You can count on Joymark Travel as your verified and trusted partner across Southeast Asia. Let our credentials speak and our actions prove it

Latest Posts

    Sorry, no posts matched your criteria.

sales@joymarktravel.com

  • No products in the cart.
Top
Image Alt

Laos & Cambodia

A 20-day cultural expedition across Laos and Cambodia — ancient kingdoms, river life, hill-tribe cultures, waterfalls, mysterious archaeological sites, sacred temples, colonial histories, and the awe-inspiring Angkor civilization.

Laos & Cambodia

$0 per person
20 Days
term-custom-icon Indochina Tours

Discover the enchanting blend of culture, history, and nature in Laos and Cambodia on this 20-day journey. Begin in Vientiane, Laos’ laid-back capital rich in colonial charm and spiritual heritage. Explore the mysterious Plain of Jars, verdant hill tribes, and peaceful riverside towns. Cruise the Mekong River through remote islands and waterfalls, visit ancient Khmer ruins in Champasak, and cross into Cambodia to experience the Mekong dolphin sanctuary and vibrant rural life. The itinerary culminates with immersive visits to Phnom Penh’s historic sites and the awe-inspiring Angkor temple complexes of Siem Reap. Along the way, encounter diverse ethnic cultures, UNESCO World Heritage sites, bustling markets, and delicious local cuisine for an authentic Southeast Asian experience.

Highlights:

  • Explore Vientiane’s iconic temples including Wat Sisaket, Wat Phra Kaew, and the symbolic Phra That Luang
  • Discover the archaeological mystery of the Plain of Jars and visit hill tribe villages in Xiengkhouang and Sam Nua
  • Cruise the scenic Nam Ou River from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang and visit the sacred Pak Ou caves
  • Experience Luang Prabang’s spiritual morning alms-giving ritual, Royal Palace, and stunning waterfalls at Khouangsi
  • Visit the Bolaven Plateau’s dramatic waterfalls and lush plantations, plus the ancient Khmer temple ruins at Wat Phu
  • Explore the peaceful Mekong islands of Don Khong and Khone, with colonial relics and rare freshwater dolphins
  • Cross into Cambodia to visit Kratie’s dolphin watching sites and cycle rural trails on Koh Trong Island
  • Tour Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Killing Fields
  • Immerse in the wonders of Angkor with visits to Preah Ko, Bakong, Ta Prohm, Bayon, Angkor Wat, and more
  • Enjoy leisure time to explore Siem Reap’s markets, cuisine, and cultural offerings

Excerpt:

Discover Laos & Cambodia in 20 days: Vientiane, Plain of Jars, Sam Nua, Vieng Xai caves, Nong Khiaw, Luang Prabang, Pak Ou, Khouangsi, Bolaven Plateau, Wat Phu, Si Phan Don, Kratie dolphins, Koh Trong, Kompong Cham, Phnom Penh, and the full Angkor temple circuit.

0 Reviews
  • Departure/Return Location
    Vientiane (start) – Siem Reap (finish)
  • Departure Time
    Flexible, depending on your flight schedule
  • Return Time
    Flexible, depending on your flight schedule

