Laos and Cambodia 15-day tour: Everything you need to know

Laos and Cambodia are two fascinating destinations in Southeast Asia, each offering a distinct atmosphere, deep-rooted traditions and remarkable landmarks. With a Laos and Cambodia 15-day tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore ancient temples, peaceful towns, scenic rivers and taste local cuisine while enjoying the laid-back charm of both countries.

Let Hanoi Voyages craft a personalized itinerary that connects the most rewarding stops and ensures a thoughtfully planned journey filled with authentic experiences and lasting memories.

Why choose a combined Laos-Cambodia tour?

A Laos and Cambodia 15-day tour provides a perfect balance of scenic landscapes, cultural exploration and ancient architecture.

• Laos is renowned for its serene environment and Buddhist temples, where you can experience the peaceful rhythm of life along the Mekong River.

• In contrast, Cambodia’s allure lies in its awe-inspiring ancient sites, particularly the temples of Angkor, where visitors can witness the remnants of a once-glorious empire.

By combining these two countries into one trip, travelers get the best of both worlds: a glimpse into a laid-back lifestyle and a journey through historical wonders. The Laos and Cambodia itinerary will guide you through the highlights of both countries, ensuring you have a comprehensive travel experience that covers the best destinations.

Best time for a combined Laos-Cambodia trip

Laos and Cambodia can be visited year-round, but the ideal time for a combined trip is from November to April, when both countries are in their dry season. During this period, the weather is more stable - warm days, lower humidity and less rain - suitable for outdoor travel.

• In Laos, the north (Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Vang Vieng) is cooler between November and February, with daytime temperatures around 20–25°C. The south (like Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau) is warmer but still dry and comfortable.

• In Cambodia, this is the peak travel season. Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Tonle Sap Lake enjoy sunny days and manageable heat, especially between December and February.

The rainy season, May to October, brings higher humidity and regular afternoon showers. However, the countryside is greener, tourist sites are less crowded and prices are often lower.

The best itinerary for Laos and Cambodia 15-day tour

A Laos and Cambodia 15-day itinerary offers a well-rounded experience by focusing on the distinct attractions and landscapes of both countries. The first half of your trip immerses you in the peaceful environment of Laos, while the second half introduces the rich historical sites of Cambodia. Below is a breakdown of each phase of the tour, providing a comprehensive guide to the must-see destinations and experiences.

Day 1-7: Visit Laos - Land of serene landscapes and riverside life

Laos is the perfect destination to begin your Laos and Cambodia 15-day tour, where ancient capitals, lush waterfalls and traditional villages reveal the country’s tranquil charm. From the relaxed streets of Vientiane to the spiritual heart of Luang Prabang and the wild beauty of the 4000 Islands, each stop showcases a slower pace of life and deep-rooted traditions.

Day 1: Vientiane - arrival Meet your local guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel Free time to rest or explore nearby areas
	Day 2: Vientiane – Luang Prabang Transfer to the station for a daytime express train to Luang Prabang Visit the National Museum, once the Royal Palace, with royal family artifacts Explore Vat Xieng Thong, a landmark Buddhist temple with classic architecture Learn about Laos’ ethnic cultures at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre Climb Mount Phousi for sunset views over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River
Day 3: Luang Prabang Watch the alms-giving ceremony as monks in saffron robes collect food at dawn Visit That Makmo stupa and Vat Aham, dedicated to ancestral spirits Stop by Ock Pop Tok Textile Centre and learn about traditional silk production In the evening, board the Nava Mekong boat for a dinner cruise with folk dances
	Day 4: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall – Ethnic minority villages Visit Ban Long Lao village to experience rural Hmong life Stop by ethnic minority villages: H’mong (Ban Thinkeo), Khmu (Ban Thapaene) Explore Ban Xang Khong, known for traditional Saa paper crafts Swim at Kuang Si Waterfall, surrounded by dense jungle and turquoise pools
Day 5: Luang Prabang – Pakse (by flight) Morning flight to Pakse and meet your guide on arrival Drive to Bolaven Plateau, an area known for coffee and spice plantations Visit local villages with stilt houses made of wood and bamboo See the Tad Lo and Tad Fan waterfalls, surrounded by forested cliffs
	Day 6: Pakse – Khong Island Visit Wat Phou, a 9th-century Khmer temple and UNESCO World Heritage site Explore the archaeological site and its museum Continue to Khong Island, the largest island in southern Laos Travel through the 4,000 Islands area, where the Mekong widens dramatically
Day 7: Khong Island – Khone Island Visit Ban Khong village and Wat Keo Phouang guarded by Naga statues Browse the local market to see palm sugar products Take a motor canoe through the 4,000 Islands to reach Khone Island See Li Phi Falls and Phapheng Falls, the largest in Southeast Asia Look for freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins in their natural habitat

Day 8-15: Visit Cambodia - Land of ancient wonders and living traditions

Your journey continues in Cambodia, a place where age-old temples, quiet villages and warm smiles are part of everyday life. From wandering through jungle-covered ruins to cruising past floating houses, this leg of the trip is all about taking in the country’s charm, history and everyday rhythm at your own pace.

