Gems Of Indochina

ITINERARY DETAILS

day 1Arrive in Siem Reap where you will be met by your expert ABOUTAsia guide and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy your first taste of Angkor with a visit to Banteay Kdei temple followed by sunset drinks on the moat of Angkor Thom, a world away from the tourist crowds.

day 2A single, magical day at the temples following our well researched crowd avoidance itinerary, including Ta Prohm of ‘Tomb Raider’ fame, Angkor Thom: Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, Preah Palilay, Phimeanakas, Baphuon, and the Bayon with its captivating stone faces. During your tour enjoy a wonderful tuk tuk breakfast in the secluded forest temple of Ta Nei. (B)

day 3Journey to Phnom Kulen, the sacred ‘Mountain of Lychees’ venerated by Cambodians as the birthplace of the Angkor Empire. Visit the Linga River and large reclining Buddha and cool off in the refreshing waterfall. On the way back to Siem Reap, head into the countryside to jungle-clad Beng Mealea temple which, in a much collapsed state, retains a very atmospheric feel. (B)

day 4Motor through the darkness of pre-dawn to see the sunrise over Angkor Wat as we guide you to the best photo vantage points. Explore the temple in the hours immediately after sunrise when the temple is at its quietest. This afternoon take a journey of discovery by boat, ox-cart and on foot to visit villages little changed since the days of Jayavarman VII. End the day with a cocktail at ABOUTAsia’s country villa overlooking the paddy fields with the option of adding on dinner. (B)

day 5Take a private boat onto the Tonle Sap lake, the richest freshwater fishing ground in the world, to visit one of the authentic stilted villages (either Kompong Kleang or Kompong Phluk depending on water levels). A picnic lunch is included. This afternoon transfer to the airport for the short flight to Luang Prabang. (B, L)

day 6Rise early this morning to witness one of the most magical scenes of Southeast Asia: the daily ritual of alms collection by monks. After breakfast explore the UNESCO city center of Luang Prabang including the former Royal Palace (now a museum), Wat Mai, Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Visoun. Take a tour of the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Museum with one of its directors to understand the diverse ethnic makeup of Laos. End the day by climbing the 300 steps to the top of Mount Phousi to see the sunset. (B)

day 7Encounter the Asian Elephant today on the banks of the Nam Khan river. A completely non-riding elephant experience, today is an interactive and memorable day.

Enjoy an easy 2-hour trek through quintessential Lao countryside, and up a small creek, scrubbing the elephants down using natural materials found in the jungle. Walking alongside the animals, you will pass through jungle and rivers, and sense their pure joy at being in the water. Your guide will explain new handling techniques that the sanctuary hope will be adopted throughout the region. After the walk, relax on the balcony with lunch, and enjoy the view over the river and hills before your short journey back to Luang Prabang. (B, L)

day 8Cruise upriver for a full day exploring the mighty Mekong. Visit the Pak Ou caves at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. Explore the shrines carved into the cliff face before crossing to the opposite bank for lunch. Return by road to Luang Prabang stopping at local villages on the way to see how rice whisky (Lao-Lao), hand woven textiles and Jute Sar paper are made. (B, L)

day 9Private transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)