Compare Bike, Hike & Kayak Laos and Cambodia by World Expeditions vs Indochina Essence by Exotic Voyages

Day 1 Arrive Luang Prabang

On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Please look for the World Expeditions welcome sign in the arrivals hall. The rest of the day is free at leisure to explore this UNESCO world heritage city. There will be a trip briefing in the hotel foyer, at a time indicated in your final documents, where you will meet your guide before a welcome dinner. Overnight: Sala Prabang or similar

meals : D

Day 2 Cycle Pak Ou Caves, return boat & Mt Phousi

After breakfast, we jump on the bikes and cycle out to Ban Xang Khong, a village renowned for silk hand weaving and traditional Saa paper making. We continue north to Ban Pak Ou where we board a boat to cross the river to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers. There are two caves ‘Tham Ting’ and ‘Tham Phoum,’ and these photogenic caves are renowned for their collection of thousands of Buddha sculptures and images left over the years by pilgrims. After visiting the Pak Ou Caves, we relax and enjoy a cruise downstream on the Mekong River. En route wel stop to visit the riverside village of Ban Xanghai, a popular stop-over producing some special varieties of Laolao, the local rice wine. We continue cruising to Luang Prabang, where we disembark at Wat Xieng Thong, the largest and most stunning temple of the royal city. Built on the Mekong River bank in 1560 under the reign of King Setthathirat (1548 – 1571), the temple is best known for its impressive Tree of Life mural depicting the story of Buddha. We finish the day by climbing the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi, which cuts a distinctive figure on the Luang Prabang skyline. The hill is a popular place to watch the sun rise or set. From the summit we enjoy spectacular 360 degree views over the city and surrounding mountainous landscape. Upon descending, The Night Market will be starting up. This is truly one of the most charming markets in Southeast Asia, with genuine local, handmade products for sale at reasonable prices. The locals are friendly, and great bargains can be had - just remember to barter with a smile. Cycling: ~25km (mostly flat following the river) Overnight: Sala Prabang or similar

meals : B

Day 3 Hike Kuang Si Waterfall

Leaving Luang Prabang behind, we head out by vehicle to Ban Long Lao, a Hmong minority village. Here we can take our time to learn more about daily life in this rural lowland subsistence farming community. We bid our farewells to the villagers and start our hike. The first section winds between paddy fields before entering dense mixed growth jungle with a remarkable diversity of tree species. Our guide knows the trails through the forest well, taking us up and down valleys toward the waterfall. Close by to the falls, we stop by to visit the Free the Bears Sanctuary. The sanctuary was opened in 2003 and houses Asiatic Black bears, also known as Moon Bears which are confiscated by the Forestry Department from the illegal wildlife trade. The sanctuary carries out great work in rehabilitating the bears to prepare them for release back into the wild. The famous Kuang Si Waterfalls, nestled in lush forest are truly a sight to behold. Water thunders down the mountainside plunging 60m into a series of cascading turquoise pools, perfect for a refreshing dip following your hike. Simply relax and soak in the crystal clear pools or we can hike up to the very top of the falls. Hiking: ~13km Overnight: Sala Prabang or similar

meals : B,L

Day 4 Alms Giving, rural village & Tad Sae Waterfall hike

A highly recommended early start provides the fantastic opportunity to witness and even participate in the captivating centuries old daily tradition of the alms giving ceremony, Tak Bat. Before first light, hundreds of saffron-clad monks file out from the old town's 35 temples to collect their daily alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from faithful local residents. Following the ceremony we wander back through the morning market where locals go to buy their fresh produce for the day ahead. We'll head back to the hotel for breakfast, some time to relax and refresh before before heading out for our day's adventure. We transfer to the banks of the Nam Khan River and cross by boat to begin an easy hike through beautiful jungle canopy, stopping along the way to explore a large traditional Khmu village nestled in the mountains. After the village visit we continue hiking down to the stunning multi-tiered Tad Sae Waterfall, where you can relax, explore and enjoy a swim (seasonal as water levels are low from February to July). Please note: The alms giving ceremony this morning is a daily religious event not a show for tourists. Therefore, please be respectful - dress conservatively, turn camera flashes off and carefully follow the instructions of your guide. Hiking: ~8km/ 3-4hrs Overnight: Sala Prabang or similar

