Laos and Cambodia Unveiled

Fly overnight to Vientiane via Bangkok.Depending on your time of arrival the rest ofthe day is yours to start soaking up the localculture.

Nestled in a sleepy bend of the Mekong,Vientiane is a delightfully quaint city, morefriendly backwater than chaotic capital. Visitthe morning market, Wat Si Saket and WatPhra Keo, the former Royal Temple, beforeviewing That Luang Stupa and the PatuxaiVictory Monument. Also, drop in at the COPEvisitor centre.

Depart Vientiane for Vang Vieng, a town beautifully set in a spectacular karst landscape that has become Laos's adventure capital. En route, stop at Ban Keun, famous for its salt production, a keystone of the local economy.

Venture into the Tham Chang cave beforewandering through the dramatic limestonekarst 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, where you'll find a rich heritage and enduring French legacy.

Visit the exquisite Wat Visoun and Wat XiengThong. Cruise up the languid Mekong Riverto the sacred caves of Pak Ou, known for thehundreds of miniature Buddhist sculpturesthat reside within. On the return trip stop offat the villages of Thin Hong and Ban XangKhong.

Begin the day at the National Museum,housed in the former Royal Palace. Drive outof the city, stopping for a visit to Ock Pop TokWeaving Centre, before heading to the naturalsplendour of Kuang Si Waterfalls. Enjoy thevivid blue, terraced pools that tumble downthrough their forest setting, taking a dip orrelaxing by the water's edge.

Rise early this morning to witness the monksof Luang Prabang's monastic communitiescollecting alms from the locals – the ceremonyof Takbat. These lines of silent saffron robe-cladmonks will be an enduring image of yourtrip. Later this morning, climb Phousi Hill forpanoramic views over the city before taking a short flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia.

The seat of the Khmer Empire between the9th and 15th centuries, the Angkor complexincludes over 1,000 temples. Rising early,the tour begins in the heart of Angkor Thom,the old walled city - passing through its SouthGate you'll reach the enigmatic Bayon andvisit the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace ofthe Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm, anatmospheric temple left in the grips of thejungle. This afternoon is dedicated to theindescribable Angkor Wat. The best preservedof Angkor’s temples, examine the vast numberof intricate details and relish the sheermagnificence of its architecture, and enjoy a sunset cruise around the moat of Angkor Thom.

In the 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. In the Low Water Season (Mar to Jul) head to Chong Kneas floating village. Return to Siem Reap via the The SATCHA Handicraft Centre. This evening sit down to dinner and the Apsaradance show.

Admire the captivating Banteay Srei, a richly embellished Hindu Temple made of rose-coloured sandstone.

Depart Siem Reap for the rural city of Battambang, a former colonial town with a wealth of French architecture on display. Enjoy an introductory tour before an afternoon at leisure.

Battambang is set in some of the country's most beautiful landscapes. Head out of town to the 12th-century Prasat Banan Temple, returning to Battambang to stroll through the village of Wat Kor, with its collection of century-old houses.

Journey south to the city of Phnom Penh,making a stop at the 17th century capitalof Udong and Kampong Chhnang to see thetraditional handmade pottery. On arrival atPhnom Penh, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Experience a cyclo ride to the magnificentRoyal Palace and Silver Pagoda before stopping to visit the temple of Wat Phnom. Later,enjoy the exhibits of the National Museum,which are housed in a spectacular Khmer-stylebuilding, before learning about thetragedies of the recent past at the harrowingTuol 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 the UK, arriving the next day.