Full Itinerary

Day 1: UK Airport / Siem Reap

Depart on a choice of overnight flights to Siem Reap. The holiday price is based on flights from Heathrow but you can also fly from regional airports for an applicable supplement. We will offer a choice of quotes.

Day 2: Arrive Siem Reap - Evening Welcome Cocktails

On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to the city centre where you check in to the Aviary Hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon free to recover from the journey, then early this evening as the sun sets you're invited for cocktails with your guide and fellow travellers at the hotel's rooftop bar. This evening you might like to visit the circus (no animals) that performs nightly in a big top in the centre of Siem Reap. Organised by the NGO Phare it aims to assist poor and handicapped children gain education and livelihoods. The circus mixes traditional acts with theatre, music, dance and acrobatics. More than a show, it's a joyful celebration of Cambodian culture. Tickets can be added for any night.

Day 3: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Highlights Day Tour (B / L)

This morning your guide will pick you up for a fulll day's tour of the iconic Angkor Archaeological Park. Start off at Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer Empire. Highlights include the magnificent Bayon, one of the most recognisable sites because of the 54 towers adorned with 216 enigmatically smiling stone faces, the Terrace of Elephants, a giant viewing stand for public ceremonies and the Terrace of Leper Kings, whose walls boast beautifully carved nagas, demons and other mythological beings. In the low morning sun the carvings really stand out and as you stand on the Terrace of Elephants you get a great view across a parkland scene interspersed with giant trees protected in the National Park.

Then move onto the temple of Ta Phrom, jungle covered and pretty much left as originally found by European explorers to create a mystical atmosphere.

Back to Siem Reap (15 minutes away) for lunch and a rest in the hot midday. This afternoon return to explore Angkor Wat, the most famous and best preserved of all the Angkor temples. You’ll have time for a thorough exploration before climbing to the top of Pre Rup temple to watch the sunsetover the jungle. Back to the hotel by early evening.

Day 4: Siem Reap - Full Day Khmer Community Village & Tonle Sap Lake (B / L)

Today is a day of wonderful interactions with some of Asia’s warmest people, the local Khmer communities. Begin at the CMAC museum to learn about the legacy of civil war and how it affected the lives of millions, as well as an insight into life after the war.Next, a visit to meet some local families who earn a living by growing vegetables, raising chickens & ducks as well as making bamboo sticky rice.

Enjoy a simple Khmer style lunch at the community before walking to a local fish farm and an ancient pagoda where you will witness a traditional monks blessing.

This afternoon jump on a boat to Kompong Khleang, a village built high on stilts in Tonle Sap Lake. Discover this fascinating village that is home to approximately 6,000 people who earn their living mainly through fishing. These stilted villages are flooded for around half the year, you will explore the local community and mangrove forests that are the main building block of this valuable ecosystem that supports a variety of wildlife. Back in Siem Reap late afternoon. Evening free.

Would you prefer an alternative day tour in Siem Reap?

Day 5: Siem Reap (B) - Fly To Luang Prabang, Laos

Late morning airport transfer and short flight north to Luang Prabang, Laos. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to the city centre where you check in to the Lotus Villa for 3 nights. The rest of the day is free to get your first taste of this welcoming city full of cafes, restaurants, temples, markets and boutique shops. Don’t miss the superb night market that runs through the centre of town every night.

Day 6: Luang Prabang - Private Guided Almsgiving & City Tour (B / L)

It feels to some that the city is bathed in Buddhism and this feeling is at its most accessible each morning as monks rise early for the silent alms procession. Today rise at dawn to watch this beautiful, understated and authentic tradition with your private guide. On the way back to the hotel they will take you to the Morning Market, a feast of local and somewhat unusual (to us) produce.

After a leisurely breakfast re-join your guide for a private guided Walking tour around this beautiful World Heritage town. You’ll visit Wat Xieng Thong, one of the largest and most decorative temples and Wat Mai, with its beautiful gilded façade. From here continue on to the former Royal Palace, a commanding structure in the centre of town that until 1946 was the heart of the Lang Xang Kingdom. Today it’s the National Museum and its halls contain rare religious and cultural artefacts. Next climb 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi and enjoy panoramic views of the city. The tour finishes with a visit to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, a repository of information on the country’s many ethnic-minority groups. Lunch will be in a local restaurant during the tour.

As the sun sets, take a one-hour walking tour of Luang Prabang’s night market, which is open from dusk until about 10pm. Browse for colourful textiles, quilts, carvings, basketry, ceramics, clothing and handmade paper.

Day 7: Luang Prabang - Cruise along Mekong to Pak Ou Caves. Visit Kuang Si Waterfall & Buffalo Dairy (B / L)

After breakfast transfer to the pier for a short boat trip along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves that rest high in the limestone cliffs and house thousands of Buddha statues that were hidden from the looting Chinese Haw. The caves were converted into Buddhist temples in the 15th century and are used as a site for old Buddha images that can no longer be venerated in a temple, either because they are damaged or the temple they were displayed in has been destroyed. 

From here transfer to the Laos Buffalo Dairy for an authentic farming experience. Working with people from the surrounding villages this social enterprise produces ice cream, yoghurt and cheeses, whilst supporting local farmers. You’ll have the chance to get up close with the grazing buffaloes, feeding them grass and bananas and treating them to a cooling bath before taking part in a hands-on milking workshop. Learn about the nutrients of buffalo milk and finish with a light lunch at their café. Try their delicious buffalo mozarella, feta, ricotta, blue cheese, yoghurt and ice cream.

