Classic Laos & Angkor Wat

Day 1

Overnight flight to Luang Prabang

Day 2 – Amantaka, Luang Prabang (BB)

Today you’ll arrive in Laos’ cultural capital Luang Prabang. A city famed for its temples and monks. It is also an incredibly laid-back place in a beautiful setting, however this rings true for the country as a whole.

Upon arrival at the airport you’ll be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. You’ll then have the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the facilities or to venture out and explore Luang Prabang.

Day 3 – Amantaka, Luang Prabang (BB)

Head out on a city tour of Luang Prabang, followed by an excursion to the waterfalls of Kuang Si. In the morning you’ll pick up an electric bike for a guided tour around Luang Prabang. Tour around the cities main attractions before finishing off with a relaxed cycle along the legendary Mekong river. Your lunch is included. In the afternoon you’ll be transferred to the Kuang-Si waterfalls which lie 32km outside the town. The drive is through spectacular countryside full of rice fields, hills and small villages. The waterfalls themselves are stunning and will be a huge highlight. You’ll then be transferred back to Luang Prabang via a black bear sanctuary if you so choose.

Day 4 – Amantaka, Luang Prabang (BB)

For centuries monks and novices have left their temples everyday and walked through the town accepting alms from the local townsfolk; a way for people to gain merit and for the monastic community to maintain contact with their community. Today you’ll be joining them for this symbolic ceremony. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 5 – Muang-La resort, Oudomxay Province (FB)

Depart Luang Prabang this morning and journey north, heading towards the remote province of Oudomxay. Expect a total journey time of approximately 6-7 hours, including stopping for a lunch along the way. The road is a little bumpy in places but you will pass through all sorts of dramatic scenery to keep you entertained and can stop whenever you wish. The northern region of Laos is very mountainous and very green, with rice paddies and plantations dividing areas of thick jungle. You will encounter various tribes, villages perched precariously on steep mountainsides and valleys carved out by ancient rivers.

You’ll arrive in the Muang-La resort in the late afternoon. This resort is absolutely unique as it is the only luxury resort in the country's wild north, you’ll be truly experiencing the real Laos during your stay. During your four nights at the Muang-La all meals are included. You can also choose from one of the four packages they offer; discover northern Laos, closer to the people, sports package or honeymoon package. For the purpose of this itinerary we will focus on the discover northern Laos package which is quite active.  There is an optional excursion in the evening to the nearby Pak La village.

Day 6 – Muang-La resort, Oudomxay Province (FB)

Set off in the morning by 4x4 for Pak Khai; this pleasant 15 minute transfer takes you through some magnificent views over the Nam Pak River, terraced rice fields and many small villages. On your arrival, your trek starts on small winding tracks which snake their way through the forest. You'll have the opportunity to meet the local farmers working in the rice fields and learn how they cultivate their land, fish and hunt for small game. You'll continue into the forest and after 1½ hours, you reach the village of Ban Phavie, a beautiful Khmu village sitting on top of a hill. Your trek continues after lunch to cooling waterfalls where you can relax as the clear waters cascade, lulled by the gentle breeze. Dinner and overnight at the resort.

Day 7 – Muang-La resort, Oudomxay Province (FB)            

Set off after breakfast, around 08:30. A 4x4 takes you along a beautiful road besides the Nam Pak River to visit two villages of the Ikhos people. The Ikhos are one of the most reclusive communities in Laos originating from Yunnan Province in China and also from Tibet. In their mountain villages, you will see their houses made of wood and bamboo, you will learn about their way of life and their belief in the spirit world, which impacts their everyday life. Also, you will discover the fascinating way that they dye their clothes using dyes made from the plants of the jungle. This half-day tour that will transport you back in time and be an unforgettable experience. Lunch, dinner and free afternoon at the Resort.

Day 8 – Settha Palace, Vientiane (BB)

You’ll breakfast at the Muang-La resort, before being transferred to the local Oudomxay airport for a flight to Laos’ capital Vientiane. You’ll have the afternoon at leisure to discover this tranquil town, whose name translates as ‘the city of sandalwood’.

Day 9 – River Resort, Champasak Province (BB)

Champasak province is located at the confluence of the Mekong and Sedone rivers in southern Laos, the region is famed for its lush vegetation, thundering waterfalls and unique wildlife. Today you’ll fly from Vientiane to the provinces largest town Pakse.

This afternoon take a short tour of the city and then drive east to the Boloven Plateau. Stop at Tad Yuang & Tad Fane waterfalls. These twin waterfalls stand 120m high and are sure to impress.  The falls are fed by the Champy and Pak Koot rivers whose waters join together deep in the dense jungle and as they emerge, they thunder down in to a deep gorge. Then explore the local tea and coffee plantations before driving an hour south of Pakse to the River Resort, an eco-resort located on a bend in the Mekong. This is the best hotel in southern Laos and gives a lot back to the local community as you will experience during your stay.

Day 10 – River Resort, Champasak Province (BB)

Depart at 08:00 for a full day exploring the area known locally as Sipandon (‘4000 Islands’). In this beautiful area the Mekong River reaches 14 kilometres wide and thousands of small islands dot the waterway.  Travel first by car for around 2 hours to the village of Ban Nakasan. From here you will take a local boat to the peaceful island of Done Khone, where plantations and simple villages are almost all you will find. We recommend bicycles as the best way to explore, or a tuk-tuk if you prefer. This is followed by a short boat trip which will give you the chance to spot the rare Irrawaddy Dolphin. Then visit the impressive Lippi falls, which are on the west of Don Khone, very close to the Cambodian border. Today’s lunch is included.

Day 11 – River Resort, Champasak Province (BB)

This morning you’ll enjoy a trip to the UNESCO world heritage site of Wat Phou. Followed by an afternoon at leisure to soak up the relaxed way of life in this stunning part of the world.

Day 12 – Raffles Grand D’Angkor, Siem Reap (BB)

Breakfast at your hotel this morning before you transfer to Pakse airport for an early afternoon flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia, home to the temples of Angkor Wat. You’ll enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 13 – Raffles Grand D’Angkor, Siem Reap (BB)

Today you’ll have a full day tour around the majestic temples of Angkor. You’ll start at Ta Prohm for sunrise. Ta Prohm is half-temple, half-jungle made famous by the ‘Tomb Raider’ movie. You’ll also take in Bayon and Angkor Thom before spending the afternoon guided around Angkor Wat itself.

Day 14 – Raffles Grand D’Angkor, Siem Reap (BB)

Take a break from temples today as you venture out to Tonle Sap lake. You’ll enjoy a relaxing day here on the lake visiting the floating villages and soaking in the scenery. Enjoy your last evening at leisure.

Day 15

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Cleveland Collection tailor makes all itineraries to include highlights of your choice. Speak to one of our travel experts to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements.

Includes

Accommodation and meals as specified, flights (International flights in economy class & Internal flights between Oudomxai-Vientiane-Pakse-Siem Reap in economy class), airport taxes, private transfers, activities as per itinerary.

Excludes

Meals and activities where not detailed, gratuities, souvenirs, visas and insurance

*We try to keep our 'from prices' as accurate as possible, but please do be aware that when travelling in peak times such as Christmas and school holidays, prices shown will vary considerably.