	Day 8: Khone Island – Siem Reap Return to Pakse airport for a flight to Siem Reap Free time to explore the city
Day 9: Siem Reap – A UNESCO Angkor Site Visit Angkor Thom: South Gate, Bayon Temple, Baphuon Explore the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King Discover Ta Prohm, a monastery overtaken by jungle roots See Angkor Wat, the most iconic temple dedicated to Vishnu Watch the sunset from Phnom Bakheng hilltop
	Day 10: Siem Reap – Surrounding temples Head to Kbal Spean, also known as “The River of a Thousand Lingas” Explore Phnom Kulen, Cambodia’s sacred mountain Visit Banteay Srei, a pink sandstone temple dedicated to Shiva Discover Banteay Samre, a well-preserved 12th-century Hindu temple
Day 11: Siem Reap – Roluos Group Visit Preah Ko, Lolei and Bakong Temples of the Roluos Group Explore Preah Khan Monastery, a Buddhist site meaning “Sacred Sword” Visit Neak Pean and Ta Som, both built under King Jayavarman VII See the Baray reservoir and Eastern Mebon Temple with Hindu sculptures End the day with sunset at Pre Rup, a former funerary temple
	Day 12: Siem Reap – Battambang Cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to explore Kampong Khleang fishing villages Board a traditional boat for a cruise to Battambang Pass through Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve, home to migratory birds Visit the ancient temple of Vat Ek Phnom before reaching Battambang Walk through Prahoc market to see traditional Khmer fish paste
Day 13: Battambang Visit Phnom Sampeu, a site of tragic history and scenic views Ride the unique bamboo train through the countryside Explore Battambang’s markets, colonial streets and artisanal villages Tour the provincial museum and the riverside Wat Slaket pagoda Visit the 10th-century Wat Ek Phnom temple
	Day 14: Battambang – Phnom Penh Drive through rice-growing regions to Kampong Chhnang Stop in Pursat, a town known for marble sculptures Take a boat ride to the floating village of Kampong Luong Visit pottery villages near Kampong Chhnang Stop at the royal hilltop city of Oudong with its three stupas Arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital
Day 15: Phnom Penh – Departure Free time at your leisure Transfer to the airport for your departure flight

✈️ For more details: Laos Cambodia tour 15 days

❗ If you’re looking for other itineraries, these additional Laos-Cambodia tours offer more in-depth cultural experiences, leisurely exploration and time to uncover hidden gems. Whether you have one or two weeks, these tours provide a perfect blend of heritage, nature and authentic local life across both countries

Laos Cambodia tour 10 days Deep exploration of Luang Prabang and the temples of Angkor, including Tonle Sap Lake	Laos Cambodia tour 20 days From Chiang Rai to the Angkor temples in Cambodia, ending with a beach stay	Combined Cambodia Laos 18 days Discovering the essentials of 2 countries: Siem Reap - the jewels of ANGKOR and panorama of Laos

Must-try local dishes across Laos & Cambodia

Exploring Laos and Cambodia is not just about ancient temples and natural landscapes. Food plays an essential role in understanding local life. Here are some typical dishes you should try during your 15-day journey:

Useful tips for the 15-day itinerary in Laos and Cambodia

Traveling across two countries in 15 days in Laos and Cambodia requires some preparation. Here are a few practical tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Visa requirements

Both Laos and Cambodia require visas for most visitors. You can obtain a visa on arrival in both countries, or apply for an e-visa before your trip. It’s a good idea to check the latest visa information before you travel to ensure you have the proper documents.

Currency exchange and withdrawals

In Cambodia, US dollars are widely accepted, so it’s easy to use USD for most transactions. In Laos, the local currency is the kip, but US dollars are also commonly used in tourist areas. ATMs are available in most cities, but be aware of withdrawal fees and always carry some local currency, especially when traveling to smaller towns.

SIM card and Internet access

SIM cards for both Laos and Cambodia are easy to obtain and internet access is generally good in urban areas. You can buy a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport or in local shops. This will give you data for navigation, communication and staying connected.

How to travel around these countries?

In both Laos and Cambodia, you can get around by buses, tuk-tuks, or flights for longer distances. For example, buses are a common way to travel between cities in Laos, while tuk-tuks are great for short distances within towns. For longer journeys, especially in Cambodia, domestic flights are available between major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

A Laos and Cambodia 15-day tour is a well-paced journey through ancient landmarks, riverside towns and local communities. Each destination offers its own rhythm, from quiet mornings among centuries-old temples to lively markets filled with regional dishes. The itinerary is designed for travelers looking to connect with everyday life and traditions in both countries.

Interested in planning your own route through Laos and Cambodia? Get in touch with us and start building your journey today!