Fly to Phnom Penh, CAMBODIA Meet your English-speaking guide for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and driver. This city was once considered one of the most beautiful in Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history it still retains a colonial charm. Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Today, meet your personal guide and driver and drive to visit the Royal Palace built in 1866 by King Norodom. See the different structures of this pagoda-style compound and stroll in its beautiful garden. Visit the Silver Pagoda so named because of its floor that is comprised of 5,000 silver tiles. A gold Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha are also housed here.

Next, you’ll visit the National Museum. Built in 1917 it is an exceptional example of traditional architecture and is exclusively devoted to preserving and displaying Khmer art and sculptures. Hundreds of pieces are housed here including both pre-and post-Angkorian pieces.

Next, continue visit the city's namesake, Wat Phnom. Founded in 1373, the pagoda was built to house Buddhist relics washed ashore by the river. Khmer Restaurant Enjoy our Khmer lunch at a typical Restaurant, included with our tour price.

After lunch, you’ll continue to visit the notorious Tuol Sleng Museum. In 1975 Tuol Svay Prey High School was taken over by Pol Pot's security forces and turned into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21). It soon became the largest such center of detention and torture in the country. More than 17,000 people held at S-21 were taken to the extermination camp at Choeung Ek to be executed; detainees who died during torture were buried in mass graves in the prison ground. Room after room the museum displays photographs of men, women and children covering the walls from floor to ceiling; virtually all the people pictured were later killed.

You'll then, drive to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek (16 km south of Phnom Penh). Between 1975 and 1978 about 17,000 men, women, children and infants (including nine westerners) detained and tortured at S-21 prison were transported to the extermination camp of Choeung Ek. They were often bludgeoned to death to avoid wasting precious bullets. Fragments of human bone and bits of cloth are scattered around the disinterred pits. Over 8,000 skulls, arranged by sex and age, are visible behind the clear glass panels of the Memorial Stupa, which was erected in 1988.

Finish your tour with enjoys one-hour sunset cruise on the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. The boat will pass past floating villages, providing great views of the city’s rapidly changing skyline.

After leisurely morning, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Siem Reap. Board a flight from Phnom Penh with direct service to Siem Reap. Approximate flight time is 50 minutes. Flight: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap 10.15 - 11.05 Welcome to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at Siem Reap Airport. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside a local Guide. He/she will be holding a sign with your names on it. Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. Today, begin exploring the Khmer ruins of Angkor. These incredible monuments are on par with the Great Pyramids or Machu Picchu as a testament to the greatness of a continent’s lost empire. Henri Mouhot, the 19th-century French explorer who is credited with rediscovering the ruins after hundreds of years of neglect, declared in awe that the Angkor complex was greater than anything left to us by ancient Greece or Rome.

After settling in and enjoying a bit of free time and lunch, you'll head out with your guide and spend the afternoon visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). This huge walled complex was the centre of the world’s largest city in 1200. Following the occupation of Angkor by the Chams from 1177 to 1181, the King Jayavarman VII decided to build an impregnable fortress at the heart of his empire. The scale is simply staggering and we are immediately overwhelmed by the audacity of Jayavarman on arrival at the city’s gates. The causeway is lined by an intricate bridge depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk from Hindu mythology in which the devas (gods) and asuras (devils) play tug of war with a naga (seven-headed serpent) to obtain the elixir of immortality. Its vast walls, some 6m wide, 8m high and 13km in length contain many monuments.

Next, visit Bayon temple surrounded by faces on all sides, visitors never forget the enigmatic and enchanting temple of the Bayon. At the exact centre of Angkor Thom, this is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king. Its 54 towers are each topped off with the four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion), which bear more than a passing resemblance to the king himself. These colossal heads stare down from every side, exuding power and control with a hint of compassion, just the mix required to keep a hold on such a vast empire. Unlike his predecessors who had worshipped the Hindu deities of Shiva and Vishnu, Jayavarman VII adopted Mahayana Buddhism as the fount of royal divinity. This sets the Bayon apart from many other Angkorian monuments. The bas-reliefs here depict intricate scenes of ancient battles against the Chams and offer a wonderful snapshot of daily life during the Angkor period.

You’ll then continue to visit Baphuon. It is located in Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon. Built in the mid-11th century, it is a three-tiered temple mountain built as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.

Stroll to the Terrace of the Elephants is part of the walled city of Angkor Thom. The terrace was used by Angkor's king Jayavarman VII as a platform from which to view his victorious returning army. It was attached to the palace of Phimeanakas, of which only a few ruins remain.

