DAY 1: ARRIVAL - LUANG PRABANG
Welcome to Laos! Your expert guide will meet you at Luang Prabang International Airport while your private transportation brings you directly to your chosen hotel.
DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG - CITY TOUR - PAK OU CAVES
Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temples of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as exploring the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is produced. On return, we take a short drive to another small village Ban Phanom, which is famous for its hand weaving.
DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG - KHOUANGSI FALL
An optional early start gives you the fantastic 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. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual.
After breakfast, we visit the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace. It displays a collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. There will also be time for us to look around the Central Market. We then continue towards Khouangsi Waterfall, en route, we visit the local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Ban Ou, Laoloum and Ban Thapene, and then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall. Here you can take a dip in the inviting pools or walk along the forest trails surrounding the waterfall. We return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for silk hand weaving and for traditional Saa Paper making.
DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG - PAKSE - CHAMPASAK / DONE DAENG ISLAND
After breakfast, free and easy at own leisure until time to transfer to the airport for your short flight to Pakse. On arrival in Pakse, we drive south to Champasak and to visit the fascinating pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, one of Southeast Asia's most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao.
DAY 5: FULL DAY TOUR TO BOLEVAN PLATEAU
This morning we leave early and drive north to the Bolaven Plateau. The Bolaven Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. Our first stop is to visit Ban Lak Sipkao, a village specializing in knife making. We then stop tea plantation, followed by a stop at Tad Fan Waterfall, a picturesque twin chute waterfall. We then make a stop at a coffee plantation, en route to Tha Teng Market, a colourful ethnic minority food market. Next we explore a couple of fascinating minority villages, Ban Pong Neua, an Alak village that boasts a sacrificial altar, and Ban Kokphung, a Katu village where they keep coffins under their houses. We also make a stop at the beautiful Tadlo Waterfall, then head back to the hotel.
DAY 6: FULL DAY TOUR TO 4000 - ISLAND
After an early morning breakfast, we cross over to the mainland and drive south to Ban Hatsaikhoune, where we board a local private boat for a boat tour of the 4000 Islands. We reach the picturesque island of Don Khone by lunchtime, and in the afternoon explore the island by bicycle or Tuk Tuk or Walking, tracing the route of an old abandoned railway and admiring some of the old French Colonial buildings, and the beautiful Liphi Waterfall. We then return to our boat and head back to the mainland, visiting the spectacular Khone Phapheng Falls, one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Southeast Asia.
DAY 7: CHAMPASAK - TROPAENG KREAL (CAMBIDAN-LAOS BORDER) - KRATIE
Enjoy your breakfast; you are transferred to Laos-Cambodian Border. Upon arrival at Cambodian-Laos border, you are met and greeted by Signatures of Indochina Representative to assist you for Visa formality procedure and transfer to hotel check in at Kratie Province, 180km, paved road, and 3hours.
USD 30 per person for Upon Arrival Visa with 2 x ID-Sized Photos required.
Arrival Kratie take Ferry to Koh Trong Island, Eco tourism site, supported by European Union.
DAY 8: KRATIE - KOH TRONG ISLAND - DOLPHINS - PHNOM EPNH
Enjoy you breakfast, today you begin to witness the unique of the world Irrawaddy Dolphins, around sixty-five dolphins live in this area and can usually be seen in the morning and late afternoon.
Visit 100 pillars Buddhist pagoda, which is over hundred years old then stop at the cooked-rice in bamboo where people earn partly their living.
Continue to Phnom Penh, paved road, 290km, and 5hours by stop at Skun Village, the unique place where fried tarantulas and other are prepared.
Welcome to The capital of Phnom Penh “Pearl of Asia” was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. Phnom Penh’s shine was tarnished by the impact of war and revolution. But the city has since risen from the ashes to take its place among the hip capitals of the region. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.
Upon arrival at Phnom Penh, you are transferred to hotel check in.
DAY 9: EXPLORE THE PEARL OF ASIA
Today, you have a chance to explore the Capital city serves as a heart and business center of Kingdom of Cambodia.
The Royal Palace, located between 184th and 240th street, built in 1866. The entry is at the Samdech Sothearos Boulevard, formerly Lenin Boulevard, not far from banks of the Tonle Sap River. Among various buildings within the walls the Throne Hall ranks as most important. This Khmer-style building was erected only in 1917. It is used only on special occasions. Attached to the Throne Hall is a tower 59 meters high.
