Laos and Cambodia Unveiled

Fly overnight to Vientiane. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Nestled in a sleepy bend of the Mekong, Vientiane is a delightfully quaint city, more friendly backwater than chaotic capital. Visit the morning market, Wat Si Saket and Wat Phra Keo, the former royal temple, before viewing That Luang Stupa and the Patuxai Victory Monument. Also, drop in at the COPE visitor centre.

This morning visit the Buddha Park located 25 kilometres from city centre, an open-air sculpture park with giant sculptures of Buddha and Hindu deities. Return to Vientiane where we will visit the Contemporary Art Museum displaying many art works of Laos. After lunch transfer 3.5 hours to Vang Vieng. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel and soak up the atmosphere on the Song riverbanks.

Venture into the Tham Chang cave before wandering through the dramatic limestone karst countryside beside the Nam Song River.

Return to Vientiane and fly to the beautiful city of Luang Prabang. The quintessential image of Laos and a place of vivid colours, here you’ll find a rich heritage and enduring French legacy.

Visit the exquisite Wat Visoun and Wat Xieng Thong. Cruise up the languid Mekong River to the sacred caves of Pak Ou known for the hundreds of miniature Buddhist sculptures that reside within. On the return trip stop off at the villages of Thin Hong and Ban Xang Khong.

Begin the day at the National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace, before driving out of the city to the natural splendour of Kuang Si Waterfalls. Enjoy the vivid blue, terraced pools that tumble down through their forest setting, taking a dip or relaxing by the water’s edge. Return to Luang Prabang via Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre.

Rise early this morning to witness the monks of Luang Prabang’s monastic communities collecting alms from the locals – the ceremony of Takbat. These lines of silent saffron robe-clad monks will be an enduring image of your trip. Later this morning, climb Phousi Hill for panoramic views over the city. Fly to Siem Reap where you can while away the evening at the lively night market.

The seat of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, the Angkor complex includes over 1,000 temples. Rising early, the tour begins in the heart of Angkor Thom, the old walled city – passing through its South Gate you'll reach the enigmatic Bayon and visit the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm, an atmospheric temple left in the grips of the jungle. This afternoon is dedicated to the indescribable Angkor Wat. The best preserved of Angkor's temples, examine the vast number of intricate details and relish the sheer magnificence of its architecture. End the day with a sunset cruise around the moat of Angkor Thom.

High Water Season (Aug to Feb) Visit Beng Mealea, a mysterious temple overrun by the jungle before enjoying a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong Kleng and observing the way of life of these lake communities. Return to Siem Reap via the SATCHA Handicraft Centre. This evening sit down to dinner and the Apsara dance show. Low Water Season (Mar to Jul) Head to Beng Mealea to explore this mysterious temple overrun by the jungle. Drop by the SATCHA Handicraft Centre before visiting the floating village of Chong Kneas. This evening sit down to dinner and the Apsara dance show.

Today, travel to Preah Khan Temple, Banteay Srei and explore Banteay Samre.

Depart Siem Reap for the city of Battambang, stopping off at the National Silk Centre where you can learn about the silk creation process.

This morning visit a family who produce local products such as rice paper, wine and dried bananas before a visit to the Ancient Khmer House. After lunch, climb to the top of Phnom Banan to reach the Prasat Banan Temple and admire the breathtaking view.

Journey south to Cambodia's charming capital Phnom Penh. On the way, stop at the 17thcentury capital of Udong. On arrival at Phnom Penh, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Experience a cyclo ride to the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before scaling the small hill topped by Wat Phnom. Later, enjoy the exhibits of the National Museum, which are housed in a spectacular Khmer-style building, before learning about the tragedies of the recent past at the deeply emotive Tuol Sleng Museum.

If your flight time permits, this morning there is an option to visit the poignant Killing Fields (payable locally). Transfer to the airport to board your flight back to Australia, arriving the next day.