meals : B,L

Day 5 Fly to Pakse & 4000 Islands

Today we will be leaving Luang Prabang and flying to Pakse where we travel to Don Khong, part of the 4000 islands region in the Mekong River. Don Khong is the largest of these Islands and the site of Muang Khong, a small former French settlement. We’ll spend a few days here enjoying the beauty of this region and exploring our quaint island home and its villages by bicycle or foot. PLEASE NOTE: This internal flight is constantly changing and may require you to transfer planes in the Laos capital, Vientiane. We will confirm these details with your final documents. If on a direct flight, time permitting, you may have the chance to stop at the Wat Phou temple enroute to Don Khong. Drive: 3hrs (Pakse airport - Wat Phou & Don Khong Island) Overnight: Pon Arena Hotel or similar

meals : B

Day 6 Kayak, Waterfalls & Beach BBQ

Following an early breakfast, we take a boat downstream to Don Det where we start our kayaking trip. First, the guide will provide some basic paddle instructions and a safety briefing, after which we paddle to the western side of Don Det, passing many small islands to the north of Don Khong. This takes about an hour and after mastering some minor rapids you can choose to enjoy some more exciting rapids if you wish. Then we stop at the pier and walk to Khon Pa Soi Waterfall where you will have time to explore and enjoy the views. Returning to our kayaks, we paddle onwards for BBQ picnic lunch. This is a very secluded spot and only occasionally visited by local fishermen. Here we can relax have a swim and just enjoy this beautiful spot. Kayaking: ~2hrs Overnight: Sala Done Khone or similar

meals : B,L

Day 7 Khone Phapheng, kayak to Hang Khou Ban then to Stung Treng

This morning we bid our farewells to the beautiful 4,000 islands, and head south to the breathtaking Khone Phapheng Waterfall, Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall. After taking our time to appreciate the thundering waters smashing over huge boulders, we continue on to the border with Cambodia. Sua s’dei, Welcome to Cambodia. You are greeted by your Cambodian guide and driver and transferred to nearby Stung Treng. We stop en route to kayak across the Sekong River to Hang Khou Ban village, renowned for making a much loved local snack, Krolan. Watch as villagers cook this popular travel snack of sticky rice, coconut, milk, salt, and soybeans encased and cooked in bamboo. Although Stung Treng receives relatively few international visitors, the area's wetland is marked by the Ramsar Convention (an international treaty to conserve wetlands) as being of international significance. The wetland is renowned for its flooded forests, entire forests submerged every wet season, then left to emerge when the swollen Mekong River waters subside. The tree roots and bushes remain gnarled and pulled in the direction of the water flow, surrounded by contoured dunes of fine sand in a vast expanse of ever flowing water. Enjoy seeing the sunset view on the from your riverside accommodation or out on the water by kayak. Kayaking: ~2hrs Overnight: Mekong Bird Resort or similar

meals : B

Day 8 Transfer to Siem Reap via Koh Ker Temple

After breakfast we start our drive west toward Siem Reap. En route we stop off to visit an incredible ancient temple complex at Koh Ker, the jungle surrounded remnants of the capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 AD - 944 AD, a unique period in the Age of Angkor. From the time the Khmer capital was first moved to the Angkor area in the late 9th century, it would remain there for almost 500 years, with one brief interruption when it moved to the site at Koh Ker. The most impressive monument here is the majestic seven-tiered pyramid, Prasat Thom towering almost 40m above the surrounding jungle. Continue on to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor, arriving late afternoon and spend rest of day at leisure. Overnight: Angkor Holiday Hotel or similar

meals : B

Day 9 Cycle the Temples of Angkor

Today is a full day exploring the most famous temple complex, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Archaeological Park by bike - the perfect way to experience this awe inspiring place. To beat the crowds we start early and cycle to the Ta Prohm, unlike most other Angkor temples, it has been left just it was when rediscovered: a photogenic and atmospheric maze of trees growing out of temple ruins amidst jungle surroundings, making it one of Angkor's most popular temples with visitors. Continue on to the lofty heights of Ta Keo then through one of four mighty gatehouses into the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII and at the time was the most populous city in the world with 2m inhabitants. The crowning jewel of the city is Bayon at its epicentre. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur, its exterior gallery walls featuring world class bas-reliefs and its 54 towers, decorated with 216 gargantuan faces. We'll break for lunch before completing our day at the most incredible temple of them all, Angkor Wat - the ultimate expression of Khmer genius. The temple is in fact the largest religious structure in the world and has inspired visitors for centuries. It is easily the most famous and best-preserved of all temples within the Angkor complex. It is a massive three-tiered structure crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. The centrepiece of any visit to the temples around Siem Reap, Angkor offers many iconic sights for amazing pictures. Note: Appropriate attire when visiting Angkor temples is trousers or shorts which cover the knees and tops which cover the shoulders. Visitors are frequently turned away from temples when wearing revealing clothing. Cycling: ~40km (flat easy terrain) Overnight: Angkor Holiday Hotel or similar