Tour Plan

1
Day 1: Arrival in Vientiane (D)
You will be met and transferred to hotel upon arrival in Vientiane. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Soviet and American influences. Evening, we head out to a local restaurant for our first taste of Laos cuisine.
2
Day 2: Vientiane (B)
Today we’ll be exploring some of the highlights of Vientiane. First, visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city, and home to thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Next, visit Wat Phra Kaew, the former royal temple that housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image, and Phra That Luang, which represents a lotus bud and is used as a symbol of the Lao nation. We will also visit Patousay, Vientiane’s very own Arc of Triumph. Get the feel of true local life with a visit to Talad Sao, the Central Market of Vientiane. Afternoon, we visit one of Laos’s slightly stranger attractions – the Buddha Park. Built in 1958 this riverside park is the site of a large collection of Buddhist and Hindu Sculptures. En route, take a look at the impressive Friendship Bridge and the National Cultural Park.    NOTE: Instead of the Buddha Park, a visit to (1) the weaving village of Ban Nong Buathong (2) the forest temple Wat Sok Pa Luang can be arranged 
3
Day 3: Vientiane-Xiengkhouang (B)
Take a flight to Xiengkhouang and visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. Continue to the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people. They have an interesting culture and a colorful history.
4
Day 4: Xieng Khouang – Sam Nua (B)
A long drive today along some fairly rough roads, marked by stops at nearby villages and breathtaking scenery. In Hintang we visit the mysterious standing stones of Menhirs. No one is quite sure who built them or why, perhaps burial sites or markers of some sort. We’ll stay overnight in the scenic hidden valley of Sam Nua on the banks of the Nam Sam River early evening.
5
Day 5: Sam Nua (B)
This morning we explore a number of local villages then continue onto Vieng Xai with its verdant hills and striking limestone cliffs riddles with caves. Many of these caves were used to shelter communist Pathet Laos officers during the "Secret Indochina War" from 1964-1973. A dozen out of 102 caves in the district were converted into meeting, dining and recreation room and even a small hospital. These fascinating caves have only been open to the public in recent years and reveals a lot about Laos little know history.
6
Day 6: Sam Nua- Nong Khiaw (B, L)
Today we start early for the long drive to Nong Khiaw. We shall have an opportunity to visit some interesting villages along the way before reaching the picturesque town of Nong Khiaw on the banks of the Nam Ou River.
7
Day 7: Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang (B, L)
Today we journey by boat cruising down the Nam Ou River, enjoying the lush green forests and breathtaking limestone karst scenery. A stop along the way to visit the mysterious caves of Pak Ou, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. Continuing by boat we arrive in the afternoon to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. After refreshment we’ll climb the temple-topped hill of Mount Phousi and catch a lovely view over the town and the Mekong River. We also explore the colorful Night Market to top off a day’s touring.
8
Day 8: Luang Prabang (B)
An early start provides a fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms from the faithful residents. We then immerse ourselves in the bustle of Phousi market which sells exotic produces like dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Following breakfast back at hotel we’ll visit the former Royal Palace, now a National Museum, to see ornate, gilded and brocaded reception rooms, as well as artifacts including the Prabang, a large holy image given in the 14th century by the Khmers to King Fa Ngum. Next we’ll tour the city's outstanding temples, including the old-aged Wat Sene, the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its remarkable roofs sweeping low to the ground, Wat Visoun, Wat Mai, and Wat Aham.
9
Day 9: Luang Prabang (B)
This morning we travel out of town to Khouangsi Waterfall where we can take a dip in its inviting limestone pools. On the way, we visit Phousi Market to see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Explore the villages of Ban Ouay, Ban Ou and Ban Thapene, Ban Xangkhong before returning to the city for overnight.
10
Day 10: Luang Prabang- Pakse-Tadlo (B)
This morning we fly to Pakse- the capital of the southern province of Champasak and continue overland to Tadlo in the Boloven Plateau. The plateau is known for its fine temperature, lush forests, criss-crossing rivers, and a series of spectacular surging waterfalls. We’ll pass many lush plantations, hills, forests and villages, stopping over at some villages of the Kato, admiring the twin waterfalls of Tad Fan plummeting into a deep gorge surrounded by flourishing vegetation.
11
Day 11: Tadlo - Wat Phu – Don Khong (B)
We further explore the lush vegetation of Tadlo before driving back to Pakse and turn to the former royal capital of Champasak, our base for exploring the ruins of Wat Phu- one of Southeast Asia's most dramatically situated temples. Perched on Mount Phu Kao and dated back to the 9th century, the remains of the Khmer Wat Phu is one of the most important pre-Angkorian sites, thus recognized by UNESCO a World Heritage in 2001. Continue by motorboat to Don Khong Island, the largest island in the South Mekong river region, the land of the 4000 islands.
