13 DAYS LAOS & CAMBODIA OVERLAND TOUR (LAOS –
CAMBODIA)
Private tour
(DINA-CRO13) |
HOUEI XAY – PAKBENG – LUANG PRABANG – VIENTIANE – KHONG ISLAND –
STUNG TRENG – KRATIE – PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP
ITINERARY:
DAY 1: HOUEI XAY – PAKBENG L,D)
Meet upon arrival at Houei Xay immigration checkpoint and
transfer to the boat pier.
Embark on a traditional wooden boat to cruise down the Mekong
River, “Mother of Waters”. The mighty river has maintained its
untamed character with rapids and pristine forests along each
bank. Stops at Yao, Thai Lu and Hmong minority villages.Lunch on
board.
Arrival in Pakbeng in the afternoon. This rustic town-village
sits on a steep hillside and offers spectacular views over the
Mekong River. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
DAY 2: PAKBENG – LUANG PRABANG (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Continue the cruise towards Luang Prabang. En route, stop at Pak
Ou and visit the sacred caves which house over a thousand Buddha
statues. Lunch on board.
Arrival in Luang Prabang, transfer and check-in at the hotel.
The crown jewel of Laos and former Lanexang, Luang Prabang, is
perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia.
Magical and charming, it has preserved its long-standing
reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture with its splendid
natural scenery and sense of timelessness. In 1995 UNESCO voted
Luang Prabang as a World Heritage City. If time permits, visit
Vat Xieng Thong upon arrival. The sim of the temple represents
the classic Luang Prabang temple architecture with roofs that
sweep low to the ground. In the compound stand several small
chapels housing bronze Buddha image which was displayed in Paris
in 1911. Near the East gate stands the Royal funeral chapel.
Inside are an impressive 12 meters high funeral chariot and
various funeral urns of each royal family member. The gilt panel
on the exterior of the chapel depicts a semi-erotic episode from
Ramayana. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the National Museum (former King’s Palace) displaying a
collection of personal artifacts of the Royal Family. Continue
to visit Vat Mai, built in 1796, famous for the five – tiered
roof of its wooden sim. Then stroll through the lively Central
Market where the ethnic minorities of the surroundings come
daily. Lunch at local restaurant.
Visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo,
stylistically more Srilankalese than Lao. Then walk to the
nearby Vat Aham, which is one of the city’s major tutelary
shrines, dedicated to Deveta Luang (spirit) Pu Gneu Ya Gneu
(ancestors). Climb Phousi Hill for an outstanding overview of
the city. Sunset at Vat Prabaht Tai located along the Mekong
River. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG – VIENTIANE (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport for Lao Airlines flight to Vientiane.
Meet upon arrival at Vientiane Wattay airport, transfer and
check-in at the hotel. Vientiane’s major attractions are the
serene Buddhist monasteries that dominate the center of town.
The city has kept its timeless charm with tree-lined avenues,
brightly painted temples and quaint French architecture. Lunch
at local restaurant.
Visit Vat Sisaket, the oldest original temple in Vientiane.
Built in 1818, Vat Sisaket is the sole survivor of an invasion
in 1828. All other temples in the city have undergone extensive
restoration. Vat Sisaket features remarkable frescoes and 6,840
Buddha images. Nearby is Ho Phra Keo, once the royal temple of
Lao monarchy. Built in 1565, Ho Phra Keo has been used as a
museum since 1970 and contains some of the finest Buddhist
sculptures and artifacts in the country. Special displays
include antique brass drums and palm leaf manuscripts. The main
structure originally housed the famous Emerald Buddha that now
resides in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Keo. One of the most photographed
images of Vientiane is Patousay, the victory gate also known as
Anousavari. Constructed in 1958, its architecture is inspired by
the Arc of Triumph in Paris. Another famous Vientiane’s landmark
is the That Luang Stupa. King Sethtathirat built this great
sacred stupa, considered as the national symbol, in 1566. Its
central structure is 45 meters tall and echoes the curving lines
of an elongated lotus. The original stupa was said to contain
relics of Lord Buddha. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 5: VIENTIANE – PAKSE – KHONG ISLAND (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport for Lao Airlines flight to Pakse. Meet
upon arrival at Pakse airport and transfer to the boat pier.
