Cambodia Holidays and Laos
This 10 days itinerary will help you to plan your holidays to mysterious countries of South East Asia – Cambodia and Laos.
Cambodia has a rich and fascinating history and culture. Capital Phom Penh is a cultural center once known as the “Pearl of Asia”. It was considered loveliest French colonial city in Indochina. The provincial Siem Reap is famous for the largest religious monument in the world – Angkor Wat complex, built more than 800 years ago.
Laos appears to be stuck in the time of cold war with red socialist flags decorating the stores. One of the wonders of the world – picturesque Luang Prabang combines beautiful unspoiled by tourism nature and glimpses to life under socialism regime.
When to Visit Cambodia and Laos
2nd and 3rd week of January is the best time visit both Cambodia and Laos. January is in the middle of the dry season with very comfortable weather. Moreover, these 2 weeks are between busy Christmas and Chinese New year, which makes it a perfect time to visit.
What to bring to Cambodia Holidays and Laos
Make sure to take plenty of cash USD. You would need at least $70 for visa-on-entry per person for both countries and also most places accept only cash. Both countries readily accept USD, however, it makes sense to exchange USD to Lao kip in Laos, as most vendors won’t have change to give back. Just don’t forget to change any Lao kip back to USD before leaving the country, as you won’t be able to change them once you cross the border. ATMs are plentiful in both countries, but bank fees are high and there are withdraw limits in Laos, so better be prepared.
Take usual medicine and travel necessities for these countries. There is no need for Malaria tablets in the places you will visit described in this guide. However, make sure you are vaccinated against Yellow Fever and have routine immunizations Tdap, MMR, Polio and Influenza.
Day 1-3 – Phom Penh, Cambodia Holidays
Start you trip with Phnom Penh (The City of the Brahma’s Faces) – economic, industrial and and cultural center of Cambodia. Once known as the “Pearl of Asia” this French colonial city still holds its charm. You will find French colonial buildings scattered along the grand boulevards defining this largest city of Combodia. Khmer people account for 97% of Cambodia’s 16 million population and have unique culture.
Phom Penh has a reach history and was founded in 1372. It was for a short time national capital after the fall of Angkor in 1434. After that, Phom Penh only became national capital during the French colonial era in 1866. The beauty of this city made it a ‘Paris of the East’ before Vietnam War and Khmer Rouge regime changed it. The Community party of Kampuchea (Cambodia) – Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the entire city after taking it in 1975. Khmer Rouge regime neglected the city and allowed it to crumble. Finally, Vietnamese forces took down Khmer Rouge in 1979 and people began to return to the city. A period of reconstruction began, spurred by the continuing stability of government, attracting new foreign investment and aid by countries including France, Australia, and Japan.
What to Do in Phom Penh
Phom Penh has a lot of tourist attractions related to the grim history of Khmer Rouge regime. Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Geocidal Center (one of the Killing Fields site) to find more about Cambodian genocide.
Moreover, Royal palace with Silver Pagoda – one of the 300 Wonders of the world are must see if you are interested in Khmer history. Cambodians built them in 19th century with French technology and traditional Khmer designs. The Royal palace complex survived surprisingly well horrors of Khmer Rouge regime. It hosts some of the most important Cambodian treasures.
Also, highly recommended daily Cambodian Living Arts dance show is great to spend the evening and to enjoy Cambodian music and dance.
Where to stay in Phom Penh
Phnom Penh has plenty of very affordable hotels to choose from. If you are on budget stay in modern Aquarius Hotel & Urban Resort, SUN & MOON, Urban Hotel or Pavilion. However, if you want real luxury stay in Rosewood, which is still very affordable for most of the travellers.
What to eat in Phom Penh
Did we mention Cambodia is cheap? For instance, you can have a delicious local meal in the restaurant for the equivalent of USD3. The local cuisine is simple, but tasty. Try chicken, fish or shrimp Amok, which comes with rice. It is probably the most popular dish in the country and for a good reason. Also, Lok Lak is an interesting beef dish, which you would see on most local menus. K’dam is another local famous dish, which is much harder to find. It’s a crab cooked in world famous Kampot pepper.
