Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

14-Day Cambodia & Laos: Phnom Penh to Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng & Vientiane

Viewed by 165 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

Phnom Penh, Cambodia on August 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at FCC Phnom Penh

Light Khmer/Western breakfast at the Foreign Correspondents' Club with riverside views—great first taste of the Mekong setting and history nearby.
USD8, 1h0m

10:00am

Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

Explore the ornate palace complex and Silver Pagoda to see classic Khmer architecture and national treasures; open daily 8:00am–5:00pm.
USD10, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Romdeng

Social enterprise restaurant serving Khmer classics in a leafy colonial building—try fish amok or local salads.
USD8, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tuol Sleng (S-21) Genocide Museum

Powerful museum documenting the Khmer Rouge era; open 8:00am–5:00pm — important context for Cambodia's recent history.
USD5, 1h30m

4:00pm

Riverside stroll & sunset

Walk the Sisowath Quay riverfront, sip a drink at a café and watch the Mekong sunset.
USD4, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Malis

Polished Khmer dining featuring local ingredients—excellent introduction to refined Cambodian cuisine (reservations recommended).
USD20, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Phnom Penh

Day 2: History & Transit

Phnom Penh → Siem Reap, Cambodia on August 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at a local stall

Simple Khmer breakfast—rice porridge or noodle soup—fuel for a morning visit to a landmark.
USD2, 0h30m

8:00am

Choeung Ek Killing Fields

Visit the memorial stupa and grounds to understand Cambodia's recent past; site open 7:30am–5:00pm with an audio guide available.
USD3, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Friends Café & Bakery

Supportive-job training café with tasty sandwiches and salads—good midday stop before transfer to airport.
USD7, 1h0m

2:30pm

Flight to Siem Reap

Short domestic flight (~1h). Arrive Siem Reap, transfer to hotel and relax; check flight times when booking.
USD70, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Haven

Charity-run restaurant serving Cambodian comfort food; friendly ambience and a good cause—open evenings.
USD10, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Phnom Penh → Siem Reap

Day 3: Angkor Sunrise

Siem Reap, Cambodia on August 15, 2025

4:30am

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Catch sunrise over the iconic temple — Angkor Archaeological Park opens from 5:00am (arrive early); the experience is unforgettable.
USD37, 2h0m

7:30am

Breakfast at Blue Pumpkin

Popular café near the temples offering coffee, pastries and smoothies—good refuel after sunrise exploring.
USD6, 0h45m

9:00am

Angkor Thom & Bayon

Explore the face towers of Bayon and the ancient city walls of Angkor Thom; park open 5:00am–6:00pm.
included, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Temple Restaurant

Try Khmer favourites and cooling salads close to the park for a convenient midday break.
USD8, 1h0m

2:00pm

Angkor National Museum

Great for background on Khmer art and history; open 8:30am–6:00pm — compact and informative.
USD12, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner on Pub Street

Vibrant dining and nightlife area with many Cambodian and international options—try local grilled fish or amok.
USD10, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Siem Reap

Day 4: Temples & Village

Siem Reap, Cambodia on August 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple hotel breakfast to prepare for a full-day temple loop.
USD5, 0h45m

8:00am

Ta Prohm & Banteay Kdei

Visit Ta Prohm's jungle-clad ruins (famous from films) then nearby smaller temples; park open 5:00am–6:00pm.
included, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Marum

Training restaurant with excellent Khmer dishes, run by a social enterprise—book ahead at busy times.
USD10, 1h0m

2:30pm

Tonle Sap Floating Village

Afternoon boat tour to a floating village to see lakeside life and birdlife (operates roughly 8:00am–5:00pm).
USD20, 2h0m

7:30pm

Apsara dance dinner (optional)

Enjoy a traditional dance and dinner show featuring classical Khmer performance (check venue times/reservations).
USD25, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Siem Reap

Day 5: Rural & Culture

Siem Reap, Cambodia on August 17, 2025

8:00am

Khmer cooking class

Hands-on cooking class including market visit and learning classic Khmer dishes—usually runs 8:30am–12:30pm.
USD35, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch: Enjoy your cooking class meal