Embark on a long-tail riverboat for a cruise down the Mekong
River towards Khong Island.
En route, stop at the former royal capital of Champassak and
visit the pre-Angkorian Vat Phu Temple (6th-13th centuries). Vat
Phu Temple lies on a hillside and offers spectacular views on
the surrounding plains and on the Mekong River. UNESCO listed
Vat Phu Temple as a World Heritage site in 2002. Hindu Khmer
probably chose the site because of the spring that flows from
near the top of the hill. Historians say that Phu Pasak was in
fact sacred to the pre-Angkorian Kingdom of Chenla (6th century)
and may have been the site of human sacrifices.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Continue the cruise down river to enter the scenic Siphandone
region (Four Thousand Islands): during the rainy season, the
Mekong River reaches a breadth of 14 kms, the river’s widest
reach along its 4,350 km journey from the Tibetan Plateau
towards the South China Sea; when the river recedes, it leaves
behind thousands of islands and islets.
Arrival in Khong Island, transfer and check-in at the hotel.
Khong Island, blessed with lush tropical vegetation, serene
monasteries and lovely fishing villages, offers a unique
opportunity to experience the peaceful Lao way of life.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 6: KHONG ISLAND (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Cruise along the backwaters to explore Siphandone and visit the
surrounding islands of Done Ket and Done Som for a glimpse into
the traditional lifestyle of the fishermen. Continue to Done
Khone Island. Lunch at local restaurant in Ban Khone.
Visit Done Khone Island and hike along its ancient railway built
by the French in 1897 in order to bypass the powerful rapids
when transporting goods from Cambodia. Continue to Sumphamith
Waterfall. In the dry season, the Irrawaddy Dolphins, one of the
world’s rarest large mammal species, congregate at the base of
the rapids to hunt the fish that survive in the deep pools.
Spend a relaxing hour watching these extremely shy and
endangered freshwater dolphins. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 7: KHONG ISLAND – VEUNKHAM – STUNG TRENG (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Cross the Mekong River by ferry and drive towards the Cambodian
border. En route, stop at the magnificent Khone Phapeng
Waterfall, the largest cascade along the Mekong River. A fault
line caused the cascade, which is 6 km wide at this point, and
the astonishing force of the water has cut dramatic gorges
through the brittle bedrock. Continue to Veunkham immigration
checkpoint (border crossing to Cambodia) and proceed through
customs and police formalities (currently, it is not possible to
get Cambodian visa at this border; we suggest all travelers to
obtain Cambodian visa at their respective country). Welcome by
your guide on the Cambodian side and departure by boat to Stung
Treng (1 & ½ hours navigation by speed boat). Arrive in Stung
Treng, transfer and check-in at the hotel.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Afternoon, visit Stung Treng, located just 50 kms south of Laos,
on the banks of the San River, just off the Mekong. It is a very
quiet provincial city, showing us the authentic and remote
“face” of Cambodia. Visit the small village of Thala Barivat
across the Mekong River. Dinner at local restaurant.
Accommodation at local guesthouse.
DAY 8: STUNG TRENG – KRATIE (B,L,D)
Breakfast at local restaurant.
Early morning, departure by car to Kratie. Arrive in Kratie, a
small colonial-style town, transfer and check-in at the hotel.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Afternoon, visit Wat Phom Sambok to see the Buddhist monasteries
and enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding countryside
from the hilltop. Continue to reach the site of the freshwater
river dolphins and observe the dolphins until sunset. Overnight
at the hotel.
DAY 9: KRATIE – KOMPONG CHAM – PHNOM PENH (B,L,D)
Breakfast at local restaurant.
Departure by car to Kompong Cham. On the way to Kompong Cham
stop at Chhlong, a small and peaceful village on the Mekong
River bank with both Khmer and Colonial architecture. Lunch at
local restaurant.