Day 4-7 – Siem Reap, Cambodia Holidays
After Phom Penh, fly to Siem Reap – the heart of ancient Angkor region. The main attraction here is Angkor Archaeological Park, which contains ruins of several capitals of the Khmer Empire from 9th to 15th centuries. This complex is huge and you should buy 3 days pass, if you want to have time to explore it. You can usually organize tuk-tuk with you hotel to explore this complex. Just try to start either very early before 7am or late after 3pm to beat the crowds, heat and have the best light for the photos.
Siem Reap Attractions
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and one of 100 Wonders of the World. It was was originally a Hindu temple, but was later transformed into a Biddist temple temple in the 12th century. Angkor Wat became a symbol of Cambodia and appears in the center of the national flag. It was designed to represents Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology. It has extensive and well preserved bas-reliefs and beautifully carved devatas adorning its walls.
Angkor Thom – Bayon Temple
Angkor Thom (Great City) is one of 300 Wonders of the world. It was the last capital city of the Khmer empire. Angkor Thom was established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman and includes several monuments from earlier periods. At the center of the city is king’s state temple, the Bayon with famous “face towers”, with each tower supporting two, three or (most commonly) four gigantic smiling faces.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is another wonder of the world in Angkor Archaeological Park. This temple is in almost the same condition as it was found. The temple was used in filming Tomb Raider movie and hence also known as Tomb Raider temple. The trees growing out of the ruins create mysterious atmosphere and plenty of photo opportunities. Try to go either very early just after opening or late afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh sunlight.
Phnom Bakheng
Phnom Bakheng is also located in the main Angkor Archaeological Park. It’s a Hindu and Buddhist temple in the form of a temple mountain. Located at the top of the hill it provides distant sunset views of Angor Wat. It gets crowded for the sunset and you might want to go earlier to enjoy the walk and beat the crowd.
Banteay Srei
Banteay Srei (Citadel of the Women) is a beautiful 10th-century Hindu temple is out of the main Angkor Wat area and would require extra 45mins one way to get there. However, it’s absolutely worth it and you will be rewarded with most spectacular carvings in Angkor area. The temple is build mostly from hard red sandstone that can be carved like wood. It’s also called “The Pink Temple” because of the color of the red sandstone. It’s believed the delicate carvings of Banreay Srei could have been done only by a woman.
Pub Street
Pub Street is located in the center of Siem Reap and this is the place where tourists can enjoy the night time during their holiday in this historical province. It’s lined by bars and restaurants on both sides and has great party atmosphere. It’s relatively wide and clean and open to pedestrians only, so you can relax and have fun after your busy day exploring Angkor region.
Siem Reap Shopping
Psar Chaa – Old Market
Old market is located close to famous Pub Street and full of stall selling cheap souvenirs. There is also food market in the center with interesting local food selection. There is a lot of counterfeit on the market and don’t expect to find precious genuine gemstones here.
Тheam’s Gallery
This elegant house museum has beautiful traditional Cambodian art and a tranquil garden. If you are looking for genuine Cambodian artwork as a souvenir, this is the place to visit.
Sombai Liqueur
This cozy shop offers friendly service and free tasting of Cambodian liqueur and alcoholic jams. There are 11 flavors of liquor to try and hand-painted bottles offer a great souvenir.
Senteurs d’Angkor
This shop offers a great selection of quality locally made essential oils, balms, hand creams, candles, soaps, spices and cosmetics. The prices are significantly higher than on the markets, but presentation and quality is the best you can find in Cambodia.
Siem Reap Hotels
There are a lot of excellent accommodation choices for your Cambodia Holidays. Borei Angkor Resort & Spa is the most popular 5 star hotel in the town and offers a best value for the luxury it offers. If you are on the tight budget check out Golden Temple Villa, it’s a small retreat and you would need to book it early for busy seasons. Families with children should consider La Residence Blanc D’Angkor, which has larger rooms allows up to 2 kids to stay for free.
