Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap (Cambodia). Upon arrival at Siem Reap this morning, you will be taken to your hotel. This afternoon, visit the famous Angkor Wat temple whose complex covers 81 hectres and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. This afternoon, visit Preah Khan with towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors in a jungle setting. Then visit Banteay Srei Temple and a 10th century Hindu temple. Our final stop will be at Phnom Bakheng for a dramatic sunset. (D)
Day 2: Siem Reap. Today’s tour begins at Angkor Thom, a fortified Royal City built by King Jayavarman VII who ruled from 1181 to 1201. The city has fi ve monumental gates and is encircled by a moat 100 meters wide. In Angkor Thom, you will see monuments like Bayon, Baphuon, the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of Leper King and Phimeanakas with Royal Enclosures. Continue to Ta Prohm (one of Angkor’s most popular attractions), Banteay Kdei Temple (dating back to late 12th century) and Chau Say Tevoda. (B, D)
Day 3: Siem Reap. Take a boat trip to Tonle Sap Lake in the heart of Cambodia exploring the fl oating fi shing villages along its shores. Its ecosystem is one of the richest and most diverse in the region. When you return, visit Banteay Srei Temple, a 10th century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva that has three central towers decorated with male and female divinities and beautiful fi ligree relief work. (B, D)
Day 4: Siem Reap / Phnom Penh. This morning, you fly to Phnom Penh, considered the loveliest of the French-built cities of Indochina. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel. An afternoon tour of Phnom Penh features Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, the National Museum, Tuol Sleng Museum and Central Market. (B, D)
Day 5: Phnom Penh / Vientiane. This morning, you visit the Killing Fields of Cheoung Ek, infamous execution site of thousands of people during Khmer Rouge. Next, you fly to Vientiane (Laos). Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel. (B, D)
Day 6: Vientiane / Luang Prabang. This morning, you fly to Luang Prabang, ancient capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom. In 1995, the city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its rich history, incomparable architecture, relaxed atmosphere, friendly people and stunning landscape will impress you. Visits include: Wat Xieng Thong, a beautiful monastery; Wat Wisunalat, the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang; Wat Mai; Wat That Luang; Wat Saen Temple. (B, D)
Day 7: Luang Prabang. Today, enjoy a boat cruise to the famous limestone Pak Ou Caves studded with thousands of wood and gold Buddha images – 2500 in the lower cave and 1500 in the upper. (B, D)
Day 8: Luang Prabang / Xieng Khuang. You drive along mountain road with stunning views en route to the Xieng Khuang area. You will see one of the most intriguing sights in Laos – huge stone jars of unknown origin that are scattered about in at least dozen groupings. Continue to Muang Khong, the ancient capital destroyed during the Indochina War and rebuilt after 1975. Overnight in Xieng Khuang. (B, D)
Day 9: Xieng Khuang / Vientiane. This morning, you visit the lively open-air market before you fly back to Vientiane. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel. Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, sits on a bend of the Mekong River among fertile alluvial plains. It is a laid-back city with interesting wats and lively markets. You will see: Pha That Luang (Great Stupa), the most important temple and symbol of Lao sovereignty; Patuxai, the huge arch; Ho Pha Keo, the former royal temple of the Lao monarchy; Wat Si Saket Temple; Wat Si Muang; Talaat Sao, the Morning Market that stays open all day. (B, D)
Day 10: Vientiane / Home. This morning, you transfer to the airport for your homebound flight (or to the next destination).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Package includes:
- Local airfares (Siem Reap / Phnom Penh / Vientiane / Luang Prabang / Xieng Kuang / Vientiane)
- Selected 5-star and superior 4-star hotel accommodations sharing double occupancy
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Boat ticket according to itinerary
- All ground transportation in private A/C vehicle (w/ complimentary cold towels, drinking water)
- Sightseeing as shown in the itinerary with all admissions
- All transfers between airport and hotel
- All local taxes and service charges for meals, accommodations and transportation.
Not included:
- International airfare, U.S. and foreign taxes, passport and visa fees, travel insurance
- tips to tour guides and drivers, gratuities for hotel porters
- telephone calls, laundry
- things not mentioned as included and things of personal nature.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Cambodia
Laos
Cultural Journey
Archeology/History
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