Laos & Cambodia: A Cultural and Adventure Trip

After breakfast, we head to the most photographed temple in the country: Wat Xieng Thong. It is located at the end of the peninsula, near the Mekong, and was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat. A library was added here in 1828. Next, we visit the former Royal Palace, which is now the National Museum of Laos. We continue to Wat Visoun, which was completely rebuilt after its destruction in 1887 by the invading Black Flags from South China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa. Wat Aham and Wat That, with its large central stupa that contains the ashes of King Sisavang Vong, are additional points of interest we will visit today. In the afternoon, we drive to the roaring waterfalls of Kuangsi, which are 32 kilometers from Luang Prabang. On the way to the falls, we visit some villages of ethnic minorities. The waterfalls cascade over several levels of a limestone formation, creating a series of turquoise shimmering basins that are perfect for a swim on a hot day. The jungle and the dense greenery around the waterfalls are full of wild life, and of course, you can also take a walk to the top of the falls. On the way back, we stop in Ban Tha Pan where you will have the opportunity to learn more about the Kamu tribe. After that, we make a stop in Ban Ou, a Lao Loum village, which constitutes the majority of Laos' population. Finally, we visit Ban Na Ouane, a Hmong village. The Hmong group has its roots in the mountains of South China. They have their own language, but there are no written records about it, except for what outsiders have documented. The Hmong history has been passed down through legends and rituals from one generation to the next. In the 1960s and 70s, many Hmong were secretly recruited by the CIA to fight against communism. After the visit, we return to the hotel. Afterwards, if you wish, you can take a stroll with your guide over the evening market of the mountain dwellers in downtown Luang Prabang.

Transfer to the airport and flight to Siem Reap. Upon arriving in Siem Reap, the capital of the province of the same name, you will be taken to the hotel. The small town of Siem Reap will be our base in the coming days to explore the world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex, covering approximately 40 square kilometers and more than 100 temples from the 9th to the 13th centuries. Upon arrival at the hotel, the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

After breakfast, another highlight awaits us. We drive to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. The city is surrounded by an eight-meter-high wall forming a perfect square. We enter the city through the impressive South Gate, a stone gate carved with four giant faces and elephants. Each side has 54 gods or demons holding the sacred Naga serpent. From here, we proceed to the Bayon temple, which lies right in the center of the city. A feature of this monument is the 54 towers with four faces each, representing the 54 provinces of the great Khmer Empire. Additionally, we visit the Terrace of the Elephants and the Leper King, both known for their intricate bas-reliefs. In the afternoon, we begin our exploration with a very special highlight: visiting Angkor Wat. Built in the early 12th century under Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is meant to represent the peaks of Mount Meru, the home of the gods. A masterpiece of Khmer architecture and arguably the most fantastic temple complex in the world with incredible dimensions. Inside the temple, you can admire beautifully crafted walls and carvings that depict episodes of Hindu mythology. Furthermore, Angkor is known for its nearly 2000 carved Apsaras ('heavenly dancers') that can be seen throughout the temple, with none alike. Today, Angkor Wat adorns the Cambodian national flag, symbolizing the soul of the Khmer people. At the Pre Rup temple, beautifully situated amidst rice fields, we experience the sunset. Afterwards, we return to our hotel in Siem Reap.

The morning is at your leisure. Our tip: You might visit the old market or the handicrafts center of les Artisans d'Angkor. Here you get the chance to watch artists produce wood carvings and stone sculptures and also buy some souvenirs. Around noon, you will be taken to the airport in Siem Reap, from where we fly to Phnom Penh. From there, transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival, you again have time at your leisure.

After breakfast, you will travel without a guide to Sihanoukville.

After breakfast at the hotel, you have the day at your leisure. No further services included!

The morning is at your leisure. In the early afternoon, transfer to the airport in Phnom Penh (we drive for about five hours) and from there, return flight to Europe.