meals : B

Day 10 Kulen Mountain Hike

After an early breakfast, you will be driven to the Kulen Mountain Range, which rises from the plains approximately 60km north of Siem Reap. Phnom Kulen is considered by Khmers to be the most sacred mountain in Cambodia, and is therefore a popular place of pilgrimage during weekends and festivals. Recent lidar surveys have revealed that there was once an entire ancient city atop the mountain but this has long been lost to the jungle. However, a few remnants remain such as the River of 1000 Lingas, carved into the riverbed to bestow fertility to the waters flowing into the rice fields in the plains below. A hike through the jungle past remote villages reveals life sized stone elephants standing serenely at Srah Damrei. We'll also visit the small wat which houses Cambodia's largest reclining Buddha before heading to the 20m high Kulen Waterfall where we can enjoy a refreshing dip before returning to town. You can join hands in an effort to support reforestation progress in Cambodia by planting a tree in Preah Dak Village. It may be a jackfruit or mango tree, which will later help both carbon offsetting and directly benefiting the local community. Hiking: ~11km Overnight: Angkor Holiday Hotel or similar

meals : B

Day 11 Cycle to Mechrey, kayak the Tonle Sap

After breakfast, we head toward the vast wetlands on the edge of Asia's largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by monks in their brightly colored robes and receive a good luck blessing before you gently kayak through the floating village. Here you will be welcomed by warm smiles from the people who live in this watery landscape. The lake's size and depth increases with the annual monsoon rains by as much as six times and local people have found ingenious ways to live with the ever changing water world. Some villages build their houses on stilts, often up to ten metres high but Mechrey is in fact a floating village. The entire village floats and moves with the receding or increasing waters thereby continually shifting location throughout the seasons. We'll have the opportunity to kayak through the gently lapping waters of the village to witness and learn about the daily lifestyle of the local inhabitants. We continue to enjoy kayaking until we reach the end of the village and there you will be welcomed by our local host, where we will stop for a local lunch in a beautiful setting. After lunch, we continue to gently kayak to the exotic mangroves in high water season, while during low water season you will kayak along the Tonle Sap Lake, seeing rare birds in this tranquil setting giving you a once in a lifetime experience leaving you with ever lasting memories. Our journey then has us transferring back by boat, where you will ride back Siem Reap town. We will enjoy a farewell Khmer BBQ dinner at local restaurant. Kayaking: ~3hrs Cycling: ~30km Overnight: Angkor Holiday Hotel or similar

meals : B,L,D

Day 12 In Siem Reap, trip concludes

This morning is free at leisure in Siem Reap. Relax at the hotel or venture out to explore the markets, boutique shops, cafes and restaurants until its time to transfer to the airport for your outbound flight. Trip concludes.

meals : B

DAY 1 SAIGON

Hotel: Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel
Upon arrival, your private guide will meet you and take you to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel after your flight or taking a stroll along the busy streets of the city.

DAY 2 SAIGON

Today's highlights
Cu Chi Tunnel and Saigon Landmarks

Hotel: Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Visit the tunnel network of Cu Chi which was sheltered to over 16,000 Vietcong guerrillas during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, set out on a tour of the former capital of French Indochina with historic landmarks like the Old Saigon post office and Notre Dame Cathedral (under construction until 2027). Visit Reunification Palace, once the headquarters of the Saigon Government in the 60s, and the War Remnants Museum to learn some more about the Vietnam War's history.

DAY 3 MEKONG DELTA & RIVER

Today's highlights
Follow the waterway to discover Ben Tre's local businesses

Hotel: Coco Riverside Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, depart from Saigon to Ben Tre, the “Green Venice” of Vietnam. Follow the waterway to discover different local family-owned businesses including a brick factory. Stop at a small village, where you get to know the locals specializing in carpet weaving. Visit traditional farms, rice fields and vegetable plants, before stopping at a small local restaurant to taste a delicious lunch made of regional specialties. Check-in at the hotel. Later, hop on the bike and get around the village. Dinner at the hotel.

