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 Flyto London and connect overnight from London Heathrow to Vientiane via Bangkok.

Day 2 Transfer to 4-star Novotel Hotel for two nights.

Day 3 Visit Vat Sisaket, Vat Phra Keo and That Luang Stupa. Dinner at a traditional Lao restaurant.

Day 4 Fly to Luang Prabang for three nights at the 4-star Grand Luang Prabang Hotel. Visit Vat Vixoune, That Makmo and Vat Xieng Thong. Climb Phousy Hill for a panoramic view. Evening Baci Ceremony. Dinner at local restaurant.

Day 5 Visit Kuangsi waterfall with the opportunity to swim in the clear pools. Visit a Hmong and Khmou Village.

Day 6 Early morning rise to watch Tagbat, the monks’ rounds. Visit the Royal Palace Museum and cruise up the Mekong River on a traditional boat to visit the sacred Buddhist caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum at Pakou.

Day 7 Fly to Pakse. Visit Vat Phou, the ruin of a Khmer temple with spectacular views of the surrounding plains. Cross the Mekong by ferry for two nights at the 3-star Pon’s Arena Hotel.

Day 8 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 spectacular Liphi waterfalls. Cruise through the 4000 Mekong islands.

Day 9 Drive to the Bolaven Plateau, a unique elevated region where tea and Café Lao are grown. Visit a plantation, Tad Fane Falls in the jungle and Tad Pha Soum waterfall. Overnight at the 4-star Champasak Grand Hotel.

Day 10 Fly to Siem Reap for four nights at the 4-star Tara Angkor Hotel. Visit the Angkor National Museum and Roluos Group of temples – Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko.

Day 11 Visit by eco-transport electric vehicle the fabled temples of Angkor including Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Bayon, Royal Enclosure and Elephants Terrace. Sunset at Angkor Wat.

Day 12 Further visits include the Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre temples, Preah Khan, Neak Pean and Ta Som temple. Enjoy the Apsara dance theatre dinner show.

Day 13 Visit the jungle temple Ta Prohm, Takeo, Thommanon and Chausay Tevoda temple. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 14 Drive to Kampong Thom (5 hrs) to visit Sambor Prei Kuk and the pre-Angkorian temples of the ancient capital of Chenla. Continue to Phnom Penh for two nights at the 4-star Sunway Hotel.

Day 15 Morning city tour by cyclo visiting the Silver Pagoda, Royal Palace and Wat Phnom. Visit the National Museum and the Apsara Art Association. Mekong sunset cruise.

Day 16 Visit Tuol Sleng, the genocide museum, the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and the Central market. Evening return flight via Bangkok.

Day 17 Arrive London. Connect to your flight to Dublin

Price inclusions

• Flight from Dublin to London Heathrow and on to Vientiane
• Airport transfer to the hotel
• 14 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. Vientiane – 2 nights. Luang Prabang – 3 nights. Don Khong – 2 nights. Pakse – 1 night. Siem Reap – 4 nights. Phnom Penh – 2 nights. Flight – 1 night.

Dates and Prices

Date	Price
02 Dec 2011	€3,719
13 Jan 2012	€3,569
27 Jan 2012	€3,719
17 Feb 2012	€3,869
09 Mar 2012	€3,869