TYPOLOGIES

Culture Tour

DIFFICULTY

MIN. AGE

Tour Overview:

This route takes you through the cultural heartlands of Laos and Cambodia, connecting two of Southeast Asia's most fascinating countries. The journey combines UNESCO World Heritage sites, French colonial architecture, and the magnificent Angkor temple complex

Itinerary in brief :

DAY DESTINATION MEAL CITIES
Day 1 Sabaidee to Laos Luang Prabang
Day 2 UNESCO Heritage & Pak Ou Buddha Cave B Luang Prabang
Day 3 Khouangsi Waterfall B Luang Prabang
Day 4 Luang Prabang – Vientiane B Vientiane
Day 5 Highlights of Lao’s Capital B Vientiane
Day 6 Vientiane – Phnom Penh B Phnom Penh
Day 7 Phnom Penh‘s Past & Present B Phnom Penh
Day 8 Phnom Penh – Battambang B Battambang
Day 9 Battambang – Siem Reap B Siem Reap
Day 10 Angkor highlight B/D Siem Reap
Day 11 Life on Tonle Sap Lake & Quad bike adventure B/L Siem Reap
Day 12 Goodbye Cambodia & Laos B Siem Reap

* B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Itinerary in details:

Sabaidee! Welcome to Luang Prabang, a tranquil town with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop has been claimed by UNESCO to be “the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia”. You are greeted by your driver (no guide) at the airport for your transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is at your own leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Enjoy breakfast at hotel.

Hop on Tuk Tuk and we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. The National Museum and the Central Market are not to be missed. We enjoy a short tour seeing the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong, a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty, and traditional art. Later we’ll visit the impressive Wat Visoun, the oldest temple that houses many Buddha images. Next is Wat Aham, the ‘Monastery of the Blossomed Heart’ exudes serenity, and Wat Mai, the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in this city.

Afternoon: you will go by boat to Pak Ou Caves, enjoy splendid natural scenery along the way and observing local fishermen and daily activities along the river. Pak Ou Caves, locally called Tam Ting, are filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. The caves are noted for their miniature Buddha sculptures. Hundreds of wooden Buddhist figures take many different positions, including meditation, teaching, peace, rain and reclining (nirvana).

On the way back, you will also have opportunity to visit the local riverside villages of Ban Xanghai, a popular stop-over producing some special varieties of Laolao, the local rice wine. Second stop at Ban Xang Khong, known for its handmade paper and weaving craft.

On the bright day, you’ll have chance to enjoy the marvellous sunset while cruising down along the mighty Mekong.

Evening, enjoy Luang Prabang night maket, offering a lovely variety of handmade textiles crafted by local and hill-tribe people, along with street food, knick-knacks and friendly banter.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

An early start provides the fantastic opportunity to witness the captivating centuries old daily tradition of the alms giving ceremony, Tak Bat. Before sunrise, hundreds of saffron-clad monks file out from the old town's 35 temples to collect their daily alms from faithful residents.

Back to the hotel for breakfast, travel south of town to the famous Kuangsi Waterfall; the turquoise color of the water with a backdrop of white limestone cliffs gives the waterfall a magical appearance. Depending on the season the water level varies, and you can be swimming in the beautiful pools. While there, you also will have the opportunity to visit the Sun Bear Reserve, a conservation center that rescues animals from the wildlife trade. We also visited Kuang Si Butterfly Park is a project that was initiated in January 2014 by 2 Dutch passionate people from Holland. The mission is to create a research center studying and publishing about Laos butterflies, host plants and preservation because of environmental issues in Laos. Finally, we visit Laos Buffalo Dairy is a socially responsible, sustainable farm, and social enterprise.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, we catch an express train to Vientiane, which is located on the banks of the Mekong River. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Soviet and American influences. Along the way we make a stop to visit the archaeological sight of Vang Xang dating back to the 11th century.

Upon arrival at Vientiane train station, meet your local driver and transfer to hotel for check in.

Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, departure to visit the colorful Thong Khan Kham market. There are many markets in Vientiane. There you will find all the foods that constitute the daily diet of Laotians but also all kinds of products (household appliances, jewelry, etc.). Dried red peppers are widely used in Laotian cuisine, particularly for macerating meat and fish. then visit the imposing Patuxay Monument. which is well known as a Triumphal Arch of Vientiane before continuing to the famous That Luang Stupa.

Continuation of the discovery of the city of Vientiane. We start with Wat Sisaket which is the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure has remarkable frescoes and images of Buddha, then Haw Prakeo, the former royal temple of the Laos monarchy, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Statue.

In the afternoon: we will visit to Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power. Then go to Buddha Park which takes around 45 minutes. Along the way, stop to take photos of the Friendship Bridge which was built by the Australian government in 1994 and connects Laos and Thailand. Arrive at Buddha Park and enjoy a walk in the park. Also known as XiengKhuan, this park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. The concrete sculptures are bizarre, yet intriguing, sitting majestically in the peaceful grounds. The peaceful setting of the park on the banks of the Mekong contrasts radically with the somewhat eccentric works sculpted in 1958 by a Laotian shaman-priest-yogi. The concrete sculptures are bizarre, yet intriguing, sitting majestically in the peaceful grounds. Then you also visit the Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge.

Return to Vientiane city center. The rest of the day is free to take a stroll in charming, relaxing colonial neighborhoods or you can enjoy a cup of coffee in shaded terraces while contemplating scenes of river life as the sun sets on the Mekong.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Breakfast in the hotel; met by your driver in the hotel lobby and then transfer to the airport for flight to Phnom Penh.

Upon arrival at Phnom Penh Int’s Airport, process immigration procedure (visa on arrival is available or obtain in advance via www.evisa.gov.kh), Cambodia E-Arrival Card - https://arrival.gov.kh, clients can apply online or on arrival), then get your luggage and walk straight to the Exit Gate where our driver is waiting. After self-introduced, you’ll transfer to hotel in the city (check in is 2pm). Time to fresh-up and relax at hotel.

 

Recommend activities: Walking or use Tuk Tuk to Night market and enjoy local exotic food.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant capital city, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and architectural marvels. A Phnom Penh city tour allows you to delve into the city's heart, exploring its iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and vibrant local life.

 

Morning Delights:

  • Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda: Be mesmerized by the grandeur of the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Cambodian King. Marvel at the intricate architecture and learn about Cambodian royalty. Next door, explore the Silver Pagoda, adorned with a gleaming silver floor and housing priceless Buddha statues.
  • National Museum: Immerse yourself in Cambodian history and art at the National Museum. Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing artifacts from the Angkor era and other periods, providing insights into the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia.

 

Afternoon Exploration:

  • Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21): This former high school was converted into a prison and torture center by the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979). Over 17,000 prisoners passed through S-21; only seven survived. Your guide will lead you through the classrooms-turned-cells, the photographs of victims lining the walls, and the iron bed frames still in place. It is a harrowing but essential stop for understanding modern Cambodian history. The Khmer Rouge's radical communist revolution led to the deaths of nearly two million Cambodians through execution, forced labor, and starvation.
  • The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek: Located 15 kilometers outside Phnom Penh, Choeung Ek is one of hundreds of "killing fields" where the Khmer Rouge executed and buried victims. The centerpiece is the Memorial Stupa, a glass-walled monument filled with over 8,000 human skulls sorted by age and gender. A path leads you past mass graves, and the audio tour (by former S-21 survivor Vann Nath) plays as you walk. The site is peaceful today, but the weight of history is palpable.

