Arrive in Bangkok in the late afternoon on suggested flights and make your way to the airport hotel (included in tour price). Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including travel insurance (a condition of travel) and accommodation before or after the tour.

In the evening, join your tour leader Joyce Morgan and fellow travellers for welcome drinks.

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Depart Bangkok in the morning on a Bangkok Airways flight to Luang Prabang, Laos (flight included in tour price).

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, visit Wat Xiengthong, a stunning example of traditional Lao architecture. Its intricate carvings, gold-leaf stencilling and sweeping rooflines provide a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich artistic heritage. The temple complex also houses a beautiful collection of Buddha statues and religious artifacts.

This evening is at leisure.

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After a morning talk with Joyce, enjoy a guided tour of the Royal Palace Museum and delve into the region’s rich history and culture.

After lunch at leisure in Luang Prabang’s bustling central market, gain a deeper insight into the local culture and heritage with a visit to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre.

Later, embark on a sunset river cruise on the mighty Mekong River before returning to the hotel, first stopping at the vibrant night market.

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In the early morning, there is the option to join a longstanding tradition of “Morning Alms”, where the devoted ritualistically offer food to the monks in complete silence (not included in tour price).

After breakfast, depart on a cruise along the Mekong River, taking in the sights of life along the river before arriving at Pak Ou Caves, a sacred site filled with thousands of Buddha statues overlooking the river.

Have a picnic lunch before departing by coach towards Ban Phanom, an artisan village known for its traditional weaving techniques and vibrant textiles.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

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Enjoy a morning at leisure before departing Luang Prabang by high-speed train to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, renowned for its serene temples, French colonial architecture and vibrant markets.

Arrive in the early afternoon and settle into the hotel before departing for dinner accompanied by a cultural show featuring traditional dances and music.

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Following a morning talk by Joyce, explore Wat Sisaket, renowned as the oldest temple in Vientiane, with its unique architecture and housing thousands of Buddha images. Continue to the Ho Phra keo Museum, known locally as ‘the Temple of the Emerald Buddha’ with its gilded throne meant for the Emerald Buddha, which was taken in the 18th century by the Siamese. The museum is decorated with carved wooden features, a 16th-century lacquered door with Hindu carvings and a collection of Khmer stone sculptures.

Next, visit Wat Simuang, a revered golden temple built in the 16th century and known for its spiritual significance among Laotians. End the day at the Lao Textile Museum with a guided tour and interactive demonstration, showcasing traditional weaving techniques and intricate designs.

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Depart from the hotel to explore Buddha Park, an open-air sculpture park in a tranquil setting adorned with over 200 intricate depictions of all shapes and sizes of figures from Buddhist and Hindu traditions and lore.

After some time for lunch at leisure, discover Pha That Luang or “Great Stupa”, Vientiane’s revered golden stupa and spiritual heart of Laos, believed to enshrine a breastbone of the Buddha. Then, explore the adjacent Wat That Luang Neua temple complex, known for its large golden reclining Buddha, bodhi tree and peaceful gardens.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before dinner.

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After breakfast, depart Vientiane on an included flight with Vietnam Airways to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.

On arrival, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which starkly preserves the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime. Once a school turned into a prison, it stands as a haunting testament to Cambodia’s dark history, housing photographs, artifacts and exhibits that document the regime’s brutal policies and their impact.

This evening, enjoy sampling modern Cambodian cuisine.

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This morning learn about Khmer history in a talk with Joyce, before taking a leisurely stroll to the Royal Palace, a symbol of Cambodia’s grandeur, and the Silver Pagoda, adorned with hundreds of silver tiles and housing an Emerald Buddha.

Next, delve into Cambodia’s rich history at the National Museum of Cambodia, where ancient Khmer artifacts, sculptures and artworks offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s cultural heritage.

In the evening, enjoy dinner accompanied by an enchanting Apsara performance, a traditional Cambodian dance that embodies grace, elegance and mythological storytelling.

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After checking out of the hotel, transfer to the antique labyrinth that is the Russian Markets. Built in the early 1980s, the city’s Russian residents would stock their Cold War goods here. Now the market boasts nearly 400 shops, which sell vibrant silk clothing, intricate decorations, stone and wooden artifacts, captivating artwork, pottery and an array of handcrafted treasures.

Later, depart Phnom Penh on an included flight with Angkor Air to Siem Reap, the gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel.

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After a talk with Joyce, discover the wonders of Angkor, starting at the Bayon Temple. Constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, this temple complex marks the exact centre of Angkor Thom and is considered to be one of the finest examples of classical Khmer architecture. With a population in excess of one million inhabitants, Angkor Thom was larger than any city in Europe at the time. Leaving the Bayon temple, stop at the Royal Enclosure to see the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

After some time at leisure back at the hotel, return to Angkor in the afternoon to explore two temples that stand apart from the other monuments. Built in pink sandstone, Banteay Srei is one of the very few temples that were not built by royalty. Located at the eastern edge of the complex, Banteay Samre is known for its beauty and calm, peaceful atmosphere.

Tonight enjoy dinner before witnessing a local icon, the Phare Circus, where talented performers blend traditional Cambodian stories with modern theatre, music, dance and acrobatics.

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In the early morning, there is the opportunity to join an optional excursion to watch the sunrise over the main temple of Angkor Wat (not included in tour price) before breakfast.

After breakfast at the hotel, return to Angkor to see the fascinating Ta Prohm Temple. Witness the forest’s encroachment on Ta Prohm, which has led to fig trees growing into and around the temple’s towers and galleries with dramatic effect.

Spend the afternoon at leisure to visit a favourite store, museum, gallery or sight, before joining Joyce and fellow travellers for a special farewell dinner.

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After breakfast, transfer to Siem Reap Airport for a Bangkok Airways flight to Bangkok (flight included in tour price). Tour arrangements conclude upon arrival at Bangkok Airport.

Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including any additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

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