Day : 1
Arrive Phnom Penh (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Welcome to Cambodia. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel and relax before later meeting your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Reception with drinks and appetisers.Welcome Reception
Day : 2
Phnom Penh Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
Your included City Tour with a Local Specialist begins with a visit to Wat Phnom to discover the legend of Lady Penh. Next head to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, two of the most striking buildings in the capital and considered some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. Continue with a visit to the National Museum, which houses a collection of Khmer art and sculptures from different periods of Cambodian history. In the afternoon learn more about the turbulent Khmer Rouge years starting with a visit to Tuol Sleng. Formerly a high school, then a notorious security prison and now a museum depicting the terrifying reign of the Khmer Rouge. Next head to Cheung Ek Killing Fields, a memorial built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died under the reign of the Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot. Spend the evening at leisure.Buffet Breakfast
Day : 3
Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (4 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Have a relaxing morning before transferring to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the magnificent temples of Angkor. Later explore the city on a walking tour. Visit the Old Market and capture a sense of local culture and lifestyle. See the range of colourful fruit, vegetables and spices on the market stalls. In the evening prepare to be entertained and moved at the Phare Circus with a beautifully choreographed performance reflecting Cambodian lives and society. Buffet Breakfast
Day : 4
Angkor Wat and Siem Reap Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
This morning visit the famous and spectacular religious monument of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A Khmer scholar will be your Local Specialist and guide you through Khmer history, culture, archaeology and civilization. He will bring to life the various stories contained in the reliefs and murals of the elaborately carved hallways of Angkor Wat. Later on, your choice of activities is a visit to the National Museum for an in-depth insight into the history of Cambodia, or a visit to a silk farm to learn about traditional silk making techniques. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure or join an Optional Experience.Buffet Breakfast
Day : 5
Angkor and Siem Reap
Number of Days : 1
Start the day with a visit to two other UNESCO listed sites - Angkor Thom with its centrepiece, the Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm which was used as the location for the film 'Tomb Raider'. The magnificent tree roots have merged with the temple remains over the years, giving the feeling of a forgotten city. See the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King would welcome back his victorious army. Return to Siem Reap for a cooking class, a Cultural Experience. First visit the market to learn about cooking customs, ingredients and food superstitions before continuing to a local restaurant to learn how to prepare and cook various Khmer specialities under the guidance of the chef. After the class enjoy your creations with a dinner of your personally prepared food. Buffet Breakfast, Regional Meal
Day : 6
Angkor and Kompheim village
Number of Days : 1
This morning visit Banteay Srei Temple; the red sandstone temple dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, whose delicate carvings of the 10th century have been remarkably well preserved. Return to the hotel and after a short break, drive through the countryside to Kompheim village. It is a typical Khmer village surrounded by rice fields with a pagoda and village school. Learn about the HUSK NGO Programme, which works with communities to help improve the lives of the local families. Spend the evening relaxing or take part in an Optional experience. Buffet Breakfast
Day : 7
Siem Reap - Luang Prabang (4 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Visit Wat Damnak, one of the most beautiful pagodas in town and take part in a private blessing ceremony performed by the local monks who reside in the temple. Sit on a mat whilst the monks chant blessings and then a sacred thread will be tied around your wrist to protect against evil spirits. Later visit Artisans d'Angkor, for a Cultural Insight into the training school, which creates job opportunities for young people living in rural areas, while at the same time reviving traditional Khmer craftsmanship. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before your flight to Luang Prabang. On arrival meet your Travel Director and transfer to your hotel. Dinner this evening is a typical Lao meal at the hotel.Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
Day : 8
Luang Prabang Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
This morning enjoy a walking tour around the ancient town of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an outstanding example of the fusion of Lao and colonial architecture. Visit the Royal Palace Museum which was the residence of the king up until when the monarchy was overthrown in 1975. Next visit the so-called 'Temple of the Golden City'; Wat Xiengthong, before heading to the riverside for a relaxing cruise in a long-tail boat up the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Pass by typical Laotian villages just visible through the thick foliage and wooden canoes bobbing by the shore attached to bamboo poles. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the caves which house thousands of Buddha images ranging from mere centimetres to two meters in height. Cruise back to town making a stop en route at Ban Muang Keo village for a Cultural Insight. The village is famous for producing 'lao-lao', (Laotian whisky) as well as having a thriving weaving industry.Buffet Breakfast, Lunch
Day : 9
Luang Prabang Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
For the early risers wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks, a living Buddhist tradition for the people of Luang Prabang which dates back generations. Then watch the town come to life during a visit to the bustling morning market. Followed by a climb up the steps of Mount Phousi to admire the wonderful views of the Mekong and Khan rivers, as well as the surrounding mountain ranges before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Alternatively enjoy a leisurely start to the day before joining your fellow travellers for a visit to the Friends Visitor Centre, to learn about the work done at the Friends Lao Hospital for Children which is a local non-profit community project. Return to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon or choose to take part in an Optional Experience. This evening travel to a nearby village for a Be My Guest dining experience with a local family in their home and learn all about their lifestyle while enjoying a meal of local specialities.Buffet Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining
Day : 10
Luang Prabang Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
This morning drive south to one of Luang Prabang's most picturesque sights, the Kuang Si Waterfall. Stop en route at Phou Si market to observe locals trading in fresh produce and at the Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre for a demonstration of their work. On arrival see the bears at the Asian Bear Rescue Centre before taking a leisurely walk through the national park towards the main fall which has a 60 metre (200 ft) cascade. The water collects in numerous turquoise blue pools as it flows downstream and is a spectacular sight. Later return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure or join in an Optional Experience. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Lao-inspired Farewell Dinner.Buffet Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day : 11
Depart Luang Prabang
Number of Days : 1
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward flight.Buffet Breakfast