DAY 4 HOI AN

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, get on a boat and see the commercial life on the water with loaded boats transporting goods. Visit the beautiful Cao Dai temple as well as the busy local market. Head back to Saigon and stop by the Ancient House Cai Be, and listen to the host about the history of this land. Have lunch in the lush garden. Then, transfer directly back to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for a short flight to Danang. Meet your driver, head to Hoi An, and check in at the hotel.

DAY 5 HOI AN

Today's highlights
Get refreshed by a visit to Tra Que herb village

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore the beautiful countryside of Hoi An today. Breathe in the fresh aroma of many kinds of herbs when you come close to Tra Que herb village. Here, ride a bike through the village and help the local farmers with their garden. After lunch at a local house, drive back to the Old Town. Take a leisure stroll to see Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples, and an ancient bridge.

DAY 6 HOI AN

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Meals: Breakfast
Explore Hoi An at your own leisure, seeing what interests you. Along with the historic buildings, this UNESCO World Heritage town captivates millions of visitors with its charming vibe and mouthwatering food. Banh mi, Com ga, Cao lau,... you make your own list.

DAY 7 HANOI

Hotel: Capella Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Fly to Hanoi and transfer to your next hotel. After spending time for yourself, meet your guide to get acquainted with Hanoi. Visit the Temple of Literature and the Museum of Ethnology - two of the best attractions in the city. Later, a cyclo will take you around the Old Quarter to listen to the music of Hanoi that comes from its architecture, small pagodas nestled in crowded streets, and lively sounds from sidewalk restaurants and cafes.

DAY 8 HANOI

Today's highlights
A hanoi's morning tour on a scooter

Hotel: Capella Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast
Depart at around 5.30 and discover the charming city from dawn on a scooter tour. Explore the wholesale flower market, the 100-year-old Long Bien Bridge, and other typical morning sites, and witness the local life at the early stage. Enjoy a steaming bowl of Pho for breakfast and then an Egg Coffee or Cafe Sua Da, just as the way the locals start their day. In the afternoon, return to your hotel to rest at your leisure.

DAY 9 HA LONG BAY

Hotel: Ginger Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive from Hanoi to the emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands of Halong Bay. You will board the luxury cruise for your overnight cruise through the bay. Enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Site from your cabin then followed by a fresh seafood meal as you watch the amazing sunset over the dramatic seascapes.

DAY 10 LUANG PRABANG

Hotel: Sofitel Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cruise among the islands to discover more about the bay. Return to the dry land after a hearty lunch and drive to the airport. Fly to Luang Prabang and transfer to Sofitel Luang Prabng. This poetic city is your next destination.

DAY 11 LUANG PRABANG

Today's highlights
Picnic lunch at Kuang Sy Waterfall

Hotel: Sofitel Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, drive to discover some treasures of Luang Prabang. You will visit the Royal Palace and gorgeous Kuang Sy Waterfall where you have a picnic lunch. Return to Luang Prabang and start exploring the old city on the left bank of the Mekong River by visiting some of the most beautiful temples like Vat Xieng Thong, Vat Visoun, Vat Phou, Vat Aham, and a Hmong Night Market.

DAY 12 LUANG PRABANG

Today's highlights
Discover Pak Ou cave by boat

Hotel: Sofitel Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast
Wake up early for the Buddhist ritual of 'Tak Bat' at Vat Nong temple. Next stop is a local market where your senses are awakened. Sample some tasty snacks before breakfast at a local restaurant. Relax by the Mekong with a cup of coffee. Embark a traditional boat to cruise along the Mekong River to visit the sacred cave of Pak Ou which is home to hundreds of Buddha statuettes. After lunch, visit Ban Xang Hai to discover how Lao people make their traditional rice wine.

DAY 13 SIEM REAP

Today's highlights
Cycle to learn about the most ancient temple sites in the region

Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cambodia. Arrive at the airport and meet your local guide who will drive you to your hotel. After a short rest, explore by bicycle one of the most ancient temple sites in the region: the Roluos Group. You will visit a 9th-century Bakong temple, impressive Preah Ko, and Lolei which today houses a small monastery. Continue your ride to a local house where you will try Khmer pastries and talk with the locals.

DAY 14 SIEM REAP

Today's highlights
Private lunch at a secret temple

Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Angkor Wat is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. It's famed for extraordinary ruins and bas-reliefs that feature the great architectures of the Khmer Empire. Meet your guide this morning to explore the marvelous temple of Angkor Wat by tuk-tuk. Your visit includes the famous Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom, Bayon temple, and the raised terrace of Leper King. A private lunch at a secret temple will make your day unforgettable.

DAY 15 SIEM REAP

Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the magic city before transferring to the airport for your flight home.