Day 8-10 – Luang Prabang, Laos
Take a quick 1h 30min flight from Siem Reap to spiritual Luang Prabang. It’s located on a peninsula at the confluence of Nam Khan and Mekong River and weather is around 5C cooler than Siem Reap. The center has French colonial influence and multiple Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Laos is one of the last communist countries in the world and you will start seeing this socialist version of south east from your arrival to the airport. It’s the only country able to reconcile aspects of religion (Buddhism) with Marxism. Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) supports activities of Buddhist monks.
Luang Prabang is UNESCO World Heritage and also one of 300 Wonders of the World selected for it’s mix of traditional Lao and French colonial architecture. It also offers multiple natural attractions with views to Mekong river and beautiful waterfalls outside of the town.
Chilling out in Luang Prabang is a perfect way to finish your Laos & Cambodia holidays.
Luang Prabang Attractions
Kuang Si Falls
Beautiful Kuang Si Falls definitely worth a visit while you are in Luang Prabang. The waterfalls open at 8am most days, try to get there just before opening to beat the crowd and get this magical place for yourself. You can easily spend half a day in this area. There is a restaurant in the falls area and markets next to the parking.
Bear rescue center on the way to the falls is also very interesting. You would be able to see Asiatic black bears aka Moon bears playing with each other in this well taking care refuge. All the bears were rescued from illegal trade and although the center admission is free, donations are greatly appreciated.
Kuang Si Falls is three-tiered waterfall and starts with shallow pools where you can take a swim in the crystal clear milky water. The cascading falls are breathtaking with mid-level pools being the most beautiful. There is also a path leading to the top of the waterfall where you can see the stream feeding into the falls with locals offering a boat ride.
This is a sacred place for locals with Buddhist monks visiting to meditate under banyan trees. Please pay respect and only swim in designated areas, cover yourself after the swim and wear good footwear you want to go to the trails, as it can get very slippery.
Laos Buffalo Dairy
If you have time returning from Kuang Si Falls, this fantastic farm is highly recommended. Take a tour to learn a great story about how this dairy has started and how it helps locals, as well as get to milk a Buffalo. This is the only place in Laos producing Buffalo cheeses and you will have an opportunity to sample them, as well as refreshing ice cream.
Wat Xieng Thong
Wat Xieng Thong (Temple of the Golden City) is one the most important Lao Buddhist temples. It was built in the middle of the 16th-century and remains symbol of Lao traditional art, religion and royalty. Luang Prabang was a royal capital until communists took power in 1975. Wat Xieng Thong used to be a place for kings to be crowned and the area has a shrine to Buddhist relics, a library of ancient scripts and showcases beautiful traditional architecture.
Mount Phousi
Mount Phousi (Phou Si) is a hill in the center of the old town of Luang Prabang. There is gilded stupa of Wat Chom Si on the summit of Mount Phou Si. The inspiring view opens up from the summit overlooking the town, surrounding countryside and Mekong River.
Luang Prabang Shopping
You can buy a lot of beautifully crafted hand-made souvenirs in Luang Prabang, such as hand-painted coconut bowls, beaded textiles and jungle vine bags.
Night Market
Night Market in the town center of Luang Prabang opens from 5pm and has a collection of ethnic handcrafts and trinkets to choose from. The traders offer for sale various clothes, ceramics, lamps, blankets, bed covers, handicrafts and silk scarves.
Luang Prabang Hotels
Pullman Luang Prabang offers a great value in Luang Prabang and might be the cheapest 5-star hotel you will find anywhere in the world. However, it’s about 5km from the Luang Prabang town center and if you would like to be more in the center Sofitel Luang Prabang might be a better although much more expensive choice.
Leaving Laos
Don’t forget to exchange back your remaining local currency (lao kip) before you leave Laos. You won’t be able to exchange outside of Laos and could only keep it as a souvenir.
