Siem Reap Trip Overview
This private luxury tour combines two of Southeast Asia’s most interesting cities: Siem Reap, the cultural heart of Cambodia and home of the remarkable Angkor Wat, and Luang Prabang, a small city brimming with culture, Buddhist monasteries and temples.
Begin in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to explore incredible Angkor, the wondrous ruins of the ancient Khmer empire. With your private guide, tour the most interesting parts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Angkor Wat, an enormous temple city built as a model of the Hindu universe in stone.
Next, fly to Luang Prabang, an enchanting, UNESCO World Heritage-listed town along the Mekong River. During private touring, walk through streets lined with a unique blend of traditional Lao and French colonial architecture and the landmarks.
Additional Info
* Duration: 7 days
* Starts: Siem Reap, Cambodia
* Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Siem Reap, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
This private luxury tour combines two of Southeast Asia’s most interesting cities: Siem Reap, the cultural heart of Cambodia and home of the remarkable Angkor Wat, and Luang Prabang, a small city brimming with culture, Buddhist monasteries and temples.
Begin in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to explore incredible Angkor, the wondrous ruins of the ancient Khmer empire. With your private guide, tour the most interesting parts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Angkor Wat, an enormous temple city built as a model of the Hindu universe in stone.
Next, fly to Luang Prabang, an enchanting, UNESCO World Heritage-listed town along the Mekong River. During private touring, walk through streets lined with a unique blend of traditional Lao and French colonial architecture and the landmarks.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Siem Reap
Stop At: Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Siem Reap Province
Fly to Siem Reap.
Welcome to Cambodia. Upon arrival in Siem Reap Airport, obtain your Cambodia visa, and then clear Immigration and Customs. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside a local Guide. He/she will be holding a sign with your names on it.
You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide for a three-night stay at the Shinta Mani Angkor, the closest hotel to the treasures of the fabled archaeological site at Angkor. Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire.
Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Stay tonight at the Shinta Mani Angkor (Deluxe Room)
Day 2: : The wonders of Angkor
Stop At: Angkor Thom South Gate, National Road #6 Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap 17252 Cambodia
Spend the early morning visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). This huge walled complex was the centre of the world’s largest city in 1200. Following the occupation of Angkor by the Chams from 1177 to 1181, the King Jayavarman VII decided to build an impregnable fortress at the heart of his empire. The scale is simply staggering and we are immediately overwhelmed by the audacity of Jayavarman on arrival at the city’s gates. The causeway is lined by an intricate bridge depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk from Hindu mythology in which the devas (gods) and asuras (devils) play tug of war with a naga (seven-headed serpent) to obtain the elixir of immortality. Its vast walls, some 6m wide, 8m high and 13km in length contain many monuments.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Bayon Temple, Angkor Thom, Siem Reap Cambodia
Next, visit Bayon temple surrounded by faces on all sides, visitors never forget the enigmatic and enchanting temple of the Bayon. At the exact centre of Angkor Thom, this is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king. Its 54 towers are each topped off with the four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion), which bear more than a passing resemblance to the king himself. These colossal heads stare down from every side, exuding power and control with a hint of compassion, just the mix required to keep a hold on such a vast empire.
Unlike his predecessors who had worshipped the Hindu deities of Shiva and Vishnu, Jayavarman VII adopted Mahayana Buddhism as the fount of royal divinity. This sets the Bayon apart from many other Angkorian monuments. The bas-reliefs here depict intricate scenes of ancient battles against the Chams and offer a wonderful snapshot of daily life during the Angkor period.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Baphuon Temple, Angkor Tom Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap 17252 Cambodia
You’ll then continue to visit Baphuon. It is located in Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon. Built in the mid-11th century, it is a three-tiered temple mountain built as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Terrace of the Elephants, Angkor Thom Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap 17252 Cambodia
Stroll to the Terrace of the Elephants is part of the walled city of Angkor Thom. The terrace was used by Angkor’s king Jayavarman VII as a platform from which to view his victorious returning army. It was attached to the palace of Phimeanakas, of which only a few ruins remain.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Terrace of the Leper King, Angkor Thom Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap 17252 Cambodia
We also visit, Terrace of the Leper King is located in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, Cambodia. It was built in the Bayon style under Jayavarman VII, though its modern name derives from a 15th-century sculpture discovered at the site. The statue depicts the Hindu god Yama, the god of death.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Phimeanakas, Angkor Wat Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap 17252 Cambodia
Next, visit Phimeanakas or Vimeanakas, is a Hindu temple in the Khleang style, built at the end of the 10th century, during the reign of Rajendravarman, and then completed by Suryavarman I in the shape of a three tier pyramid as a Hindu temple.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Ta Prohm, National Road #6 Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap 17252 Cambodia
Next, you’ll continue to Ta Phrom this temple is perhaps the most atmospheric of all Angkor’s treasures. The temple was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. Ta Prohm has been left to the destructive power of nature by archaeologists to demonstrate the awesome power of nature.
