Laid-back Luxury... From Laos to Cambodia's Angkor Temples & Song Saa Private Island Resort
10 days from £8,870 for 2024 per person
This itinerary is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Romantic Holidays and Top 10 Winter Sun Trips.
This tour combines Laos and Cambodia's most alluring highlights: a stay in the enchanting former royal capital of Luang Prabang, an exploration of the Temples of Angkor and down-time on the strikingly beautiful archipelago off the Cambodian coast. Start the journey in the spiritual town of Luang Prabang. The old town feels like a village and its charming streets lined with colonial houses, restaurants and delightful boutiques are a pleasure to stroll around. From watching long lines of saffron robed monks emerging from the morning mist to collect their alms, to exploring the abundant temples and relaxing with a cup of strong Lao coffee outside one of the many colonial buildings, Luang Prabang cannot fail but charm even the most world weary traveller.
Next, fly to Cambodia to explore the lost city of Angkor; approximately 900 temples made up the most astounding archaeological site in Asia. Indochina is full of French colonial charm and natural beauty, but this complex of gnarled 12th Century temples is its cultural pièce-de-resistance. Rediscovered a century ago when elephant-back explorers stumbled across them, these ruins are all in various states of disrepair. They are best explored by foot or bike at sunrise, by private tuk tuk or by hot air balloon for astonishing aerial views.
To unwind in style, instead of flocking to Thailand for your beach break, escape to what we think is Asia's most romantic and up-and-coming spot. Song Saa Private Island is a sustainable sanctuary of uncompromising luxury and unique design which draws its inspiration from the Cambodian fishing villages of the Koh Rong Archipelago. Set on two small interconnected islands in the warm sapphire waters off the coast of Sihanoukville, it has undergone 5 years of restoration and rejuvenation of its flora, fauna and coral. The resort is all-inclusive and its contemporary Khmer fusion cuisine is a major draw. Accommodation consists of 27 stunning jungle, sea-view and overwater villas.
This tour is purely a suggested itinerary: it can be booked as it is, or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own ideal tailor-made holiday in Laos and Cambodia. If you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our Honeymoon and Family Holiday collections, as well as our other favourite Multi-Country, Spa & Wellness and Scuba Diving itineraries.
Click here to view photos of Song Saa on Facebook from Ampersand's research trip.
Itinerary details
10 days from £8,870 for 2024 per person
- Day 1 - Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao - Luang Prabang
Arrive in Luang Prabang and transfer to the hotel. In the early evening enjoy a traditional Baci welcoming ceremony. - Day 2 - Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao - Luang Prabang
Early this morning watch the daily alms giving to Luang Prabang's revered monks. Visit the local market and the beautiful Kuangsi Falls. - Day 3 - Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao - Luang Prabang
This morning visit ethnic tribal villages, return to Luang Prabang to visit the Arts & Ethnology Museum. - Day 4 - Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor - Siem Reap
Fly to Siem Reap, gateway to the temples of Angkor and transfer to your hotel. - Day 5 - Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor - Siem Reap
Spend the day discovering the Temples of Angkor with a private driver and guide. - Day 6 - Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor - Siem Reap
Spend the day discovering the Temples of Angkor with a private driver and guide. - Day 7 - Song Saa Private Island Resort - Song Saa Private Island
Fly to Phnom Penh, take a 3-hour private car transfer to Sihanoukville then a 30-minute boat ride to Song Saa Private Island Resort. - Day 8 - Song Saa Private Island Resort - Song Saa Private Island
Spend the day relaxing in extraordinarily beautiful surroundings - swim in the surrounding marine reserve, explore pristine sandy beaches and enjoy first class all-inclusive dining. - Day 9 - Song Saa Private Island Resort - Song Saa Private Island
Do as much or as little as you wish. Take cultural village tours on a buffalo cart, hike jungle trails, go snorkeling, sea kayaking or head off on a nature safari by boat - all complimentary. - Day 10 - In transit.
Transfer to Phnom Penh for your international flight home via Bangkok.
Travelling is like flirting with life. It's like saying, 'I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.
Lisa St. Aubin de Teran