Laos and Cambodia Unveiled

Fly to Vientiane via Bangkok. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Nestled in a sleepy bend of the Mekong, Vientiane is a delightfully quaint city, more friendly backwater than chaotic capital. Visit the morning market, Wat Si Saket and Wat Phra Keo, the former royal temple, before viewing That Luang Stupa and the Patuxai Victory Monument. Also, drop in at the COPE visitor centre.

This morning visit the Buddha Park located 25 kilometres from city centre, an open-air sculpture park with giant sculptures of Buddha and Hindu deities. Return to Vientiane where we will visit the Contemporary Art Museum displaying many art works of Laos. After lunch transfer 3.5 hours to Vang Vieng.

Venture into the Tham Chang cave before wandering through the dramatic limestone karst countryside beside the Nam Song River.

Return to Vientiane and fly to the beautiful city of Luang Prabang. The quintessential image of Laos and a place of vivid colours, here you’ll find a rich heritage and enduring French legacy.

Visit the exquisite Wat Visoun and Wat Xieng Thong. Cruise up the languid Mekong River to the sacred caves of Pak Ou known for the hundreds of miniature Buddhist sculptures that reside within. On the return trip stop off at the villages of Thin Hong and Ban Xang Khong.

Begin the day at the National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace. Drive out of the city, stopping for a visit to Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre, before heading to the natural splendour of Kuang Si Waterfalls. Enjoy the vivid blue, terraced pools that tumble down through their forest setting, taking a dip or relaxing by the water's edge.

Rise early this morning to witness the monks of Luang Prabang's monastic communities collecting alms from the locals – the ceremony of Takbat. These lines of silent saffron robe-clad monks will be an enduring image of your trip. Later this morning, climb Phousi Hill for panoramic views over the city before taking a short flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia.

The seat of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, the Angkor complex includes over 1,000 temples. Rising early, the tour begins in the heart of Angkor Thom, the old walled city - passing through its South Gate you'll reach the enigmatic Bayon and visit the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm, an atmospheric temple left in the grips of the jungle. This afternoon is dedicated to the indescribable Angkor Wat. The best preserved of Angkor’s temples, examine the vast number of intricate details and relish the sheer magnificence of its architecture, and enjoy a sunset cruise around the moat of Angkor Thom.

High Water Season (Aug to Feb) Visit Beng Mealea, a mysterious temple overrun by the jungle before enjoying a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong Kleng and observing the way of life of these lake communities. Return to Siem Reap via Artisan D'Angkor, an organisation working to revive traditional Khmer arts and crafts. This evening sit down to dinner and the Apsara dance show. Low Water Season (Mar to Jul) Head to Beng Mealea to explore this mysterious temple overrun by the jungle. Drop by Artisan D'Angkor before visiting the floating village of Chong Kneas. This evening sit down to dinner and the Apsara dance show.

Admire the captivating Banteay Srei, a richly embellished Hindu Temple made of rose-coloured sandstone.

Depart Siem Reap for the rural city of Battambang, a former colonial town with a wealth of French architecture on display. Enjoy an introductory tour before an afternoon at leisure.

Battambang is set in some of the country's most beautiful landscapes. Head out of town to the 12th-century Prasat Banan Temple, returning to Battambang to stroll through the village of Wat Kor, with its collection of century-old houses.

Journey south to the city of Phnom Penh, making a stop at the 17th century capital of Udong and Kampong Chhnang to see the traditional handmade pottery. On arrival at Phnom Penh, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Experience a cyclo ride to the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before stopping to visit the temple of Wat Phnom. Later, enjoy the exhibits of the National Museum, which are housed in a spectacular Khmer-style building, before learning about the tragedies of the recent past at the harrowing Tuol Sleng Museum.

If your flight time permits, this morning there is an option to visit the poignant Killing Fields (payable locally). Transfer to the airport to board your flight back to New Zealand, arriving the next day.