Visit the former royal residence to get an introduction to Lao history and royal artefacts; a good first stop to orient yourself (usually open mornings).
Taste a curated introduction to Lao cuisine with regional dishes and tasting plates; Tamarind opens for lunch and is highly recommended for first-time Lao dishes.
Take a scenic Mekong boat upstream to the sacred Pak Ou limestone caves filled with Buddha images — boat trips typically run 8:30am–4:00pm depending on operator.
Visit the Blue Lagoon and nearby Tham Phu Kham cave (open daylight hours) for swimming and short hikes — note opening hours can vary by season, typically 8:00am–5:00pm.
Book a hot-air balloon for sunrise panoramic views of karsts and rice paddies if operating (seasonal; runs early morning), or hike to a viewpoint before sunrise.
See the Victory Gate (Patuxai) and view the gilded Pha That Luang from nearby viewpoints at golden hour; Pha That Luang visiting hours are usually morning and early afternoon, so plan interior visits accordingly.
Fly from Vientiane to Siem Reap (approx 1.5 hours); book with carriers like Lao Airlines or regional carriers — morning flights recommended to maximise time in Siem Reap.
Buy your Angkor Archaeological Park pass at the official ticket centre (open 5:00am–5:00pm) — 1-day pass USD37, 3-day pass USD62 which is recommended for deeper exploration.
Have an early breakfast then travel north (~45–60 minutes) to Banteay Srei, famed for its delicate pink sandstone carvings; recommended in cooler morning hours.
Take a guided boat trip (typically 2–3 hours) on Tonle Sap Lake to visit floating villages — tours run throughout the day but avoid low-water seasons for best experience.
Visit the ornate Royal Palace grounds and the Silver Pagoda; typical visiting hours are mornings and early afternoons (usually close around early evening), so check current opening times.
Have breakfast then set off early for Bokor National Park to explore the misty French hill-station ruins and viewpoints; daytime visits recommended for safety and visibility.
Explore Bokor’s abandoned colonial buildings, the old casino and scenic viewpoints; national park areas are best visited during daylight hours (generally open daytime).
Take a morning boat to Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) for a day of beaches and simple island life; boat services generally run morning and afternoon depending on demand.
Early breakfast and check-out for the transfer back to Phnom Penh for your international flight; allow 3–4 hours road travel time from Kampot/Kep to Phnom Penh.
Transfer to Phnom Penh with an estimated drive of ~3–4 hours depending on traffic; private transfer recommended for reliability when connecting with flights.