Laos & Cambodia Highlights

18 days
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4.9/5 Excellent
25 reviews  
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Small Group Tour
The highlights tour. See the best of the best in Bangkok, haggle and feast in Chiang Mai, chill on a private slow boat up the Mekong, fall in love with Luang Prabang, explore some rad caves, kayak and hang ten in Vang Vieng and Vientiane, rock and roll in Phnom Penh and explore the temples Tomb Raider-style in Siem Reap. In 2017 the duration of this trip was...
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$2,768
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • It doesn’t get more southeast asian than cruising down the mekong river in a traditional-style boat, and lucky you will get two days of it here
    • Get seriously laid-back in laos and find out why it’s one of the most chilled countries around
    • Jump on an overnight train in thailand, maybe the best form of transport ever – travelling like a local, making new mates, and waking up in a new place all rolled into one
    • You know a place is special if the unesco guys stick it on their list, and exotic luang prabang is just that – french villas, buddhist temples, the mighty mekong and the tastiest bakeries and cafes
    • This trip hits all the must-sees of cambodia. is it possible to fall in love with a pile of stones? you might think so after your time at angkor wat

What's this trip about?

    The highlights tour. See the best of the best in Bangkok, haggle and feast in Chiang Mai, chill on a private slow boat up the Mekong, fall in love with Luang Prabang, explore some rad caves, kayak and hang ten in Vang Vieng and Vientiane, rock and roll in Phnom Penh and explore the temples Tomb Raider-style in Siem Reap. In 2017 the duration of this trip was 17 days In 2018 the duration of this trip is 18 days

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Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range18 to 35 years
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBangkok
End CitySiem Reap

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Local Immersion & Homestays
  • Transformative

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Bangkok

Arrive in Bangkok and get to grips with this awesome city. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in ti...

Day 2 Bangkok - overnight train

Start the morning with a sightseeing walk led by your leader checking out the local scene away from the normal tourist trail. Stop for some local snacks, see some cool street art and stroll through many back streets to see how many people live and work in these small...

Day 3 Chiang Mai

Arrive in Chiang Mai in the morning. The day is yours – see how many activities you can pack into 2 days. There are over 120 temples in the city centre alone. You can set off on an excursion to the top of Doi Suthep. There's a few hundred steps to climb, but the views...

Day 4 Chiang Mai

Another day, another chance to get your fill of awesome Chiang Mai. You might like to take part in one of our Urban Adventures, such as the 'Mind and Soul' or 'Mae Ping River Experience' day tours. To really get the blood pumping, head to the Flight of the Gibbon and negotiate the zipline and canopy course within the treetops.

Day 5 Chiang Khong

Take a public bus from Chaing Mai to Chiang Kkong via Chiang Rai )approx 6.5 hours) Explore this quiet town that sits on the Thai side of the Thai-Lao border. Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Luang are both well worth a visit while you are here. Perhaps rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding countryside and the banks of the Mekong. Your accommodation tonight is a basic guesthouse.

Day 6 Mekong River - Pakbeng

This morning you will complete border formalities at Huay Xai before boarding a slow boat for a trip down the Mekong River (approximately 7 hours). This is where the real relaxtion starts, as you ease into proper holiday mode. Read a book, play cards, swap travel stor...

Day 7 Luang Prabang

Continue on the private slow boat, stopping to stretch your legs and explore the Pak Ou Caves, which contain hundreds of Buddha statues. Arrive in Luang Prabang in the evening and wander the streets of ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’ (ie really, really old and exotic and beautiful). Get a load of those French villas. And that sunset over the Mekong...

Day 8 Luang Prabang

Enjoy free time for optional activities today. There are many on offer. A trip to Kuang Si Falls is highly recommended if you feel like a swim in nature (and when you see these waterfalls, you probably will). Or visit a Buddhist temple. Afterwards, we think you deserv...

Day 9 Luang Prabang

Enjoy some free time. Whether it's cruising around town or heading to those waterfalls that an Instagram filter couldn't even make more pretty, this is another day in paradise. By now you may have discovered the delicious (and amazingly inexpensive) night market food,...

Day 10 Vang Vieng

Transfer in a private mini van to the village of Vang Vieng (approximately 6–7 hours). This beautifully located adventure gateway lies on a bend in the Nam Song (that's a river, remember). Take in the views of mountains, rivers and big limestone cliffs that are so clo...

Day 11 Vang Vieng

Spend your day checking out the caves, lagoons and forests as you please. There are more outdoor activities on offer here than you could poke a stick at, so just ask your leader for a recommendation. A solid option is the Tham Jang. It's a short trip from town, and ha...

