BRIEF
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival - Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
Day 2: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
Day 3: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples - Banteay Srei
Day 4: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh
Day 5: Phnom Penh – Vientiane ( Laos)
Day 6: Vientiane
Day 7: Vientiane – Luang Prabang
Day 8: Luang Prabang - Pakou Caves - Luang Prabang
Day 9: Luang Prabang - Khouang Si Waterfall - Luang Prabang
Day 10: Luang Prabang - Departure
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DETAIL ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival - Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
On arrival at Siem Riep Airport, you are met by our guide and
transferred to hotel. The tranquil Siem Reap Town is our base for
visiting the world famous temples of the ancient city Angkor, which was
the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire from 802 AD to 1350 AD. Upon
leaving Siem Reap Town we set off on a short drive to the archeological
area and spend our time to visit the most striking structures. They are
the South Gate of Angkor Thom which is famous for its series of
colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the
Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the
Leper King and the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat. We stroll
around this massive monument, exploring the many galleries with columns
, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting
the towering temple. O/N in Siem Reap.
Day 2: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
The jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There
are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves
in the stone foundations of this structure giving the impression of
man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We
explore the well known Ta Prohm and some nearby temples including
Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. They
almost belong to the small circuit according to the archaeologists’
division. Upon leaving this area we visit various famous temples of the
grand circuit such as Preah Khan, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som,
East Mebon and Pre Rup. We round off our exciting day with a walk up to
Phnom Bakheng Hill to admire the spectacular sunset over these
sandstone monuments. O/N in Siem Reap.(B)
Day 3: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples - Banteay Srei
Heading out of town we drive beyond the Angkor Complex
through the Preah Dark village to the intricately carved and well
preserved Banteay Srei Temple. We stroll around this beautiful landmark
which was designed to leave no space undecorated. The roads begin to
deteriorate but it is still fascinating to drive past the rolling
mountain scenery towards Kbal Spean. This interesting site locally
named the river of 1000 Lingars, has been largely reclaimed by the
jungle; however it invovles a walk to catch a view over its riverbed
carvings. The next stop is Banteay Samre which is adorned with striking
relief depicting the scenes of Vishunu and Krishna legends. Today we
also have a chance to explore the ancient Khmer civilization site of
Hariharalaya which flourished in the late 9th and earlier 10th
centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are
referred to the Rolous group. O/N in Siem Reap. (B)
Day 4: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh
The following destination of our trip is Phnom Penh via a short
flight from Siem Reap. On arrival at Po Chen Tong Airport, you are
greeted by our guide and transferred to hotel. The capital of Cambodia,
Phnom Penh lies near the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers.
This riverside town still maintains considerable charm despite its
recent turbulent history. We begin our city tour with the Royal Palace.
The private quarters of the palace are now home to the royal family and
are therefore very close to the public. At the northern area of the
palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country.
We follow it with a walk up to a small hill for an interesting visit to
the legendary Wat Phnom and a fantastic view over the surrounding
areas. O/N in Phnom Penh. (B)
Day 5: Phnom Penh – Vientiane ( Laos)
The painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge still can be seen at the
Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the notorious ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung
Ek. We include these infamous sites in a morning tour before continuing
to the National Museum, exclusively dedicated to Khmer art and
sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period from
9th to 15th centuries, but some date from as early as the 4th century.
The next stop is Psar Toul Tom Pong, also called the “ Russian Market”,
where anything and everything is for sales! By mid afternoon we board a
short flight to Laos. On arrival at Vientiane Airport you are met by
our guide and transferred to hotel. The charming and fascinating
capital of Laos, Vientiane is small city conjuring up exotic images,
with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French
influences. You catch a your first glimpse of the town on a walking
tour . O/N in Vientiane. (B)
Day 6: Vientiane Today we
spend a full day in Vientiane, seeing Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple
still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable
frescoes and Buddha statues. Close to this masterwork is the former
royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew which previously housed the famous Emerald
Buddha Image. We see these sites before continuing to Patouxai. This
imposing monument standing in Lane Xang Avenue, is well known as
Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe and provides a stunning views of the
city. We also visit the great sacred masterpiece and symbol of Laos,
That Luang Stupa before we head out of town to see the giant Friendship
Bridge and the impressive Buddha Park. This landmark represents a blend
of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monk on a parkland
located by the Mekong River. The perfect way to round off our day is to
watch the spectacular sunset over the Mekong River from one of
riverside bars. O/N in Vientiane. (B)
Day 7: Vientiane – Luang Prabang
The royal capital of the former Lane Xang Kingdom, Luang Prabang with
its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning
mountain backdrop, retains an unique charm rarely found in all Asia.
Today we take a short flight over the mountainous region to Luang
Prabang. There are plenty to see in this delightful town, some of which
are the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the Srilankalese styled temple
of That Marko, the shrine of Wat Aham and the five tiered roof Wat Mai.
We visit these sites in a half day guided tour and embark on a climb up
to Phousi Hill for a beautiful panorama view from the town center and
the mighty Mekong River. There are 329 steps leading us on zigzag way
past various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the
summit. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B)
Day 8: Luang Prabang - Pakou Caves - Luang Prabang
Today we continue seeing this charming town with the famous Wat
Xieng Thong, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam
Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with
gilded stuccoes ,doorways and marvellous tree life mosaic pattern on an
outer wall, representing the ancient temple architecture of Luang
Prabang. We board a boat for a leisurely trip on the Mekong River,
stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai to visit the distillation of potent
local rice wine. Upon leaving this riverside village we wave our way
through the stunning mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves.
They are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of
various shapes and sizes, all brought there by devout villagers. We
explore these famous grottos and cruise back to Luang Prabang Town. On
arrival we catch a short drive to Ban Phanom , a well known weaving
village of the Tai Lue people who used to make royal silk weaving
textiles for the Lao former royal family. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B,L)
Day 9: Luang Prabang - Khouang Si Waterfall - Luang Prabang
The mountainous areas around Luang Prabang Town are also home of
many ethnic groups and various stunning waterfalls dispersed in
secluded jungle. Today we catch a drive southwards to Phosi Market that
sells a wide array of local goods and handicrafts. Upon leaving this
lively market we make our way through the verdant and rugged scenery to
Ban Thapene , Ban Xom and Ban Namai which are conquered by the Lao
Loum, Khmu and Hmong people. They are very poor but have interesting
culture and colorful history. These tribal groups have originally
settled in mountain side therefore it may involve some short walks to
visit their villages. We arrives at Khouang Si Fall and spend the time
relaxing in marvellous setting of waterfall and lush forest. The
waterfall tumbles over multi tiered limestone formations into the cool
and clear pools ideal for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape. O/N in
Luang Prabang. (B)
Day 10: Luang Prabang - Departure
The exploration of Luang Prabang Town would not be complete without
a visit to the national museum at the former Royal Palace. This
interesting structure displays a lovely collection of treasures and
artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days
of the early kings right through the last sovereign. We spend our time
to see this museum and enjoy a walk around the nearby old quarter
streets or simply relax at riverside bar. The trip ends after your
transfer to Luang Prabang Airport for departure. (B)
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