Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Combo
From Khmer temples to Laotian waterfalls, three weeks on the road of former French Indochina.
Duration
14 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
The tuk-tuk speeds between the face towers of Bayon while the roots of Ta Prohm pierce the sandstone walls. In Siem Reap, the immensity of Angkor Wat reveals the apex of the Khmer Empire, before the sacred mountain of Phnom Kulen offers its waterfalls and its great statue of the reclining Buddha. On Lake Tonlé Sap, the floating villages of Kampong Pluk navigate between mangrove forests and colonies of rare birds.
The route then crosses the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, then follows the Mekong to Laos. In Champassak, the temple Vat Phou dominates the plain, while the Bolovens plateau unfolds its coffee plantations and waterfalls. Luang Prabang reveals its golden pagodas, its Pak Ou caves and the turquoise waterfalls of Kuang Si, before the final arrival in Hanoi.
This journey follows the traces of French Indochina, revealing three distinct civilizations — the Angkorian heritage of Cambodge, the Buddhist serenity of Laos, the Vietnamese effervescence. A crossing that connects the centuries and peoples of the same peninsula.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Siem Reap
Welcome by our driver upon your arrival at the airport. Transfer and check-in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Rooms available from 2:00 PM. If you arrive a little early and your room is not yet ready, you can leave your luggage at reception before going for a walk around the city or relaxing by the pool.
By tuk-tuk we make a first exploratory and reconnaissance tour of Siem Reap: city tour, market, surrounding fields, etc.
Night at La Niche D'Angkor Boutique
The Majestic Temples of Angkor
Day visit by tuk tuk of the wonderful temples of Angkor located around and inside the Angkor Thom enclosure. We discover in particular Angkor Wat, symbol of the apogee of the Khmer Empire during the Angkorian era.
Within the Angkor Thom enclosure, discover Bayon and its many towers with gigantic faces, Baphuon and its gigantic 40m reclining Buddha statue, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and its great diversity of sculptures as well as the Terrace of the Leper King.
Let us conclude with Ta Prohm famous for its immense trees with tentacular aerial roots. We can end this day with a sunset either at Srah Srang, or from the heights of Pre Rup or Phnom Bakheng if you are ready to brave the crowds (warning: Phnom Bakheng is off-limits to children under 12 years old and the authorities limit access to 300 people at sunset, thus creating a queue)
Due to an already busy schedule, we deliberately skip a few secondary temples of the small circuit such as Banteay Kdei, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda or Ta Keo. If you wish to visit these sites, do not hesitate to inform your guide at the beginning of the day so he can best arrange the schedule.
Possibility to do the visits in reverse order to avoid crowds. You just need to indicate this to your guide at the beginning of the day.
Temples are sacred places, avoid short clothing, you must cover your shoulders and wear long pants or a long skirt.
In order to preserve these fragile monuments, it is forbidden to touch the sculptures or sit on temple elements.
In Cambodian culture, it is offensive to misbehave inside a sacred place, calmness and respect are paramount.
It is not advisable to buy items or sweets from child vendors, this only encourages begging and truancy, prefer to donate to an association if it matters to you.
If you wish to photograph the monks (called Bonzes), you must obtain their permission beforehand. Moreover, you must not touch them, they have the right to touch you but not the other way around.
The sacred mountain and the pink sandstone citadel
The rivers that flow to Angkor originate in the Phnom Kulen mountain. It is in this vast natural site that the Khmer kingdom was born in 802, proclaimed by King Jayavarman II who made his country independent from Java's control. We therefore invite you to visit the cradle of the Khmer Kingdom.
In the morning, we drive up the road to the summit of Phnom Kulen or "mount of lychees", a pilgrimage site for Cambodians thanks to the presence of a large statue of the Reclining Buddha. A refreshing swim in the natural pool of a pretty waterfall rewards your effort.
In the afternoon, continue with a visit to Banteay Srey, a temple with human proportions compared to the gigantic Angkor Wat or Bayon. This pink sandstone temple, nicknamed "The Citadel of Women", is known for the refinement of the bas-reliefs and sculptures that adorn its walls and columns. Your discovery continues with a visit to the Banteay Samre temple depending on time remaining. Return to the city afterwards.