Silver Pagoda or Temple of Emerald Buddha formerly a wooden building rebuilt in 1962 in concrete ad marble. The pagoda is floored with over 5000 silver tiles each weighing 1 kilo. It is famous for its 90 kg solid gold Buddha made in 1907 and an emerald Buddha said to be made of baccarats crystal.
Afterward, continue to visit National Museum with several of 5000 original artifacts of Khmer arts, especially different dating sculptures, with its Khmer-style architecture building.
Toul Sleng Museum school buildings served as opened-window prison in PolPot Regime with its thousands skulls and punished material.
Your day will be ending by walking around The Central Market, is a large market constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods.
DAY10: PHNOM PENH - SIEM REAP, CITY OF WORLD HERIATGE BY FLIGHT
Enjoy you breakfast, today you are met and transferred to board for departure to Siem Reap.
Welcome to The capital of Siem Reap Province, Siem Reap serves as Cambodia‘s hip epicenter, Filled with an impressive array of colonial and Chinese- style architecture, not to mention a gateway to the magnificent temples of Angkor. Siem Reap town features notable boutiques, multicultural dining, enriching museums and relaxation-ready spas, though it’s most revered site is iconic Angkor Wat situated in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A symbol of Khmer genius, its imposing grandeur gives way to breathtaking bas reliefs depicting historical mythology. A city just waiting to be explored, culturally rich Siem Reap brims with treasures for history buffs and modern- minded traveler alike.
Upon arrival at Siem Reap Domestic Airport, you are met and greeted by your experienced guide and transfer to hotel check in.
DAY 11: SIEM REAP TEMPLES OF TREASURES BY TUK TUK
Enjoy breakfast hotel your hotel.
Take Tuk Tuk to visit South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Royal Palace, Terrace of Elephant and Terrace of Leper King. Discover Angkor Thom a heavily fortified city built in the 12th century by the greatest of the Khmer rulers King Jayavarman VII (1181-1201). With a population in excess of one million inhabitants Angkor Thom was larger than any city in Europe at the time.
Proceed to the Bayon Temple also constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman VII This Temple complex marks the exact center of Angkor Thom Making it the most venerated of the city’s temple the structure is considered by most Angkor specialists to be one of the finest examples of classical Khmer architecture situated on front of the east entry tower of the enclosing wall at the Royal palace is the Terrace of the Elephants It’s has three platforms and shows sing of having been rebuilt and added to The Terrace of the leper king is supported by a base 80 feet long The sides are faced in sandstone and decorated with bas-reliefs which are divided into several registers The original statue of the leper King can be found in the courtyard of the National Museum in Phnom Penh.
Leaving the Bayon temple, stop at the Royal Enclosure to see the Elephant terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. The last Royal balance at Angkor Thom, a little to the north of Bayon and Baphoun. It was constructed in light materials- wood and tiles and these have long since rotted away leaving only the terraces that face out onto a plaza Which were originally the platform for the palace buildings the east-facing wall is taken up with a near-life-size frieze of elephant with their mahouts behind are the remains of the courtyards and pond A little north of the main terrace is another Known as the Terrace of the Leper King after a statue found above it.
Go on to see the once grand Baphuon a vast temple built in the mid-11th century which was once the largest temple mountain but is now in a state of ruin The French were in the process of restoring the temple when they were forced by war to leave Angkor in 1972 Baphoun is inside the royal city of Angkor Thom but was built before the city was established A fascinating feature of the temple are the bas-reliefs scenes of mythology and daily life carved in small bordered panels however only a few of these are still visible.
After lunch time continue to explore Banteay Srei, Which in some obvious aspects, stands apart from the other monuments of the Angkor region Relatively isolated 13 miles northeast of the main temple group Banteay Srei is built in pink sandstone rather than the more usual gray and is one of the very few temple that was not endowed by royalty. It was in fact built by Yajnavarha, a Brahmin Priest and key figure at court in the 10th century.
Tucked away at the eastern edge of the Angkor complex, is the small and somewhat isolated temple of Banteay Samre named after the Samre, a tribe that lived around Phnom Kulen the temple’s distinctive lotus –flower tower gives immediate temple complexes Banteay Samre is nevertheless more peaceful than many.
This evening you have the chance to enjoy an energetic evening of theatre dance contortion and acrobatics set to a musical score that transcends traditional and contemporary Cambodian music. Phare (which translates to Brightness of Art’s) was established by the pare Ponleu Selpak Association, a NGO founded by eight refugees from Anchanh Village in Battambang. A big promoter of maintaining Khmer culture the non-profit organization give disadvantaged youth the opportunity to develop careers in the arts the hour-long show allows you to witness some stunning scenes of traditi0nal and modern Cambodian entertainment during exhilarating set- piece performances that require hours of dedicated practice Please note this activity is from 8:00-9:00 p.m.