It has been largely consumed by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. At every turn you expect to see Indiana Jones or Lara Croft step out from behind a fallen pillar. It is one of the most regularly visited temples, with visitors often arriving during the middle of the day to take advantage of the protective forest canopy above the ruined temple. Ta Prohm looks as many of the monuments did when European explorers first laid eyes on them.
Afterwards, enjoy your lunch at a delicious local restaurant.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Angkor Wat, Sangkat Nokor Thum, Siem Reap Cambodia
Take a break for lunch at local restaurant and afterwards, you’ll be dazzled by what you see this afternoon at the vast, 12th-century Angkor Wat temple; the bas-reliefs and many devatas (guardian spirits) that cover its walls inspire awe and admiration. This example of classical Khmer architecture has been a significant religious center for Hindus and then Buddhists through the ages.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Stay tonight at the Shinta Mani Angkor (Deluxe Room)
Day 3: Khmer temples & a Tonle Sap Lake cruise
Stop At: Banteay Srei, Siem Reap Cambodia
This morning, journey north to visit Banteay Srei. This jewel of Angkor was built by a Brahman in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The famous pink sandstone structure bears a series of exquisite sculptures, lintels and friezes. These, it is said, must have been carved by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man. This gives the origin of the Khmer name, Fortress of the Women. While it may be a small temple complex, the beauty of Banteay Srei is found not in the scale, but the detail. Many believe the intricate carving is the best example of Khmer classical art in existence. Stop at a local village to visit families who are producing palm sugar.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Preah Khan, Angkor Wat Angkor Archaelogical Park, Siem Reap 17252 Cambodia
Next, continue to visit Preah Khan, built in the same style as Ta Prohm, Preah Khan is a much better state of preservation. Meaning The Sacred Sword, this temple was also built by Jayavarman VII and is famous for its immensely long cruciform corridors and delicate carvings, including the spectacular hall of dancers. Look out for the curious two-storey structure that is almost Grecian in inspiration. This is one of the few temples originally dedicated to both Buddhism and Hinduism. The original eastern entrance was for Mahayana Buddhists, while the other cardinal points represented the Hindu trinity of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.
Afterwards, enjoy your lunch at a delicious local restaurant in town.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kompong Phluk, On the Tonle Sap, Siem Reap Cambodia
After lunch, you’ll continue for a tour of the surrounding countryside and take an ox-cart ride through the villages and the rice fields. At the end of your ride, have a fresh coconut drink with the family and do not hesitate to talk with the local people to get to know more about their lives. Later, you may wish to join us for drive to the fishing village of Kompong Pluk near Siem Reap and board a private boat. Visit Kompong Pluk village with its houses standing on stilts and board a pirogue to discover the seasonally flooded forest. Visit the floating village and discover the centuries-old lifestyle of the inhabitants of the lake.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Stay tonight at the Shinta Mani Angkor (Deluxe Room)
Day 4: Siem Reap – Luang Prabang, LAOS
Stop At: Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Siem Reap Province
Today enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Siem Reap Airport by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.
This afternoon board a flight from Siem Reap with direct service to Luang Prabang. Approximate flight time is one hour and 55 minutes.
Duration: 6 hours
Stop At: Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang Province
Fly Siem Reap to Luang Prabang, departing 16:25, arriving 18:20
Welcome to LAOS. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang Airport, obtain your Laos visa, and then clear Immigration and Customs. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside a local Guide. He/she will be holding a sign with your names on it.
You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide. The crown jewel of Laos and former Lanexang, Luang Prabang, is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in South East Asia. Magical and charming, it has preserved its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness. In 1995 UNESCO voted Luang Prabang as a World Heritage City.
Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Stay tonight at the Burasari Heritage Luang Prabang (Deluxe Room)
Day 5: Discover Luang Prabang & Pak Ou Caves
Stop At: Royal Palace Museum, Haw kham Old Quarter, Luang Prabang 0600 Laos
After breakfast, you’ll head out with your guide and spend the morning learn about the town’s UNESCO World Heritage status and its history while exploring its beautifully preserved Buddhist temples, as well as Lanna, Thai and French colonial fusion architecture. Meander through charming alleyways draped in flowers, discuss Buddhism with temple monks and soak up the serene ambiance. Visit the former Royal Palace, now the Royal Palace Museum, where the Lao royal family lived until 1975, was built in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong and is now a museum that makes a good starting point on any tour of Luang Prabang. Combining elements of traditional Lao architecture with French influences, the building houses some unique Buddhas, including a large golden Buddha gifted by a Khmer king in the 14th century, and busts of the Lao royal family.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Wat Xiengthong, Khem Khong Old Quarter, Luang Prabang 0600 Laos
Next, continue to visit Wat Xieng Thong, considered the most beautiful temple. The sim of the Wat represents the classic Luang Prabang temple architecture with roofs that sweep low to the ground. In the compound stand several small chapels housing bronze Buddha images, which were displayed in Paris in 1911. Near the East gate stands the Royal Funeral Chapel. Inside are an impressive 12-metre high funeral chariot and various funeral urns of the Royal Family. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts a semi-erotic episode from Ramayana. Also look out for the “tree of life” montage on the rear temple wall.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, Luang Prabang Laos
Then, continue to visit Wat Mai, built in 1796 and famous for the five-tiered roof of its wooden sim built in the standard of Luang Prabang style. Stroll through the old quarter to discover the daily lifestyle of townspeople.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, Ban Khamyong, Luang Prabang 06000 Laos
Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre is a museum with permanent and temporary exhibitions about the diverse ethnic groups of Laos. Permanent Exhibitions highlight the Akha, Kmhmu, Tai Dam, and Hmong ethnic minorities. Interactive and immersive, Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre newest special exhibition, “Voices of the Wind: Traditional Instruments in Laos” features wind instruments and their role in communication, ritual, and courtship. Through recreations of a Hmong instrument-maker’s workshop, a Tai Dam healing ceremony, and interactive video kiosks, visitors can enter a world rarely seen by the general public. The adjacent Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre Museum Shop features fair trade handicrafts from 12 provinces of Laos supporting over 600 ethnic artisans from all over Laos.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Pak Ou Caves, Near Pak Ou the Tham Ting Near the Village of Ban Pak Ou – Mekong River, Ban Pak-Ou 0603 Laos
After lunch this afternoon you will be taken to the local pier to board a private traditional boat for the journey upstream on the Mekong River to visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves. After around an hour cruising up the Mekong, disembark your boat at the village of Ban Muangkeo where you can get a glimpse of daily life in rural Laos. From here set off on foot for the revered religious site of Pak Ou, two caves set in a limestone cliff facing the Mekong River crammed with thousands Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. After your visit to the caves return to Luang Prabang by boat, stopping off at Ban Nongxai artisans village en route. Return to your hotel in Luang Prabang for an evening spent at as you please.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Stay tonight at the Burasari Heritage Luang Prabang (Deluxe Room)
Day 6: Alms in Luang Prabang & local rural life
Stop At: Alms Giving Ceremony, Th Sisavangvong (main road to town) Old Quarter, Luang Prabang 0600 Laos
Early risers will have a chance to witness a moving ritual as long lines of barefoot monks walk silently along the streets on their morning alms rounds. The giving of alms represents a symbiotic exchange in which rice sustains the monks’ bodies, and the monks’ prayers nourish the spirit of those giving the rice. In late childhood, nearly all Laotian boys spend time as a monkhood, living in a monastery and studying Buddhism. Please note this is an ancient, sacred ritual to be observed at a respectful distance and in silence. Walking back to the hotel, wander through the colorful vegetable and fruit market before reconvening for breakfast.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: The Living Land Farm, Khuangsi Water Fall Road Ban Phong Van Village, Luang Prabang 0600 Laos
Spend the morning on a community based living rice farm in the countryside, surrounded by mountains and rice paddies. You’ll have an opportunity to experience the life of local rice farmers and try your hand at some of their daily activities, or view them from the comfort of a traditional Lao rice house balcony, surrounded by rice terraces and an organic vegetable farm. There will also be time to visit local handicraft workshops featuring crafts including bamboo weaving, blacksmithing, and sugar cane processing, and a tour of an organic garden offers insights on how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang 06000 Laos
Return to town for lunch, then visit Kuang Si Waterfalls, stopping at a Hmong and a Khmu Village en route. Most of these villagers are farmers and fishermen and still employ centuries-old methods. Our visit allows insight into the daily life and culture of rural Laos. At the waterfalls, enjoy a walk to the many-tiered natural bathing pools and take a dip, if you like. On the way back to town, stop in at a project focusing on the rehabilitation and conservation of Asian bears. Return to your hotel in Luang Prabang for an evening spent at as you please.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Stay tonight at the Burasari Heritage Luang Prabang (Deluxe Room)
Day 7: Depart Luang Prabang
Stop At: Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang Province
Tour ends: Luang Prabang. A transfer from Burasari Heritage Luang Prabang to Luang Prabang International Airport is included. Please allow 3 hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
