Hi all! I'm Harmon. Today, I would like to share with you my experience during my trip to Laos and Cambodia last November. This 21-day Cambodia-Laos itinerary takes me to the highlights of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the ancient capital of Luang Prabang in Laos, and the mysterious temples of Angkor in Cambodia. This 21-day Laos Cambodia tour, offered by the Indochina Travel Agency - Autour Asia, allows you to discover authentic landscapes, fascinating local cultures and major historical sites.
| Cambodia | Laos | |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Vientiane |
| Money | Riel (1 EUR = 4204 Riel) | Laos Kip (1 EUR = 22838 LAK) |
| Climate | Cambodia has a typical Southeast Asian type of climate: it is divided into 2 distinct seasons: the rainy season (May to October) and the dry season (October to April) | The weather in Laos is tropical, marked by a dry season (October to March) and a wet season (April to September). |
| Language | Khmer | Lao |
| Population | 16.94 million (2023) | 7.634 million (2023) |
The best time to visit Cambodia and Laos is during the dry season, from November to March. Personally, I suggest you go in October, just before the high tourist season, to fully enjoy your stay. I advise you to avoid the rainy months from May to October, which correspond to the rainy season.
Currently, there are no direct flights to Cambodia from Europe, North America, Australia or South Africa. It is therefore necessary to plan a connection in Southeast or East Asia. On site, prefer to travel by private car with driver for more comfort and practicality.
With Air France, a flight from Paris (Charles-de-Gaulle) to Phnom Penh includes a stopover in Asia, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City or another Asian city. The journey takes about 17 hours and costs about $1,200
To include Laos in your Cambodia and Laos itinerary, you can opt for a direct flight between Siem Reap and Vientiane. This air ride takes about 2 hours, offering a quick solution to connect the two countries while making it easy for you to explore the region.
For the return to Paris, I took Vietnam Airlines from Luang Prabang, with a stopover in Ho Chi Minh City. The flight lasted 17 hours for 1,000 euros. Bangkok Airways is cheaper, but has two stopovers for a journey of about 22 hours.
I advise you to choose a travel agency in Cambodia to live an authentic experience in the land of pagodas. During my trip, I opted for Autour Asia, the prices are affordable and the quality of the service is superb!
I went with a group of 8 people, and the total price is around 2500 euros per person, which is pretty reasonable. This trip allows me to live special experiences with several interesting activities and the local specialties are truly captivating! My detailed itinerary is in the next part.
Itinerary: Phnom Penh - Kratie - Mondulkiri - Ratanakiri - Preah Vihear
In this Cambodia Laos tour, I had the chance to have authentic experiences as part of the Cambodia itinerary that takes me through the cultural and natural wonders of the country. Here's what I did and saw in my trip:
On the first day, I set off to discover the richness of Cambodian history and authentic landscapes, between emblematic historical sites, breathtaking natural landscapes and living traditions. My adventure begins in Phnom Penh, once called the "Pearl of South Asia". Today, with its 678 km², Phnom Penh is the largest city in the country and an essential gateway to the wonders of Cambodia: the Angkor complex in the west, the forests of Rattanakiri and Mondulkiri in the northeast, or the beaches of Sihanouk in the south. When I arrived in Phnom Penh, I started with a pedicab ride to admire the Independence Monument, Wat Phnom and the Central Market.
After a visit to the main sites of the capital, the journey continues to Kratie, a small town on the banks of the Mekong River. In Kratie, I crossed the Mekong River by boat to reach the island of Koh Trong. There, I discovered local life by bike or horse-drawn cart and will participate in an ecological initiative by planting a tree. In the evening, I went on a cruise on the Mekong to observe the rare Irrawaddy dolphins in their natural habitat, an unforgettable experience in the heart of unspoiled nature.
My Cambodia Laos travel then takes me to Mondulkiri, a preserved region. I stayed in eco-responsible accommodation where simplicity and nature meet. The price of this ecological refuge is a bit high, but this type of accommodation allows you to live an authentic experience while respecting the environment.
What to do in Mondulkiri? There, I assure you that you will have an unforgettable day in the company of the elephants. I was part of a hike and swim with these majestic animals, it was truly amazing!
