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THE LAOS-CAMBODIA CONNECTION (Laos/Cambodia) - 12 Days / 11 Nights

CODE: EX.R-ERT/LCC
ARRIVE LUANG PRABANG (L)
Arrive in Luang Prabang, the former capital of the former Kingdom of Lane Xang or Land of a Million Elephans, transfer to hotel. In the afternoon explore this magical little city by foot visiting Vat Xieng Thong, Vat Sene, Vat Mai and the Royal Palace now converted into the National Museum. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

LUANG PRABANG - PAK OU CAVES - LUANG PRABANG (B, L)
For early-risers there is a very special (optional) dawn visit to witness the long lines of orange-robed monks leaving their pagodas to receive offerings of food from Luang Prabang residents. Return to hotel for breakfast. Continue with a boat trip on the mighty Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues are crammed into the two caves carved out of a towering limestone cliff. They range in size from a few centimetres to the size of a man. After lunch at a Kha village there is time to explore the village and its Kha culture before returning by road to Luang Prabang. In the late afternoon, climb the 328 steps to reach the top of Mount Phousi for sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

LUANG PRABANG-VIENTIANE (B, L)
After breakfast there is time for more sightseeing around Luang Prabang before transferring to the airport for flight to the capital; Vientiane. On arrival transfer to hotel. In the afternoon a tour of Vientiane takes in Vat Sisaket with its thousands of Buddha statues, Vat Phra Keo with its Lao and Khmer art collection and That Luang, the 'Big Golden Stupa', one of the most venerated sites in Laos. At the end of the day climb to the top of the Patouxai Monument, also known as Anousavari. Overnight in Vientiane.

VIENTIANE - VAT PHOU - PAKSE (B, L)
After breakfast visit the Morning Market before transferring to the airport for the flight south to Pakse. On arrival in Pakse continue by road to Vat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the remains of the Hindu-influenced Khmer temples pre-dating those of Angkor in Cambodia. The ruins have changed little since French explorers first visited them in the late 1800's. Pass through the nearby town of Champasak where there are some interesting examples of French colonial architecture. In the late afternoon transfer to Pakse. Overnight in Pakse.
PAKSE - KHONG ISLAND (B, L)
After breakfast, drive southwards to a scenic section of the Mekong river called Si Phan Don or the Four Thousand Islands. Accommodation will be basic but with charm at either Don Khong or Don Khone Island. The attraction is the peace and isolation of the islands, which are accessible by boat only. While exploring the islands and the waterways there is a chance of seeing the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin sometimes found in the area. Overnight at Don Khong or Don Khone Island.

PAKSE - BORDER LAOS/CAMDODIA - STUNG TRENG (B, L)
After breakfast head southwards and stop at the Khone Papheng Falls, the biggest and most impressive on this stretch of the Mekong River, before continuing to the Lao-Cambodian border post and meeting the our Cambodia guide. Complete immigration formalities before boarding a speedboat for a fast ride to Stung Treng, a sleepy town by the Mekong. The afternoon is free to wander around town or to take a rest. Overnight in Stung Treng.

STUNG TRENG - KRATIE (B)
After breakfast, board the public boat to Kratie and cruise down the Mekong. In the afternoon explore the surroundings keeping a look out for the elusive and endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin living just north of Kratie. Overnight in Kratie.

KRATIE - KOMPONG CHAM - KOMPONG THOM (B)
After breakfast at a local restaurant take the speed boat to Kampong Cham, a former French trading post on the Mekong. After a look around the town centre continue to Vat Nokor, an 11th century sandstone Buddhist shrine. On the way to Kompong Thom 140km to the north, stop a Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey, two hills whose names translate as the 'man hill' and the 'woman hill'. Both hills feature their own temple. A 15km south of Kompong Thom stop at Phnom Santuk Mountain and climb the 980 steps to the top to visit the pagoda and admire the sunset over the countryside. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Kompong Thom.

KOMPONG THOM - SIEM REAP (B)
After breakfast at a local restaurant leave for the little-visited Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex, 35km north of Kompong Thom. Hidden in the forest, the 47 temples pre-date Angkor Wat, being built between 615 and 650 AD. Return to Kampong Thom for lunch. In the afternoon drive to Siem Reap, the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.

SIEM REAP (B)
After early start to catch the sunrise (optional). Return to the hotel for breakfast. A morning tour of the temples takes in the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the famous Bayon, Baphoun, the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent 12th century Angkor Wat. Return to hotel after watching the sun set over Angkor Wat. Overnight in Siem Reap.

SIEM REAP (B)
After breakfast drive northwards to the Citadel of Women at Banteay Srei. On the way back make a stop at Benteay Samre Temple. In the afternoon continue to Srah Srang, Banteay Kdei, Chau Say Tevoda, Thommanon and the fabulous Ta Prohm Temple, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. The day ends with a spectacular sunset at Phnom Bakheng. Overnight in Siem Reap.

DEPART SIEM REAP (B)
After breakfast visit the workshops of Artisans d'Angkor to see wood and stone carving or shop for souvenirs before transferring to Siem Reap Airport for departure flight.


TOUR INCLUSION OF:
  • Flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane.
  • Flight from Vientiane to Pakse. 
  • Round-trip transfers between airport and hotel.
  • Accommodation with daily breakfast.
  • English or French speaking local guides.
  • Land transportation by air-conditioned vehicles with driver.
  • Boat trip if mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fees for mentioned visits in the itinerary.
  • Meals mentioned in the itinerary as (B) is breakfast, (L) is Lunch, (D) is Dinner.
TOUR EXCLUSION OF:
  • 3-day Angkor Temple Pass (~40 USD)
  • Airport departure taxes and surcharges.
  • Visa stamping fee.
  • Personal expenses as telephone, laundry, etc.
  • Others meals are not mentioned in the "inclusion of" above.
OPTIONAL:
  • Add-on international airfare from interior U.S. cities.
  • Add-on other flights if mentioned in the "exclusion of".
  • 3-day Angkor Temple Pass (~40 USD)
  • Travel Insurance.

 

1820 West 3600 South, Suite #C
Salt Lake City, UT 84119 - U.S.A.
Tel: (801) 973-4163 - Fax: (801) 973-2545
E-mail: tours@vietlinktravel.com