Day 1: Vientiane
Arrival at Vientiane airport, free transfer to hotel (private transfer available upon request – price per person € 23.00). Time at leisure to explore the city on your own. Free dinner, overnight stay.
Overnight stay: S2 Modern Boutique hotel *** or similar
Day 2: Vientiane > Vang Vieng
Breakfast at the hotel. Meet with your guide early in the morning for a tour of the city, capital of Laos, deeply scarred by French colonization but able to preserve its identity. The tour begins with the Vat Sisaket temple, a complex with a unique architectural style that, thanks to its Thai origin, was spared from destruction. and today is the largest and best-preserved temple in the capital. We continue with a visit to the Vat PhraKeo temple built in 1565 to house the famous Emerald Buddha, and later rebuilt in 1942, identical to the original, in a lovely garden; inside we see finely carved panels and elegant colonnades, protected by the sloping roof typical of the style of northern Thailand and Laos itself. We continue our exploration of the city by visiting the Pha That Louang cloister, a symbol of the nation and a masterpiece of Laotian architecture, built around an imposing stupa saved from destruction during the looting of the Siamese army, but damaged by Ho raiders in 1873 and renovated by the French in 1930. We end the visit with the Patuxay Triumphal Arch, from the top of which there is a breathtaking view of Vientiane.
In the afternoon, transfer by private van to Vang Vieng. Upon arrival, walk to the top of a viewpoint to admire the incredible scenery at sunset over the karst rock formations that characterize this town. Transfer to hotel, free dinner and overnight stay.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight stay: Silver Naga Hotel *** or similar
Day 3: Vang Vieng > Khmu Village > Vang Vieng
After breakfast, we leave town by tuk-tuk for a leisurely drive along the Nam Song River, skirting the stunning karst limestone formations for which Vang Vieng is famous. We arrive at a local village along the river, where we spend the day learning about how the Khmu ethnic group lives. Visit to one of the elderly villagers who works as a blacksmith and uses techniques passed down through generations, continue to the home of one of the Khmu families with whom we share a typical lunch. We learn, in this way, about their culture and the animistic traditions practiced not only by the Khmu but also by many other ethnic minorities in Laos. After spending some time chatting with the family, we go to find out how they make the local rice wine, known in Lao as “Lao Hai.”
In the late afternoon, we drive through the rice fields to visit a cave on the other side of the river, passing farmers working in their fields. En route, break at one of the local paddy huts to taste some of the rice wine we have learned to make while listening to stories about the importance of agriculture in Laos. Return to Vang Vieng, free dinner and overnight stay.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight stay: Silver Naga Hotel *** or similar
Day 4: Vang Vieng > train to Luang Prabang
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Vang Vieng station in time to board the train bound for Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, meet with local guide at the station for sightseeing.
Luang Prabang is one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia, thanks to its perfect location at the meeting point of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and at the foot of a centuries-old mountain range. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, it is recognized for its well-preserved cityscape that blends traditional Laotian and European colonial architecture. The visit begins at the Royal Palace, now the National Museum, which houses a huge collection of valuable artifacts that belonged to the royal family, as well as the Phrabang Buddha, considered the most sacred artifact in Laos, which gave the city its name.
We continue with a stop at the ancient Heuan Chan House, a traditional house more than 100 years old, now converted into a museum, where you can learn about the peculiarities of Laotian/French colonial architecture. The visit continues to Vat Xieng Thong, the Royal City Temple, a complex of shrines and sacred temples displaying some of the finest traditional Laotian artwork, probably the most beautiful site in Luang Prabang.
In the afternoon, we visit the Ock Pop Tock artisan weaving center to learn the secrets of the fine and renowned local textiles. Stop at the beautiful tropical garden offering breathtaking views of the majestic Mekong River and mountains, before transferring to the hotel. Free dinner, overnight stay.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight stay: My Dream Boutique Hotel *** or similar
Day 5: Luang Prabang > Tak Bath > Kuang Sy Falls > Luang Prabang
Early in the morning, between 05:50 and 06:30, chance to watch the Tak Bat ceremony accompanied by your guide. You will see the people of Luang Prabang kneeling on the sidewalk, carrying food in their hands to offer to the walking monks in their saffron-colored robes. You will be transported to this important cultural moment in peaceful, respectful silence as the monks and locals exchange no words as the offerings are delivered. Afterwards, your guide will take you to the bustling local market and to a local restaurant near the Mekong to sample a thoughtful soup or, if you prefer, sip coffee. Return to the hotel for a full breakfast. Duration: about 2h30′ – appropriate clothing required.
Meet with the guide at the hotel and depart for a short drive to the Khmu village of Ban Nong Heo to learn about local customs and traditions, with their traditional houses, water buffaloes, and handicrafts and agricultural work. We continue with a walk to the famous Kuang Sy waterfalls, passing through vegetable gardens and plantations.
In the afternoon, visit a village famous for the production of Sa paper, traditional paper handmade from mulberry bark, an important local natural resource. Return to hotel, time at leisure and free dinner. Overnight stay.
Optional evening tour: Flavors of Laos.
The meal is an important part of Lao culture and a time when families and friends gather. This evening, your taste buds will be awakened by sampling a selection of popular Laotian dishes on a walking food tour near the city center to sample the country’s main dishes, such as a delicious bowl of Khao Soi or Pho, steamed egg and pork buns called Salapao, or the refreshing Namvan, a sweet drink that is especially popular when the weather is hot. Stroll through the smaller streets to sample Namejun (spring rolls) and Tam Makteng (cucumber salad), popular dishes often shared among friends while having an evening drink. Continue to the night market area, where the culinary adventure ends, with some tasty Kaojee and Khao Nom Kok. Price per person € 70.00 (minimum 2 people).
