12-Day Laos & Cambodia Adventure Odyssey

Day 1: Luang Prabang – Arrival & Evening Exploration (-)
Arrive in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city along the Mekong River. Check into your hotel and take an evening stroll through the vibrant night market, sampling Lao street food like khao soi. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Start with a morning bike ride (10 km, easy) through Luang Prabang’s historic streets, visiting the ornate Wat Xieng Thong and the serene Royal Palace Museum. Drive (45 min) to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, where you can swim in turquoise pools and hike (1 hour, easy) along jungle trails to hidden cascades. Return to Luang Prabang for a free evening. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Transfer to Luang Prabang’s train station for a high-speed express train (1 hour) to Vang Vieng. Arrive and check into your hotel. Take a short walk to the Nam Song River viewpoint for stunning karst mountain scenery. Spend the evening exploring Vang Vieng’s laid-back cafés. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Gear up for a morning of ziplining (2-3 hours, beginner-friendly) through the lush forests and karst landscapes of Vang Vieng, soaring over rivers and treetops. After lunch, kayak (2 hours, easy) along the Nam Song River, passing limestone peaks and fishing villages. The afternoon is free to relax or explore Vang Vieng’s vibrant scene. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Take a morning express train (1 hour) to Vientiane, Laos’ capital. After checking into your hotel, visit the golden Pha That Luang stupa and the quirky Buddha Park, filled with hundreds of statues. Stroll along the Mekong Riverside to explore the night market. Overnight in Vientiane.

Fly from Vientiane to Pakse. Upon arrival, drive (1.5 hours) by car to the Bolaven Plateau, known for its waterfalls and coffee plantations. Visit Tad Fane Waterfall, a dramatic twin cascade. Stop at a coffee plantation to sample local brews. Return to Pakse for the night. Overnight in Pakse.

Drive (2 hours) from Pakse to Champasak and trek (1.5 hours, moderate) through the Wat Phu complex, a 5th-century Khmer temple and UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient ruins and panoramic views. Continue by car (1.5 hours) to Ban Nakasang, then take a ferry to Don Khong, the largest island in the 4,000 Islands region. Check into your guesthouse. Overnight in Don Khong.

Drive (30 min) to visit the majestic Khon Phapheng Waterfall, known as the “Niagara of Asia.” After lunch, kayak (2 hours, easy) along the Mekong River, with a chance to spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins near the Cambodia border (best sightings in dry season, November–April). Return to Don Khong for a relaxing evening. Overnight in Don Khong.

Drive (1 hour) to the Voeung Kam border crossing into Cambodia, then continue by car (3 hours) to Siem Reap. Arrive and check into your hotel. In the evening, explore Pub Street and the Siem Reap night market, soaking in the lively atmosphere. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Cycle (15 km, easy) through the Angkor Archaeological Park, starting with the iconic Angkor Wat at sunrise, exploring its intricate carvings. Continue biking to Ta Prohm, the “Tomb Raider” temple with tree-entwined ruins, and Bayon Temple, famous for its smiling stone faces. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Drive (30 min) to a jungle zipline course near Siem Reap. Spend the morning ziplining (2 hours, beginner-friendly) through the Angkor jungle canopy, with views of lush forests and distant ruins. After lunch, enjoy a free afternoon to relax. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure or extend your stay in Cambodia.