Wendy Wu Laos and Cambodia Unveiled

– Explore the colonial charm of Vientiane
– Admire the architecture of Luang Prabang’s temples
– Cruise the languid Mekong River to explore the Pak Ou Caves
– Discover awe-inspiring Angkor
– Explore colonial Battambang
– Learn about Phnom Penh’s harrowing past at Tuol Sleng

Day 1-2: Fly to Vientiane

Fly overnight to Vientiane, Laos pleasant capital. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3: Explore Vientiane

Nestled in the languid bend of the Mekong, Vientiane is a delightfully quaint city, more a friendly backwater than chaotic capital. Visit Thongkhankham Market, Wat Si Saket and Wat Phra Keo, the former Royal Temple. Later visit the That Luang stupa and the Patuxai Victory Monument. Dinner this evening will be accompanied by a traditional Lao music and dance performance.

Day 4: Journey to Vang Vieng

Depart Vientiane for Vang Vieng, a town beautifully set in a spectacular karst landscape that has become Laos’ adventure capital. En route, stop at Nam Ngum Lake, a reservoir created by damming the Nam Ngum River, where deep green waters are backed by mountains and forest.

Day 5: Explore Vang Vieng

Venture into the Tham Chang cave before wandering through the dramatic limestone karst countryside beside the Nam Song River.

Day 6: Travel to Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is the quintessential image of Laos and a place of vivid colours, extremely rich heritage and enduring French legacy. Take a walking tour of the characterful old town visiting the exquisite Wat Visoun and Wat Xieng Thong before climbing Phousi Hill for panoramic views.

Day 7: Pak Ou Caves

Cruise up the languid Mekong River to the sacred caves of Pak Ou known for the hundreds of miniature Buddhist sculptures that reside within. On the return trip stop off at the villages of Thin Hong and Ban Xang Khong.

Day 8: Kuang Si Waterfalls

Begin the day at the National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace, before driving out of the city to the natural splendour of Kuang Si Falls. Enjoy the vivid blue terraced pools that tumble down through their forest setting, taking a dip or relaxing by the water’s edge. Return to Luang Prabang via Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre.

Day 9: Takbat

Rise early this morning to witness the monks of Luang Prabangs monastic communities collect alms from locals – the ceremony of Takbat. These lines of silent saffron robe-clad monks will be an enduring image of your trip. The rest of the morning is at leisure before flying to Siem Reap. While away the evening at the lively night market.

Day 10: Explore Angkor

Rising early, the tour begins at Ta Prohm, an atmospheric temple left in the grips of the jungle. Continue to the city of Angkor Thom, passing through the South Gate to reach the enigmatic Bayon at its centre and visit the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. This afternoon is dedicated to the indescribable Angkor Wat. The best preserved of Angkor’s Temples, examine the vast number of intricate details and relish the sheer magnificence of its architecture. There will be an opportunity to view the Wat from above in a tethered hot air balloon (weather permitting).

Day 11: Floating village

Spend the morning experiencing life on the water in the floating village of Kampong Kleang. From here continue to Beng Melea, a mysterious temple completely overrun by jungle. Back in Siem Reap visit Les Artisans DAngkor where disadvantaged youth are taught traditional Cambodian handicrafts. This evening enjoy the sights and sounds of an Apsara dance performance.

Day 12: Banteay Srei

Admire the captivating Banteay Srei, a richly embellished Hindu Temple made of rose coloured sandstone. Wander the atmospheric ruins of Preah Khan. Ascend to the summit of the high-reaching temple Pre Rup in time to watch the sunset over the rice fields.

Day 13: Travel to Battambang

Depart Siem Reap for the city of Battambang, stopping off at the National SIlk Centre where you can learn about the silk creation process.

Day 14: Explore Battambang

Battambang is set in some of the countrys most beautiful landscapes. Head out of town to the 12th century Prasat Banan Temple returning to Battambang via Cambodia’s only vineyard for a wine tasting. Visit a local NGO, La Maison de Coco, where traditional skills such as weaving are taught to locals.

Day 15: Journey to Phnom Penh

Journey south to Cambodia’s charming capital of Phnom Penh. On the way, stop at the 17th century capital of Udong. Also, visit a traditional pottery workshop and climb Touch Hill to admire the scenery. This afternoon, learn about the tragedies of the recent past at the harrowing Tuol Sleng Museum.

Day 16: Phnom Penh

Experience a cyclo ride to the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before scaling the small hill topped by Wat Phnom. Later, enjoy the exhibits of the National Museum, which are housed in a spectacular Khmerstyle building, before learning about the tragedies of the recent past at the harrowing Tuol Sleng Museum.

Day 17-18: Fly from Phnom Penh to UK

If your flight time permits, this morning there is an option to visit the poignant Killing Fields (payable locally). Transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the UK, arriving the next day.

You’ll spend 15 nights in 4* accommodations

Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In more remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities.

– Return international flights
– All Accommodation
– All meals: 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 15 dinners
– All transportation & transfers
– All sightseeing & entrance fees
– English speaking National Escort & local guides
– Visa fees for UK & EU passport holders

Coaches: Coaches with air conditioning are used on our group tours for city sightseeing, short excursions to the countryside and longer transfers where necessary.

Classic

These tours are designed for those who wish to see the iconic sites and magnificent treasures of South East Asia on an excellent value group tour whilst travelling with like-minded people. The tours are on a fully-inclusive basis so you’ll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of. You will be accompanied by our dedicated and professional National Escorts and local guides, whose unparalleled knowledge will turn your holiday into an unforgettable experience.

Most Wendy Wu groups consist of 10 travellers or more and will be accompanied by a national escort. There will usually be no more than 28 travellers in each group although you may encounter other Wendy Wu tour groups while you are travelling.

This tour has a physical rating of 2. A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you’ll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats.