Introduction to Laos & Cambodia

This new arrangement offers a fascinating insight into little-known Indo-China, ideal for those who have visited Vietnam and want to explore further this part of the world. Much of this journey is undertaken by river through lush verdant landscapes, beginning in Northern Thailand and crossing into Laos. Meander down the Mekong River, Laos’ main thoroughfare, witnessing an abundance of local activity, not surprising as most of the population live along its banks. Charming and majestic Luang Prabang was recently voted top city by Wanderlust readers, known for its slow pace of life, temples and monasteries. The lesser known area of Si Phan Don – the ‘4,000 islands’ in Southern Laos is surrounded by the mighty Mekong with spectacular waterfalls and the famous yet elusive Irrawaddy dolphins.

In Cambodia, Siem Reap is the base to explore one of the wonders of the world – the fabled temples of Angkor. In the capital city Phnom Penh, once known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’, its ancient heritage now contrasts its French colonial past and its still recent memories of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Itinerary

Day 1 Fly to London with a connecting overnight from London Heathrow to Chiang Rai via Bangkok.

Day 2 On arrival transfer to the 4-star Hotel Legend Chiang Rai Resort for two nights. Visit the Wat Pra Kaeo which once housed Thailand’s most important Buddha, the Emerald Buddha.

Day 3 A boat trip to Chiang Saen and drive through scenic landscape to Baan Kiew Karn, a village of White Hmong and the Golden Triangle mountain viewpoint of Wat Phra Thatt Phu Kao.

Day 4 At the Thai-Laos border embark on a traditional boat to Pakbeng visiting Lao Lu at Ban Pak Tha and Hmong village at Ban Houei Lumpane. Overnight at 3-star Pakbeng Lodge.

Day 5 Continue by traditional boat to Luang Prabang for three nights at the 4-star Villa Santi Resort. Visit en route Ban Khok Ek, a traditional Lu village and the sacred Buddha caves of Tham Ting and Than Phoum.

Day 6 Visit the former King’s Palace now the National Museum, Vat Vixoune, That Makmo and Vat Xieng Thong. Climb Phousy Hill for a panoramic view.

Day 7 Visit Kuangsi waterfall. Opportunity to swim in the clear pools.

Day 8 Fly to Vientiane for overnight at the 4-star Lao Plaza. Visit Vat Sisaket, Vat Phra Keo and That Luang Stupa. Dinner at a traditional Lao restaurant.

Day 9 Early morning flight to Pakse. By traditional boat down the Mekong to Champassack then drive to Vat Phou. Visit Ou Mong, the ruins of a small Khmer temple. Cross the Mekong by ferry to Don Khong. Overnight at the 3-star Pon’s Arena Hotel.

Day 10 Visit the mighty Khonphapeng waterfalls at the southern tip of Laos. Cross the French railway bridge linking Don Khon and Don Det and walk to the beautiful Liphi waterfalls. Continue to Pakse for overnight at the 3-star Champasak Grand Hotel.

Day 11 Fly to Siem Reap for three nights at the Royal Empire Hotel. Afternoon visit to the Angkor National Museum.

Day 12 Visit by tuk tuk the fabled temples of Angkor including the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Royal Enclosure, Elephants Terrace, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Neak Pean and Ta Som temples.

Day 13 Further visits include the Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre temples before a visit to the Angkor Butterfly Centre. Afternoon visit to a local market.

Day 14 Drive to Phnom Penh via Kampong Thom. Afternoon visit to Tuol Sleng, the genocide museum and to a local dance school, giving orphans and children in poverty access to music and education. Witness how Khmer culture is valued. Overnight at the Holiday Villa hotel.

Day 15 Morning city tour by cyclo visiting the Silver Pagoda, Royal Palace and Wat Phnom. Afternoon visit to the National Museum and the Russian Market. Transfer to the airport for the return flight via Bangkok.

Day 16 Arrive London. Connect to your onward flight to Dublin.

Price inclusions

• Flight from Dublin to London Heathrow and on to Chiang Rai
• Airport transfer to the hotel
• 13 nights accommodation in Laos & Cambodia, staying in 3 & 4 star hotels
• Meals: Breakfast daily, 5 lunches & 3 dinners
• Tours as per the itinerary
• Return transfer from the hotel to the airport
• Overnight flight Phnom Penh to London Heathrow
• Connecting flight to Dublin
• Taxes and charges of €280

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Non refundable or transferable booking deposit of 10% per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €48 (conditions apply)
• Single Supplement €420
• Prices are correct at time of going to press, flight supplements may apply depending on availability of negotiated airfares.

Accommodation details

In Brief:

Flight – 1 night. Chiang Rai – 2 nights. Pakbeng – 1 night. Luang Prabang – 3 nights. Vientiane – 1 night. Don Khong – 1 night. Pakse – 1 night. Siem Reap – 3 nights. Phnom Penh – 1 night. Flight – 1 night.

• Chiang Rai - Hotel Legend Chiang Rai Resort - 4 Star – 2 Nights
• Pakbeng – Pakbeng Lodge – 3 Star – 1 Night
• Luang Prabang – Villa Santi Resort – 4 Star – 3 nights
• Vientiane – Lao Plaza – 4 Star – 1 Night
• Don Khong – Pon’s Arena Hotel – 3 Star – 1 Night
• Pakse - Champasak Grand Hotel – 3 Star – 1 Night
• Siem Reap – Royal Empire Hotel – 4 Star – 3 Nights
• Phnom Penh – Holiday Villa Hotel – 4 Star – 1 Night

Dates and Prices

Date	Price
09 Oct 2010	€3,069
13 Nov 2010	€3,199
11 Dec 2010	€3,499
15 Jan 2011	€3,069
19 Feb 2011	€3,199
19 Mar 2011	€3,349
16 Apr 2011	€3,349