15th-century sculpture discovered at the site. The statue depicts the Hindu god Yama, the god of death.

Phimeanakas - Next, visit Phimeanakas or Vimeanakas, a Hindu temple in the Khleang style, built at the end of the 10th century during the reign of Rajendravarman, and completed by Suryavarman I in the shape of a three-tier pyramid as a Hindu temple.

Ta Prohm - Continue to Ta Prohm, perhaps the most atmospheric of all Angkor’s treasures. The temple was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. Ta Prohm has been left to the power of nature by archaeologists to demonstrate nature’s awesome power.

It has been largely consumed by the jungle, and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures, you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. At every turn, you might expect to see Indiana Jones or Lara Croft step out from behind a fallen pillar. It is one of the most frequently visited temples, with visitors often arriving during the middle of the day to take advantage of the protective forest canopy above the ruined temple. Ta Prohm appears as many of the monuments did when European explorers first laid eyes on them. This was one of the settings for Lara Croft’s adventures in “Tomb Raider”.

Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a delightful local restaurant.

Angkor Wat - Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant, and afterwards, be dazzled by the vast, 12th-century Angkor Wat temple; the bas-reliefs and many devatas (guardian spirits) that cover its walls inspire awe and admiration. This example of classical Khmer architecture has been a significant religious center for Hindus and then Buddhists through the ages.

Khmer temples & a Tonle Sap Lake cruise

Banteay Srei - This morning, journey north to visit Banteay Srei. This jewel of Angkor was built by a Brahman in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The famous pink sandstone structure bears a series of exquisite sculptures, lintels, and friezes. These, it is said, must have been carved by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man. This gives the origin of the Khmer name, Fortress of the Women. While it may be a small temple complex, the beauty of Banteay Srei is found not in the scale, but the detail. Many believe the intricate carving is the best example of Khmer classical art in existence. Stop at a local village to visit families who are producing palm sugar.

Preah Khan - Next, continue to visit Preah Khan, built in the same style as Ta Prohm, Preah Khan is in a much better state of preservation. Meaning The Sacred Sword, this temple was also built by Jayavarman VII and is famous for its immensely long cruciform corridors and delicate carvings, including the spectacular hall of dancers. Look out for the curious two-storey structure that is almost Grecian in inspiration. This is one of the few temples originally dedicated to both Buddhism and Hinduism. The original eastern entrance was for Mahayana Buddhists, while the other cardinal points represented the Hindu trinity of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.

Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a delightful local restaurant in town.

Kompong Phluk - After lunch, continue for a tour of the surrounding countryside and take an ox-cart ride through the villages and the rice fields. At the end of your ride, enjoy a fresh coconut drink with the family and feel free to talk with the local people to learn more about their lives. Later, you may wish to join us for a drive to the fishing village of Kompong Pluk near Siem Reap and board a private boat. Visit Kompong Pluk village with its houses standing on stilts and board a pirogue to discover the seasonally flooded forest. Visit the floating village and discover the centuries-old lifestyle of the inhabitants of the lake.

Siem Reap – Luang Prabang, LAOS

Siem Reap - Today, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Siem Reap Airport by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.

This afternoon, board a flight from Siem Reap with direct service to Luang Prabang. Approximate flight time is one hour and 55 minutes.

Luang Prabang - Fly from Siem Reap to Luang Prabang, departing at 16:25 and arriving at 18:20.

Welcome to LAOS. Upon arrival at Luang Prabang Airport, obtain your Laos visa, and then clear Immigration and Customs. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet a local guide who will be holding a sign with your names.

You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide. The crown jewel of Laos and former Lanexang, Luang Prabang, is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. Magical and charming, it has preserved its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness. In 1995, UNESCO voted Luang Prabang as a World Heritage City.

Settle in and enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure.

Discover Luang Prabang & Pak Ou Caves

Royal Palace Museum - After breakfast, head out with your guide and spend the morning learning about the town’s UNESCO World Heritage status and its history while exploring its beautifully preserved Buddhist temples, as well as Lanna, Thai, and French colonial fusion architecture. Meander through charming alleyways draped in flowers, discuss Buddhism with temple monks, and soak up the serene ambiance. Visit the former Royal Palace, now the Royal Palace Museum, where the Lao royal family lived until 1975. Built in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong, it is now a museum that makes a good starting point on any tour of Luang Prabang. Combining elements of traditional Lao architecture with French influences, the building houses some unique Buddhas, including a large golden Buddha gifted by a Khmer king in the 14th century, and busts of the Lao royal family.

Wat Xiengthong - Next, continue to visit Wat Xieng Thong, considered the most beautiful temple. The sim of the Wat represents the classic Luang Prabang temple architecture with roofs that sweep low to the ground. In the compound stand several small chapels housing bronze Buddha images, which were displayed in Paris in 1911. Near the East gate stands the Royal Funeral Chapel. Inside are an impressive 12-meter high funeral chariot and various funeral urns of the Royal Family. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts a semi-erotic episode from Ramayana. Also, look out for the “tree of life” montage on the rear temple wall.

