From Siem Reap to Ratanakiri
Duration: 18 days
Place: Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Kampong Thom - Kratie - Stung Treng - Khong Island - Khone Island - Pakse - Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang - Ratanakiri
Meals: 17 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Highlights
- Angkor, meeting the history of the City of the Gods. An incomparable jewel in the heart of a devouring jungle, in an atmosphere respectful of an admirable past
- Kampong Thom is the ideal access to return to the superb pre-Angkorian site of Sambor Prei Kuk, listed as a UNESCO heritage site in 2017
- Kampong Cham is a stopover with beautiful colonial residences which give it a very special charm
- Vang Vieng is a small town in Laos located north of Vientiane, which is surrounded by impressive limestone mountains and caves
- Vientiane - Small green capital with shady streets, brings together its peaceful colonial district, with beautiful buildings
- Luang Prabang is the city listed as a UNESCO heritage site
Itinerary
-
- Welcome by the tour guide upon your arrival at the airport. Then, transfer by private car to the hotel
- Free to explore the city
- Overnight in hotel
Meal: | Stay: La Niche D'Angkor -
Angkor Thom - Ta Prohm - Angkor Wat
- Explore the walled city of Angkor Thom, 10sq km in size
- Visit the South Gate, Bayon
- See the fascinating Buddhist monastery of Ta Prohm, invaded by the jungle over many years
- Visit the Baphuon with its splendid sculptures
- Pass through the Terrace of the Elephants
- See the Terrace of the Leper King with its beautiful carvings of gods, nagas, and dancers and the the Royal Enclosure and its small temple, Phimeanakas
- Discover and explore Angkor Wat, built in the first half of the twelfth century, and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu
- Witness the sunset, from the top of the hill of Phnom Bakheng
- Apsara Dance Show, including dinner
- Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner | Stay: La Niche D'Angkor -
Siem Reap – Roluos Group – 3 Buddhist Temples from the 12th Century
A 15 km drive from Siem Reap, you'll visit the Roluos Group, a Hindu complex dating back to the late 9th century, representing the beginnings of Khmer architecture
You will explore the three main temples dedicated to Shiva:
- Preah Ko Temple
- Lolei Temple
- Bakong Temple
The Roluos Group represents the remnants of Hariharalaya, the first major capital founded in the Angkor region
In the afternoon:
- Preah Khan Monastery, meaning "Sacred Sword" (Buddhist)
- Neak Pean Temple (Buddhist)
- Ta Som Temple (Buddhist)
These three temples were built by King Jayavarman VII, reflecting the prominence of Mahayana Buddhism during his reign
Next, visit the Baray, a large rainwater reservoir, and the Eastern Mebon Temple, built on an island in the middle of the Baray, featuring beautiful Hindu sculptures
The day concludes with a stunning sunset at the Pre Rup Temple-Mountain, a former Hindu funerary temple dedicated to Shiva, renowned for its magical colors at dusk
Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast | Stay: La Niche D'Angkor -
Kbal Spean – Banteay Srei – Banteay Samre
- Travel across the sacred Kulen mountain range to the Kbal Spean area
- Stroll through the forest to visit Kbal Spean, known as ‘The River of a Thousand Lingas’
- Visit Phnom Kulen, considered by Khmers to be on the most sacred mountain in Cambodia
- See the temple Banteay Srei, a Hindu temple dating back to the 10th century
- Visit the temple Banteay Samre, a Hindu temple dedicated in the 12th century to Vishnu Shiva
- Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast | Stay: La Niche D'Angkor -
Siem Reap - Tonle Sap - Kampong Thom: 190 km - 3h30
- Go to the fishing village of Chong Kneas
- Local boat cruise on Tonlé Sap Lake, one of the most important freshwater fish reserves
- Discovery of floating villages, straw and bamboo huts
- Explanation of traditional fishing techniques
- Arrival in Kampong Thom
- Discovery of the temples of Sambor Prei Kuk on Chenla, ancient capital from the beginning of the 7th century. Set built by King Ishanavaman period 7th and 8th century
- Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast | Stay: Sambor Village Hotel - Kampong Thom - Kampong Cham - Kratie: 315 km - 6h
- Discovery tour focusing on the colonial architecture of Kampong Cham
- Crossing rubber plantations from where latex is extracted by tapping into the trees
- Visit to the rubber factory retracing the different stages of manufacturing
- Pretty crossings of rice fields on red and fertile lands
- Discovery of large earth spiders in Skun and tasting of these large grilled spiders
- Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast | Stay: Soriya Bori Villa - Kratie is a small town near the Vietnam borde
- Continue to Prek Kampi, a natural site on the Mekong where you can see freshwater dolphins also called Irrawaddy dolphins which are a protected species
- Small boat trip in the mangrove to try to see dolphins
- Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast | Stay: Soriya Bori Villa -
Kratie - Stung Treng : 160 km - 3h
- Transfer to Stung Treng, a lively river port at the junction of the Mekong and Sesan rivers. Enjoy a half-day trekking of approximately 8 km along the Mekong River trail, through remote rural villages and forest galleries
- During lunch, you'll taste the local specialty, Nhem, made from fresh fish, garlic, chili, and salt
- Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch | Stay: Savet Guesthouse -
Stung Treng – Rattanakiri: 170 km - 3h
Depart in the morning for Banlung, the capital of Rattanakiri province, known as the "red city" due to the widespread presence of laterite. Transfer to the hotel
Take a walk to the stunning Yeak Lom volcanic lake, surrounded by pristine rainforest. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake
Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast | Stay: Terres Rouge Lodge -
Ratanakiri - Ban Lung - 4000 Islands - Khong Island: 285 km - 5h
Private car transfer with guide to Dong Kalor
At Dong Kalor: Immigration procedures to cross the Cambodian/Laotian border.