Finish the day at the Kuang Si Waterfall, a three-tiered waterfall with a drop of 60 metres. The walk travels past lush rice paddies and through forest, offering spectacular panoramas of the surrounding countryside. Arrive at the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfall, whose multi-tiered cascading falls tumble down jagged limestone reliefs into emerald pools. Quite a walk but you can reward yourselves with a refreshing dip in one of the pools. Back at the hotel late afternoon.

Day 8: Luang Prabang (B) - Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam

Morning free to enjoy the city then early afternoon airport transfer and short flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. On arrival met and transferred to the city centre where you check in to the Flower Garden Hotel for 2 nights.

Hanoi offers the chance to enjoy authentic old school Far East. The hotel is in the centre and we’d recommend that you take a walk through the Old Quarter. Don’t be put off by the thousands of motor scooters, just dive in.

Day 9: Hanoi - Pho Experience - City Tour - Water Puppets (B / L)

The day starts with a chance to meet a local street food vendor to learn more about Pho, a soup that’s Vietnam’s most iconic dish. You'll get a chance to see how it’s prepared and cooked and have a go at helping out before trying it.

With your energy levels up it’s time to explore the city, starting at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where you join thousands of Vietnamese as they pay their respects filing past in solemn silence. The complex is also home to his former stilt-house, Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. Next head on to the Temple of Literature, an ancient collection of courtyards, gardens and architecture built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius. Considered the oldest university in Vietnam, it dates back nearly one thousand years.

Time for a specialty lunch at Cha Ca, a local restaurant specialising in traditional Hanoian cuisine.

This afternoon head deeper into the ancient city following your guide as they weave through some of the Old Quarter’s 36 streets named for the products historically sold here. Along the way pass by some of the only remaining streets that continue selling the goods of their namesake, such as Tin and Bamboo Street. Head through labyrinthine back alleys well off the tourist trail and see Hanoi at its authentic best. Peer into temples and traditional houses, hear the stories of the ancient city and meet the people who call this fascinating city home.

Your final stop on the walking tour is Ngoc Son Temple, set on a tiny island on Hoan Kiem Lake. Close by enjoy a cup of egg coffee at a local café where you’ll meet the owner and see how to make this unique drink. The day ends with another icon of Vietnam, a 45 minute water puppet show that showcases Vietnam’s traditional performance art and is a surprisingly fast paced treat. Back at your hotel late afternoon, evening free.

Would you prefer an alternative day tour in Hanoi?

Day 10: Hanoi - Halong Bay Overnight Cruise (B / L / D)

This morning you’ll be transferred by minibus to Halong Bay (3 hours). Meet the crew and board the L'Azalee, a traditional wooden junk, for 1 night, then relax and enjoy lunch while the boat heads toward the secluded islands. Visit ancient limestone caves and go sea kayaking and swimming (weather permitting). Return to the junk refreshed & invigorated to relax on deck with a drink watching the sunset and enjoy dinner looking out over the bay. This evening there’s the opportunity to try squid fishing.

Day 11: Halong Bay Cruise (B / L) - Return to Hanoi For Flight Home or Extend Holiday

Early risers can take an informal Tai Chi lesson on deck before enjoying breakfast as the boat continues to cruise through the bay to Ti Tov Island. Time to explore, hiking up to the scenic viewpoint or swimming off of the beach. On the final leg of your cruise pass by well-known karsts of Thumb Island, Fighting Cocks, the Incense Karst which is featured on the 200,000 dong note. Enjoy your last glimpses of Halong Bay over an early light lunch. Back at the dock you’ll be transferred back to Hanoi Airport for the overnight flight home. Arrive back in UK the following morning.

Alternatively why not add a few nights on the beach in Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Mui Ne or Phan Thiet. Or perhaps Saigon & Mekong Delta.

Inclusions

What's Included

This specially selected small group (maximum 12 people) Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam tour pulls together the touring highlights of these beautiful countries and offers the flexibility to add extra destinations and excursions tailored to you.

Our small group tours are designed for those who want to enjoy the financial and social benefits of travelling with others combined with the freedom of flexibility of a private tailor made holiday.

Tour Inclusions

• Maximum of 12 people in each group
• Full ATOL Financial Protection
• Scheduled international flights from Heathrow (other airports available)
• English speaking local guide & driver in each destination
• 9 nights central boutique medium class hotel accommodation
• Transport in private air-conditioned vehicle
• Admission fees to all attractions, temples and activities as mentioned in the itinerary
• 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 1 dinner - as detailed (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
• Emergency contacts in Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam and UK throughout stay
• Flexibility to add extra destinations and excursions

Comprehensive Package of Excursions Included:

• Angkor Temples Highlights Day Tour with lunch
• Full day Community Village & Tonle Sap Lake tour with lunch
• Luang Prabang City Tour with lunch
• Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves by boat. Visit Buffalo Dairy & Kuang Si Waterfall (lunch)
• Hanoi City Tour with lunch, Pho Experience & Water Puppets
• Halong Bay Overnight Cruise with all meals & excursions included

General Exclusions:

• Optional Tours / Excursions
• Optional additional destinations
• Any meals not listed in the itinerary
• Drinks
• Personal expenses
• Tips for Guides / Drivers (discretionary)
• Travel insurance

Where You'll Stay

 Hotels

The hotels below are there as examples, designed to act as a starting point from which to create your holiday. There are plenty of alternatives to choose from and when we quote we will include other suggestions so we get to understand your likes and dislikes. Quite often clients mix and match hotel categories throughout their holiday.

Cambodia

Laos

Vietnam

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