Laos and Cambodia have long been known as destinations for hardened, round-the-world backpackers looking to experience authentic Asia. With the introduction of our Luang Prabang to Angkor Wat tour, the same ground-level authenticity that has drawn independent travelers can be had with a surprisingly high level of luxury. Watch lines of saffron-robed monks making their way through the city streets during the daily Sai Bath (alms rounds) ritual, or participate in a private Baci ceremony of good tidings led by local village Nai Ban (village chief). Marvel at the haunting wonder of Angkor Wat being slowly consumed by the surrounding jungle, or walk among Vientiane’s vibrant, modern Buddhist temples. Hit the streets on a Vespa, sampling the street food that has made Laos and Cambodia the epicenters of the world-wide street-food culinary movement. Visit local farms, getting lost in a way of life that hasn’t changed in generations. Cool off under crystal-clear waterfalls, or in your accommodation’s infinity pool. Or simply absorb the solitude of your villa’s balcony on a private island. This meticulously-planned vacation offers the authenticity that only backpack-laden adventurers found in the past, but delivers it with the amenities you expect from an Austin Adventures trip.
As Southeast Asia boomed, many of the region’s countries focused solely on development. Laos and Cambodia, however, have clung to their traditional past, creating a rich blend of new and old. Nowhere is this blend more visible than Luang Prabang where you can climb 328 stairs up Phousi Mountain to view a city where gold-topped temples mingle with modern houses and storefronts. The past and present also collide under the modern dome of Phnom Penh’s oldest market where the scents of lemongrass and ginger enthrall the senses. Take in the culture with your expert guides as you explore rural villages where life remains the same as it has for generations. Roam the cities that have become the epicenters of foodie culture world-wide. Enjoy the many opportunities to relax, whether it’s on a private beach or swimming under a stunning water fall in the lush countryside. The Luang Prabang to Angkor Wat tour lets you take in Southeast Asia at its finest. This trip, like the countries that it explores, is a perfect blend that you’ll never want to change.
Explore gold-topped temples during the day and colorfully-lit monuments in the evening.
Take a speed boat out to a private island where you can enjoy the solitude of quiet beaches as well as the comfort of five-star amenities.
Wander rural areas, understanding how people go about their day-to-day lives as they have for generations.
Dig deep into Southeast Asian culture, learning local arts at the Cambodian Living Arts Center, watching the stunning areal performances of Phare Cambodian Circus, and conversing with locals on the streets of the World Heritage Site Luang Prabang.
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
Meet the rare (and adorable) Sun Bear, the world’s smallest bear species, at the Sun Bear Conservation Reserve.
02
Marvel at the Phare Cambodian Circus where traditional and modern themes are explored in dance, story, and acrobatics.
03
Watch a tranquil sunset over Angkor Wat after the temples have been closed to the general public.
Welcome to Laos! Upon arrival, obtain your Laos visa if you haven’t already prior to travel, and then clear Immigration and Customs • Proceed into the arrival area and meet your private guide for a transfer to your hotel.
About Sofitel Luang Prabang Hotel
Surrender to the peace and tranquility that surrounds this sanctuary. Located in Ban Mano, a quiet residential area within easy walking distance, Sofitel Luang Prabang offers wide ranges of services and top-notch facilities to enhance your stay.
Get up early to observe the sacred Sai Bath (alms rounds) ritual. See lines of barefoot monks move through the streets gathering their morning rice from villagers. Explore the side-streets and back alleys of World Heritage Site Luang Prabang. Converse with locals through your guide, learning about their daily lives. Visit temples including 500-year-old Wat Xieng Thong. Visit the National Museum (formerly the Royal Palace) and climb the 328 stairs up Phousi Mountain to a gorgeous view of the city. Participate in a private Baci ceremony of good tidings led by the local village Nai Ban (village chief).
After breakfast, head out into the scenic Laotian countryside to the Kuang Si Waterfall, a favorite swimming hole. Meet the adorable, long-tongued sun bears at the Sun Bear Conservation Reserve. Visit local villages that specialize in skills such as weaving silk into some of Asia’s most prized fabrics, or distilling Lao Lao, the local rice whiskey. Venture into Pak Ou caves, where more than 3,000 Buddha images and sculptures remain untouched in the serene stillness. Cruise the Mekong River by boat back to Luang Prabang.
This morning, fly to Vientiane where you can see the traditional alongside the modern. Tour Wat Sisaket, the only structure to survive the Siamese invasion of 1828. Take a short jaunt up Lane Xang Street to get a look at the changing face of the city. Walk beneath the towering Patouxai, or victory arch. See the most sacred temple in Laos, the Wat That Luang, with its soaring central spire and thirty surrounding stupas. Visit a vibrant example of living Buddhism at Wat Si Muang, a sacred temple used by the Lao people from women who want to become pregnant to new car owners having monks bless their new purchases.
About Settha Palace Hotel
Located in the heart of Vientiane, the Settha Palace Hotel stands as a testament to the long-lost era of classical elegance. Relax by the pool, head out to explore the city, or simply enjoy the French colonial ambiance.
