Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Luang Prabang - Champassak
100% customisable for you
Round up the youngsters, because your family adventure to Laos and Cambodia kicks off today with a flight to Phnom Penh via Doha. With the first flight just shy of seven hours and the second flight around, the whole family will have plenty of time to dive into a book from our recommended reading list or plug into our specially curated playlist. After landing, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to catch up on some much-needed sleep.
Get to grips with Cambodia’s exciting capital on today’s private city tour. Ogle over Khmer art at the National Museum, housed in a brilliant building designed by a French architect in 1917. Next, capture enviable pictures at the Royal Palace, constructed by King Norodom in 1866 and home to the famous Silver Pagoda, whose floor is covered with 5,000 silver tiles.
The day’s discoveries don’t end there, as later today, you’ll visit the Tuol Sleng Museum, dedicated to an unimaginably difficult period of Cambodian history. Originally built as a high school but converted into Security Prison 21 by the Khmer Rouge regime, you can expect to see cells, interrogation rooms, biographies of prisoners and memorials for the victims.
Line your stomachs with a hearty Cambodian breakfast – think steaming bowls of broth – before settling into your private 200-mile transfer to Siem Reap. With eyes glued to windows as the countryside rolls by, you’ll arrive at your home for the next four nights in no time. Dump your bags and spend the rest of the day playing games in the hotel’s pool or exploring the surrounding area.
Today, there are temple tours galore. First up is Ta Prohm, one of the most mysterious temples of Angkor. Dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII (considered the greatest ruler of Angkor), the powerful presence of nature overcomes the site — tree roots have taken over the centuries-old buildings.
With one temple ticked off, you and the gang will next head to Angkor Thom, meaning ‘Great City’. Enter the site through one of the five main gates adorned with giant smiling faces and admire some of Cambodia’s most impressive temples: Bayon, housing dozens of portrait sculptures; Baphuon, built to glorify Shiva; and the Terrace of Elephants, depicting a procession of these majestic creatures. Satisfy burning curiosities by asking your private guide any question you can think of – we guarantee they’ll know the answer.
Two more ancient sites are waiting to be explored today: Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre. Dedicated to Shiva and showcasing architecture considered masterpieces of Khmer art, Banteay Srei is a breathtakingly beautiful temple complex cut from a stone with a pinkish hue. Banteay Samre is a gem that often goes unnoticed, built during the reign of Suryavarman II and reflecting the religious diversity of the Khmer Empire.
Leave temples behind for tonight’s exhilarating show at Circus Phare Ponleu Selpak. Founded in 1994 by young Khmers growing up in a refugee camp on the Thai border, you’ll watch in awe as tightrope walkers perform high above the ground, contortionists twist into impossible shapes and acrobats showcase exceptional circus skills. Don’t be surprised if the children leave begging for circus lessons when they return home...
Set your alarms for the crack of dawn (or just before), as this morning, you’re off to admire the ruins of Angkor Wat at sunrise. Watch as the temple complex – the oldest in the world – transforms into a dazzling display of purple, red, orange and yellow hues. An early morning start has never been so worth it.
If there’s one thing to rival a sunrise, it’s a sunset. This evening, you’ll visit Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, for a private boat ride at golden hour. The water is home to a cluster of floating villages above water and over 150 species of fish underwater, so there’ll be plenty to admire as you peacefully sail across the lake.
A short, one-hour flight separates you and your next destination, so pack your bags and wave goodbye to Siem Reap and Cambodia, and hello to Laos. After landing at Pakse Airport, a private driver will whisk you away to your hotel in Champassak, a little town on the Mekong River in southern Laos. Leave your bags in your room and freshen up, as the day’s fun isn’t over yet. A private guide will take you to the Vat Phou temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site displaying historical objects found on site. Similar to the Angkor temples in Cambodia (that you’ll now be experts on), it’s a site of immense importance and is a great way to kick off the Laos leg of your adventure.
As the name suggests, 4,000 Islands consists of lots of little islands scattered across the Mekong Delta. Spend today exploring islands big and small as you cross the Mekong and journey to Khone Phapheng, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia. After lunch, hop on a tuk-tuk to explore Don Khone Island and the Liphi waterfall. After a busy day, head back to your hotel and spend your last evening in Champassak, feasting on local cuisine and resting before tomorrow’s travel day.
Return to the airport via a private transfer for today’s two-hour flight to Luang Prabang. From the airport, it’s just a quick 15-minute journey to your hotel. The rest of the day can be spent sunning yourselves by the swimming pool or exploring what makes this ancient royal capital a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Allow Luang Prabang to reveal its beauty as you explore its golden pagodas, rich history and Buddhist traditions on today’s bike tour. Visit sites like Wat That Chomsi at the top of Mount Phousi, the National Museum located in the former Royal Palace and Wat Xieng Thong, one of the largest temples in the city. After working your legs all day, ask your local Concierge to reserve a table for your family at one of the city’s popular restaurants and prepare to feast on delightful Laos cuisine.
Leave the city behind and discover the tumbling Kuang Si Falls and the Hmong villages in the Laos highlands. First, visit Ban Long Lao, a quaint village with a traditional way of life and natural beauty. Your guide will then take you to the Kuang Si Falls, whose turquoise waters provide an irresistible opportunity for a swim. Return to Luang Prabang by country road and soak in the stunning views of the Mekong River.
This morning, climb aboard a traditional boat to sail on the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, limestone structures crammed with hundreds of Buddha statues. Used as a place of worship for centuries, the caves are an important religious site, and legend has it that the spirits of the rivers live in them.
For the final evening of your holiday, step into the spiritual world of Laos with the Baci Ceremony. The ceremony is said to connect the 32 ‘Kwan’, or spirits, in our bodies, strengthening bonds and bringing peace to both individuals and communities. Having spent 13 days with your family, we’re sure this will help settle any feuds that cropped up along the way... but most importantly, it will immerse you in Laos’ culture and beliefs.
Pack your bags and bid farewell to Laos, as today marks the start of your journey home. After lunch, you’ll be privately transferred to the airport and board the short flight to Bangkok. Hop on your next flight to Doha before settling into the seven-hour journey back to the UK from there.
Land in the UK during the early hours of your family adventure's 15th and final day. As you continue your journey back to familiar territory, revel in the sweet (and short-lived) silence of sleepy children.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
