Splendor of Laos & Cambodia - 12 Days

Day 1 - Arrive in Siem Reap
Upon arrival, you will be met by one our guides at Siem Reap Airport and taken, by private transfer, to Raffle Angkor Hotel. You may wish to consider our VIP arrival option, a fast-track visa and baggage collection process, and whisk past the queues of tourists who wait in line for their visas. After check in, you will have your first taste of the Angkor temples. Explore the sprawling labyrinth of Banteay Kdei with the Hall of the Dancing Girls. Then enjoy sunset drinks with a leisurely boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom and view hidden elements of the ancient Khmer water systems, relaxing with G&T in hand and accompanied by the sound of exotic chirping birds.
Day 2 - Temples of the Forest
Rise early and beat the crowds at the photogenic Ta Prohm Temple made famous by the film  "Tomb Raider" in 2000. Coordination with the driver allows you to wind your way through temple sites without having to retrace your steps. Undisturbed by crowds of tourists you can better appreciate the interplay of man and nature at this magical site. Following mid morning coffee at the temples walk through the forest to the seldom-visited Ta Nei Temple before ending the morning on top Ta Keo, an imposing temple mountain with challenging steps.
After lunch and perhaps a swim or massage, enter the ancient city of Angkor Thom at the Victory Gate before uniquely walking along the 8 meter high wall through the forest to the seldom visited Death Gate. Passing behind the terraces of Elephants and Leper King, walk though the shaded parkland to Phimeanakas and Baphuon temples, learning about the trees and fruits used locally. Impressive Bayon temple rounds off your afternoon with its iconic carved faces.
Day 3 - Angkor Wat Sunrise and Exploration
You can opt for an early start for a breath-taking sunrise exploration of Angkor Wat, one of mankind's architectural gems. Take advantage of the relatively cool and tranquil morning to explore the central complex and surrounding bas-reliefs, enjoying either a local breakfast or returning to the hotel. Another option is to spend a little time feeding the elephants of Angkor their breakfast of bananas!
This afternoon, we will travel across ancient reservoirs (long since devoid of water), through pretty villages and rice paddies to the beautiful pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei, well known for its intricate carvings. On your way back to town, visit Banteay Samre. Take a walk along the old causeway and be welcomed by the stone lions and Naga balustrades, as the temple looms above.
Day 4 - Hunter/gatherers on Tonle Sap to earliest Angkor capital
Travel by car through the Cambodian countryside to the photogenic village of Kompong Khleang (depending on the season). A world away from the touristic Chong Kneas floating villages, this largest stilted village in Cambodia sees few visitors. Climb up into a house to see how a subsistence fishing family lives. Then enjoy a private picnic lunch in your own stilted house.
Afternoon, drive on to explore the mysterious jungle-clad Beng Mealea thought to be a blueprint for Angkor Wat and built under the control of Suryavarman II. This temple is in a collapsed state and is still largely overgrown by the jungle, creating an impression of mystery as a result- perfect for an afternoon photography session.
Day 5 – Siem Reap, Fly to Phnom Penh
After breakfast, take the morning flight to capital city of Cambodia.  Upon arrival, we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the Raffle Hotel for check in, conveniently located in the city center.
Later in the afternoon, you may choose to relax in the hotel or enjoy a private boat cruise on the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers to watch the sunset.
Day 6 - Khmer Rouge & Jewels of Phnom Penh
The visits to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng (S21) Prison, where only 7 survived from 1000s incarcerated, will prove to be quite moving as you familiarize yourself with the events of the late 1970s and how the country continues to recover from this horrific tragedy.
The afternoon tour continues to the Royal Palace built in 1866 by King Norodom, and the Silver Pagoda with the floor of over 5,000 silver tiles. Then head to the small hill within the city to see Wat Phnom and learn how the city got its name.
Day 7 – Phnom Penh – Vientiane
Depending on the time of your flight transfer, you may explore local markets; Russian and Central Markets for typical souvenir shopping, or visit the National Museum which houses the world's foremost collection of Khmer art. Check the surrounding shops of street 178 for a glimpse of the contemporary art scene, selling all kinds of painting, carving and sculpture.
Private transfer to the airport for your flight to Vientiane, capital of the People's Democratic Republic of Laos.
Day 8 - Vientiane City Tour
Spend the morning exploring some of the wats and pagodas of ancient Vientiane. Wat Sisaket is one of the few wats that wasn't destroyed during the Thai invasion of 1827, and houses over 10,000 buddha images, many set in niches around the walls. Across the road from Sisaket is Wat Phra Keo, home to the Emerald Buddha before it was taken to Bangkok where it is now sits on display. Those with an interest in textiles should also stop by Carol Cassidy's workshop nearby.
After lunch we can visit the Patuxai Monument, Laos' own "Arc de Triomphe" and the iconic That Luang Stupa, national symbol of Laos that numbers a statue of Jayavarman VII among its antiquities.
Day 9 - Markets and Transfer
Depending on your time of departure, it may be possible to visit the morning market, Talat Sao before your flight to Luang Prabang.
Arrive in Luang Prabang, and familiarize yourself to the town before enjoying a dinner and traditional Laotian Baci Ceremony to welcome you to the country and wish you well on your travels.
Day 10 – Traditional Alms-Giving and Khouangsi Waterfalls
Rise early to see one of the most amazing sights in Asia - thousands of monks making their way from hundreds of pagodas, processing through the streets to collect alms, a tradition that has been uninterrupted for centuries. After breakfast, walk through some of the streets and temples that make Luang Prabang such a magical place.
Enjoy the afternoon visiting the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfalls, perhaps taking the opportunity for a swim in the pools. Khouangsi is also home to some protected Sun Bears.
Day 11 - Mekong and Mountains
Take a boat cruise along the mighty Mekong River, threading its way through the mountains north and east of Luang Prabang, arriving at the caves and shrines of Pak Ou, set in the mountainside at the confluence with the Nam Ou River.
Return via some of the villages that specialize in crafts such as jute papermaking and the distilling of the infamous Lao-Lao Rice Whiskey. If you’re still feeling energetic, climb the steps to the top of Mount Phousi, and enjoy sunset.
Day 12 - Departure