We also visit, Terrace of the Leper King is located in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, Cambodia. It was built in the Bayon style under Jayavarman VII, though its modern name derives from a 15th-century sculpture discovered at the site. The statue depicts the Hindu god Yama, the god of death.

Next, visit Phimeanakas or Vimeanakas, is a Hindu temple in the Khleang style, built at the end of the 10th century, during the reign of Rajendravarman, and then completed by Suryavarman I in the shape of a three-tier pyramid as a Hindu temple. Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Probably the best time to visit Angkor Wat, the largest and most famous of the Angkor temples, is early in the morning, when the light is good and it is relatively quiet. Rising before dawn, proceed for your exploration of the Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. You’ll be dazzled by what you see this morning at the vast, 12th-century Angkor Wat temple; the bas-reliefs and many devatas (guardian spirits) that cover its walls inspire awe and admiration. This example of classical Khmer architecture has been a significant religious center for Hindus and then Buddhists through the ages. You are driven back to the hotel afterward for breakfast and some time to freshen up.

Next, you’ll continue to Ta Prohm this temple is perhaps the most atmospheric of all Angkor’s treasures. The temple was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. Ta Prohm has been left to the destructive power of nature by archaeologists to demonstrate the awesome power of nature. It has been largely consumed by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. At every turn you expect to see Indiana Jones or Lara Croft step out from behind a fallen pillar. It is one of the most regularly visited temples, with visitors often arriving during the middle of the day to take advantage of the protective forest canopy above the ruined temple. Ta Prohm looks as many of the monuments did when European explorers first laid eyes on them. This was one of the settings for Lara Croft’s adventures in “Tomb Raider”.

Be amazed by Siem Reap’s most unique, authentic and top-rated evening entertainment. More than just a circus, Phare performers also use theater, music and dance to tell Cambodian stories—historical, folk and modern. Phare artists are graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak, an NGO and professional arts training center in Battambang, Cambodia. The school was founded by nine young men returning from a refugee camp of the Khmer Rouge regime. Finding healing through the arts, they wanted to provide the same opportunity for poor, socially deprived and troubled youth. You will be astonished by the performers’ energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent. It is not a show to miss.

This morning, journey north to visit Banteay Srei. This jewel of Angkor was built by a Brahman in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The famous pink sandstone structure bears a series of exquisite sculptures, lintels and friezes. These, it is said, must have been carved by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man. This gives the origin of the Khmer name, Fortress of the Women. While it may be a small temple complex, the beauty of Banteay Srei is found not in the scale, but the detail. Many believe the intricate carving is the best example of Khmer classical art in existence. Stop at a local village to visit families who are producing palm sugar.

Next, continue to visit Preah Khan, built in the same style as Ta Prohm, Preah Khan is a much better state of preservation. Meaning The Sacred Sword, this temple was also built by Jayavarman VII and is famous for its immensely long cruciform corridors and delicate carvings, including the spectacular hall of dancers. Look out for the curious two-storey structure that is almost Grecian in inspiration. This is one of the few temples originally dedicated to both Buddhism and Hinduism. The original eastern entrance was for Mahayana Buddhists, while the other cardinal points represented the Hindu trinity of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. After visiting the temples, you will receive a monks blessing for good luck and good health. Afterwards, enjoy your lunch at a delicious local restaurant in town.

After lunch, you’ll continue for a tour of the surrounding countryside and take an ox-cart ride through the villages and the rice fields. At the end of your ride, have a fresh coconut drink with the family and do not hesitate to talk with the local people to get to know more about their lives. Later, you may wish to join us for drive to the fishing village of Kompong Pluk near Siem Reap and board a private boat. Visit Kompong Pluk village with its houses standing on stilts and board a pirogue to discover the seasonally flooded forest. Visit the floating village and discover the centuries-old lifestyle of the inhabitants of the lake.

Before being transferred to the airport, if you would like to do some shopping, an optional visit to Le Artisans d’Angkor can be arranged. This organization’s purpose is to educate young Cambodians in the skills of woodcarving, stone carving, lacquer ware and silk weaving, and provide them with a livelihood by marketing their products. Today enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Siem Reap Airport by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide. This afternoon board a flight from Siem Reap with direct service to Luang Prabang. Approximate flight time is one hour and 55 minutes.

