Maps

Highlight

    • Visit the exquisite temples of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    • Boat excursion to the Pak Ou caves.
    • Numerous stops along the way provide an up-close view of authentic life in Laotian ethnic villages.
    • Full-day excursion to the top temples in Siem Reap, including a sunset experience.
    • Boat excursion on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Indochina, for a visit to a floating fishing village.

Brief Itinerary

Days Highlight Overnight
Day 01 Luang Prabang arrival Luang Prabang
Day 02 Luang Prabang visit Luang Prabang
Day 03 Luang Prabang - Nong Khiaw – hiking Nong Khiaw
Day 04 Nong Khiaw - Long Lao Mai – hiking Long Lao Mai
Day 05 Long Lao Mai - Luang Prabang Luang Prabang
Day 06 Luang Prabang - Nong Khiaw - Ban Sop Chem Ban Sop Chem
Day 07 Ban Sop Chem - Hiking - Nong Khiaw Nong Khiaw
Day 08 Nong Khiaw - Pak Ou - Luang Prabang Luang Prabang
Day 09 Luang Prabang - Flight to Pakse - Bolovens Bolovens
Day 10 Bolovens - Khone Island Don Khone
Day 11 Khone Island - bike/tuktuk ride - sightseeing Don Khone
Day 12 Khone Island - border - Preah Vihear Preah Vihear
Day 13 Preah Vihear - Koh Ker - Siem Reap Siem Reap
Day 14 Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom by tuktuk Siem Reap
Day 15 Siem Reap - Group Rolous Bicycle Ride - Tonle Sap Siem Reap
Day 16 Siem Reap - Beng Mealea - Phnom Kulen - Hike and Homestay Phonom Kulen
Day 17 Phnom Kulen - Siem Reap Siem Reap
Day 18 Siem Reap - Departure

Detailed program

Day 01. Luang Prabang arrival

Arrival in Luang Prabang. Greeting by your guide, transfer to the city center, and check-in at the hotel. Rooms will be available for you starting from 2:00 PM. Free time for your personal exploration (without a guide or driver). Overnight at the hotel.

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Day 02 . Luang Prabang visit

Note: Around 6 AM, monks parade through the streets of Luang Prabang seeking alms. If you wish, you can wake up early and witness this beautiful spiritual spectacle in Luang Prabang.
Return to the hotel for showering and breakfast before the day of city touring.
Explore the historic temple of the city: Vat Visoun, built in the early 16th century. It was partially destroyed in a fire in 1887, and the architects responsible for its restoration chose to give it an architecture inspired by the Khmer temple Vat Phou. A few steps away, discover Vat Aham.
Visit the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. The Royal Palace was built in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong and his family during the French colonial era. It now houses exhibitions of art and jewelry.
Continue on foot to Wat Mai, characterized by its multi-tiered roof and gold bas-reliefs. You will conclude the day at Luang Prabang's most photographed temple: Wat Xieng Thong. Overnight at the hotel.

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Day 03. Luang Prabang - Nong Khiaw – hiking

Today, you will head to, where you begin a hike that takes you to the Hmong village of Nong Khiaw. This trek immerses you in deep jungle, leading you through rivers and bamboo forests, and taking you up hills to reach stunning viewpoints of the wild Laos landscape. Upon reaching Nong Khiaw, you'll meet your host family for the night and then set off to explore the Tam Douk caves. Upon returning to the village, you'll get to know the locals. You'll try your hand at learning a few words in the local language and help with the preparation of dinner. Overnight stay with the host family.