 

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, we depart in a north-west direction to Battambang, first stop at Phnom Udong, the ancient Cambodian capital during the latter stages of the Khmer Empire and crowning site of many past kings. Consisting of a series of stupas atop a large hill, there are outstanding views across the surrounding plains below. Phnom Udong was bombed and desecrated by the Americans and then the Khmer Rouge, but still possesses a beauty that no war has been able to steal from it. Stop by to see the spectacular Vipassana Dhura Buddhist meditation center, also located in Udong. Your tour guide can tell you more about the Vipassana school (Insight Meditation) as you walk through the center. Don't forget to see the imposing jade Buddha, the mummified monk and the colorful painted walls that tell the story of Ramayana, the epic Sanskrit poem that adorns many pagodas throughout the country.

Having had time to explore, continue to Kompong Chhnang, taking the time to stop at a pottery village before continuing further north to Pursat Province, famous for its marble stone carvings.

Departure to Phnom Sampeu Mountain to catch the bats! As darkness falls, we will begin to see thousands of nocturnal bats taking flight from the surrounding caves in a massive formation of dark, black clouds. Be sure to photograph this amazing and staggering sight!

Overnight in Battambang.

After breakfast, we will visit Wat Ta Mem and learn more about the daily life in the pagoda in Cambodia. We also stop at Psar Nat “Battambang local market” before driving to the Bamboo Railway Station. The Bamboo Train has been set up by the villagers to facilitate the transportation of goods and people. The train in itself is very basic – one platform on 4 wheels activated by a small motor. Sitting on the platform we travel the 8km to the next station through beautiful landscape and rice paddies.

We travel further to the well-preserved 11th century mountaintop Angkorian temple of Phnom Banan. After climbing the 350+ steps you are treated to a wonderfully peaceful setting with superb views across the surrounding countryside, with small villages dotting the endless rice paddies, punctuated with the characteristic sugar palm trees a wonderful sunset location.

We leave Battambang and drive towards Siem Reap. Stopping at Puok District to visit the National Silk Centre, a fascinating way to learn about Cambodian silk. Here we will spend some time and witness start-to-finish silk creation, growing and harvesting mulberry and the breeding process and the life cycle of the silk worm.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

We start very early in the morning so we can capture the iconic picture of the pre-dawn facing Angkor Wat temple. Sunrise at Angkor Wat can be a busy venue especially during the months of December, January, February, and March.

 

After sunrise, we will explore the vast and rich of Angkor Wat temple, taking pictures at different angles, playing with light and shadows, and capturing the most beautiful devatas carved in sandstone.

 

Next destination will be the Ta Prohm "Tomb Raider" fame. Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, a reminder that while empires rise and fall, the riotous power of nature marches on, oblivious to the dramas of human history. Left as it was ‘discovered’ by French explorer Henri Mouhout in 1860, the tentacle-like tree roots here are slowly strangling the surviving stones, man first conquering nature to create, nature later conquering man to destroy.

 

Next, at the Golden Hour, will be the impressive Bayon temple with its 54 towers and 216 faces overlooking the defunct city of Angkor Thom. The final stop will be at one of gate of Angkor Thom to capture sunset over the moat.

 

Welcome Dinner with Apsara Dance show at local restaurant.

For those travelers thirsting for cultural highlights of Cambodia, no visit to Cambodia is complete without attending at least one traditional Khmer dance performance, often referred to as 'Apsara Dance' after one of the most popular Classical dance pieces. Traditional Khmer dance better described as 'dance-drama' in that the dances are not merely dance but also meant to convey a story or message.

 

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Visit a floating village on the Tonle Sap Lake where we can experience a unique lifestyle. The lake is the largest fresh water in Southeast Asia. The size of the water body changes dramatically during the year. It is very rich in fish, snakes, crocodiles, turtles, turtles, and otters. About 700 fishing families live on the lake. We visit a floating restaurant where we can have lunch based on daily fishing. So back to Siem Reap and the rest of the day is free, so you can buy souvenirs.

We continue to local pagoda, where you should change to clothes, we can get wet in as here we will experience the ceremony “Srouch Teok”, which roughly translates into “Water blessing”. A monk will chant in ancient Pali as he splashes water over us, washing away our sins and bad luck so we can start fresh and by being a good person can increase our good luck.

