Cambodia & Laos: The Temples Of Angkor & Luang Prabang

Starting at $7,499 USD per guest

6 days, 5 nights

Day 1: Welcome to Laos! Upon arrival in the capital city of Vientiane, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check in. Spend some time relaxing and freshening up before dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Hotel: Settha Palace Hotel or similar
 

Day 2: Join your guide for a morning tour of Vientiane. First up: Patuxai (Patuxay), a massive arch monument honoring Laotian soldiers lost during World War II and the country’s War of independence from France in 1949. Known as Vientiane’s Arc de Triumph, Patuxai offers panoramic city views from its top-floor platform. Get a peek at the gold leaf-covered Wat That Luang, the “Great Stupa” — believed to contain the Buddha’s breastbone — and stop by the COPE Visitor Centre, a physical therapy center that helps survivors of UXO (unexploded ordnance or weapons) and others with disabilities regain their mobility.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting two of Vientiane’s most important Buddhist sites. Completed in 1824, Wat Sisaket was the only temple left standing in the capital city after the Siamese army invaded a few years later; it is home to nearly 7,000 Buddha statues, as well as Jataka murals that depict stories of the Buddha's past lives. Wat Prakeo (also known as Haw Phra Keo or Haw Phra Kaew) was built in the 16th century to house the revered Emerald Buddha that now sits in Bangkok; today it displays ancient Khmer stone carvings, a gilded throne, and other Laos treasures. Afterward, head to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang; upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Relax and freshen up before dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Hotel: Victoria Xiengthong Palace or similar
 

Day 3: Set at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers with a lush mountain backdrop, Luang Prabang has long been considered the heart of Laotian culture. The Old Town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its distinctive blend of colonial buildings and traditional Laotian architecture. Early risers can watch the fascinating Alms Giving Ceremony, a daily ritual when hundreds of saffron-clad monks walk single-file through Luang Prabang at sunrise to collect their food offerings. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your full-day tour, beginning at Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham or simply Wat Mai (“New Temple”), the city’s largest Buddhist temple. Dating from the late 18th century, Wat Mai is renowned for its stunning gilded relief carvings that depict scenes from the Sanskrit epic, Ramayana. Then explore the National Museum, Laos’ former royal palace. Built in 1904 and featuring a blend of Laotian and French colonial architecture, the compound includes the monarchy’s living quarters and displays a collection of crystal Buddha images and other important religious artifacts, along with traditional Lao instruments and dance masks.

Laos is home to more than 50 ethnic groups and 160 ethnic subgroups, the majority of whom live in villages scattered about the country’s northern and central regions. At the Traditional Arts and Ethology Center, you learn about these Lao Hill Tribes while watching artisans practice their time-honoredcrafts. Visit Wat Visoun, Luang Prabang’s oldest Buddhist temple noted for its 113-foot-high Stupa of Great Lotus; as well as Wat Xieng Thong, a wonderfully ornate temple where Laotian kings were once crowned, before lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, head out into the serene countryside, passing rice paddy fields on the way to the Tat Kuang Si Waterfalls; the beautiful three-tiered cascade with its turquoise pools and lush jungle setting make this a favorite escape for locals. On your way back to the city center, stop at Wat Pha Baht Tai to watch the sunset over the Mekong River. Stroll Luang Prabang’s bustling Night Market to shop for textiles, handicrafts paper lanterns, and ceramics before dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel: Victoria Xiengthong Palace or similar
 

Day 4: In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Collect your Cambodian visa upon arrival, then head to your centrally located hotel and check in. Enjoy lunch on your own, perhaps sampling some of Siem Reap’s famous street food. Tonight’s dinner is in the hotel’s restaurant.

Hotel: Sokha Angkor Hotel or similar
 

Day 5: Set out for Angkor, capital of the ancient Khmer Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The vast Angkor Archaeological Park — which stretches for more than 150 square miles — encompasses spectacular remains from different Khmer capitals between the 9th and 15th century. The city was forgotten in 1431 and, for hundreds of years, its existence was simply a fable told by Cambodian peasants. “Rediscovered” by the West in the mid 1800s, the complex comprises hundreds of temples, including more than 70 major ones. The grandest of these — indeed, the largest religious monument in the world — is Angkor Wat, built during the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Your visit here reveals its detailed bas-reliefs and carved devatas (goddesses), as well as the symbolism behind its design meant to replicate the cosmic world on Earth.