In the evening, we attend an unforgettable circus show with incredibly talented artists!
The circus show starts at 8 PM but it is recommended to arrive 20-30 minutes early. A few activities/shops are also available from 6 PM including a small traditional Khmer dance show.
Category B seat included
The Vastness of Tonlé Sap Lake
In the morning, we head to the village of Kampong Pluk located on Tonlé Sap Lake, just under 1 hour by car from Siem Reap. You board a private boat to discover and visit the floating village. During the excursion, small canoes will take you through the mangrove forest. Note: during the dry season (March to September), the excursion may be replaced by another visit depending on the water level.
In the afternoon, set off by boat to the peripheral pockets of Tonlé Sap Lake to observe many rare birds. You will have the chance to spot, among others, cormorants, grey herons or purple herons, knobbed ducks, spotted-billed pelicans, painted storks, openbill storks, small adjutants… You will be able to exchange with the inhabitants of the Chreav community who are responsible for bird protection on the site.
In the morning, we head to the village of Kampong Pluk located on the Tonlé Sap lake, less than 1 hour by car from Siem Reap. You board a private boat to discover and visit the floating village. During the excursion, small canoes will take you through the mangrove forest. Note: during the dry season (March to September), the excursion can be replaced by another visit depending on the water level.
Kampong Pluk → Pea Raing
In the afternoon, take a boat trip on the peripheral pockets of Tonlé Sap Lake to observe many rare birds. You will have the chance to spot, among others, cormorants, grey or purple herons, knobbed ducks, spotted-billed pelicans, white storks, milky storks, small adjutants… You will be able to exchange with the inhabitants of the Chreav community who take care of bird protection on the site.
The temples of Sambor Prei Kuk
Late morning, transfer by road towards Kampong Thom, halfway between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
At the edge of Kampong Thom, we make a small detour to discover the magnificent pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. This archaeological site has been inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage since July 2017.
We continue with a village tour by scooter (passenger) of approximately 1 hour to discover the countryside of Kampong Thom and its magnificent rural landscapes and to meet the farmers, their animals and the smiling faces of children. The path is lined with small wooden houses with roofs of straw or palm leaves. These traditional houses of typical Khmer style are bordered by watercourses. Let's especially enjoy the superb sunset over the rice fields.
Ride accompanied by an English-speaking motorcycle guide/driver from the Sambor Prei Kuk community
Sambor Prei Kuk → Kampong Thom
We are settling in Steung Sen the capital of Kampong Thom province crossed by a river of the same name. Here, with a touch of irony, the inhabitants like to remind you that they too have their "Seine".
A charming stopover at the Laotian border
Road transfer to Steung Treng, a quiet small town located near the Laotian border on a sandy bank overlooking the Mekong, at the confluence with the Sé Kong River. Check-in at your accommodation.
We settle in at the Mekong Bird Resort, a charming little family establishment in the heart of nature and by the water.
Embark on an approximately 1-hour boat ride to discover the Mekong and its trees with gigantic aerial roots. You may want to bring earplugs if you can, as the boat motor is quite loud. You may be lucky enough to spot its many waterbirds such as the lapwing, river tern, stone curlew or the Mekong wagtail, a species discovered in 2001.
Welcome to Laos!
After breakfast, a short transfer to the Nong Nok Khiene border crossing. Once administrative formalities are completed, you will meet your local English-speaking guide who will be waiting on the Laos side. Breakfast and a pirogue crossing to reach the mainland. Before heading to Khone Phapheng Falls, further south, on the border with Cambodia. They are among the most impressive waterfalls in this Asian region. And are in fact the widest in the world!
Heading due south, before boarding a motorized pirogue in the village of Nakasang, which will take you among the 4,000 islands. You will reach the islands of Done Det and Done Khone, peaceful lands with a very pronounced French colonial past featuring its buildings, its bridge connecting the 2 islands as well as its railway that allowed the transshipment of goods on either side of the cataracts.
Steung Treng → Laos (poste-frontière)
Champassak and Vat Phou Temple
Breakfast and check-out from your room. Then, a pirogue crossing to reach the mainland. We will then head back towards Champassak. Continue on the road and stop at Phonsaat, a Taoy village, interesting for its traditional habitat, funeral rites and its bamboo weaving specialty. Stop at the village of Ban Nong Bueng renowned for its wood sculptures.