After Mondulkiri, I took the road to Banlung, in Rattanakiri. I visited the volcanic lake of Yeak Lom and discovered the Kachanh Falls, perfect for a refreshing swim. The journey continues to Preah Vihear. Along the way, I had the chance to explore the temples of Koh Ker and Beng Mealea before arriving in Siem Reap.
For the Cambodia and Laos trip in 3 weeks, this tour immerses you in the heart of the wonders of Cambodia. In Siem Reap, I explored the temples of the Roluos group, including Preah Ko and Bakong, testifying to the greatness of the Khmer Empire. A boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake gave me a unique view of the floating villages.
I then visited Angkor Thom, the temple of Ta Prohm and the imposing Angkor Wat, diving into the history of the Khmer empire. In the evening, I experienced a magical moment admiring the sunset from the hill of Bakheng, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire site. This tour in Cambodia then led me to Banteay Srei, famous for its delicate carvings, and Banteay Samre.
In my trip, I visited a typical village to better understand the local life. The locals are warm, I feel really welcome here. Finally, you can discover the humanitarian initiatives of the APOPO and SATCHA center, highlighting solidarity and environmental projects that will add a unique dimension to your trip.
At the end of my tour in Cambodia, I chose to get up early to watch the sunrise. Enjoying the mild morning in a foreign country is a treasured memory. I let myself be carried away by the dynamic rhythm of local life, going to meet the locals in the traditional markets. This experience allowed me to slow down, live in the moment, and fully appreciate the different facets of life.
My Laos Cambodia tour continues in Laos, with a stop in Luang Prabang where I immersed myself in the history and spirituality of the city by visiting the Wat Xieng Thong, the Royal Palace, and strolling through the night market.
In the afternoon, I went hiking to the beautiful Namkat Waterfall. It is a true exploration of the stunning landscapes and deep culture of Laos. I took full advantage of the fresh mountain air and captured many beautiful photos.
After immersing myself in the heart of the wild nature of Oudomxay, my Laos Cambodia tour continues to the peaceful villages of Nong Khiau and Muang Ngoi, accessible by boat on the majestic Nam Ou River. This cruise trip offered me spectacular landscapes, between karst mountains and lush forests, while immersing myself in the daily life of the local communities.
In Muang Ngoi, I had the chance to explore the Kang Cave, a place steeped in history and legends, where the inhabitants once took refuge. This visit is a real invitation to reflect on the link between nature, culture and collective memory. The calm and beauty of the area are perfect for fully immersing yourself in the Laotian culture.
Back in Nong Khiau, I went to discover the sacred caves of Pak Ou. Nestled at the confluence of the Nam Ou River and the Mekong River, these caves are home to thousands of Buddha statues, a testament to the deep-rooted spiritual traditions of Laos. A visit to Ban Xang Khong, a village renowned for its traditional silk and paper crafts, will give you a better understanding of the local know-how passed down from generation to generation.
My adventure ends in Luang Prabang with a last walk to the Phosi market, a final immersion in the local effervescence. This is the perfect time to interact with the locals and take away a piece of this unique culture. A smooth transition before your departure, marking the end of an enriching journey that will have led you to discover the splendours of Laos and Cambodia.
This Laos to Cambodia trip is much more than just an itinerary: it is an exploration of the soul of Southeast Asia, a perfect blend of nature, heritage and human encounters.
This Cambodia Laos Package Tour is an ideal choice for those who want to explore the culture of the Mekong River region and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the countries of Indochina. This 21-day Cambodia Laos itinerary takes you to discover authentic and unusual landscapes, far from the beaten track.
This Cambodia Laos trip invites you to travel differently, by immersing yourself in rich and varied local cultures, for a real change of scenery. Each stage of this tour will offer you unique experiences, combining history, nature and human encounters, for a total immersion in the diversity of these two fascinating countries. I had an unforgettable trip, Laos and Cambodia still hold a special place in my heart.
Learn more:
> Visit Phnom Penh in 2 Days
> Good to know Cambodia
> Visit Cambodia 2 Week Itinerary
> Cambodia Packages Tours
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