Tour of Kompong Cham to view examples of colonial architecture.
On the way to Phnom Penh, visit Wat Nokhor with its ancient
temple and modern style pagoda (12th century). Transfer upon
arrival in Phnom Penh and check-in at hotel. Dinner and
accommodation at the hotel.
DAY 10: PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Phnom Penh city tour: visit the Independence Monument, and the
National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French
archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in
Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer
art - notably sculptures – from throughout the ages. Visit the
Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the
old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of
the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its
floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures
found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing
90 kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat
crystal Buddha. End your morning with the visit of the Phsar
Thmei, Central Market.
Transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport and departure by
Siem Reap Airways International or similar to Siem Reap. Upon
arrival at Siem Reap airport, transfer directly to the hotel and
check-in. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
DAY 11: SIEM REAP (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, visit Prasat Kravan with its unique brick
sculptures and Ta Prohm. One of the area's most beautiful
temples, Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was
discovered and retains much of its mystery. Its appeal lies in
the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it was
abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the
ways most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers
first stumbled upon them. Visit as well Takeo, Chau Say Tevoda
and Thommanon.
Visit Preah Khan temple. Built by the King Jayavarman VII, Preah
Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and
shoulders-hanging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, Preah
Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing
restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this
situation. Continue your visits to Neak Pean, a fountain built
in the middle of a pool and representing the paradisiacal
Himalayan mountain-lake and visit the temple of Ta Som as well
as Srah Srang ("The Royal Baths"), undoubtedly used in the past
for ritual bathing. Dinner at local restaurant and accommodation
at hotel.
DAY 12: SIEM REAP (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples on the
plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat.
The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size
to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers
are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century
masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime
example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's
five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall
represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the
surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.
Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the
South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the
ocean of milk, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants
Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and Bayon Temple (unique
for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of
Avolokitesvara), until sunset. Dinner at local restaurant.
Accommodation at the hotel.
DAY 13: SIEM REAP – DEPARTURE (B,L)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning, transfer to Banteay Srei temple (10th c), regarded as
the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Visit the
floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of
Siem Reap. Take a traditional wooden boat for a ride on the
Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one of the largest
in Asia.
Note: From February to July, the visit to the Tonle Sap Lake is
not possible because of the low water level. The below visits
will be provided instead:
Visit Banteay Srei temple (10th century), regarded as the jewel
in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Continue to visit Banteay
Samre, one of the most complete complexes at Angkor due to
restoration using the method of "anastylosis". The name Samre
refers to an ethnic group of mountain people, who inhabited the
region at the base of Phnom Kulen and were probably related to
the Khmers. No inscriptions have been found for this temple, but
the style of most of the architecture is of the classic art of
the middle period similar to Angkor Wat. The proportions of
Banteay Samre are splendid. A unique feature is an interior moat
with laterite paving, which when filled with water must have
given an ethereal atmosphere to the temple.
Visit "Les Artisans d'Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles" of Siem Reap
and time at leisure at the local market (if time permits).
Transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for departure flight
to the next destination.
