Cambodia, Laos

Laos & Cambodia: A Cultural and Coastal Odyssey

When

November - May

Price

From £6,000pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

10 nights ideal length

This culturally immersive 10 night trip around Laos and Cambodia put together by our S.E Asia experts is sure to invigorate the senses and open your eyes to new cultures and practices. With our expert guides you’ll visit the fascinating city of Luang Prabang where you will discover the famous Buddhist tradition of offering the alms, be educated on the history of the stunning ancient buildings by our expert guides, embark on a beautiful night cruise along the river and engage with your domestic side by partaking in a cooking class. Siem Reap is the next stop, the perfect chance to visit the iconic site of Angkor Wat, and discover it’s secrets with an exclusive tour of the ruins with an expert guide; a traditional Khmer Scholar before the crowds arrive. Saving the best till last, we’ll fly you south to the Gulf of Thailand where you’ll spend a few nights on Song Saa, a secluded luxury private island located in the middle of the ocean. This romantic hideaway is the perfect place to relax and soak up the tropical jungle paradise and pristine beaches.

Cultural sites in Luang Prabang

After landing our private transfer will escort you to Luang Prabang, and onto your picturesque abode Amantaka Hotel where you will be based for the next three nights. The ancient city is rich in culture and history and has plenty to explore; from natural sites to religious buildings and elegant architecture. The following day you have the option to awake early in the morning and witness the offering of the alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks, this is a truly awe-inspiring sight and a Black Tomato must do. After witnessing and participating in the ancient Buddhist tradition you’ll be able to indulge yourself in the city’s local heritage.

Make this itinerary yours

Each and every Black Tomato trip is tailored exactly to who you are and what you want to do So tell us about yourself and we’ll create something that’s entirely you.

Start Planning

You’ll enjoy a unique presentation by Mr Engleman who is a writer and an expert in UNESCO Heritage House preservation where you will discover the history of the stunning buildings. After the talk embark on a walking tour with our own expert guide who will take you to places off the beaten track to explore the exquisite architecture. If this isn’t enough for one day, upon returning to the hotel you will be whisked off for a luxurious boat cruise up and down the Mekong River whilst sipping on cocktails and dining on delicious canapes. The next day is a chance to uncover the flavours of the city by taking part in a cooking class. You’ll pick your own produce from the garden and learn how to prepare Lao dishes such as steamed fish in banana leaf and pork laap salad under the guidance of Mrs Vandra, a published Lao cookbook author. After enjoying lunch which you created, take a trip to the famous Kuang Si Waterfall and explore the picture-perfect pools and Asiatic black bear rescue centre.

Step back in time in Siem Reap

The next day, after taking a short two-hour flight to Siem Reap you’ll be taken to Belmond La Residence where you will be staying for the next three nights. After exploring your tropical haven, which is just outside the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap you will be ready to uncover the secrets of the city. With its colonial and Chinese style architecture, the elegant city is full of museums, traditional dance performances, rice paddies and beautiful local shops. On your first day, you will visit Angkor Wat one of the modern wonders and most important monuments in the world with a renowned Khmer scholar who will share his vast experiences and give you a detailed description of the history. After, take a trip to visit the Angkor Thom which is the ancient royal city of Khmer Empire with its centrepiece the Bayon Temple. After exploring the depths of the temple and uncovering the terrace of Elephants where the King used to welcome back his victorious army, you will head to the Phare Circus. More than a circus, the Phare offers an amazing blend of traditional and modern theatre, music, dance, acrobatics and juggling – a true Black Tomato favourite. On your final day, embark on a half day quad bike ride with our expert guide around Siem Reap where you can discover the paddy fields, engage in local life and visit temples. After enjoying a fresh coconut, return to the hotel and take a trip to the secluded spa, the perfect chance to relax and rejuvenate.

Private island bliss at Song Saa

After exploring the cultural heritage of Luang Prabang and Siem Reap you have the option to venture to Song Saa, a romantic beach escape which oozes tranquillity. After taking a short 40-minute flight from Sihanouk airport, followed by a private boat trip you’ll reach Song Saa Resort where you will be staying for the next four nights. In the warm sapphire waters of the Gulf of Thailand, this private island is a tropical secluded haven, a deserted oasis of virgin rainforests, tropical reefs and glistening beaches. The hotel offers a range of activities from snorkelling around the Song Islands to sea kayaking around the unspoiled coves and bays to sunrise yoga to islands safaris where you can explore the different species and habitats around the island to nature treasure hunts where you learn about the local environment and to cultural Buddhist ceremonies, this hotel has it all. If you are looking to relax take a trip to the luxurious spa or relax by the pool and soak up the sun, the perfect end to an enchanting and magical trip.

Where to rest your head

Amantaka, Laos

Combining natural beauty with spirituality and regal history, this boutique resort north of Laos in the historical city centre of Luang Prabang, is the perfect…
View hotel

Belmond La Residence d’Angkor, Siem Reap

Belmond La Residence d'Angkor Hotel in Siem Reap prides itself on the intimacy and beauty of the retreat. Nestled on the banks of a tree-lined…
View hotel

Song Saa Private Island, Koh Rong

Imagine a picture perfect beach, exquisite tropical reef and an unspoilt virgin rainforest all set on a couple of little-known islands floating in the Gulf…
View hotel

“Many companies brag about offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But with Black Tomato it’s not hyperbole”

“Black Tomato are one of the coolest things in the world. Don’t even try and live without them”

“Black Tomato is a super innovative company where the sky is the limit for their clients”

“Black Tomato prides itself on meeting customers every minor need or desires”

“Black Tomato is the choice provider of mind-expanding holidays”