12
Day 12: Don Khong – Khone Island (B)
We embark on a long tail boat and venture into the widest reach of the Mekong River and explore the local peaceful villages of Ban Khone with its relics from the French colonial era including the remnants of the first Lao railway with its locomotive. Next we continue to Liphi waterfall, also called the "Corridor of the Devil". Liphi is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Laos marking the end of the Lao border to Cambodia, where the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin lives.
13
Day 13: Done Khong Island- Kratie, Cambodia (B)
We travel by boat to Ban Nakasung and then by car to the Lao – Cambodia border, visiting the breathtaking Khone Phapheng, the Niagara of the East. Bid farewell to Laos and cross Veukham/Dong Kalor border gate to enter Cambodia. Transfer to Kratie for overnight.
14
Day 14: Kratie –Kampi – Koh Trong (B)
Follow the Dolphin Discovery Trail and ride along the sealed road towards Kampi town passing spectacular river scenery and panoramic Sambok Mountain views. Buy sticky rice (Krolan) at Thmor Kreae. Jump on a local boat to catch glimpses of Mekong River Dolphins. If you're very lucky you may spot a dolphin tail. They spend the dry season in deep pool refuges north of Kratie. Jump on a boat that will take you closer to these shy, sensitive mammals. Back in Kraties hire a bicycle and ride on a relaxing and shady trail (9km circuit) through rural life to Koh Trong Island. Take a local ferry from Kratie waterfront. After arriving at Koh Trong cross the sand and turn north onto dirt road. Continue round island and take the southern spur to the floating village enjoying friendly people, tropical fruits and vegetable corps on the way. Return to ferry landing. The narrow roads are perfectly designed for cycling with plenty of shade while simultaneously allowing visitors to pass close to people's homes without intruding too much on their privacy. This allows visitors a more in-depth look into the lives of the local people of Koh Trong. Although some villagers are shy, plenty of children and even adults will offer friendly smiles and "hellos" welcoming tourists to their island home. Renowned throughout the region for its pomelos (a type of citrus fruit), Koh Trong is a self-sustaining community that produces a variety of fruits and agricultural products such as rice, soy beans, milk fruit, coconuts and a range of vegetables for sale in the town of Kratie. Outgoing and patient visitors are often rewarded with the opportunity to share in the eating local fruits or garden produce with the village people. Koh Trong is surrounded by white sandy beaches which are easily accessible from the boat landing and main trail and are a good option for relaxing and enjoying a refreshing swim.
15
Day 15: Kratie to Phnom Penh (B)
Transfer from Krati to Phnom Penh via Kompong Cham (124 km - 2hrs drive on a good road) and have a brief tour of Kompong Cham to view examples of colonial architecture, including Wat Nokor, Silk-waving village. Pass the Mekong River by Kizuna Bridge to visit Chhup, a rubber plantation in the region established by the French tire maker, Michelin. After lunch in Kampong Cham, continue to Phnom Penh
16
Day 16: Phnom Penh (B)
We spend the whole of today visiting the outstanding sites of Cambodia’s capital city such as the opulent Royal Palace, the dazzling Silver Pagoda, the colourful National Museum, the bustling Russian Market, the sacred Wat Phnom, the horrific Genocidal museum “Tuol Sleng’ (S21) and the Killing Field “Cheung Ek”. Top off the day with a walk along the Sisowath Boulevard to absorb the peace from the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers.
17
Day 17: Phnom Penh-Siem Reap (B, L)
This morning we fly to Siem Reap and visit Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei. Here we learn about the Angkor history from 800 AD to 900 AD. After the Rolous Group, we visit Phnom Bakheng to enjoy a sunset at this amazing hilltop temple – the first major temple of its kind to be constructed in this area (893AD).
18
Day 18: Siem Reap (B)
We continue our chronological visit to the temple complexes this morning with "Angkor Civilization under Threat – 1150 to 1200 AD". Following a stop at the visitors centre to learn of the recent reconstruction and preservation projects, our sightseeing takes in one of the region’s most fascinating ruins – Ta Prohm. This is a ruin that was once totally enshrouded by jungle, and still stands in the shade of tall jungle cover. After Ta Prohm we explore Banteay Kdei and the neighboring lake of Sras Srang – "The King’s Bath". Following a short rest at our hotel, we take in the final component of our program - the Angkor Civilization – 1200 to 1250 AD. We begin at the distant Ta Som and Neak Pean, before entering the walls of Angkor Thom from the northern gate to visit Bayon and the Terrace of the Elephant. A number of other sites will also be visited in Angkor Thom from earlier periods in Angkorian history, such as Baphuon (1060 AD) and Phimeanakas (950– 1050 AD).
19
Day 19: Siem Reap (B)
This morning we undertake further exploration of the temple complex, visiting any temple to your interest. Rest of the day will be totally free for you to see the city center, tasting local delicacies, and browsing markets for souvenirs.
20
Day 20: Departure (B)
Free until transfer to the airport for departure flight