4-5 hours of walking

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Day 04. Nong Khiaw - Long Lao Mai – hiking

After enjoying a hearty breakfast with your hosts, you have the opportunity to set off on a hike to see the village lake. Then, you resume your journey to reach the Hmong village of Long Lao Mai. Along the way, you make stops to relish the beauty of the landscapes and have a meal. Upon arrival, you'll discover your Eco Bungalow where you'll spend the night. Take a stroll and meet your neighbors to learn more about the local way of life. You'll savor a dinner under the stars, indulging in a typical Hmong meal prepared by the village residents.
4 hours of walking

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Day 05. Long Lao Mai - Luang Prabang

After breakfast, you make the most of your final moments in Long Lao Mai by spending time with the village residents and children. You experience the daily activities of the locals and become acquainted with the community's way of life. You then return to Luang Prabang, where you have time to go for a stroll and visit temples such as Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, where you can witness a prayer session. Overnight at the hotel.

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Day 06. Luang Prabang - Nong Khiaw - Ban Sop Chem

Breakfast at the hotel, then our guide and driver will pick you up to begin the journey to Nong Khiaw. Along the way, we'll make a stop to visit a Hmong village and observe the local people in their fields planting vegetables such as watermelons, cucumbers, apricots, and tobacco, before reaching Pak Mong.
Upon arriving in Nong Khiaw, a small town along the Nam Ou River, you'll visit the historic Phathok Cave. The villagers of Nong Khiaw used this cave as a wartime shelter during the "Secret War" to protect the local inhabitants from bombing. From the cave, you'll have a beautiful view of the rice fields and the valley.
Next, we'll start our journey by boarding a local long-tail boat to the village of Ban Hat Sa Pheuy (1 hour 40 minutes by boat). Upon arrival, we'll begin a short walk (30 minutes) to explore the village of Ban Sop Chem, inhabited by the Thai Deang tribe. This village is nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes! It has gained fame among hikers and remains remarkably preserved. Dinner and overnight stay with the host family.
Note: The comfort at the host family's place is basic, with the private room having indoor toilet facilities. Hot water is available.

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Day 07. Ban Sop Chem - Hiking - Nong Khiaw

Breakfast at the homestay, then return by boat towards Nong Khiaw. Along the way, there will be a stop at Muang Ngoy for a hike to the local villages (2-3 hours of walking, depending on your walking capacity).
Continue your cruise to Nong Khiaw. On the way, there will be a stop at the Khamu ethnic village of Ban Sop Khoun. Upon arrival, we will continue our hike (2 hours 30 minutes) to the village of Ban Houy Hoi to observe the daily life of the local people, learn about their culture, and understand their way of life. Afterward, descend the Nam Ou River until you reach Nong Khiaw.
Upon arrival in Nong Khiaw, check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Nong Khiaw.

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Day 08 . Nong Khiaw - Pak Ou - Luang Prabang

This morning, we'll take some time to look around, and if it's a weekday, we might be able to visit the local school to see the charming children in their classrooms. Then, we'll transfer to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, we'll reach the village of Ban Pak Ou, where you'll cross the Mekong River in a small boat to visit the Pak Ou caves, which are open on the side of a cliff along the river. These caves house thousands of Buddha representations deposited by pilgrims over the centuries. Afterward, we'll continue our journey by land to Luang Prabang.
Another stop along the way is at the village of Ban Xang Hai, known for distilling the local rice alcohol, called lao-lao.
We'll make another stop to visit the village of Ban Xang Khong, located about 3km from the center of Luang Prabang. The village has specialized in the production and sale of silk and Saa paper (paper made from mulberry bark) for years. While many stores have sprung up in recent years, a few traditional weaving techniques still persist, employed by locals whose methods have remained unchanged.
Upon arrival in Luang Prabang in the afternoon, you'll check into your hotel room and have some time for rest. Overnight stay at the hotel.