After checking out of our room, we cross the Mekong to reach the other bank by local ferry. We make a stop to visit another temple from the same period as Vat Phou, Vat Uomo (also called Oubmong).
This afternoon, explore the jewel of southern Laos: the temple of Vat Phou, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. Its style is pre-Angkorian.
The Bolovens Plateau / Jeep Excursion
Then departure at 8am to reach Paksong, the starting point of our adventure. Collection of your vehicles from your day's host and his Soviet or Chinese Jeeps from another era for a real immersion in the heart of the Boloven Plateau between rivers, tracks, villages and coffee and tea plantations. You will reach Café 1971 CC where you will take time to taste a cup of coffee.
You will continue your journey for 30 minutes towards the Tad Moun waterfalls. It will then be time to reach Khamsone's coffee plantation (30 minutes of travel on a rather chaotic track, a real experience!). You will discover the world of coffee, before tasting several types (Robusta, Arabica, Typica).
Lunch will be taken on site at the farm, with coffee and fruit.
Hiking with Captain Hook then arrival in Paksé
Breakfast, departure from your hotel this morning around 8:30 am to travel 11km north of Thatheng to the village of Kop Pung Tai which is home to Katu and Alak ethnic communities. Meeting with "Captain Hook" for a visit to his coffee plantation and farm to learn more about organic coffee production methods as well as plants used daily on the plateau.
Then, start of your day's hike with Mr Hook to discover the natural environment that covers this region of the plateau between fertile soils used for market gardening, coffee or tea, but also through forests that are full of medicinal plants still widely used by local populations for healing purposes.
Domestic flight to Luang Prabang
Breakfast at your hotel and room checkout. Then head down to Paksé. Take time to visit the Tad Yuang waterfall on the Boloven Plateau, as it has become more accessible and more tourist-friendly in recent years. Stop at the impressive twin waterfalls of Tad Fane, in Dong Hua Sao National Park on the Boloven Plateau, a breathtaking natural site.
Meet your driver around 1:00 PM who will drop you off at Paksé airport. 3:50 PM: Arrival in Luang Prabang, baggage collection and exit. Welcome by your guide and driver.
You will begin your visit to the main monuments of the city of Luang Prabang, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, starting with the royal Vat Mai, a sumptuous Buddhist temple adorned with rich golden decorations.
Pak Ou Caves
If early mornings (around 5:15 a.m.) don't scare you, attend the alms-giving ceremony to monks, an ancestral ritual locally called "Tak Bat". Then head to the "fresh produce market" in the open air in the alleyways around the old Royal Palace before returning to your hotel for breakfast.
Beginning of visits starting with the old Royal Palace which became the National Museum, with its nice collection of vintage cars in the garage, a precious state gift from the United States with a fragment of moonstone. Let's take advantage of the Vat Xieng Thong temple, this emblematic monastery of the city with its architecture typical of the local style.
Then head to the pier where your slow wooden boat will take you up the Mekong River towards the Pak Ou caves.
The Kuang Si Falls
Curious to learn more about the thirteen stages of the rice cycle? The community farm you will visit this morning, Living Land, just on the outskirts of Luang Prabang, is the ideal place to understand local agricultural development around a rice paddy and an organic garden.
Road heading south of the city for a good thirty kilometers, through the countryside and reaching the enchanting setting of Kuang Si waterfall. A local tourism hotspot where locals come to "cool off" in this green haven and contemplate these waterfalls and natural turquoise pools. You will have the opportunity to swim.
Before leaving Kuang Si waterfalls, you will pass through a rescue center and sanctuary for bears saved from illegal wildlife trafficking.
Arrival in Hanoi
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you will learn more about the secrets of bamboo, which is omnipresent in Laotian culture. You will enjoy, on the outskirts of Luang Prabang, the surrounding nature with its rice fields. Your discovery will begin with a bamboo weaving course taught by an experienced weaver. This will be followed by several activities that will familiarize you with the usefulness of bamboo-based products in daily life. Then you will attend your cooking class on the theme of bamboo-based dishes.