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham - Then, continue to visit Wat Mai, built in 1796 and famous for the five-tiered roof of its wooden sim built in the standard of Luang Prabang style. Stroll through the old quarter to discover the daily lifestyle of townspeople.

Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre - The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre is a museum with permanent and temporary exhibitions about the diverse ethnic groups of Laos. Permanent Exhibitions highlight the Akha, Kmhmu, Tai Dam, and Hmong ethnic minorities. Interactive and immersive, the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre’s newest special exhibition, “Voices of the Wind: Traditional Instruments in Laos,” features wind instruments and their role in communication, ritual, and courtship. Through recreations of a Hmong instrument-maker’s workshop, a Tai Dam healing ceremony, and interactive video kiosks, visitors can enter a world rarely seen by the general public. The adjacent Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre Museum Shop features fair trade handicrafts from 12 provinces of Laos, supporting over 600 ethnic artisans from all over Laos.

Pak Ou Caves - After lunch this afternoon, you will be taken to the local pier to board a private traditional boat for the journey upstream on the Mekong River to visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves. After around an hour cruising up the Mekong, disembark your boat at the village of Ban Muangkeo, where you can get a glimpse of daily life in rural Laos. From here, set off on foot for the revered religious site of Pak Ou, two caves set in a limestone cliff facing the Mekong River, crammed with thousands of Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. After your visit to the caves, return to Luang Prabang by boat, stopping off at Ban Nongxai artisans village en route. Return to your hotel in Luang Prabang for an evening spent as you please.

Alms in Luang Prabang & local rural life

Alms Giving Ceremony - Early risers will have a chance to witness a moving ritual as long lines of barefoot monks walk silently along the streets on their morning alms rounds. The giving of alms represents a symbiotic exchange in which rice sustains the monks’ bodies, and the monks’ prayers nourish the spirit of those giving the rice. In late childhood, nearly all Laotian boys spend time in monkhood, living in a monastery and studying Buddhism. Please note this is an ancient, sacred ritual to be observed at a respectful distance and in silence. Walking back to the hotel, wander through the colorful vegetable and fruit market before reconvening for breakfast.

The Living Land Farm - Spend the morning on a community-based living rice farm in the countryside, surrounded by mountains and rice paddies. You’ll have an opportunity to experience the life of local rice farmers and try your hand at some of their daily activities, or view them from the comfort of a traditional Lao rice house balcony, surrounded by rice terraces and an organic vegetable farm. There will also be time to visit local handicraft workshops featuring crafts including bamboo weaving, blacksmithing, and sugar cane processing, and a tour of an organic garden offers insights on how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine.

Kuang Si Falls - Return to town for lunch, then visit Kuang Si Waterfalls, stopping at a Hmong and a Khmu Village en route. Most of these villagers are farmers and fishermen and still employ centuries-old methods. Our visit allows insight into the daily life and culture of rural Laos. At the waterfalls, enjoy a walk to the many-tiered natural bathing pools and take a dip, if you like. On the way back to town, stop in at a project focusing on the rehabilitation and conservation of Asian bears. Return to your hotel in Luang Prabang for an evening spent as you please.

Depart Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang - Tour ends: Luang Prabang. A transfer from Burasari Heritage Luang Prabang to Luang Prabang International Airport is included. Please allow 3 hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.

• Licensed English-speaking guide throughout the tour
• Complimentary airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Modern air-conditioned vehicle for private transportation
• Included domestic flight during the tour
• All sightseeing activities with entrance fees provided
• International flight ticket from Siem Reap to Luang Prabang included
• 3-night luxurious stay at Borei Angkor Resort & Spa or similar
• Al inclusive meals covering 7 meals plus daily breakfast and lunch
• 3-night stay at the boutique Maison Dalabua Hotel or equivalent
• Fees covered for a three-day pass to explore Angkor Archaeological Park

• Personal, travel and health insurance

This exclusive luxury tour offers an exploration of two of Southeast Asia’s most captivating cities: Siem Reap, the cultural epicenter of Cambodia and the site of the extraordinary Angkor Wat, and Luang Prabang, a charming city rich in culture, Buddhist monasteries, and temples.

Start your journey in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to discover the magnificent Angkor, the awe-inspiring remnants of the ancient Khmer empire. With a private guide, visit the most fascinating sections of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Angkor Wat, a vast temple complex designed as a stone representation of the Hindu universe.

Then, take a flight to Luang Prabang, a delightful town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, situated along the Mekong River. During private tours, stroll through streets adorned with a distinctive mix of traditional Lao and French colonial architecture and notable landmarks.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.