Sacred Mekong: Discover Laos & Cambodia in 12 Days
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Tour Type: Private
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Duration: 12 Days
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Departure Dates: Daily, upon your request.
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Destinations: Luang Prabang - Vientiane - Pakse - Siem Reap
Send your inquiry without any payment.
This Trip At a Glance
Explore Laos and Cambodia on a 12-day trip that combines nature, history, and culture. Stroll through ancient ruins, meet friendly villagers, and discover the beauty of Southeast Asia. Let Seni World turn your travels into an unforgettable story!
What Makes This Trip Special
- Experience Luang Prabang’s spiritual and cultural heritage, from the sacred alms-giving ceremony to Vat Xieng Thong, the National Museum, and Wat Mai
- Catch panoramic views from Mount Phou Si and swim in the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Falls
- Explore the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to hundreds of ancient Buddha statues
- Discover Vientiane’s heritage at Vat Sisaket, Pha That Louang, and Patuxay
- Discover Pakse’s spiritual and cultural essence at Wat Luang, Wat Phabad, and the Golden Buddha Temple, then soak in the lively atmosphere of Dao Heung Market
- Uncover the Bolaven Plateau’s scenic waterfalls, coffee farms, and vibrant ethnic villages
- Explore the ancient Wat Phou temple, admire the mighty Khone Papheng Falls, and relax on the tranquil Don Khong Island
- Discover Don Det and Don Khone, visit Ban Khone village, see Liphi Waterfall, and take a boat trip to spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins
- Explore the floating village of Kompong Phluk and the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Thom
- Meet the HeroRATs at APOPO and experience the authentic village life of Siem Reap
Welcome to Luang Prabang! Upon arrival at the International Airport, our friendly local guide will meet you and take you to your hotel for check-in. Your room will be ready from 02:00 PM onward. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your own pace. Meals are not included. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.
For those who rise early, the alms-giving ceremony offers a beautiful glimpse into local traditions. Around 05:00 AM, monks in saffron robes walk silently through the streets, receiving offerings from devoted locals as the first light of day appears.
Begin your exploration at Vat Xieng Thong, an important monastery that stands as a masterpiece of Lao art and religious heritage. The journey continues to the National Museum, where French and Lao influences blend seamlessly. A visit to Wat Mai follows, before ending the day with a breathtaking sunset from Mount Phou Si.
The afternoon takes you to Kuang Si Falls, a breathtaking cascade of turquoise waters. The drive itself is a treat, passing through rice fields and charming villages. Along the way, stop at a few local communities before reaching the falls. Lunch by the water is a perfect way to recharge before taking a refreshing swim in its cool, inviting pools.
Afterward, return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening at your own pace. Meals are not included. Overnight at the hotel.
This morning, your tuk-tuk driver (no guide) will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the boat jetty.
Board a traditional riverboat for a shared cruise along the mighty Mekong, departing around 10:00 AM. As you glide upstream, soak in the serene landscapes and catch glimpses of daily life along the riverbanks.
A stop at Ban Xang Hai village offers a chance to explore its local crafts before continuing to the Pak Ou Caves. Nestled near the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers, these sacred caves house hundreds of ancient Buddha statues, making them an important pilgrimage site, especially during the Lao New Year in April.
On the return journey, enjoy a selection of traditional Lao dishes served onboard. The cruise back to Luang Prabang takes about 1.5 hours, with arrival around 02:00 PM. Your tuk-tuk driver will be waiting at the jetty to transfer you back to your hotel.
The rest of the day is yours to relax. Dinner is by your own arrangement. Overnight at the hotel.
Travel by train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in the morning. Upon arrival, spend some time exploring the nice capital of Laos.
Your city tour starts at Vat Sisaket, a beautiful 1818 temple famous for having walls filled with thousands of small Buddha images. Next, visit Vat Phra Keo, built in 1565, which used to house the much-revered Emerald Buddha and is still one of the most interesting temples in Vientiane.
Proceed to Pha That Louang, the nation’s most important national and religious monument. It was first built in 1566 and rebuilt later in 1930. This golden stupa represents Lao culture and identity and is a strong symbol of national pride.
Finish off your day at Patuxay, a beautiful war monument built in 1957. It is based on the design of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and decorated on the outside with detailed Lao motifs. There are excellent city views from atop this monument.
Dinner is under your arrangements. Overnight at the hotel.
Later, head out to explore Pakse, starting with Wat Luang, a colorful temple filled with detailed murals. Monks set out from here at sunrise to gather alms, their saffron robes making a striking contrast against the backdrop of the Mekong River.
Continue to Wat Phabad, the city’s oldest temple, where Buddha is believed to have left his footprint. This holy site is filled with a serene atmosphere that attracts pilgrims and visitors. For a stunning view, go to the Golden Buddha Temple. This beautiful statue is perched atop a hill and overlooks the Mekong, and it’s a great spot to see the beauty of Pakse.
Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Meals are in your own arrangement. Settle in for a relaxing night.
After breakfast, step into the bustling world of Dao Heung Market, where stalls are filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, street food, and local handicrafts. Watching the locals getting on with their day gives you a glimpse of the city’s frenetic pace.
After leaving the market, head to the cool and green Bolaven Plateau. Renowned for its coffee plantations, national parks, and breathtaking waterfalls, this mountain retreat is a welcome relief. Visiting the beautiful Tad Fane, Tad Yeang, and Phasoum waterfalls, each are a great place to capture the natural beauty of the area on camera.
You will then continue to a local plantation to refresh Lao tea or coffee. The thrill never stops when you explore ethnic villages like Ban A Luck, Ban Kok Poung, and Ban Kieng Tung Lae. Here you witness the rich culture of the locality in traditional homes, spirit halls, and day-to-day activities.
At the end of the day, back to Pakse. You are free to have your evening as you wish. Dinner is optional. Overnight at the hotel.
Begin your morning exploring the ancient ruins of Wat Phou, a breathtaking Khmer Hindu temple complex nestled in southern Laos. Perched on a hillside, it overlooks the vast Mekong River and lush landscapes. Built with sandstone, laterite, and bricks, this site reflects the grandeur of Khmer architecture. Originally a Hindu sanctuary, it has served as a Buddhist temple since the 13th century, making it a fascinating destination for history lovers.
Continue to the majestic Khone Papheng waterfalls, the largest in the 4000 Islands region. Spanning nearly 10 kilometers near the Cambodian border, these roaring cascades have earned the title “Jewel of the Mekong.” The thunderous water and misty spray create a mesmerizing scene. After taking in the views, return to Don Khong Island for check-in. Enjoy the evening at leisure before settling in for the night.
Discover the serene beauty of Don Det and Don Khone, two idyllic islands loved by backpackers. Glide along the Mekong River, where fishermen cast their nets and children splash in the water. A tuk-tuk ride takes you across the old French bridge, leading to Ban Khone fishing village. Here, explore remnants of colonial railway tracks and marvel at the rushing Liphi Waterfall.
In the afternoon, a motorboat carries you toward the Cambodian border, home to the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins. If luck is on your side, you might catch a glimpse of them swimming gracefully. As the sun begins to set, travel back to Pakse by land and enjoy a relaxed evening at your own pace.
In the morning, take a flight from Pakse to Siem Reap, available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the city center. Enjoy some free time before your afternoon excursion.
Venture to Kampong Phluk, a floating village untouched by mass tourism. Known for its towering stilt houses, this unique community offers a glimpse into life on the water. A local boat ride takes you through winding canals, and if the season permits, further into the lake, where displaced Vietnamese families reside. As the day winds down, return to Siem Reap for leisure.
Start the day by exploring the breathtaking Angkor Wat, a 12th-century masterpiece of Khmer architectural artistry constructed to pay homage to Vishnu. The sheer spires and detailed bas-reliefs leave visitors awestruck. Then, step into the magical realm of Ta Prohm, where massive banyan roots blanket the aging temple walls with an ethereal landscape that looks like the remnants of a prehistoric civilization.
In the late afternoon, you’ll visit the imposing Angkor Thom. Approach the site via the South Gate and view the Bayon Temple, renowned for its 216 tranquil stone faces. The tour then moves on to the Elephant Terrace, which was once a royal viewing platform, and to the richly decorated Leper King Terrace. At sundown, you can take part in the enchantment of the Phare Circus, which offers a special fusion of acrobatics, music, and storytelling artistry.
The APOPO Visitor Center is just a short drive from Siem Reap and provides a unique experience. You can observe the HeroRATs at work as they detect landmines, which makes Cambodia a safer place. As you learn about Cambodian history, visitors can also get up close and personal with these incredible creatures and even get to hold one. It’s an enlightening experience that blends history, innovation, and conservation.
Next, stop by a local village to see how the villagers live. You’ll be given a warm welcome, followed by a traditional lunch with the locals. Walk around the village and see craftsmen weaving baskets and making mats from discarded plastic. Try your hand at weaving your own or just admire the art form before heading back to the city for dinner and a beautiful Apsara dance performance.
Breakfast at the hotel before departing. Depending on your flight time, our driver will escort you to the International Airport for your return home or onward destination. Your room is held until noon. You are responsible for arranging your meals.
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Accommodation with daily breakfast based on twin sharing
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All airport transfers as mentioned by air-conditioned vehicle
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Local English-speaking guides
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Train Luang Prabang – Vientiane (second class)
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Boat Houxay – Pakbeng – Luang Prabang (shared boat)
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Entrance fee as mentioned
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Meals where mentioned (B: breakfast; L: lunch; D: dinner)
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1 – 2 bottles of water per person per day
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Joint -in tour as mentioned
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International and domestic flight tickets
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Early checkin & late check out surcharge
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Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip…)
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Travel insurance
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Laos Visa
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Cambodia Visa