DAY 12: SIEM REAP SUNRISE OVER ANGKOR WAT - SUNSET COCKTAIL
Early this morning, you are met and greeted by your Signatures of Indochina representative in your hotel lobby to witness the sunrise over Angkor Wat
Watch the sunrise over the main temple of Angkor Wat an unforgettable and quintessential Southeast Asia experience. Then walk amid the moss – peppered pathways, gazing up at the intricately carved tower tops or climb the steep narrow temple steps that lead to wide courtyards contemplate the temple’s spiritual power while you walk in the cool shade of its hallways, stopping to take in the perfume of burning incense Once the seat of the mighty Angkor Empire it was from here that kings ruled over a vast territory that extended from the tip of what is now southern Vietnam northward to Yunnan in china and westward to the bay of Bengal.
After returning to your hotel for breakfast, go on to see the fascinating Ta Prohm Temple, Which for the many is the most romantic experience of Angkor One of the most spectacular effects of the forest’s encroachment on Ta Prohm is the way trees have grown into and around the towers and galleries seeds carried by bird and dropped onto the Temple roofs spouted aerial roofs that trailed to the ground, where they took root and grew into the monument and paradoxically for supporting them as long as the trees live.
Late afternoon, you are met and greeted by your Signatures of Indochina representative in your hotel lobby will take you to visit Les Artisans D’Angkor a complete visit of the arts and crafts school will take you through the various training and production workshops of the les Artisans D’ Angkor. Discover the traditional techniques used for wood sculpting, stone carving, lacquer work, polychrome and stone patina work with the explanation of a guide.
Explore the Old Market (Phsar Chas), one of the most popular markets which offer a grand selection of souvenirs textiles, handicrafts, statues, and curiosities.
Your day will be remarkable for your holiday in Siem Reap to enjoy the unique atmosphere “Sunset Over Angkor Thom” where you will be strongly impressed with its magic old doors and artifacts. Time for photo and listen to the guide interesting stories. Then, embark on an Angkor Gondola, a replica of a traditional Khmer boat, which is propelled with a wooden paddle by an experienced oarsman. Glide gently along the Southern Angkor Thom’s moat while admiring the sunset over Angkor Archaeological Park. Once you reach the southwest corner of the Ancient City, disembark near one of the four temples called Prasat Chrung and hike with your guide to the ruined building, constructed in the late 12th century. Walk under the shade of trees to the top of the gate, where a sunset viewpoint awaits. During your visit, you will be served Canape, free flow drinks (solfdrink, beer, red and white wine) and learn about the four small sandstone temples, which were dedicated to a bodhisattva and designed in the style of Prasat Bayon, the magnificent temple at the center of Angkor Thom. Stay late and then transfer back to the hotel where you will spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
DAY 13: SIEM REAP - MONK BLESSING - CYCLING
Enjoy your breakfast, you are met and greeted by your Signatures of Indochina representative in your hotel lobby will take you to a local Pagoda where you will meet the resident monks and offer alms. This will be followed by a Buddhist blessing ceremony your guide will also take you on a tour of the pagoda The temple is home to many Buddhist monks who you will be able to see going about their daily chores.
Afterward, your cycling experience begins on the dirt road along riverside where you enjoy the countryside atmosphere, people, children, animal, and local farm (18km, 2hours).
You will be served Picnic Lunch at local Cambodian house where the real countryside environment and hospitality are.
Afterward, your will be picked up to explore the Great Lake Tonle Sap, Khmer fishing & floating villages.
Tonle Sap Lake, Embark on a traditional wooden boat and depart from Chong Kneas to visit floating village on the great lake of Tonle Sap. You will go through the floating houses with small private boats. The natural wonder of Tonle Sap offers an insight into the old tradition of riparian life and the natural splendors of the countryside.
DAY 14: SIEM REAP - DEPARTURE
Enjoy your breakfast, today you are met and transferred to the airport to board your departing flight to next destination.
End of services.
Remarks:
During the visit of The Royal Palace, Bakan tower of Angkor Wat and Banteay Srei temples, visitors are required to wear proper attire, covering shoulders and knees as this temple is still considered as a sacred site (no short, miniskirt or short trousers). Child less than twelve years old is not allowed to climb up this tower. It will be closed on the Buddhist Sabbath Days, the Buddhist religious days, four days a month in accordance with the Lunar Calendar.
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