Tour Location

Vientiane – Xieng Khouang – Sam Nua – Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang – Pakse – Bolaven Plateau – Wat Phu – Don Khong – Kratie – Kompong Cham – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Angkor Complex

The Laos & Cambodia – 20 Days itinerary is a deep cultural journey through archaeological wonders, natural landscapes, Mekong life, hill-tribe villages, ancient Khmer heritage, and the monumental temples of Angkor.

LAOS

Vientiane

• Wat Sisaket – 6,000 Buddha statues
• Wat Phra Kaew – former home of Emerald Buddha
• That Luang – national symbol
• Patuxay Monument
• Talad Sao Market
• Optional: Ban Nong Buathong weaving village or Wat Sok Pa Luang forest temple
• Buddha Park – riverbank sculptures

Xieng Khouang → Sam Nua

• Flight to Xieng Khouang
• Plain of Jars archaeological site
• Muang Khoun ancient capital
• Hmong & Tai Dam villages
• Scenic drive to Sam Nua
• Hintang Menhir Standing Stones
• Vieng Xai Caves — wartime underground city

Nong Khiaw → Luang Prabang

• Drive through remote mountains
• Nam Ou River cruise
• Pak Ou Caves with thousands of Buddha statues
• Mount Phousi sunset
• Night Market

Luang Prabang (2 full days)

• Morning alms-giving ritual
• Phousi Market
• Royal Palace Museum
• Temples: Wat Sene, Wat Aham, Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Visoun, Wat Mai
• Khouangsi Waterfall & ethnic villages (Ban Ouay, Ban Ou, Ban Thapene)
• Handicraft villages Ban Xangkhong & Ban Xienglek

Pakse → Tadlo (Bolaven Plateau)

• Waterfalls: Tad Lo, Tad Fane
• Coffee & tea plantations
• Kato ethnic villages

Tadlo → Wat Phu → Don Khong

• UNESCO: Wat Phu (pre-Angkorian Khmer temple)
• Boat to Don Khong – largest island of Si Phan Don

Don Khong → Khone Island

• Longtail boat across Mekong
• Ban Khone colonial railway relics
• Liphi Waterfall (“Corridor of the Devil”)
• Irrawaddy dolphin habitat

Don Khong → Cambodia

CAMBODIA

Kratie → Kampi → Koh Trong

• Mekong Dolphin Discovery Trail
• Sticky rice village Thmor Kreae
• Boat to observe Irrawaddy dolphins
• Cycling around Koh Trong Island (9km loop)
• Fruit farms, floating village, white sand river beaches

Kratie → Kompong Cham → Phnom Penh

• Colonial architecture in Kompong Cham
• Wat Nokor
• Silk-weaving village
• French-era rubber plantation Chhup (Michelin)
• Arrival Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh (Full Day)

• Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
• National Museum
• Russian Market
• Wat Phnom
• Tuol Sleng (S21)
• Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
• Sisowath Quay riverside walk

Phnom Penh → Siem Reap

• Flight to Siem Reap
• Roluos Group temples: Preah Ko, Bakong, Lolei
• Phnom Bakheng sunset

Siem Reap – Comprehensive Angkor Circuit

Day 18:
• Visitor center
• Ta Prohm
• Banteay Kdei
• Sras Srang
• Ta Som
• Neak Pean
• North Gate Angkor Thom → Bayon → Terrace of Elephants
• Baphuon & Phimeanakas

Day 19:
• Optional: Explore any Angkor temples of interest
• Free afternoon for markets, cuisine, spa, or cultural shows

0.0

Overall 0

Meals 0

Accommodation 0

Transport 0

Destination 0

Value for Money 0

Post a Comment

We are available around the clock to ensure that every aspect
of your trip meets – and exceeds – your expectations

Latest Posts

 

    Sorry, no posts matched your criteria.

Office Addresses

 

2025 JoyMark Travel©All Rights Reserved
2025 JoyMark Travel©All Rights Reserved
ENVI
You don't have permission to register