10-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary: Bangkok, Laos, and Cambodia

1. Day 1: Bangkok — Grand Palace
   Estimated time from airport: 1 hour (estimated distance: 34 km)

   Start your trip by visiting Bangkok's most famous attraction. Marvel at the dazzling architecture and the intricate details of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew.

2. Day 2: Bangkok — Wat Arun
   Estimated time from Grand Palace: 20 minutes (estimated distance: 4.5 km)

   Cross the Chao Phraya River and explore the stunning Wat Arun temple, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

3. Day 3: Bangkok — Chatuchak Weekend Market
   Estimated time from Wat Arun: 45 minutes (estimated distance: 22 km)

   Bargain with the locals and sample delicious Thai street food at one of the largest markets in the world, Chatuchak.

4. Day 4: Vientiane, Laos — Buddha Park
   Estimated time from DMK Airport: 1 hour 30 minutes (estimated distance: 21 km)

   Discover the fusion of Buddhism and Hinduism in Vientiane's quirky Buddha Park, filled with impressive religious sculptures and statues.

5. Day 5: Luang Prabang, Laos — Kuang Si Waterfall
   Estimated time from Vientiane: 10 hours (estimated distance: 414 km)

   Immerse in the natural beauty of the cascading Kuang Si Waterfall, nestled in the heart of the lush green forest surrounding Luang Prabang.

6. Day 6: Luang Prabang, Laos — Mount Phousi
   Estimated time from Kuang Si Waterfall: 45 minutes (estimated distance: 30 km)

   Climb to the summit of Mount Phousi and witness the ethereal sunrise panorama over the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.

7. Day 7: Siem Reap, Cambodia — Angkor Wat
   Estimated time from LPQ Airport: 1 hour 30 minutes (estimated distance: 449 km)

   Experience the iconic Angkor Wat temple, a masterpiece of Khmer architecture, and watch the sun setting behind the ancient ruins.

8. Day 8: Siem Reap, Cambodia — Bayon Temple
   Estimated time from Angkor Wat: 10 minutes (estimated distance: 2.5 km)

   Explore the enigmatic and formidable Bayon Temple, boasting intricately carved stone images of Avalokiteshvara.

9. Day 9: Phnom Penh, Cambodia — Royal Palace
   Estimated time from REP Airport: 4 hours 30 minutes (estimated distance: 311 km)

   Discover the opulent and glittering Royal Palace of Phnom Penh, featuring the stunning Silver Pagoda and the Royal Throne Hall.

10. Day 10: Phnom Penh, Cambodia — Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
    Estimated time from Royal Palace: 20 minutes (estimated distance: 5 km)

    Pay your respects to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime and uncover the harrowing history of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Grand Palace (2 hours, ฿500)
• Wat Arun (1 hour, ฿50)
• Chatuchak Weekend Market (2-3 hours, ฿500)
• Buddha Park (1 hour, LAK 15,000)
• Kuang Si Waterfall (3-4 hours, LAK 60,000)
• Mount Phousi (2 hours, LAK 20,000)
• Angkor Wat (2-3 hours, $37)
• Bayon Temple (1 hour, $37)
• Royal Palace (2 hours, KHR 40,000)
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (2 hours, KHR 5,000)
Total Estimated Costs: $183

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other spectacular temples in Bangkok, such as Wat Pho and Wat Benchamabophit. You can also add a day trip to the ancient town of Ayutthaya.

If you have less time, remove Kuang Si Waterfall and spend more time exploring Luang Prabang's charming night market and delicious street food. In Cambodia, you can skip Phnom Penh and fly directly from Siem Reap back to Bangkok for your return flight.