Laos & Cambodia Explorer 14 days

What's Included

• The services of Peregrine's expert English-speaking local tour leaders in each country, and local guides at some sites.

• Local flights: Bangkok to Chiang Rai, Phonsavan to Vientiane, Vientiane to Siem Reap (unescorted) and Siem Reap to Phnom Penh (unescorted).

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Bangkok - the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Temple of the Reclining Buddha; thousands of Buddha images in Tam Ting Cave; Ban Sang Hai village; Luang Prabang - the procession of monks, Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Wisunalat and the National Museum at the former Royal Palace; Kuang Si Waterfalls; Muang Khun; Plain of Jars; Vientiane - Patuxai Monument, Wat Si Saket, Wat Prakeo and That Luang Stupa; Phnom Penh - Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom, Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.

• Visit to the Angkor complex: Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Banteay Srei and a sunset over Angkor Wat from Phnom Bakheng.

• ‘Slow’ boat cruise down the Mekong River to observe rural life.

• A night in a simple hostel in Pakbeng village home to tribal Thais and a night in a basic hotel in Phonsavan - home to the Hmong hill tribe.

• Lunch at Sala Bai Hotel School prepared by underprivileged local youths learning skills to find employment in the hospitality industry.

• Free time to explore Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

• Arrival transfer.

Highlight of Highlights - Pick of the trip

The Mysterious Plain of Jars

Visit the Plain of Jars, an archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the Xiangkhouang plateau. It is thought that these jars are over 2000 years old, but there is no reliable way of dating them and archaeologists are still mystified as to their original purpose. Some say they’re ancient burial urns, others, enormous rice whisky vats, or water collectors for overland caravans from India, but with the truth long lost to time’s passage even the local Hmong people are not sure!

Accommodation, Transport & Meals

Transport

• Boat
• Ferry
• Plane
• Private bus
• Train

Accommodation

• 12 nights Comfortable hotel
• 1 night Basic hotel

Meals

• 13 breakfasts
• 1 lunch

Not Included

Departure taxes, visas, other meals, insurance, tips, any additional optional tours or activities during free time, and items of a personal nature.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations may be required or recommended for this trip so you should consult with your travel doctor to obtain the latest up to date information. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain any vaccinations or preventative medicines for the countries you are visiting – or any which may be required by your home country upon your return.

For travellers from Australia and New Zealand, we recommend the Travel Doctor-TMVC clinics (see www.traveldoctor.com.au or phone 1300 658 844 for an appointment in Australia). Travellers from countries other than Australia and New Zealand should contact similar organisations or their travel doctor for advice. General health and vaccination information is available to all travellers at
www.traveldoctor.com.au/travelreport. Some vaccines require more than one dose, so arrange for your visit at least 4-6 weeks before you travel.

Malaria: There is no vaccination against malaria, which is transmitted by mosquito bites and is a risk in many less-developed tropical areas in Africa and Latin America. Protection against mosquito bites is essential and where the risk is considered high, anti-malarial medications are recommended. Anti-malarial medications should be discussed with experts as there are different medications available and not all medications suit all people or all destinations. Where malaria is considered prevalent in mountainous regions we prefer that trekkers to altitude try to avoid the use of mefloquine (Lariam) if possible.