Fly to Siem Reap, obtain your Cambodian visa, clear Immigration and Customs and meet your guide and driver at the airport. Enjoy Siem Reap on your own until the evening when you have the unique opportunity to marvel at the rebirth of Cambodian dance and culture at the Phare Cambodian Circus. Watch as talented performers bring to life both traditional and modern themes with dance, acting, and acrobatics.
About Jaya House River Park
Surrounded by trees, this intimate hotel is only minutes away from some of Siem Reap’s most notable attractions including Angkor Wat. Relax on your own balcony taking in the river, or enjoy a dip in one of their two pools
Enter the quiet eastern side of Angkor Wat to avoid the crowds, and see a breathtaking sunrise over the temple. Breakfast will be served overlooking the royal bathing pool Srah Srang, once used by ancient Khmer kings. After breakfast, take in the haunting, exotic atmosphere of Ta Phrom, an ancient temple being reclaimed by the surrounding jungle. Ride by bicycle along the Siem Reap River past the King’s residence, Royal Gardens, and small river-side markets. Follow dirt roads through villages and farms, seeing the locals go about tasks as they have for generations. Access Angkor Park after the temples close to visitors in order to view the temples at sunset. Wrap up the evening by boarding a dragon boat for a peaceful tour of Angkor Thom’s moat.
Siem Reap / Sihanoukville / Song Saa Private Island
Fly to Sihanoukville and meet with your driver for transfer to the pier. Streak across the waves on a speedboat to the private island of Song Saa. Relax for the rest of the day in your villa.
About Song Saa Private Island
Experience the serenity and luxury of a resort on a private island. Created with sustainability in mind, Song Saa is an evolved tropical getaway with a pristine private beach, spacious wooden villas, heavenly spa sanctuaries and a preserved coral reef. Song Saa Private Island lets you detach from the world and tune into simple luxuries.
Song Saa Island is yours to enjoy at your leisure today. Take in the solitude of the island as you relax on the white-sand beaches, or the deck on your villa. Take a walk around the island or discover the many opportunities to explore Cambodian culture. You are free to do as much or as little as you like!
Song Saa Island is yours again today. Watch sunrise or sunset at the edge of the large infinity pool, get a massage or other treatment at the full-service spa, and enjoy a meal at either of the two restaurants on property.
Transfer from the island back to the mainland for the drive to Phnom Penh. Start the evening with cocktails on a rooftop bar. Hop on a Vespa for a night of sampling Cambodia’s best street food. Try fresh oysters with traditional Cambodian toppings and Kampot Pepper with squid (considered the best in the world). Join the locals in the bustling traffic, riding past some of Phnom Penh’s famous sites, including a stop at the beautifully-lit Independence Monument. Finish the evening exploring Phnom Penh’s nightlife.
About Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Located in the vibrant center of Phnom Penh, Raffles Hotel Le Royal has been a part of the city since 1929. It has been respectfully restored to reflect a blend of Khmer, Art Deco, and French colonial architecture. Savor a meal at the restaurant known for its traditional French and Royal Khmer cuisines, or enjoy a treatment at the spa.
Spend a day exploring the hidden parts of Phnom Penh and enjoying local arts. Visit Phnom Penh’s oldest market for breakfast, savoring the local noodle soup and iced coffee. Visit the National Museum to witness the splendor of Cambodia’s ancient Khmer civilization. Learn local arts at the Cambodian Living Arts Center, whose mission is to facilitate the transformation of Cambodia through the arts. Learn about Cambodia’s important and distinctive history at the Tuol Sleng Prison.
Your guide will transfer you to Phnom Penh International Airport approximately three hours prior to your departure time.
* This trip is offered in partnership with Khiri Travel.
**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures and Khiri Travel.
Meals Included
B
Overnight
No overnight
Departure Dates
Departs weekly.
Depart on Your Own Schedule / Custom Trip
Contact us for custom itineraries and departure dates
Your trip begins on Day 1 with your arrival into Luang Prabang International Airport. On arrival, you will be met by an Austin Adventures representative who will transfer you to Sofitel Luang Prabang Hotel for check-in. On Day 12, you will be transferred to Phnom Penh International Airport for your flight home approximately 3 hours prior to check-in.
Activities
Hiking: Sightseeing walks accompanied by your guide through cities, temples, monuments and more exploring the magical lands of Laos and Cambodia.
Biking: An easygoing ride along Siem Reap’s backroads and single track paths.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in the Trip Price
Accommodation as listed in itinerary.
All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners as specified in itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Services of English-speaking guides.
Any necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
All transfers and transport as per program.
All entrance fees on tour as per program.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Not Included in the Trip Price
Gratuities.
Domestic air tickets.
Visa fees and/or visa authorization.
All drinks.
Meals as not listed in itinerary.
Any compulsory or peak season surcharge (normally New Year period).
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Southeast Asia Expert
Carol Austin
Want to know how to fully experience the depth of beauty and culture in a place? Ask Carol Austin. A Montana native who treasures the land and people in her own backyard—be it Yellowstone, the Beartooths, or the family around her dinner table—Carol knows how to embrace any destination she explores, a feat at 40+ countries and counting. And with more than 20 years in the travel industry, she’s really good at helping guests plan—and fully enjoy—their adventure vacation, too. She co-founded Austin Adventures with her husband, Dan Austin.
