A Tale of Two Cities: Luang Prabang, Laos & Siem Reap, Cambodia

Arrive in Luang Prabang and transfer to your hotel. Start your journey with a blessing and spiritual well-wishing Baci Ceremony. Also knows as “spirit enhancing,” the Baci Ceremony in Laos has been practiced for hundreds of years. Overnight in Luang Prabang

In a traditional-style boat, cruise upstream on the Mekong River to visit the sacred Pak Ou caves, where over the years the locals have deposited thousands of Buddha images. Stop at Thin Hong, a picturesque village and Tham Ting and Tham Phoum caves. After lunch on board, return to Luang Prabang stopping at Ban Xang Khong, a village known for making handmade paper. Back in the old city, visit the TAEC ethnographic museum and a Hmong market. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Early morning, when the sun rises, watch the long lines of saffron-clad monks walking through the town receiving alms. Transfer to Kuang Si Falls. After a short walk through the forest, arrive at the waterfall where you can a swim in one of the pools and have a picnic lunch. Return to the city to experience the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Mai, and Vat Xieng Thong, one of the most beautiful temples in this UNESCO town. End the day with a climb of 300 steps up Mt. Phousi for the sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap

Rise early to watch sunrise over Angkor Wat then explore the temples by tuk-tuk. Visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphuon, Elephants Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. You’ll also see Ta Prohm Temple and the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat, with its many galleries, pavilions, courtyards, ponds, and carved low reliefs about the Ramayana Story. Overnight in Siem Reap

Enjoy a boat ride on Tonle Sap, visiting Chong Khneas, one of the Vietnamese “floating villages,” or Kampong Phluk, a Khmer village built on giant stilts which are submerged during monsoon season. For those with an interest in bird sanctuaries, December through February offers the best avian activity. Visit “Les Artisans d’Angkor” which provides training to young Cambodians in the ancient Khmer traditions of stone-carving and wood sculpting, or “Les Senteurs d’Angkor,” a community project to provide Cambodian women the means to earn an income to support their families. Tonight you are offered dinner along with a cultural show. Overnight in Siem Reap

Transfer to Siem Reap for your departure flight – or extend your stay in Asia.