Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Laos
Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you will be met and assisted with VIP Fast Track through immigration and visa processing. You will then be transferred to your gorgeous hotel with stunning views over the mountains. This elegant, all-suite hotel is a delightful base in a quiet area with exceptional service and one of the most sumptuous breakfasts in town. Relax and settle in this evening. We recommend an al fresco dinner to take in the views!
Day 2 - Laos Heritage Revealed
Today your guide will lead you into the heart of Luang Prabang’s heritage and introduce you to specialists on the town’s history, culture and Buddhist background. Highlights include Wat Xiengthong where you’ll receive a special blessing from a head monk, The Buddhist Archive of Photography where you’ll have backroom access, time with a co-founder of the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, and panoramic views atop Mt Phousi.
Day 3 - Tak Bat, Kuang Si, and Ban Chan
Rise early to witness the giving of alms to monks, called tak bat, stop by a local market, and then travel with your guide to Kuang Si waterfall for a gourmet breakfast picnic. At this early hour, you’ll have the falls to yourselves. Transfer to a village to board a private boat for a scenic cruise along the Mekong to Ban Chan, famous for its unique style of pottery making. Return to your hotel midday and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring.
Day 4 - Cookery Masterclass
With your guide, meet the head chef of Tamarind Gardens who will spend the morning engaged in your private masterclass. Visit a major food market before heading into the kitchen. This is a cookery experience a cut above with a choice of dishes to learn and staff on hand to assist. The afternoon is yours to experience Luang Prabang as you wish. If you prefer a masterclass in weaving, meditation, or any number of other areas, we can arrange this instead.
Day 5 - Private Baci & Sunset Cruise
After a leisurely morning, transfer in the afternoon to the home of a well-known artist and descendant of the former royal family. Tour his private art collection and learn about traditional Lao arts before a traditional Baci Ceremony which involves offerings to spirits and tying of strings to each other’s wrists as a means of expressing goodwill and good luck. After the ceremony, board a private boat for a sunset cruise with drinks and canapés.
Day 6 - To Siem Reap, Cambodia
Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Enjoy VIP fast track through visa services and transfer to your hotel. Settle into our very favourite hotel in the area. Not only is Jaya House luxurious and well appointed, but the service levels are unbeatable. The Manager is likely to know your name and favourite drink by the end of the first day. Settle into your suite, enjoy a swim and rest for a busy few days of adventure ahead.
Day 7 - Temples of Angkor from Sunrise to Sunset
Get an early start to enjoy the majestic beauty of Angkor Wat temple at sunrise, before returning to the hotel for a late breakfast. Later continue on to some of the most famous temples, break for lunch at a traditional local restaurant, and end the day with Ta Prohm, the jungle-clad temple with overgrown trees, and an unforgettable sunset at Srah Srang.
Day 8 - Monk Blessing and Off-the-Beaten Track Temples
This morning, visit a neighbourhood Buddhist temple for a specially arranged water blessing ceremony by a monk, believed to bring good luck for the coming years. Then, continue to the remote Banteay Srey, featuring pink limestone walls and the best bas reliefs of any temple at Angkor. Return to the blissful hotel and enjoy the afternoon free at leisure.
Day 9 - To the island...
Your private driver will take you to the airport for a short local flight to the coast, followed by a speedboat transfer to the exquisite Song Saa private island. Your home for the next few nights will be a gorgeous Jungle Villa, and your stay is all inclusive – so indulge in free flowing drinks, non motorised water-sports and more.
Day 13 - Homeward Bound
After 4 nights in paradise, transfer back to the mainland and on to Phnom Penh International Airport for your flight homeward (or onward if your adventure continues).
Bon voyage!
DETAILS: -
During the high season of October-April, this itinerary costs from £7,330 per person B&B based on 2 sharing and including all private transfers but not international flights. Travel during the green season of May-September will reduce the cost.
You can get flights from as little as £600 per person return and do ask us for advice. Alternatively we can book the flights for you but a booking fee may apply.
What's included?
INCLUDED:
- Prices start from £7,330 per person
- Accommodation on B&B basis except at Song Saa where stay is all-inclusive
- Flights on days 6 &9 (economy class)
- Private transfers (air-conditioned vehicle)
- All entrance fees with service of English speaking guide for excursions
- Lunch on days 2, 4, and 7
- Local taxes
- Visa fee
- All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
