Drift from the saffron-robed quiet of Luang Prabang to the jungle majesty of Angkor Wat. Your journey flows from the upper Mekong to the Khmer Empire, weaving together monk blessings, bear rescue, and the resilience of local culture. Guided by experts, step into a story of deep spirituality and enduring stone.
Travel Style
National Geographic Signature
Service Level
Luxury
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Dinner at Spoons Restaurant, Siem Reap
Your G for Good Moment: New Hope Vocational Training Restaurant Visit and Lunch, Siem Reap
Your G for Good Moment: Travel to Conservation D'Angkor by Lady Tuktuk Drivers, Siem Reap
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Reception, Briefing & Dinner, Luang Prabang
Your Local Living Moment: Home Experience & Baci Ceremony in Ban Nongkham, Luang Prabang
Signature Moment: Kuang Si Waterfall and Bear Conservation Center Visit, Luang Prabang
Signature Moment: Conservation D'Angkor Visit, Siem Reap. Arrival and Departure Transfer. Cultural Foundations at Wat Xieng Thong and Monk Chat. Ock Pop Tok Founder-Led Visit & Hands-On Dyeing Workshop. Alms Giving & Old Town Morning. Free Time in Luang Prabang. Dinner and Night Market Visit in Luang Prabang. Sunrise at Angkor Wat. Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm Temple Visit. Boat Ride through Kampong Kleang. Bensley’s Bar with Lady Drum Show farewell dinner. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Visit a National Geographic-funded sanctuary with a conservationist to see rescued bears, Go behind the scenes at Conservation D’Angkor to view rare artifact restoration, Join a local family for a traditional Lao ritual that gathers and protects the soul, Savor a six-course feast at Embassy Restaurant while hearing the chef’s personal journey, Participate in the sacred morning tradition of offering sticky rice to monks in Luang Prabang.
How large will the group be?
Max 22
What meals are included in this trip?
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private Vehicle, Walking, Boat, Plane, Tuk tuk.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotel (6 nights)
Itinerary
Luang Prabang
Welcome to Laos. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to settle in. Take a moment to absorb the atmosphere of this spiritual center, where golden temple roofs glint through the palm trees and the air is heavy with the scent of frangipani. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting and dinner to celebrate the start of your expedition through Laos and Cambodia.
Luang Prabang
Step into the serenity of Wat Xieng Thong, the "Golden City Monastery," admiring its sweeping roofs and intricate glass mosaics that catch the morning light. Engage in a special monk chat, learning directly from a resident about monastic life and the path of enlightenment. Continue to Ock Pop Tok for an exclusive founder-led tour, diving into the colorful world of Lao textiles. Try your hand at natural dyeing, creating a scarf to take home. The day culminates in a profound cultural exchange: visit a local family in Ban Nongkham for a Baci ceremony. Tie white cotton threads around wrists to call back the spirits, then share a traditional family-style dinner and warm conversation in their home.
Luang Prabang
Rise in the mist of dawn to participate in Tak Bat, the sacred alms-giving ritual. Kneel quietly on the sidewalk to offer sticky rice to the silent procession of saffron-robed monks—a timeless rhythm of Luang Prabang. Wander the morning market, smelling the fresh herbs and river fish, before boarding a boat for a scenic cruise along the Mekong. Transfer to the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Waterfall, surrounded by dense jungle. Here, visit the Free the Bears Rescue Centre. Guided by a conservationist, learn about their efforts to protect sun bears and Asiatic black bears, even helping to prepare their food. Return to town to explore the vibrant night market after dinner.
Luang Prabang/Siem Reap
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Luang Prabang, perhaps visiting a French colonial café. Enjoy Lunch before transferring to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Khmer Empire. Settle into your hotel, transitioning from the quiet of Laos to the historic energy of Cambodia. This evening, dinner at the hotel is included, but at your leisure.
Siem Reap
Wake in the pre-dawn hours to witness the silhouette of Angkor Wat’s lotus towers against a violet sky. As the sun rises, explore the world’s largest religious monument, marveling at the intricate bas-reliefs that tell Hindu epics in stone. Continue to the Bayon Temple, where 216 giant stone faces smile enigmatically from the towers, watching over the forest. Take a mid-day break for lunch at a local restaurant inside the complex then walk through the jungle-claimed ruins of Ta Prohm Temple, where massive silk-cotton tree roots strangle the stone walls in a slow-motion embrace. Head back to the hotel for some time at leisure before connecting with the local culture at a family-style dinner, tasting the distinct flavors of Khmer cuisine and reflecting on the empire you have walked through.
Siem Reap
Begin with a scenic boat ride to Kampong Kleang, observing life in the stilted villages hovering over the water. Visit the New Hope Project, a G Adventures-supported initiative providing healthcare and education to youth. Meet a co-founder to see the impact firsthand then enjoy lunch at the community restaurant. In the afternoon, gain exclusive access to Conservation D’Angkor. Step behind the scenes to see how looted artifacts are restored, a vital effort to preserve Khmer heritage. Travel between sites with the Lady Tuk Tuk drivers, a project empowering women in tourism. The expedition concludes with a farewell dinner and a Khmer drumming show performed by lady drummers, celebrating the depth of history and the resilience of the people you have met along the way.
Siem Reap
Your expedition through Southeast Asia concludes today. Transfer to the Siem reap airport, provided at any time during the day.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