Day 12 Vientiane

Finish up in Laos’ classy capital, Vientiane by catching a public bus from Vang Vieng (approx 5 hours). Swap your instant coffee for a latte and white rice for a baguette before snapping a few pics at Wat Sri Saket. Your tour leader will show you around this French an...

Day 13 Phnom Penh

Transfer to the airport and catch a quick flight to Phnom Penh, (please note you will be unescorted on this flight.) Settle into your hotel and then take the afternoon to check out this busy city. The best way to get into the groove of Phnom Penh is to eat its food, s...

Day 14 Phnom Penh

This day begins with a cyclo sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh, a quirky mix of romantic Indo-China charm, poverty, modern development, friendly locals and cheeky tuk-tuk drivers. After this we recommend taking an optional visit to learn more about the country's history ...

Day 15 Siem Reap

Today you’ll leave Phnom Penh behind and hop on a public bus (the most exciting of all buses) to Siem Reap (approximately 7 hours), your base for exploring Angkor. Before the temple-fest tomorrow, take an orientation walk around the town with your leader and then enjoy some free time to sample local snacks, haggle for souvenirs at the market or get a pedicure from thousands of tiny fish.

Day 16 Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

It’s time for the main event with a whole day to enjoy a guided tour around the unforgettable temple complex of Angkor. Begin with a seriously photo-worthy sunset over the temples, which were built 800 to 1,000 years ago when the Khmer empire was the number one power ...

Day 17 Siem Reap

Today’s a free day in Siem Reap, giving you the chance to kick back and just wander around the town, visiting its market, shops and restaurants, or to otherwise join one of the many optional activities on offer. If you’re still hungry for temples then maybe visit the ...

Day 18 Siem Reap

Time to say goodbye and thanks to Cambodia as your adventure comes to an end. You can depart at any time on this day.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,050
Price per day$114
Last Updated: 7/16/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Geckos Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Guesthouse (6 nights), Hotel (10 nights), sleeper train (1 night)

Transportation & Flights

Boat,Local bus,Mekong slow boat,Private van,Public aircon coach,Songthaew,Tuk-tuk,

Transportation & flights

Boat,Local bus,Mekong slow boat,Private van,Public aircon coach,Songthaew,Tuk-tuk
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a group trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Please go to our website for links to various travel insurance providers.
Visa requirements
As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. THAILAND: If entering by air most nationalities will be granted a 30 day stay on arrival. If entering by a land border, you will be granted a 15 day stay only (some exceptions are citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Germany and Japan who are eligible for 30 day visa at land borders). A visa extension can be obtained in Thailand at an immigration office for approx. 2000THB or alternatively you can apply for a Thailand visa in advance from your embassy or consulate that will allow a 30 day stay when entering at an overland border. If planning to enter Thailand via a land border multiple times during your travels, we recommend you pre-obtain a 60 day multiple entry visa from you embassy or consulate before you travel rather than attempting to obtain a visa at the border on multiple occasions which may result in being denied re-entry into the country. LAOS We ask all our travellers to obtain their Laos visas at the border, and NOT in their home country. Your tour leader will assist you in obtaining a Laos visa, generally at the border, depending on the current state of affairs, as it can vary. Please ensure that you have at least 1 passport photos and up to US$60 cash (this may vary too) to fulfil the requirements. There will also be an Immigration Fee of USD1. To assist us in processing your Laos visas, please provide your agent with accurate passport details prior to the departure of your trip as these details will be passed on to our leader. When crossing the border you will most likely see a lesser entry fee than what you have paid. This is due to the leader having to use a local agent to process the visa which allows the group to cross the border as quickly as possible. The above information has been put together as a guide. We do endeavor to update this information as much as possible but it’s also important that you check for yourself as visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Visas for Cambodia can be organised on arrival or in advance. If you wish to obtain you visa prior to departure please contact the embassy or consulate and allow approx 3 weeks for the visa to be processed. If you are obtaining your visa on arrival at the airport or at a border crossing you can do so for approx US$30.00 (cost subject to change) - you will need a passport photo if you wish to do this. Most countries can obtain their visa on arrival including, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the USA. If your country is not listed above please contact your embassy. The above information has been put together as a guide. We endeavour to update this information as much as possible but it’s also important that you check for yourself as visas are the responsibility of the traveller.
Age Requirements
18 to 35 years
Additional Information
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Trip ID
geckos-GTLCC

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