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight stay: My Dream Boutique Hotel *** or similar
Day 6: Luang Prabang > Pak Ou > Luang Prabang
Breakfast at the hotel, Travel by van through the Luang Prabang countryside to Ban Muang Keo village to learn about the art of traditional flower arrangement and the symbolism behind the creation of flower offerings to monks. Visit to a local temple to soak in the spiritual atmosphere of the place and to receive a monk’s blessing. We continue to a village where interaction with locals awaits, as well as a drink on the bank of the Mekong River and a traditional lunch. At the end, with an easy 30-minute walk and through a secret entrance, we reach Pak Ou Caves, Luang Prabang’s most famous Buddhist site that houses thousands of Buddha statues. Return to Luang Prabang by boat along the Mekong River. Free dinner, overnight stay.
Meals included: breakfast, appetizer, lunch
Overnight stay: My Dream Boutique Hotel *** or similar
Day 7: Luang Prabang > Siem Reap
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, meet with driver for transfer to hotel. Free dinner, overnight stay.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight stay: Amber Angkor Villa Hotel and Spa *** or similar
Day 8: Siem Reap > Angkor Thom – Angkor Wat > Siem Reap
After breakfast, we start our day by visiting Angkor Thom, the “great city,” climbing its ancient walls and walking along the shady path covered by ancient trees, until we reach a small temple and finally the center of the Khmer capital, where the majestic Bayon Temple is located, a building surrounded by 54 towers, each adorned with 4 faces. The tour continues to the Baphuon, a mountain temple built in the 11th century, and the 350-meter Elephant Terrace, which was used for royal audiences and public ceremonies. Continue to the Terrace of the Leper King, built in the 12th century and adorned with magnificent Apsara sculptures.
In the afternoon, the visit focuses on the most famous temple, Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world, and one of the most jaw-dropping UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After the tour, we end the day by visiting Ta Prohm, a temple that seems almost consumed by the tropical nature that surrounds it. Return to hotel, free dinner and overnight stay.
Evening options:
Discovering the flavors of Cambodian cuisine (daily except Monday) – no tour guide needed, tuk-tuk will take you to the restaurant. Start time: 6:30 pm.
Enjoy a multi-step dinner with appetizer, main course and dessert at three different restaurants, carefully chosen based on their flavors and atmosphere. The curious traveler and foodie will discover a selection of our favorite dishes and addresses in Siem Reap: P ou – appetizer and one drink per person; The Sugar Palm – main course and one drink per person; Malis – dessert and one drink per person. Price per person € 105.00 (minimum 2 people)
Phare, the Cambodian circus show – Depart the hotel at 7:00 p.m.
You will discover Phare Ponleu Selpak, an NGO founded in 1994 to provide arts training for impoverished Cambodian youth. The show offers real insight into Cambodian history and culture, and the performances are professionally performed by talented young people. It is energetic, exciting and shows the vibrant side of Cambodia. Price per person €40.00 (minimum 2 people)
Apsara dinner with show
Discover traditional Cambodian cuisine and culture through this experience that offers insight into celebrations and important occasions in the lives of locals represented in various dances. Dancers, singers, and musicians will bring ancient Khmer culture to life in a spectacular setting while you enjoy the best of Cambodian cuisine. Price per person €50.00 (minimum 2 people)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Overnight stay: Amber Angkor Villa Hotel and Spa *** or similar
Day 9: Siem Reap > Phnom Kulen > Siem Reap
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, around 7:00 am, depart Siem Reap for Phnom Kulen, the largest forested area in Siem Reap province. Upon arrival at the National Park, at the foot of Mt. Kulen, meet with the local ranger for a tour in the company of our guide. After a brief introduction, we begin the hike along a varied mix of trails through the deep jungle and rocky Kulen plateau, starting at the River of 1000 Lingas where we admire the sculptures in the riverbed dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The hike ends at the beautiful Kulen Waterfall, where you can cool off with a swim. Lunch near the waterfall and time to relax. Return to Siem Reap in the afternoon. Free dinner, overnight stay.
Meals included: breakfast, packed lunch
Overnight stay: Amber Angkor Villa Hotel and Spa *** or similar
Walk distance: 12 km / 3 hours (excluding site visits) | Difficulty level: medium-low
Elevation gain: + 253 mt / – 212 mt | Terrain: mainly jungle trails | Support vehicle throughout the day.
Day 10: Siem Reap – floating village on Tonle Sap Lake > Siem Reap
After breakfast, depart Siem Reap to reach Kompong Khleang to board a local boat guided by a village captain. The boat slowly crosses Tonle Sap Lake, giving you a chance to catch a glimpse of the small floating villages. The small local boat is equipped with a motor that makes it easy to move from the village and along the various channels leading to the Great Lake. Once you reach the end of the channel, you realize the immensity of this lake, whose horizon stretches as far as the eye can see. During the dry season, a walk is offered to meet the locals before leaving for the cruise. Return to Siem Reap. Free dinner, overnight stay.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight stay: Amber Angkor Villa Hotel & SPA 3*** or similar
Day 11: Siem Reap > Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, the morning is at leisure to relax (rooms available until noon) or for optional sightseeing. Free transfer to the airport in time for boarding operations on your flight back to Italy or to your next destination.
Optional visit: The elephants of Kulen.
The Kulen Elephant Forest is a new refuge where 10 retired elephants, who used to transport tourists in Angkor Park, can now interact freely with the most excellent care and attention. During the visit, you can learn about elephants in their habitat, observing their relationships and behaviors. Lunch or snack included (depending on the time of the visit). Price per person €90.00 (minimum 2 people)
Meals included: breakfast
