Laos & Cambodia: Buddhist Sites & City Nights

Sabaidi! Welcome to Luang Prabang. And thank you for joining our gay Laos & Cambodia tour. Upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport, a private car and guide will transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Freshen up, then join us at 6PM for our Welcome Meeting. Tonight’s Kickoff Dinner is at Manda de Laos. Specializing in Laotian family cuisine, the food transports you into the past with traditional flavours.

For our gay Laos & Cambodia tour’s first full day, we’ll explore Luang Prabang – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our tour begins in the former Royal Palace, which now houses the National Museum. We’ll then walk to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for golden bas-relief, and the dazzling facade of Wat Sensoukarahm. Our final stop is revered temple Wat Xieng Thong. Built in 1560, it’s famed for its carvings and mosaics. Enjoy some downtime in the afternoon, perhaps by the pool, then get set to cook up a storm in a private class for dinner. The Tamarind School’s lakeside locale is a fine place to learn about – and taste – the flavours of Laos.

Today we partake in the daily ‘Alms Giving’, where saffron-clad monks collect offerings from the faithful (Laos is the last Buddhist nation to practice this ritual). After breakfast, we’ll venture into the countryside with rice fields, rolling hills, and viewpoints en route. After a stop in a local ethnic village, we arrive at Kuang Si Falls, where waters cascade from pool to pool. From here, you can take an excursion to a nearby bear sanctuary, then we’ll stop at the magnificent Kuang Si Butterfly Park on our way back to town. The rest of the day is free to enjoy, and you may join us for an optional dinner.

It’s another early day as our gay Laos & Cambodia tour flies to Phnom Penh via Bankgok. Once the Orient’s most beautiful city, Phnom Penh retains colonial charm despite a turbulent history. After check-in, unwind, then join us for dinner at a restaurant where former street children learn the art of hospitality. The restaurant features a lovely garden and is in a centrally-located, restored colonial building.

Our morning begins with a walk through the Royal Palace grounds, where the spectacular Silver Pagoda awaits. Afterwards, we’ll take a sombering tour of the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum, which tells the tragic tale of the Khmer Rouge legacy. A former school, it’s estimated over 20,000 people were held and tortured here. The rest of the day is free for optional activities like a visit to the National Museum, shopping for crafts in the Russian Market, or a sunset stroll along Sisowath Quay. Grab one of the local coffees…it’s strong, delicious, and distinctly Phnom Penh.

This morning you may sleep in, sunbathe, or hit the local market. Just check-out by noon, as our gay Laos & Cambodia tour flies to Siem Reap in the afternoon. Built between the 9th and 13th centuries, this town is home to Angkor Wat, where perfectly-balanced temples represent the cosmic world. We’ll walk through the Royal Gardens tonight, then enjoy dinner at a restaurant where disadvantaged youth receive hospitality training. We’ll also be joined by a member of the local gay community, who will discuss Cambodia’s emerging LGBT movement.

For the ultimate Angkor Archeological Park experience, rise early and join us at sunrise underneath Angkor Wat. We’ll then head back to the hotel for breakfast before taking the rest of the morning to yourself. In the afternoon we’ll visit Angkor Thom – The Great Royal City – as well as Bayon temple, famed for its 200 smiling carved faces and 50 gothic towers. The intricate bas-reliefs and architecture here offer ample fodder for aspiring photographers. Tonight, Phare, The Cambodian Circus awaits. Young artists tell tales through art, acting and music. This show is a real privilege to experience, considering the Khmer Rouge decimated the educated and artistic classes in the late 1970s.

It’s our gay Laos & Cambodia tour’s final day so enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we head for the countryside and visit Banteay Srei. The gorgeous Hindu temple is devoted to Shiva and is a jewel of Angkorian art. The morning ends at a local pagoda for a special water blessing by the monks. In the afternoon we’ll also visit the visually striking Ta Prohm, notable for the parasitic trees and vines that have grown throughout. It’s our last full day, so we’ll celebrate with a Farewell Dinner featuring Khmer cuisine.

There are no activities scheduled, so enjoy the day at leisure (check out time is noon, unless you’ve extended your stay). Departure transfers must be booked/arranged separately. Thank you for joining our gay Laos & Cambodia tour.