- Breakfast: 11
- Lunch: 5
- Dinner: 1

Private car
Boat
Tuk tuk

Accommodation is flexible and tailored to your preferences. We’ll suggest suitable options and can adjust upon request.
Wow wow wow! It was an absolutely amazing trip! I cannot recommend this company highly enough! It was our first time to Asia and it was incredible!

It was one of my best time ever Vietnam such interesting place with culture and cuisine. I would really like to thank Lyn and Trang for arranging my holiday.

We had a two week family trip in April 2024 to Vietnam and Cambodia. It was a magical holiday full of special memories and exciting experiences. I can’t speak highly enough about the service we had..

I stumbled onto Seni World travel while looking for a holiday in Vietnam. I sent a mail and was amazed at the prompt reply i got from one of their representatives. We were in constant contact on WhatsApp until we found the best package for us. Seni did all from booking hotels, arranging local flights to arranging our Visas. All tours and transport were arranged with absolutely no problems. If you ever want to see Vietnam, do make use of this Tour operator.

Review Videos
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Tour Type: Private
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Duration: 12 Days
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Departure Dates: Daily, upon your request.
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Destinations: Luang Prabang - Vientiane - Pakse - Siem Reap
Send your inquiry without any payment.
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All itineraries are hand-picked for you and by you
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Exceptional service from first contact to return
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Local Price for memorable trip

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(+84) 868 663 993
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info@seniworld.com