You’ll eat what you’ve prepared—great way to remember flavours and techniques.
included, 1h0m

3:00pm

Free time / spa

Relax with a Khmer massage or explore Siem Reap town—many spas open from 9:00am–9:00pm.
USD15, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chanrey Tree

Riverside Khmer fine dining with classic recipes and a pleasant atmosphere; reservations recommended.
USD18, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Siem Reap

Day 6: Fly to Laos

Siem Reap → Luang Prabang, Laos on August 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Viroth's Café

A relaxed spot for pastries and coffee before transfer to the airport; check flight time.
USD6, 0h45m

10:00am

Flight to Luang Prabang

Direct or one-stop flight (approx 1.5–2 hours); arrive and transfer to your guesthouse in the UNESCO-listed town.
USD120, 1h30m

2:00pm

Kuang Si Bear Rescue / short stroll

If time permits, a quick visit to nearby parks or simply walk around the old town’s Mekong-side streets; Kuang Si fuller visit is recommended Day 7.
USD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Sunset at Mount Phousi

Climb Mount Phousi for panoramic sunset views over the town and Mekong—open daily 6:00am–9:00pm.
USD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tamarind

Excellent Lao tasting menu and a good introduction to Lao cuisine—popular so book ahead.
USD20, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Siem Reap → Luang Prabang

Day 7: Waterfall Day

Luang Prabang, Laos on August 19, 2025

8:00am

Kuang Si Falls

Beautiful multi-tiered falls with turquoise pools suitable for swimming; park generally open 8:30am–5:30pm—arrive earlier to avoid crowds.
LAK30000, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at picnic / local café near falls

Small cafés and picnic areas near the falls offer Lao snacks and simple meals—bring swimwear and sunscreen.
USD6, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre

Adjacent to the falls, learn about rescued Asiatic black bears; centre visits typically coincide with fall hours.
USD2, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Dyen Sabai

Riverside restaurant reachable by short tuk-tuk and known for local dishes and relaxed atmosphere.
USD12, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Luang Prabang

Day 8: Mekong Boat Trip

Luang Prabang, Laos on August 20, 2025

7:00am

Early alms observation (optional)

Observe the morning alms-giving from a respectful distance; the ritual happens around sunrise—stay quiet, and don’t use flash photography.
USD0, 0h45m

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Ban Vat Sene

Local café with good coffee—prepare for a morning river boat trip.
USD5, 0h45m

9:30am

Mekong cruise to Pak Ou Caves

Boat trip upstream (~2–3 hours round trip) to the Buddha-filled Pak Ou caves—boats operate morning to mid-afternoon, check departure at the jetty.
USD35, 4h0m

2:30pm

Ock Pop Tok or weaving centre

Learn about Lao textiles and traditional weaving techniques—centres open roughly 9:00am–5:00pm.
USD5, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Night Market stalls

Sample Lao street food (sticky rice, larb, barbecue skewers) while browsing the night market for textiles and souvenirs.
USD8, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Luang Prabang

Day 9: Travel to Vang Vieng

Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng, Laos on August 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before the road transfer; book minivan or private car—travel time ~4–5 hours depending on road conditions.
USD5, 0h45m

9:00am

Transfer to Vang Vieng

Minivan or private transfer through scenic central Laos (approx 4–5 hours) — bring snacks and water.
USD15, 5h0m

3:00pm

Check in & late lunch riverside

Settle into your guesthouse and enjoy a lazy riverside lunch; many venues offer simple Lao and western dishes.
USD8, 1h0m

4:30pm

Blue Lagoon & caves (short visit)

Visit Blue Lagoon area and Tham Phu Kham cave (open daylight hours, usually 8:00am–5:00pm); popular for swimming and cliff jumps.
USD2, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at local riverside restaurant

Relaxed riverside eating with Lao and BBQ options—great to try fish and sticky rice.
USD10, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng

Day 10: Adventure & Relax

Vang Vieng, Laos on August 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at popular café