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Day 09. Luang Prabang - Flight to Pakse - Bolovens

After breakfast, you will be transferred with your guide to Luang Prabang Airport for your flight to Pakse.
Upon arrival in Pakse, you will proceed to visit a tea or coffee plantation on the Bolovens Plateau. The Bolovens Plateau, gently mountainous to the east of Pakse, rises between 1000 and 1300 meters high and is covered with numerous coffee or tea fields. This is where you can find one of the world's most famous coffees, sometimes referred to as the "Champagne of Coffee."
There will be a stop at Tad Phasuam Waterfall. This is the habitat of ethnic minorities such as the Lavens, who have given their name to the plateau. Apart from the Lavens, you will also find the Alak and Katu mom-Khmer ethnic groups. The Katu are renowned for the intricate carving of their coffins, which they keep under their houses. It's a meticulous craft worth seeing.
You will then transfer to Tadlo Waterfall, a site known for its refreshing atmosphere.
Continuing your day, you'll visit Tad Ngern Waterfall, nestled in lush forest, which is equally spectacular with its two streams cascading over 40 meters.
You'll also explore the Tad Fane Waterfall, situated 38 km from Pakse, at the gateway of the Bolovens Plateau and within the protected Dong Hua Sao area. It's likely the tallest waterfall in the country, as it consists of two streams plunging over 120 meters. Afterward, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Bolovens.

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Day 10 . Bolovens - Khone Island

After breakfast, departure towards Champassak, a once prosperous trading post. Today, the town, which houses a few colonial remnants, seems sleepy. This, in fact, contributes significantly to its charm.
This city, during the time of French presence, has preserved the ruins of a fabulous temple complex: Vat Phu. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this major archaeological site extends at the base of the sacred Phou Kao mountain, whose highest point resembles a lingam, a symbol associated with the worship of Shiva.
Then, transfer to visit the Khone Phapheng Falls. The Khone Phapeng Falls are a series of rapids on the Mekong River, separating the two main sections of the Mekong. These falls are home to the giant Mekong catfish, which can reach a length of 3 meters and weigh up to 300 kilograms.
Transfer to the village of Ban Nakasang to take the traditional boat to Don Khone. Check-in at the hotel in Don Khone. Overnight at the hotel.

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Day 11. Khone Island - bike/tuktuk ride - sightseeing

Discovery day of the 4000 Islands with your guide and according to your preferences.
On the agenda for this day (on foot, by bike, or by motorbike taxi, based on your preferences on-site):
  • Stroll on Khone Island.
  • Visit to Det Island (accessible via the railway bridge built under French protectorate), located 500m from your hotel.
  • Discovery of the Li Phi Falls, considered sacred by the local communities. Li Phi means "trap for spirits" as they are believed to capture negative spirits in this way.
  • Continued with a canoe ride among the islands and islets of this unique Mekong region with its distinctive atmosphere.
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Day 12 . Khone Island - border - Preah Vihear

Breakfast at the hotel. Early in the morning, return by boat to the village of Ban Nakasang. Transfer with the guide directly to the Laos-Cambodia border at Dong Kralor. The border crossing between Laos and Cambodia, with administrative procedures, is easily done on-site.
Arrival at Tropeang Kreal (the Laos-Cambodia border), greeted by our Cambodian French-speaking guide. A long journey to Preah Vihear.
Visit to the Preah Vihear Temple. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, this remarkable masterpiece of Khmer architecture is perched atop a hill in the Dângrêk Mountains at an altitude of over 500 meters!
Overnight at the hotel in Preah Vihear.

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Day 13. Preah Vihear - Koh Ker - Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer en route to Siem Reap. Along the way, you will visit the Koh Ker temple. This ancient site was the capital of Cambodia in the 9th century and has recently been opened to tourism. Dominated by a 30-meter-high mountain temple called Prasat Thom, it is surrounded by several small temples, some of which are partially cracked or partially collapsed. Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap.

