Thailand, Laos and Cambodia : Kingdoms Explorer – 16 Days

Today, we leave behind the vibrant modernity of Bangkok and head to Ayuthaya, the ancient capital that thrived from 1350 to 1770. This historic city boasts stunning ruins and a rich past. We will also explore Ban Than Prasat, an archaeological site located in a small village where locals have unearthed artifacts dating back over 3,500 years. Our visit includes the Phi Mai Khmer Temple, renowned as the most impressive and well-preserved Khmer temple in Thailand, offering a glimpse into the lives of the mighty Khmer emperors of old.

Explore a pottery village located just south of Khorat and engage with the local community in this picturesque and secluded area of Thailand. We will tour the temples of Phnom Rung and Muang Tam, each showcasing distinct architectural styles and serving as significant historical landmarks on the ancient 'Royal Road' to Angkor Wat. After our visit, we will continue on to Surin.

From our base in Surin, we will visit the Suai minority community, known for their traditional use of elephants in their daily lives. Start the day with an early morning trek on these gentle giants and explore a local museum as well as a charming silk handicraft village renowned for producing some of Thailand's finest silk. In Ubon Ratchathani, we'll stop by a handicraft center, museum, and temple before heading to Khong Jiam, where we'll check into our scenic resort with views of the Mekong River.

After breakfast, we head to Pha Taem National Park to view the ancient cliffside paintings and take in the stunning vistas of the Mekong River and Laos. Following this, we explore the charming town of Khong Jiam before returning to the resort to relax for the afternoon.

Today, we delve into the impressive Preah Vihear Temple (referred to as Khao Phra Viharn in Thai), an ancient Khmer site that remains untouched by restoration. Experience an adventurous ‘Indiana Jones’ moment as we explore this remarkable complex. Following our visit, we proceed to the Lao border, where we can haggle for souvenirs and sample local delicacies before crossing into the Kingdom of a Thousand Elephants. We will spend the night in the quaint town of Pakse.

After breakfast, we leave Pakse and head by road to the ancient Wat Phou, a temple complex with Hindu influences that predates the Angkor structures in Cambodia. Recently designated as a ‘World Heritage’ site, Wat Phou is celebrated for its cultural and historical importance. By mid-afternoon, we reach charming Khong Island, the largest island in this expansive stretch of the Mekong River. Spend your free time renting a bicycle to explore the island and its welcoming residents.

Today, we embark on a leisurely boat journey through the Mekong region known as the ‘4,000 Islands’. Enjoy the serene river scenery before arriving at Khone Island. During our visit, we explore the remnants of a French-era railway and the scenic Li Phi waterfalls. We also search for the rare Irrawaddy Dolphin and witness the impressive Khonephapheng Falls before heading back to Khong Island for the evening.

This morning, we head south to the Cambodian border, the entrance to the Khmer kingdom. By midday, we'll reach the rugged town of Stung Treng. Here, we'll take a brief detour to visit a local women’s cooperative. In the afternoon, we continue along the Mekong River to the charming town of Kratie, located alongside Southeast Asia's largest river and featuring notable examples of colonial French architecture.

Today is a day of relaxed exploration through the Cambodian countryside, including a visit to a nearby pagoda with 100 pillars and the charming town of Kratie. In the late afternoon, we embark on a boat ride along the Mekong River, hoping to spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. Finish the day by enjoying a refreshing Cambodian fruit shake by the riverside!

En route to Phnom Penh, we will make a visit to a rubber plantation that was once owned by the Michelin rubber company during the colonial era. We will also explore the diverse Wat Nokor and take a quick tour of Kampong Cham, Cambodia’s third-largest city. By the end of the day, we will reach Phnom Penh, a relaxed and low-rise capital among Asia's major cities.

Today, we will explore the key attractions of the capital, including the glittering Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the fascinating National Museum, and the somber Tuol Sleng and Killing Fields. You will also have some free time to experience the distinctive atmosphere of this unique Asian city.

Today, we journey along Route 6 to Skuon town to try sautéed spiders, a local specialty. Our road trip includes a stop in Kampong Thom and a visit to the impressive ancient stone bridge in Kampong Kdei, constructed by the Khmers 1,000 years ago. We will then continue to Siem Reap, completing a day of pleasant travel through picturesque landscapes on a newly paved road.

The Angkor temples span 600 years (802-1432) of Khmer civilization, one of Asia's most illustrious empires. Start your day early with a tuk tuk ride to witness the sunrise at the stunning Angkor Wat, then explore this vast and remarkable religious monument in depth. Constructed in the 12th century, this architectural gem took 30 years to finish and epitomizes the grandeur of Khmer civilization. Next, enter Angkor Thom through its southern gate and marvel at the captivating Bayon, the Terrace of Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Before enjoying lunch and a break, take in the panoramic views of Angkor from a fixed cable balloon at 200 meters. In the late afternoon, embark on a brief cruise of the impressive Tonle Sap Lake, the country’s lifeblood and the second largest freshwater lake globally.

Today, you'll be taken to the airport to continue with your onward travel.