Board a flight from Siem Reap with direct service to Luang Prabang. Approximate flight time is one hour and 40 minutes. Flight: Siem Reap – Luang Prabang 16.25 - 18.15 Welcome to LAOS. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang Airport, obtain your Laos visa, and then clear Immigration and Customs. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport arrival gate to meet the local guide outside. He/she will be holding a sign with your names on it. Meet your English-speaking guide for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and driver. The crown jewel of Laos and former Lanexang, Luang Prabang, is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in South East Asia. Magical and charming, it has preserved its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness. In 1995 UNESCO voted Luang Prabang as a World Heritage City. Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

After breakfast, you'll head out with your guide and spend the morning learn about the town’s UNESCO World Heritage status and its history while exploring its beautifully preserved Buddhist temples, as well as Lanna, Thai and French colonial fusion architecture. Meander through charming alleyways draped in flowers, discuss Buddhism with temple monks and soak up the serene ambiance. Visit the former Royal Palace, now the Royal Palace Museum, where the Lao royal family lived until 1975, was built in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong and is now a museum that makes a good starting point on any tour of Luang Prabang. Combining elements of traditional Lao architecture with French influences, the building houses some unique Buddhas, including a large golden Buddha gifted by a Khmer king in the 14th century, and busts of the Lao royal family.

Next, continue to visit Wat Xieng Thong, considered the most beautiful temple. The sim of the Wat represents the classic Luang Prabang temple architecture with roofs that sweep low to the ground. In the compound stand several small chapels housing bronze Buddha images, which were displayed in Paris in 1911. Near the East gate stands the Royal Funeral Chapel. Inside are an impressive 12-metre high funeral chariot and various funeral urns of the Royal Family. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts a semi-erotic episode from Ramayana. Also look out for the “tree of life” montage on the rear temple wall.

Then, continue to visit Wat Mai, built in 1796 and famous for the five-tiered roof of its wooden sim built in the standard of Luang Prabang style. Stroll through the old quarter to discover the daily lifestyle of townspeople.

Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre is a museum with permanent and temporary exhibitions about the diverse ethnic groups of Laos. Permanent Exhibitions highlight the Akha, Kmhmu, Tai Dam, and Hmong ethnic minorities. Interactive and immersive, Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre newest special exhibition, "Voices of the Wind: Traditional Instruments in Laos" features wind instruments and their role in communication, ritual, and courtship. Through recreations of a Hmong instrument-maker's workshop, a Tai Dam healing ceremony, and interactive video kiosks, visitors can enter a world rarely seen by the general public. The adjacent Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre Museum Shop features fair trade handicrafts from 12 provinces of Laos supporting over 600 ethnic artisans from all over Laos.

After lunch this afternoon you will be taken to the local pier to board a private traditional boat for the journey upstream on the Mekong River to visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves. After around an hour cruising up the Mekong, disembark your boat at the village of Ban Muangkeo where you can get a glimpse of daily life in rural Laos. From here set off on foot for the revered religious site of Pak Ou, two caves set in a limestone cliff facing the Mekong River crammed with thousands Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. After your visit to the caves return to Luang Prabang by boat, stopping off at Ban Nongxai artisans village en route. Return to your hotel in Luang Prabang for an evening spent at as you please.

Early risers will have a chance to witness a moving ritual as long lines of barefoot monks walk silently along the streets on their morning alms rounds. The giving of alms represents a symbiotic exchange in which rice sustains the monks’ bodies, and the monks’ prayers nourish the spirit of those giving the rice. In late childhood, nearly all Laotian boys spend time as a monkhood, living in a monastery and studying Buddhism. Please note this is an ancient, sacred ritual to be observed at a respectful distance and in silence. Walking back to the hotel, wander through the colorful vegetable and fruit market before reconvening for breakfast.

Spend the morning on a community based living rice farm in the countryside, surrounded by mountains and rice paddies. You’ll have an opportunity to experience the life of local rice farmers and try your hand at some of their daily activities, or view them from the comfort of a traditional Lao rice house balcony, surrounded by rice terraces and an organic vegetable farm. There will also be time to visit local handicraft workshops featuring crafts including bamboo weaving, blacksmithing, and sugar cane processing, and a tour of an organic garden offers insights on how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine.

Return to town for lunch, then visit Kuang Si Waterfalls, stopping at a Hmong and a Khmu Village en route. Most of these villagers are farmers and fishermen and still employ centuries-old methods. Our visit allows insight into the daily life and culture of rural Laos. At the waterfalls, enjoy a walk to the many-tiered natural bathing pools and take a dip, if you like. On the way back to town, stop in at a project focusing on the rehabilitation and conservation of Asian bears. Return to your hotel in Luang Prabang for an evening spent at as you please.

Tour ends: Luang Prabang. A transfer from Maison Dalabua Hotel to Luang Prabang International Airport is included. Please allow 3 hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home. Fly home or begin a wonderful customized private extension.