Simple café breakfast; fuel up for an active day of kayaking or cycling.
USD5, 0h45m

9:30am

Kayaking or e-biking in countryside

Rent a kayak for a Mekong tributary paddle or an e-bike to explore limestone karsts and rice paddies—operators run from morning into afternoon.
USD12, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at a riverside shack

Casual local food, fresh grilled items and sticky rice—perfect after morning activity.
USD6, 1h0m

3:00pm

Cave exploration (Tham Chang)

Short hike and exploration of Tham Chang cave with panoramic valley views; open daylight hours.
USD1, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Organic GastroPub

Comfortable menu with international and Lao dishes—good spot to compare local beers and food.
USD10, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Vang Vieng

Day 11: To Vientiane

Vang Vieng → Vientiane, Laos on August 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Early breakfast before transfer to the capital.
USD4, 0h30m

9:00am

Transfer to Vientiane

Road transfer or private car (~3–4 hours); arrive in the capital by early afternoon.
USD12, 4h0m

2:00pm

COPE Visitor Centre

Powerful, informative centre about UXO issues and prosthetic/rehabilitation work—open 9:00am–4:30pm (check seasonal hours).
LAK10000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Patuxai Monument & viewpoint

Laos’ Arc de Triomphe offering city views—open most of the day into evening; climb for sunset views if time allows.
LAK5000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kualao

One of Vientiane’s well-known restaurants for traditional Lao cuisine in a convivial setting—reservations advised.
USD20, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Vang Vieng → Vientiane

Day 12: Culture & Parks

Vientiane, Laos on August 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Coffee Kouang

Try Lao coffee and a light breakfast; popular with travellers and locals.
USD4, 0h45m

9:30am

Pha That Luang & Wat Si Saket

Visit Laos’ national stupa Pha That Luang (open mornings/afternoons) and Wat Si Saket, known for thousands of Buddha images.
LAK15000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local noodle shop

Enjoy Lao noodle soups or papaya salad in a bustling local setting.
USD4, 1h0m

2:30pm

Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)

Outdoor sculpture park of Hindu-Buddhist statues ~25km from the city; open 8:00am–6:00pm—allow 2–3 hours including travel.
LAK20000, 3h0m

7:00pm

Evening walk & dinner along the Mekong

Mekong riverside promenade has many eateries and stalls for a relaxed final-night dinner; enjoy sunset views over Thailand.
USD10, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Vientiane

Day 13: Buffer / Free Day

Vientiane, Laos on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & market visit

Visit Talat Sao morning market for last-minute shopping (opens early) and try local breakfast snacks.
USD5, 1h0m

10:00am

Optional day-trip: Nam Ngum Lake or relax

Take an optional half-day trip to Nam Ngum Lake for scenery/boat trips (confirm operators) or relax at a café and pack.
USD25, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at local bistro

Enjoy a slower lunch in town—try Lao-style grilled dishes and sticky rice.
USD8, 1h0m

4:00pm

Spa or last walks

Treat yourself to a final Lao massage or stroll the riverfront before departure preparations.
USD20, 1h30m

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Le Banneton

Friendly restaurant and bakery with a mix of Lao and French-inspired dishes—relaxed final evening.
USD15, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Vientiane

Day 14: Departure Day

Vientiane, Laos on August 26, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast and final packing; confirm airport transfer time with reception.
USD3, 0h30m

8:00am

Transfer to Wattay International Airport

Allow ample time for domestic or international flights; Vientiane airport check-in recommended 90 minutes before departure for regional flights.
USD10, 0h30m

10:00am

Depart Vientiane

Flight home or onward travel—end of suggested 14-day Cambodia & Laos loop.
USD0, —
Find Hotels in Vientiane
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About cambodia and laos

7-week SE Asia trip — Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Singapore (beaches, temples, outdoors) — Feb–Mar
Packing List
3 months Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia) + 1 month Europe (Vienna, Salzburg, Prague, Berlin, Cologne, Amsterdam, Paris)
Packing List
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your cambodia and laos Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go