Return to the hotel, free time, then transfer at 3:00 PM to Luang Prabang international airport for your flight to Hanoi.
Arrival in Hanoi. Welcome by the guide and driver, transfer to the city center and check-in at the hotel.
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travellers entering Cambodia for a tourist stay. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Cambodia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your date of entry into the country and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist visa
Entry requirements for Cambodia depend on your nationality. A visa may be required. You should verify the specific conditions with the embassy or consulate of Cambodia in your country of residence, as well as with the authorities of your own country.
The following options are generally available for obtaining a visa:
an electronic visa (e-Visa), which can be requested online before departure through the official Cambodian government portal, valid for 30 days from your date of entry;
a visa on arrival, available at major entry points (international airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, as well as certain land border crossings), also valid for 30 days;
a visa obtained from the Cambodian embassy or consulate in your country of residence before departure.
An extension of an additional 30 days can generally be requested on site with the Cambodian Immigration Department.
The authorities may also request:
an outbound travel ticket (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Arrival form
Travellers may be asked to complete an arrival form provided by the Cambodian authorities, either online before departure or upon arrival depending on the entry point. This form collects information such as:
passport details,
flight or transport details,
the address of your first accommodation in Cambodia.
It is advisable to keep a digital confirmation or printed copy of any document submitted online, which may be requested when passing through immigration.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccinations are officially required to enter Cambodia. However, certain vaccinations are recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
rabies (in case of prolonged stay or travel to rural areas),
update of routine vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles).
Antimalarial preventive treatment may be advised depending on the regions you plan to visit and the length of your stay. It is recommended that you consult a doctor or international vaccination centre before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as an individual visa.
Depending on your country of residence, a parental authorization for exit from the territory may be required when a minor travels without one of their parents.
Other nationalities
Entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality. You should verify the specific conditions with the embassy or consulate of Cambodia in your country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended that you have travel assistance and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, find out about coverage and rates, please follow the link below.
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Oui, un visa touristique est requis pour les ressortissants français. Il s'obtient en ligne (e-visa, environ 36 USD) avant le départ ou à l'arrivée à l'aéroport (Visa on Arrival, environ 30 USD). Valable 30 jours, prolongeable une fois sur place. Passeport valide 6 mois après l'entrée requis.
Rendez-vous dans la section Mes Voyages pour retrouver tous vos projets.
Vous pouvez envoyer un message à votre hôte directement depuis le Salon de Thé.
Pour un voyage sur mesure de qualité, comptez entre 120 et 200 euros par jour et par personne, incluant hébergement, repas, transports internes et activités. Les vols internationaux (700-1000 euros A/R) sont en supplément. Le Cambodge offre un excellent rapport qualité-prix, souvent combiné avec le Vietnam ou la Thaïlande.
Vos documents sont accessibles dans l'onglet Documents de votre voyage.
Absolument. Nous adaptons chaque circuit au profil des voyageurs. Pour les familles, nous privilégions des rythmes détendus, des hébergements familiaux, des activités ludiques et pédagogiques, et des transferts privés confortables. Nos guides locaux francophones savent capter l'attention des enfants avec des anecdotes adaptées à leur âge.
C'est simple. Vous échangez avec notre équipe locale pour définir vos envies, votre budget et vos dates. Vous recevez une proposition d'itinéraire détaillée sous 48 heures. Vous ajustez ensemble chaque détail jusqu'à la version parfaite. Vous confirmez et partez l'esprit tranquille. Votre agence locale reste disponible 7j/7 pendant toute la durée du voyage.
En cas d'urgence, contactez immédiatement votre agence locale.
Le paiement s'effectue généralement en deux fois.
Notre agence fait partie du réseau Nomadays, immatriculé en France. Vous bénéficiez de la garantie APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) qui couvre 100% de vos fonds. Paiement sécurisé, assurance rapatriement incluse, et assistance francophone 24h/24 sur place pendant tout votre séjour.
Let's talk about your adventure — Angkor Region
Travel Advisor and Cambodia Enthusiast, based in Phnom Penh
The most beautiful journeys are those that resemble the people living them. My role is simply to open the right doors of Cambodia for them.
— Alexandre