HOTEL ADDRESSES:
|
Superior Category |
|
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Villa Salika
(medium) |
Ban Khoko, Muang Pakbeng,
Oudomxai Province, Lao PDR
Tel: (856-81) 212 306 / Fax: (856-21) 217 151 or 216 294 |
|
Muang Luang Hotel |
Bounkhong Road, Luang Prabang,
Lao PDR
Tel: (856-71) 212 791 / Fax: (856-71) 212 790 |
|
Novotel Hotel |
Unit 9 Samsenthai Road,
Vientiane, Lao PDR
Tel: (856-21) 213 570-1 / Fax: (856-21) 213 572 |
|
Souksan Hotel
(medium) |
Ban Xiengvang, Khong Island, Lao
PDR
Tel / Fax: (856-31) 212 071 |
|
Sok Sambath Hotel
(medium) |
Market corner, near riverside,
Stung Treng, Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: (855-11) 727027 or (855-12) 901902 / Fax: (855-74)
973790 |
|
Oudom Sambath Hotel
(medium) |
House No.439, Riverside street,
Kratie, Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: (855-72) 971502 or (855-12) 965944 / Fax: (855-11)
703778 |
|
Juliana Hotel |
16 Juliana, 152 Road, Veal Vong
Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel/Fax: (855-23) 880 530-31 / 855 750-51 / 822 373 |
|
Khemara Angkor Hotel |
National Road 6 (Airport Road),
Salakanseng, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: (855-63)760666 or 760999 / Fax: (855-63) 760555 or
760777 |
|
First Category |
|
|
Villa Salika
(medium) |
Ban Khoko, Muang Pakbeng,
Oudomxai Province, Lao PDR
Tel: (856-81) 212 306 / Fax:
(856-21) 217 151 or 216 294 |
|
Villa Santi Hotel |
Sakkarine Road, Luang Prabang,
Lao PDR
Tel: (856-71) 252 157 / Fax:
(856-71) 252 158 |
|
Lao Plaza Hotel |
63 Samsenthai Road, Vientiane,
Lao PDR
Tel: (856-21) 218 800-1 / Fax:
(856-21) 218 808-9 |
|
Souksan Hotel
(medium) |
Ban Xiengvang, Khong Island, Lao
PDR
Tel / Fax: (856-31) 212 071 |
|
Sok Sambath Hotel
(medium) |
Market corner, near riverside,
Stung Treng, Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: (855-11) 727027 or (855-12)
901902 / Fax: (855-74) 973790 |
|
Oudom Sambath Hotel (medium) |
House No.439, Riverside street,
Kratie, Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: (855-72) 971502 or (855-12)
965944 / Fax: (855-11) 703778 |
|
Sunway Hotel |
No. 1 Street 92, Sangkat Wat
Phnom, Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: (855-23) 430 333 / Fax:
(855-23) 430 339 |
|
Angkor Century Resort & Spa |
Komay Rd–Khum Svay Dangkom, Siem
Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: (855-63) 963 777 / Fax:
(855-63) 963 123 (exec. office) |
|
Deluxe Category |
|
|
Villa Salika
(medium) |
Ban Khoko, Muang Pakbeng,
Oudomxai Province, Lao PDR
Tel: (856-81) 212 306 / Fax: (856-21) 217 151 or 216 294 |
|
La Residence Phou Vao |
Phou Vao Road, Luang Prabang,
Lao PDR
Tel: (856-71) 212 530 / Fax: (856-71) 212 534 |
|
Settha Palace Hotel |
6 Pang Kham Street, Vientiane,
Lao PDR
Tel: (856-21) 217 581-2 / Fax: (856-21) 218 583 |
|
Souksan Hotel
(medium) |
Ban Xiengvang, Khong Island, Lao
PDR
Tel / Fax: (856-31) 212 071 |
|
Sok Sambath Hotel (medium) |
Market corner, near riverside,
Stung Treng, Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: (855-11) 727027 or (855-12) 901902 / Fax: (855-74)
973790 |
|
Oudom Sambath Hotel (medium) |
House No.439, Riverside street,
Kratie, Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: (855-72) 971502 or (855-12) 965944 / Fax: (855-11)
703778 |
|
Raffles Hotel Le Royal |
92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh,
Sangkat Wat Phnom )off Monivong Boulevard), Phnom Penh,
Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: (855-23) 981 888 / Fax: (855-23) 981 168 |
|
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor |
Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum
Svay Daun Kum, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: (855-63) 963 888 / Fax: (855-63) 963 168 |
|
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Trip includes
Our tour prices are
inclusive of transfers and tours with local English or French speaking
guides. (Guides in other languages are on request and may be subject to
supplements). Entrance fees, boat fees, meals as specified in the
program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), accommodation in twin shared
rooms with private bathroom, domestic air tickets and domestic airport
taxes Luang Prabang - Vientiane - Pakse and Phnom Penh - Siem Reap,
service charges, room tax and baggage handling
Trip excludes:
International airfare; airport taxes, Visa, meals not indicated,
personal expenses Christmas and New Year's Eve Dinners.
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