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Day 14. Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom by tuktuk

Breakfast at the hotel.
A full day in a private vehicle to reach the entrance of the archaeological site.
Your exploration of the site begins with the fabulous Ta Prohm temple. Start early in the morning to enjoy the first rays of sunlight on the ruins covered by the roots of ancient trees. These moments are magical, with the temple engulfed by vegetation.
Venture to Angkor Thom, one of the most iconic temples, an immense fortified fortress and the largest city in the world in the 12th century. Massive stone walls and deep moats protected the city from attacks.
A little further, the Bayon presents at first sight a jumble of blackened stones and an entanglement of around fifty towers with faces.
Don't leave the Khmer Kingdom without visiting Angkor Wat, the most majestic and famous of the Khmer ruins, representing the artistic and spiritual zenith. Explore the galleries covered with exquisitely detailed bas-reliefs, depicting episodes from Hindu mythology, before entering the inner enclosure.
Return to your hotel, free time for rest. Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap.

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Day 15 . Siem Reap - Group Rolous Bicycle Ride - Tonle Sap

After breakfast, you set out on a bike ride to explore the surroundings of Siem Reap along a beautiful country road. Discover the Roluos group, the oldest set of temples in Angkor, known as the "Roluos Group." It's located 12 km east of Siem Reap. These temples are the remains of Hariharalaya, which was the first capital of the Khmer empire for 70 years (under four successive kings).
Preah Ko is dedicated to Jayavarman II, the first king and founder of the Angkor kingdom.
Bakong is by far the largest temple in the Roluos group and was the first "State Temple" meant to mark the center of the capital.
The remnants of Lolei may not look impressive: four rather dilapidated brick towers set on a two-level base.
You continue your bike journey to Kampong Kleng, a lakeside village. After lunch with a local family, you embark on a traditional wooden boat for a cruise on the river and the vast Tonle Sap Lake to experience the lakeside life of the Khmers. Everyone fishes, even 70-year-old women and children as young as 6. Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon.

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Day 16. Siem Reap - Beng Mealea - Phnom Kulen - Hike and Homestay

After breakfast, we drive through landscapes of banana and coconut trees until we reach Beng Mealea, located at the foot of the Phnom Kulen mountain range. The ambiance of the place allows us to imagine the emotions of the first explorers of Angkor in the late 19th century. Beng Mealea is considered one of the most remarkable Khmer temples, to the point that it is said to be a model for Angkor Wat.
We continue by vehicle to reach the pilgrims' path for a hike of about 2 hours (45 minutes of stair climbing). We begin our ascent of Phnom Kulen, the sacred mountain of the Khmers. This region was recently opened by archaeologists.
Midway, we enjoy discovering a waterfall upon our arrival. You get to visit the river with the Thousand Lingas and the waterfall.
After lunch, you'll explore the Preah Ang Thom pagoda, home to an ancient Buddha statue dating back to the 15th century.
Then, we travel by moto to the village of Ang Long Thom to reach our hosts, where we will spend the night, taking a small path through rice fields and fields. In the late afternoon, we arrive at the village located at the summit of the mountain.
Homestay accommodation (simple comfort: bed + blanket + mosquito net. Shower outside the room and without hot water).

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Day 17. Phnom Kulen - Siem Reap

Today, you'll embark on a true trekking adventure in the nature of Phnom Kulen mountain, allowing you to discover the diverse wildlife and flora of the area. Along the trails, paths, and tracks, you'll encounter rivers and tiny temples hidden in the jungle. You'll take a short break to admire the site of the "buffalo couch," a pre-Angkorian site recently uncovered by archaeologists. You'll then continue through tall grasses to discover the exceptional site of Srah Dumrei, where sculptures of elephants and lions seem lost in the dense jungle. You'll visit a cave that houses a Buddha.
For lunch, you'll stop at a Khmer family's home, providing a chance to experience local hospitality. Afterward, you'll have about 2 more hours of trekking, leading you to the road where the bus will take you back to Siem Reap. Overnight at the hotel.
Transfer time by vehicle: 1.5 hours
Trekking time: 6 - 7 hours

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Day 18. Siem Reap - Departure

After breakfast, you'll have free time until the transfer to Siem Reap airport for your departing flight. Check-out time from the hotel is by noon, giving you a bit of time to gather your belongings and prepare for your departure. This arrangement ensures a smooth transition to the airport for your onward journey.

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