You will be greeted by your French-speaking Laotian guide and driver.
Transfer to the “4000 Islands” site, offering stunning, peaceful landscapes. The river has flooded the plain, creating numerous small islets, hence the name “4000 Islands.”
Enjoy a cycling tour to visit:
- The market
- The village of Ban Khong
- Wat Phouangkeo Temple, guarded by seven-headed naga statues
- The sugar farm
Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast | Stay: Pon Arena -
Khong island - Khone Island: 35 km - 1h
Discover the village of Ban Khong to see the Wat Keo Phouang protected by seven heads of Naga
Detour by the local market to discover the trade of palm sugar
Motor canoe trip through the region of 4,000 islands
Pursuit to Khone Island, which preserves old colonial mansions of the French period
On this island, visiting two waterfalls:
- Li Phi falls, "Phantom of the abyss"
- Phapheng the spectacular waterfalls, the largest in Southeast Asia, and on the border of Cambodia
We will offer lunch at Kingfisher Ecolodge, for a moment dream! (Lunch not included)
The day will conclude with the observation of river dolphins
Drive back on the island of Khong
Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast | Stay: Pon Arena -
Khong Island - Pakse: 145 km - 3 h
Travel towards Ban Kietngong and hike to the summit of Phou Asa Mountain, accompanied by the sounds of tropical birds along the way
Phou Asa Mountain is located above the village of Kiet Ngong and features an ancient and beautiful stone structure known as Vat Phou Asa, believed to be a temple. Surrounding it are distinctive and unique columns made of slab-like rocks, standing proudly as guardians of the temple. The summit of Phou Asa offers breathtaking views of vast areas in southern Laos
Arrive in Pakse in the late afternoon
Overnight in Hotel
Meal: Breakfast | Stay: Champassak Grand -
Paksé - Fly - Vientiane: 1h
Free time for personal activities until your transfer to the airport for the flight to Vientiane
Our guide will greet you at the airport, holding a sign with your name
Then, private car transfer to your hotel
Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast | Stay: 36Manor International Sport Hotel -
Marvel at the main attractions of the capital city such as temples and monuments:
- Vat Sisaket is the only temple in Vientiane that has not been destroyed by the Siamese in the raid of incendiary 1828
- Phrakeo Ho, the former royal chapel where was kept the Emerald Buddha, palladium of the Kingdom of Lane Xang
- Patouxay, the triumphal arch built in 1959 is a large golden stupa of That Luang, founded by King Setthathirath in 1566 and symbol of Lao sovereignty and Buddhist religion. It is supposed to contain a hair of Buddha
- Temple Wat Si Muang, the most visited temple in Vientiane, is considered the seat of the guardian spirit of the city
- Relax in the monastery of Wat Sokpaluang to assess in a quiet steam bath and massage Amidst a large park, a hut on stilts as a steam room. A large outdoor heated pot a decoction of herbs and aromatic plants and, through a pipe system, steam is circulated in the steam room
- A leisurely stroll through the "Morning Market" (covered market) filled with local handicrafts, including gold and silver jewelry
- Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast | Stay: 36Manor International Sport Hotel -
Vientiane - Vang Vieng: 130 km - 2h
Departure for Vang Vieng (2h)
The route offers breathtaking landscapes, where dense mountains contrast with plains and rice paddies
Along the way, visit the Vang Xang village, a famous archaeological site dating back to the 11th century. Arrive in the mid-afternoon at Vang Vieng, a town along the Nam Song River, dominated by towering limestone cliffs, riddled with caves, and covered in jungle and brush
Late afternoon: Take a pirogue down the Nam Song River to admire the lush nature along the banks, with a landscape reminiscent of Vietnam's terrestrial Ha Long Bay, featuring imposing rocky peaks rising in the middle of the scenery
Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast | Stay: Silver Naga -
Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang: 200 km - 6h
Journey to Luang Prabang, the best-preserved traditional town in Southeast Asia. The well-paved roads ensure a smooth ride. The landscape is a blend of steep terraced fields and mountain villages, offering plenty of photo opportunities along the way
Stop at Muang Xieng village to experience local life and learn about the daily routines of the residents
