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Laos Cambodia 12 Days Combined Tour - Itinerary Review By M.Richard

Hello, my name is Gabriel. The Laos Cambodia combined tour I recently experienced left me with unforgettable memories. As two neighboring countries, Laos and Cambodia provided me with the opportunity to deeply explore the unique cultural characteristics of Southeast Asia and admire the majestic and poetic natural landscapes. I hope my firsthand experiences during this 12-day Laos Cambodia trip will give you an overview of the highlights of these two beautiful countries.

I. Overview of my 12-day Laos Cambodia itinerary

I chose to travel to Laos and Cambodia because these two countries are close to each other, making transportation very convenient and affordable. Not only do they share similarities as agricultural cultures centered around rice cultivation, but they also have profound cultural influences from Buddhism, offering me unique spiritual experiences throughout my Laos Cambodia trip. However, beyond these similarities, the two countries have distinctive characteristics in their history, traditions, cuisine, and people, which I discovered during my interactions with them.

My Laos Cambodia itinerary 12 days began in Luang Prabang, Laos – a city characterized by its ancient and tranquil beauty. Besides visiting unique spiritual architectures in the city, I also immersed myself in nature through outdoor activities like trekking, exploring caves and waterfalls, and interacting with elephants. Vientiane was the second destination on my Laos Cambodia trip.

After spending a week exploring the unspoiled beauty of Laos, I traveled to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to discover the famous Angkor Temples and several other Buddhist architectural works. I also had the chance to learn about the daily life and culture of the locals through visits to villages and floating markets. My 12-day Laos Cambodia combined trip left me with countless unforgettable memories.

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II. Detailed itinerary of my Laos Cambodia 12-day trip

1. Day 1-5: Discovery of the unique beauty of Luang Prabang

I began my Laos Cambodia trip in Luang Prabang – a beautiful city in Laos. I spent the first two days exploring famous landmarks in the former capital of Luang Prabang and had fascinating spiritual experiences. Luang Prabang is renowned for its unique temple architecture, so I visited several temples, including Vat May and Vat Xieng Thong, which are famous for their intricate mosaics and reclining Buddha statues. However, what impressed me the most was the morning almsgiving ceremony of the monks collecting offerings, an incredibly spiritual experience in Luang Prabang. Your Laos trip would be incomplete without seeing the Royal Palace, now a museum, where I delved deeper into the culture of the Laotian people.

What to do in Laos? Beyond the destinations above, I had the chance to learn about the lifestyle and culture of the Laotian people. I visited the tranquil Ban Xiengmien village across the Mekong River, home to the Kmus and Lao Loum communities. The locals were very friendly and warmly welcomed me. I also spent time strolling around to explore the streets and local markets, including the night market in Luang Prabang – one of the top things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos. You can purchase fresh products at affordable prices, especially handmade textiles.

On days 3, 4, and 5 of my Laos-Cambodia combined trip, I got to enjoy some very amusing outdoor activities. On the third day, I explored Kuang Si Falls – one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Laos. I was immediately captivated by the turquoise waters of the falls and the poetic natural scenery. The waterfall is nestled deep in the forest and bamboo groves, requiring a 3-4 hour trek to reach. However, the hike is far from boring; I assure you, as I stopped along the way to visit Ban Long Lao village, where I learned about the traditions of the Khamu and Hmong ethnic groups.

Continuing my Laos Cambodia itinerary 12 days the next day, I visited Vat Long Khoun, the oldest temple in the region, dating back to the 18th century. It is famous for its 1937 roofed gate and its historical connection to the coronation ceremonies of Laotian kings. In the afternoon, I enjoyed a traditional boat ride along the Nam Ou River to the Pak Ou Caves. Admiring the majestic landscapes within the caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues, was undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable memories of my Laos Cambodia itinerary 12 days.

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I also delved deeper into Laotian culture through visits to traditional villages - one of the most interesting things to do in Laos. I visited Ban Xanghai, a peaceful village renowned for its rice wine production; Ban Pak, a picturesque fishing village; and Bane Phanom, a weaving village. I not only learned about the traditions and lifestyle of the Laotian people but also interacted with the friendly locals, took plenty of photos with them, and explored their villages. You can also purchase high-quality handmade products from these traditional craft villages to support them. If you’re wondering what to eat in Laos, don’t worry – there are many local restaurants serving unique Laotian specialties. I had lunch at a local restaurant and discovered Laos’ unique street food – a must-try experience.