Continue to Banteay Srei, known locally as the “Pink Temple” or “Lady Temple.” Constructed of red sandstone and exquisitely delicate in design, it is home to some of the most intricate carvings in the Angkor complex. Enjoy lunch on site before heading to Angkor Thom, the “Great City” and last capital of the Khmer Empire. King Jayavarman VII, who built most of this moated walled city in the 12th century, had renounced Hinduism for Buddhism, and the imagery found here reflects those changed beliefs. (Angkor Wat was transformed to a Buddhist temple, as well.) Angkor Thom represents the pinnacle of Khmer art and architecture, which you come to discover while admiring its 1,150-foot-long Terrace of Elephants and famous Bayon Temple, covered in thousands of giant stone faces. Also visit the jungle-draped Ta Prohm — aka, the “Tomb Raider Temple” — before returning to your hotel. Freshen up before tonight’s dinner, accompanied by a traditional Apsara dance performance.

Hotel: Sokha Angkor Hotel or similar
 

Day 6: Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight to Singapore. Upon arrival, head to the pier and embark your Seabourn ship.

Discover the fascinating history, culture and architecture of some of Laos and Cambodia’s most famous temples, including the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angor. Learn how old traditions are adapting to an evolving cultural landscape and marvel at the vibrant atmosphere of the captivating cities of Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Siem Reap.

Day 1: Singapore to Siem Reap (D)

Disembark your ship in Singapore and transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, collect your Cambodian visa and transfer to the hotel where you will have time to freshen up before dinner on site.

Overnight at Sokha Angkor Hotel or similar.

Day 2: Siem Reap (B/L/D)

After breakfast, drive to Banteay Srei to visit the Citadel of Women, home to some of the most intricate carvings in the Angkor area. Next, visit the magnificent temple of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A unique blend of spirituality and symmetry, it is the largest religious structure in the world. After lunch, visit the Angkor Thom complex to see the Terrace of Elephants and the famous Bayon Temple, whose giant stone faces have become synonymous with Khmer art and architecture. Continue to the Ta Prohm Temple, famous for its jungle atmosphere and enormous fig trees, before driving back to the hotel. Tonight, enjoy dinner accompanied by a traditional Apsara Dance show.

Overnight at Sokha Angkor Hotel or similar.

Day 3: Siem Reap to Luang Prabang (B/L/D)

After breakfast, visit the Angkor National Museum, showcasing one of the largest collections of Buddha Statues and relics ever assembled just in one gallery. Return to the hotel for check out and lunch before transferring to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, drive to your hotel for check in and enjoying dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Overnight at Victory Xiengthong Palace or similar.

Day 4: Luang Prabang (B/L/D)

After breakfast, head out for a visit of Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, the largest Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang. Next, visit the National Museum, built in 1904 during the French colonial era. At the Ethnology Art Center, learn about the Lao Hill tribes. Visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and one of the most charming temples in Laos, Wat Xieng Thong. After lunch, visit the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls. Stop at Prabath Tai to watch the sunset over the Mekong River. Stroll through the Street Night Market and admire the locally made textiles and handicrafts. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before heading to the hotel for the evening.

Overnight at Victoria Xiengthong Palace or similar.

Day 5: Luang Prabang to Vientiane (B/L/D)

As an option for early risers, you are in for a special treat. Watch one of Luang Prabang's most fascinating rituals as hundreds of orange-robed monks begin their walk at dawn to collect alms from faithful residents.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check in and lunch. Enjoy a guided tour of Vientiane starting with a visit to the Patuxay Monument, known as Vientiane's Arc de Triumph and the best place to enjoy views of the city. See Wat That Luang, one of the city’s best-known stupas and watch the sunset at Anouvong Park before returning the hotel to freshen up. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at Settha Palace Hotel or similar.

Day 6: Departure (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel. At the appropriate time, transfer to the Vientiane Airport for your homeward flight.

Please note: Participants must bring one passport size photo for Laos visa. Both Cambodia & Laos visas will be issued upon arrival at the airports. Passports should have at least 2 blank pages & be valid for at least 6 months from the dates of entering Laos & Cambodia. Participants must negotiate stairs and/or uneven surfaces and is therefore not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Modest attire is required; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered; shorts and short skirts are not allowed. Shoes and hats must be removed before you enter the temple(s). Bring along a pair of thick socks to protect your feet from the hot pavement. Wear sunglasses and sunscreen. Bring a hat.

Please note: Participants must bring 2 passport size photos for Laos & Cambodia visas that will be issued upon arrival at the airports. Passports should have at least 2 blank pages & be valid for at least 6 months from the dates of entering Laos & Cambodia. Participants must negotiate stairs and/or uneven surfaces and is therefore not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Modest attire is required; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered; shorts and short skirts are not allowed. Shoes and hats must be removed before you enter the temple(s). Bring along a pair of thick socks to protect your feet from the hot pavement. Wear sunglasses and sunscreen. Bring a hat.