Ancient Kingdoms Explorer – 16 Days

Leave the vibrant city of Bangkok behind and head to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand from 1350 to 1770. Explore the archaeological site at Ban Than Prasat and visit the Phi Mai Khmer temple.

Explore a pottery village located south of Khorat and interact with the local residents in this scenic and secluded region of Thailand. Tour the historic temples of Phnom Rung and Muang Tam, significant landmarks along the ancient 'Royal Road' leading to Angkor Wat, before continuing on to Surin.

Following breakfast, you'll drive to Pha Taem National Park to explore ancient cliffside paintings and take in the stunning vistas of the Mekong River and Laos.

Today, you’ll delve into the grandeur of the Preah Vihear temple, an unaltered Khmer structure that offers an authentic 'Indiana Jones' adventure as you explore its impressive ruins. Following your visit, proceed to Laos, known as the Kingdom of a Thousand Elephants.

After breakfast, leave Pakse and journey to the historic site of Wat Phou, which predates Angkor Wat and was once a central hub of the Khmer Kingdom. By mid-afternoon, you’ll reach the charming Khong Island, the largest island in the Mekong’s vast expanse known as the 4,000 Islands, or Si Phan Don.

Make your way south to the Cambodian border, the entry point to the modern Khmer kingdom. Journey alongside the Mekong River to the charming town of Kratie, known for its scenic beauty. Please note that the information in this document was accurate at the time of preparation. Travel Indochina retains the right to modify the itinerary as needed due to operational or other factors.

Today, enjoy a relaxed exploration of the Cambodian countryside, visiting a nearby pagoda with 100 pillars and the charming town of Kratie. In the evening, unwind by the riverside while savoring a refreshing Cambodian fruit shake.

En route to Phnom Penh, stop by a rubber plantation from the colonial era. You'll also have the chance to visit the unique Wat Nokor and take a short tour of Kampong Cham, Cambodia’s third-largest city. By the end of the day, you'll arrive in Phnom Penh, a historic and laid-back riverside city, notable for being one of Asia’s few low-rise capitals.

Today, we’ll explore the key attractions of the capital, including the dazzling Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the bustling Russian Market, and the fascinating National Museum. In the afternoon, we'll visit the somber Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields, which provide a poignant reminder of Cambodia's tragic history.

Today, we’ll journey along Route 6 to Skuon, where you’ll have the chance to try sautéed spiders, a local specialty. We’ll also stop in Kampong Thom and visit the impressive ancient stone bridge in Kampong Kdei, constructed by the Khmers more than a thousand years ago.

Begin your day with an early tuk-tuk ride to watch the sunrise over the iconic Angkor Wat. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Angkor at dawn from a hot-air balloon hovering above the temples, and explore the renowned sites of Bayon and Angkor Thom. In the afternoon, head to Tonle Sap, a vital part of Cambodia's landscape, for a boat excursion to its floating villages.

Explore two of the most captivating temples within the Angkor complex: Ta Prohm, which is enveloped by jungle, and the stunning Banteay Srei, known for its intricate pink sandstone carvings.

Today, you will be taken to the airport for your departure.