On the fifth day of my Laos Cambodia combined trip 12 days, which was also my last day in Luang Prabang, I had a memorable experience at the Elephant Village. There, I interacted with adorable elephants and learned about the process of transforming elephant dung into paper. Later, I explored another stunning waterfall in Laos – Tad Sae Falls – where I swam in the cool waters. If swimming isn’t your thing, this is also a great spot to relax and recharge after a long trip.

2. Days 6 & 7: Trip to Vientiane city

On the sixth day of my 12-day trip to Laos and Cambodia, I traveled by train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. After a brief rest at the hotel, I spent my free afternoon exploring Vientiane’s main attractions. Walking around the streets, I felt the slow-paced, peaceful rhythm characteristic of the Lao capital. As the sun began to set, I headed to the banks of the Mekong River to admire the breathtaking scenery. The fiery red glow of the setting sun blending with the shimmering waters of the river created an unforgettable moment.

What to do in Vientiane? On the seventh day, I devoted my entire day to discovering Vientiane’s iconic landmarks, focusing primarily on its impressive religious sites, such as Wat Sisaket, which houses over 8,000 Buddha statues; Wat Ho Phra Keo, famous for the Emerald Buddha; and That Luang Stupa, a majestic symbol of national pride and historical significance. I then visited Patuxay, Laos’s “Arc de Triomphe,” with its striking architectural beauty. Among the highlights of my Laos Cambodia trip 12 days was Buddha Park - one of the top places to visit in Laos, home to over 200 artistic Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. The surreal atmosphere of the park made me feel like I had stepped into another world. I ended my day with another serene sunset by the Mekong River and at Noy's Fruit Heaven restaurant - one of the best restaurants in Vientiane, offering a sense of peace and tranquility like no other.

3. Days 8-12: Diverse Experiences in Siem Reap

On the eighth day, I departed from Vientiane to Siem Reap and settled into my hotel. A Laos-Cambodia itinerary 12 days wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Angkor temples. I spent the first two days in Cambodia exploring the Angkor Wat complex and other famous landmarks of Siem Reap, such as Angkor Thom, Bayon with its enigmatic giant statues, Banteay Srei, and Ta Prohm – where massive tree roots intertwine with ancient walls. Be sure to watch the sunset at Angkor Wat: the golden light of dusk transforms the monuments into a magical spectacle. A panoramic view from Phnom Bakheng adds to the awe of the moment.

You can refer to:

>>> Angkor Temples Tour Itinerary 3 Days
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>>> Cambodia Travel Guide

What to do in Cambodia? Visiting local villages is a must to gain deeper insights into their culture and way of life. I visited the floating village of Chong Kneas, where I experienced the simplicity and serenity of life there. I also joined a cooking class in Krabei Riel village, where I shared a memorable dinner with a local family – a truly unforgettable experience.

My Laos Cambodia combined trip 12 days provided me with profound spiritual experiences in both countries. On the eleventh day, I explored the pre-Angkorian temples of Roluos, including Lo Lei, Preah Ko, and Bakong – symbols of Shivaite culture. In the afternoon, I returned to Angkor to marvel at Ta Prohm, Ta Keo, and Thommanon, each bearing unique historical significance.

On the final day, I strolled around Siem Reap to relax and recharge for future adventures. This journey will remain forever etched in my memory as a captivating exploration of the cultural and historical beauty of Laos and Cambodia.

III. Travel tips for a Laos Cambodia itinerary 12 days

• Respect local culture. Laos and Cambodia are countries strongly influenced by Buddhism, so participate in religious activities respectfully and refrain from making noise during monks’ ceremonies or inside temples.

• During the Laos Cambodia trip 12 days, you will visit many ancient architectural sites. Show respect for these places by not touching statues or sculptures, as oils from your skin can damage the delicate sandstone or blur the carvings.

• Dress modestly when visiting temples. You can dress comfortably but ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. If you are traveling with children, keep an eye on them to avoid loud noises or running around within temple grounds.

• If you plan a Laos Cambodia combined trip during the dry season, bring sunscreen, hats, and water as the weather can be quite sunny and hot.

If you are interested in Southeast Asia’s typical architectural wonders and the rich historical stories of these nations, a Laos Cambodia combined trip 12 days will meet all your expectations. If you encounter difficulties planning your journey, reach out to Autour Asia, a trusted Asia agence with a dedicated and responsible support team to accompany you throughout your trip.

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