Arrive in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon
Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast | Stay: Villa Chitdara -
Luang Prabang is a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site
Uncover the ancient religious capital of Laos, and be surprised by its serenity and spirituality by tuk tuk:
- Experience unforgettable moments by attending the procession of barefoot monks, who silently collect alms, dressed in their saffron robes, as they walk the streets of the city to collect their food
- Marvel at the Wat Xieng Thong, is the center of a small religious complex, considered the most beautiful Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang because of its elegant roof down to the bunk ground and the temple of Wat Visoun, the oldest temple in Luang Prabang, it houses numerous gold statues of Buddha
- Meander through the That Makmo, stone stupa and Vat Aham, a major shrines in the city dedicated to the ancestors of Laos
- Explore the National Museum (former Royal Palace) which displays a collection of personal artifacts of the royal family and the temple of Wat Mai, Buddhist temple, the largest and most richly decorated temples of Luang Prabang was the residence of a Buddhist patriarch before 1975
- Stroll into the market before Darat to climb Mount Phousi where you will discover a panoramic view of the ancient royal capital and the Mekong River at sunset
- Then, cross the Mekong River by boat to the picturesque village of Ban Chan, a pottery village
- Visit Vat Xieng Mene, and then follow village paths and rocky trails along the Mekong towards Vat Chom Phet. Climb the stairs to this unique temple, once used as a retreat by the king to escape court pressures
- Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast | Stay: Villa Chitdara -
Free time until transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meal: Breakfast
Inclusions
Included
- All accommodation in suggested hotels
- All flights mentioned in program
- All meals as mentioned in the program
- All transfers by private car and a professional driver
- All other transportation used for travel: sampan, small boat, etc.
- A professional English – speaking guide at each stage the entire time (except during free time)
- All tours as per the designed program
- All entry fees for places you visit
- All the entertainment and shows mentioned in the program
- All program activities (cycling, bike, kayak, or others...)
Excluded
- International flights to and from your home country
- Beverages, personal expenses and other services not clearly mentioned
- Tipping guides and drivers, which are of course not mandatory, but always appreciated, are subject to your discretion
- Travel insurance of any kind that you subscribe to personally
- Any free time services: including car and driver, tour guide, lunch and dinner
BOOKING POLICY
- A deposit of 20% of the total amount of the quote per person. The balance to be paid on the first day of arrival in the country.
- As soon as HANOI VOYAGES has collected your deposit, within 10 days, you will receive our confirmation of your travel reservations, by email.
- If the cancellation occurs between 59 and 45 days before the start of the trip, 50% of the deposit is kept by HANOI VOYAGES.
- If the cancellation occurs between 44 and 21 days before the start of the trip, 70% of the deposit is retained by HANOI VOYAGES.
- If the cancellation occurs between 20 and 8 days before the start of the trip, 90% of the deposit
- If the cancellation occurs less than 8 days before the start of the trip, the deposit is retained totally.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hanoi Voyages offers a complete and varied range of accommodation options, where comfort, charm and warmth of welcome are always at the forefront. These hotels range from 3 stars to 5 stars depending on your budget.
Of course, Hanoi Voyages offers tailor-made and custom tours, so all changes are possible before departure, even after confirmation.
In case of cancellation, please contact us so that we can offer you a suitable solution.
We prioritize having a local guide specialized by region: one for the north, one for the central area, and one for the south. However, we balance the itinerary to minimize the tour guide's presence so you can save costs and enjoy other services.
It’s best to make your reservation as early as possible to find attractive prices and availability of services.
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