VIETLAND HOLIDAYS

You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until group meeting. Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Wat, but it's not without its own charms. Perhaps start by hitting the local markets to try some delicious street food. Stay in Siem Reap

Today you'll visit the world-famous Angkor complex with your guide. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 square kilometres; this is the biggest religious monument in the world. However, the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap, so you'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the mind-blowing archaeological sites of Angkor Wat (the astounding main attraction), the Bayon (a marvel of many sculpted decorations) and Ta Prohm (the eerily beautiful temples covered in jungle). Stay in Siem Reap

Enjoy free time in Siem Reap today. If you feel like some adventure, you can take the optional Flight of the Gibbon zip-line course, which gives you a bird's eye view of the rainforest, plus an adrenaline rush! Other options here include a visit to the sobering Landmine Museum – it's located a little further afield but is well worth the journey. In the evening you might want to see Phare the Cambodian Circus. Coming from vulnerable households, the performers have gained international recognition through their art practice. Like a Cambodian Cirque Du Soleil, modern Khmer tales mix theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts, and contortion. Stay in Siem Reap

Travel by private bus/ car to Sambor Prei Kuk and your homestay (approximately 3.5 hours). You will embark on a tour of the village with your local guide. The guide will introduce you to the way of life of the local people, your homestay facilities and your hosts for tonight. Facilities are simple at your homestay, but this is a fantastic opportunity to experience everyday life in rural Cambodia. The temple ruins at Sambor Prei Kuk just nearby are some of the oldest in the country (dating back to the 6th century) and are well worth a visit (this is optional). In the evening, relax and unwind as you enjoy a traditional Khmer dinner with your host family. Home Stay in Kampong Thom

After breakfast, leave the village and travel to Phnom Penh in a car/ bus (approximately 4 hours). Cambodia's capital is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-influenced architecture. This afternoon, enjoy some free time for optional activities. Perhaps explore Wat Phnom, a peaceful temple situated on a local hill. A great way to see the city's key landmarks is a cyclo tour, which generally covers the central market, US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong river front, Independence Monument and Royal Palace. The National Museum, housed in a beautiful traditional building, is a great place to see some excellent Khmer craftmanship. If you're in the mood for shopping, stop in at the art-deco Psar Thmei (Central Market), or travel out to Psar Tuol Tom Pong (Russian Market) for the best range of local souvenirs. Stay in Phnom Penh

This morning you will learn about Cambodia's tragic past on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. Afterwards, head out to the Choeung Ek Memorial, where a stupa made up of some 8,000 human skulls marks the site of the infamous Killing Fields. This was the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng. In the afternoon there will be some free time for optional activities. You might like to simply stroll along the famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many cafes while observing the busy river traffic. Then it's time for your flight to Vientiane (approximately 1.5 hours). Possibly Asia's most laid-back capital, Vientiane is a city where daily affairs are conducted at a relaxed pace. It also has an excellent, diverse food scene. Stay in Vientiane

Enjoy a guided walk around town this morning. Pay a visit to Wat Si Saket, a Buddhist temple believed to be the oldest still standing in Vientiane. You'll also see Victory Gate (Patuxai), otherwise known as the 'Vertical Runway' (as the US funds that were used to construct it were actually meant for airport upgrades). Climb up to the seventh storey for a nice view over Vientiane. This is an excellent cause and a chance to learn more about Laos' devastating war history. Stay in Vientiane

Make the journey by car/ bus to Vang Vieng (approximately 3.5 hours). En route, take in scenes of small village life at various points along the hilly highway. When you arrive, you'll be greeted by stunning limestone karst scenery. These surrounding landscapes are the reason this town is known for its outdoor adventure culture. There are many fascinating caves to explore, some of which you can go swimming in. The classic Vang Vieng activity is to float down the lovely Nam Song on an old inflatable tractor tube. Hiking and cycling are all great ways to see the surrounding country. Stay in Vang Vieng

Travel around Vang Vieng for the best highlights. Along the way, you'll stop in at a Khmu village. The Khmu are one of the most populous ethnic peoples in Laos, and the majority of them live in the north. Say hello to the friendly locals of the village, then take a short trek (approximately 20 minutes) to the breathtaking Keng Yui waterfall. This is a great chance to relax and cool off with a refreshing swim. Stay in Vang Vieng

Today you will journey by private bus/ bus, winding your way through the beautiful mountains to Luang Prabang (approximately 8 hours). The scenery is especially amazing on this leg of the journey – a reward for enduring the windy roads! When you arrive, stretch your legs and take a walk to acquaint yourself with this exotic city. It's located at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers. Luang Prabang's French colonial architecture, ornate Buddhist temples, unique markets and riverside ambience make for quite a combination. It's easy to get around on foot or by bicycle, which are cheap to hire. Stay in Luang Prabang

You will be picked up from your hotel for a full day city tour with our local guide. Your full day city tour begins with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Today, we also visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham. In the afternoon, we visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures before we head out of town to see the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek.  We then return to the city for a visit to Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong River. Then, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang

In the morning, You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the boat pier.

From there, we embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine.

On return, we disembark the boat to take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village famous for its hand weaving. Then, you will be transferred back to your hotel. 

Enjoy your afternoon of free time. Consider climbing to the top of Mt Phousi to visit the temple and catch the sweeping views over the town. This is best done early in the morning, for the sunset – and to beat the heat. Later, don't miss Luang Prabang's excellent markets, such as the Dara Market (central market) and the Night Market (the latter has a beautiful range of handmade local textiles). Don't miss the excellent food stalls in the evening – these are renowned for their delicious, diverse and inexpensive vegetarian cuisine. Perhaps end the day with a Lao massage and herbal sauna. Stay in Luang Prabang

There are no activities planned for today, and you are free to depart the accommodation at any time.