Bike, Hike & Kayak Laos and Cambodia

Sabaidee! Welcome to Luang Prabang, Laos. On arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport, you will be greeted by your driver, who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Please look for the World Expeditions sign in the arrivals hall. After checking in, you’ll have time to unwind and settle into the relaxed pace of Luang Prabang. This peaceful town, known for its shimmering temple roofs, colonial architecture, and stunning mountain backdrop, has been recognised by UNESCO as the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. Later, you’ll meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a trip briefing before enjoying a welcome dinner. Overnight: Sala Prabang or similar

Meals:  D

After breakfast, you’ll cycle to Ban Xang Khong, known for its silk weaving and traditional Saa paper making. Continue north to Ban Pak Ou, where you’ll cross the river to visit the Pak Ou Caves (Tam Ting), home to thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues in various positions like meditation, teaching, and nirvana. After exploring the caves, enjoy a scenic cruise downstream along the Mekong River back to Luang Prabang. En route, you’ll stop at Ban Xanghai, a village famous for producing Laolao, the local rice wine. On arrival in Luang Prabang, you’ll visit Wat Xieng Thong, the city’s most magnificent temple, noted for its stunning Tree of Life mural. To finish the day, climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi for panoramic views of the city, its temples, and the surrounding mountains. You’ll also have the chance to explore the Night Market, where local textiles, street food, and crafts await. Cycling: approx. 25–30 km (15.5–18.5 miles), +92m/302ft, approx. 2.5 - 3 hrs Overnight: Sala Prabang or similar

Meals:  B

Today, head by vehicle to Ban Long Lao, a Hmong minority village, where you can wander and learn more about life in this rural Lao and Hmong community. Begin your trek with a stroll through paddy fields, then enter dense jungle rich in diverse tree species. After a scenic three-hour hike through the forest’s ups and downs, you’ll arrive at Khuang Si Waterfalls. At the falls, visit the Free the Bears Sanctuary to witness the dedicated work to protect Asiatic Black bears rescued from illegal wildlife trade. Opened in 2003, the sanctuary houses bears taken as cubs, now thriving in a safe, caring environment. Khuang Si Waterfalls, with its cool, crystal-clear pools cascading over limestone terraces, offers an idyllic escape from the heat. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pools or explore the upper forest trails surrounding the falls. Return to Luang Prabang by road. Hiking: ~13km/8mi, +378m/1240ft, approx. 3 hrs Driving: ~ approx. 2 hrs Overnight: Sala Prabang or similar

Meals:  B,L

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). Finish the journey with a short cruise by long boat down the river, followed by a vehicle transfer back to Luang Prabang. The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy at your leisure in the historic town of Luang Prabang. 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/5mi, approx. 3-4 hrs Driving: ~ approx. 1.5 hrs Overnight: Sala Prabang or similar

Meals:  B,L

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

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 (approx. 25 mins) 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

This morning, say goodbye to the beautiful 4,000 Islands as you cruise for 30 minutes from Don Khone to Ban Nakasang on the mainland. From here, a car takes you to the spectacular Khone Phapheng Waterfalls, the largest in Southeast Asia. Take some time to marvel at the powerful waters crashing over massive boulders. After your visit, it’s a short drive to the Lao-Cambodian border, where you’ll bid farewell to your Lao guide. Your Cambodian guide and driver will be ready to welcome you—Sua s’dei! Welcome to Cambodia! You’ll then journey on to Stung Treng, with an exciting stop along the way to kayak across the Sekong River to Hang Khou Ban village. Here, you can savour Krolan, a local delicacy of sticky rice with coconut milk, salt, and soybeans, cooked in bamboo. Watch the villagers prepare this popular snack, and then relax and enjoy a stunning sunset view from your riverside accommodation. Kayaking: ~2hrs Overnight: Mekong Bird Resort or similar

Meals:  B

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. 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. Driving: 325km/202mi, approx. 6 hrs (excludes visit to Koh Ker temple) Overnight: Angkor Holiday Hotel or similar

Meals:  B

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/25mi (flat easy terrain), +19m/62ft, approx. 2-2.5 hrs Overnight: Angkor Holiday Hotel or similar

Meals:  B

After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to the Kulen Mountain Range, rising from the plains about 60km north of Siem Reap. Phnom Kulen, considered Cambodia’s most sacred mountain, is a popular pilgrimage site, especially on weekends and during festivals. Recent lidar surveys have shown that an ancient city once stood atop the mountain, though the jungle has reclaimed much of it. However, remnants remain, including the River of 1000 Lingas, intricately carved into the riverbed to bless the waters that flow into the rice fields below. A hike through the jungle, passing remote villages, leads you to the impressive stone elephants standing at Srah Damrei. You’ll also visit a small wat that houses a large reclining Buddha before heading to the 20-metre-high Kulen Waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip before returning to town. Hiking: ~11km/7mi, rugged, forested & mountainous, +478m/1570ft, approx. 3-4 hrs Overnight: Angkor Holiday Hotel or similar

Meals:  B

After breakfast, you will cycle to the vast wetlands near Tonle Sap, Asia's largest freshwater lake. On arrival, monks in brightly coloured robes will bless you for good luck before you kayak through the floating village. The locals will greet you with warm smiles, and you'll witness their ingenious ways of living with the changing water levels. Some villages build houses on stilts, but Mechrey is a floating village that moves with the water's rise and fall. You'll kayak through the village, learning about the daily lives of the residents. At the village's end, a local host will welcome you for a traditional lunch. After lunch, you'll continue kayaking to the exotic mangroves during the high water season, generally from July/August to November, or along Tonle Sap Lake during the low water season, generally from December to June, spotting rare birds in this tranquil setting. The dates of the high and low seasons vary each year and depend on rainfall and water levels, which may change unexpectedly at any time. Note: If water levels are too low for kayaking at Mechrey Floating Village, you will switch to a delightful boat ride. This ensures you still experience the stunning scenery and vibrant culture in a unique way. The rest of the day will remain unchanged, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and wonders of this incredible region. Our return journey will begin with a boat transfer, followed by a final bike ride back to Siem Reap. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a farewell Khmer BBQ dinner at a local restaurant. Cycling: ~50km/31mi, +10m/33ft, approx. 3.5 hrs Kayaking: ~3hrs Overnight: Angkor Holiday Hotel or simila

Meals:  B,L,D

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