Transfer to Quad Bike office, then our guide will give you a safety driving, instruction how to drive the quad bike, and will make a short training for the beginner to adobe with quad bike before departure. Riding quad bike in a normal pace through countryside via one of the country's most scenic drives filled with green view passing by villager's homes in the villages and enjoy the nature sightseeing of the water buffalo and the smiling of Cambodian children along the way. then head through to Prasat Chedei is located to the southeast of Siem Reap city, Cambodia, at the pagoda/monastery of the same name. It is a square brick temple, around 6m per side, featuring a sandstone doorway with decorated columns that are topped by a lintel in great condition depicting Indra on his elephant, Airvata. Inside, the temple features a reclining Buddha sculpture and two smaller Buddha statues. Visit to the Cambodian Buddhism monastery to see the real Cambodian monk who permanent living there.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.

Services

What’s include :

TOUR COST INCLUDES:

TOUR COST NOT INCLUDES:

✅ Accommodation: 11-nights with daily breakfast in double / twin shared room

✅ Meals: at local restaurant (Foods only) as mentioned in program (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner)

✅ Private Transportation: Airport transfers & Tours by air con. vehicles as per program.

✅ Private boat trip as mentioned in program.

✅ Entrance fees: Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified as mentioned in program.

✅ Private Tour Guide: Local English-speaking guide during tours as mentioned in program

✅ Flight ticket: Vientiane – Phnom Penh (check in luggage 20kg and hand-carry 7kg).

✅ Train ticket (2nd class): Luang Prabang – Vientiane

✅ All government taxes.

✅ 24hours supporting hotline.

✅ Cold water and towel during tours

❌ Laos and Cambodia Visa stamp fee

❌ All International air tickets.

❌ Other meal, drink, personal expenses, tip, Travel insurance,

❌ Early check-in & late check-out surcharge.

❌ International bank transfer fees (Banking fee is covered by the sender)

❌ Another thing not mentioned in included

GENERAL NOTICE:

  • Standard check-in time is 14h00 and check-out time is 12h00 at most of the hotels.
  • Arrival/Departure: Above prices are valid only for group of clients travelling together – arrival and departure with the same flight. Arrival/departure by other flight subject to supplement charge.
  • Program is subject to change without notice due to Airlines unexpected changes of schedule or flight unexpected cancellations.
  • There will be no refund or compensation applied due to force major which effect to visit program.
  • We reserve the right to adjust the prices at any time in the event of an increase of the fuel surcharge applied by airlines companies or any other transport companies.
  • Deadline for flight tickets: We will automatically issue flights 5 days after bookings is confirmed by us, please take note and come back to me within 5 days since booking is confirmed if you find clients don’t want to issue it.

 

Consultant/Emergency Contact:

EURASIE Travel “Best for the Best“ – Head office

#AC04, Street 59CW, Borey Sopheak Meangkul, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

info@eurasietravel.com.kh / www.eurasietravel.com.kh

 

Hot lines:

+ Mr. Bonny: (+855) 12 608 108 (WHATSAPP)

    ” Possiamo dire che è stata la luna di miele perfetta. Abbiamo avuto la possibilità di entrare a stretto contatto con la gente locale, di vivere diverse esperienze molto interessanti e di visitare dei posti fantastici. Tutto era organizzato in maniera perfetta grazie anche al validissimo supporto del nostro corrispondente Roberto, che non ci ha mai lasciati soli. Da dietro le quinte ci ha assistito per tutta la durata del nostro magnifico viaggio di nozze, dandoci un valido supporto per qualsiasi cosa. Le guide e i drivers erano sempre puntuali, cordiali, molto disponibili e molto preparati. Difficile dire in una sola frase cosa ci sia piaciuto. In una sola parola: TUTTO. L’organizzazione pre e durante il nostro viaggio è stata ineccepibile. Non possiamo che ringraziare Roberto ed Eurasie per questa meravigliosa esperienza.”

    Erika e Andrea

    Tour Vietnam & Cambogia