Why Laos and Cambodia Belong on Your Travel List

Introduction

I love trips that go beyond exploration, giving me the chance to experience destinations as our clients do, to see first-hand what works on the ground, and to uncover the small details that elevate a holiday into a story worth sharing. My latest first-hand travel experience took me to two countries that, while often paired together on itineraries, each offer a distinct rhythm and character of their own: Laos and Cambodia.

Laos is a place that quietly wins you over. Life runs at a slower pace, and there’s an ease to the way people welcome you in. From wandering the temple-lined streets of Luang Prabang to drifting along the Mekong at sunset, the country feels deeply authentic, never hurried, always generous with its time. It’s a destination where the smallest details stay with you – the scent of morning markets, the gentle overlap of boats, and where streets are glowing with lanterns.

Cambodia, on the other hand, carries an energy that’s both rooted in history and firmly moving forward. Of course, Angkor Wat is extraordinary and deserves every moment of wonder, but there’s much more to discover. Phnom Penh offers striking contrasts, from elegant colonial landmarks to bustling riverside cafés. In the countryside, communities live closely with tradition, alongside eco projects and conservation initiatives that give back locally, bringing real purpose to travel here.

If you’ve been considering Cambodia or Laos for your next adventure, keep reading. This blog takes you inside my trip, with first-hand experiences and practical tips to help shape your own journey.

Timing and First Impressions

My trip took place in August, which is typically the green season in both Laos and Cambodia. To be perfectly honest, I had packed plenty of ponchos and was fully expecting frequent rainfall. But the reality was I couldn’t have been more wrong. In Cambodia, we had only a couple of short, sharp showers. In Laos, I experienced less than twenty minutes of rain in total. Instead of the downpours I had braced for, the season delivered much greener landscapes, quieter sights, and a sense of freshness that made the journey even more enjoyable.

This trip covered all the highlights – and plenty of unexpected extras – and in such a short space of time, I truly felt as though I had discovered both countries.

Getting There

I flew into Vientiane Wattay International Airport from London Heathrow via Bangkok with Thai Airways. In my experience, Thai Airways is always a safe bet – service is consistently good, connections are smooth, and the stopover in Bangkok breaks up the journey nicely.

For entry into Laos, you can choose between a visa on arrival or an e-visa. I opted for a visa on arrival and, luckily, found myself towards the front of the queue, so the process was swift. However, the immigration hall is small and queues do form quickly, so for most travellers I would recommend securing an e-visa in advance. It speeds things up considerably.

A small but important tip: Bring your own pen. When I travelled, we still had to fill out arrival forms and visa paperwork, and while cards are now going digital (from 1 September onwards), it’s still useful to have a pen handy for any last-minute forms. Once through immigration, we were straight through to the arrivals hall where we were met by our amazing guide for the next few days – Anoudeth!

From Vientiane to Oudomxay

On arrival, I checked into Souphattra Heritage, a French colonial–inspired luxury hotel with excellent facilities, offering a refined boutique stay in the heart of Vientiane. It was a very quick walk away from the night market, which I would definitely suggest having a look around before heading back to the hotel bar to enjoy a nightcap!

The next day, after breakfast, we set off to the station to board a train north to Oudomxay. The journey was comfortable, clean and efficient, an excellent alternative to the long road transfers that used to be the only option. It’s a great reminder of how much infrastructure is improving across the region, making travel between destinations smoother and more appealing for clients.

Tip: The train stations in Laos operate with airport-style security, so allow a little extra time for check-in and be aware that aerosols are not permitted through security.

That afternoon, I checked into Namkat Yorla Pa Resort, set among forested hills. The surroundings felt lush and secluded, and after a morning of travel, the quiet atmosphere was just what was needed.

The next morning began with a tuk-tuk ride to explore the Sky Bridges and waterfalls nearby. Walking across rope bridges suspended high among the trees offered just the right mix of fun and adrenaline, balanced by the serenity of the waterfalls that followed.

Afterwards, we continued by car towards Pakbeng, stopping for lunch at a small local restaurant en route. It was a long five-hour journey, bumpy at times, and you might have to stop while emergency roadworks are carried out. This made arriving at the next hotel all the more sweeter.

Pakbeng & the Mekong

Arriving in Pakbeng by late afternoon, we checked into Le Grand Pakbeng. The lodge sits high above the Mekong, with spectacular views that only get better as the sun sets. I made sure to jump straight into the pool for a swim whilst soaking in the incredible Mekong and mountain views.

The following morning, we embarked on a six-hour river journey downstream to Luang Prabang with Shompoo Cruise, a friendly, family-run operation known for its warm hospitality and relaxed atmosphere. The boat was comfortable, the crew welcoming, and a fresh lunch was served on board as we drifted past jungle-clad hillsides and small riverside villages. Along the way, we stopped at the Whiskey Village, where I sampled scorpion whiskey, and at the Pak Ou Caves, home to hundreds of Buddha statues.

By late afternoon we reached Luang Prabang, checking into Homm Souvannaphoum for a two-night stay.

Luang Prabang Highlights

Luang Prabang is often described as the jewel of Laos, and it’s not difficult to see why. The day began with a tuk-tuk ride to explore local life, stopping at the morning markets and neighbourhoods. We spent time at Wat Suwannaphumaham, where Anoudeth (our guide) taught me so much about Lao culture, history, and religion. Lunch was a highlight at Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise that also serves excellent food.

In the afternoon, we drove out to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Along the way we stopped at small villages, where local artisans and farmers gave us a glimpse into daily life. That evening, we joined the DTH Laos team for dinner by the Mekong – a convivial evening full of warmth and laughter that perfectly captured the Lao spirit.

The next morning was dedicated to hotel inspections at several boutique properties, including Avani+, Maison Dalabua, and Satri House. From there, we continued to the airport for our flight to Siem Reap.

Angkor & Beyond

Touching down in Siem Reap, the contrast with Laos was immediate. The energy is more intense, the streets busier, and the atmosphere more developed. I headed to Borei Angkor, where we stayed for two nights and enjoyed an amazing Khmer fine dining experience in their beautiful Meada Restaurant.

The next day began with an early sunrise visit to Angkor Wat. No matter how many times you’ve seen it in photographs, the real experience is entirely different. From there, we explored Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple, equally impressive in their scale and craftsmanship.

That evening, the pace shifted with a Vespa foodie adventure. Zipping through Siem Reap’s bustling streets and sampling everything from street snacks to cocktails – and even fried spiders – was a brilliant way to experience the city’s playful side.

Phnom Penh Reflections

The road journey from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh took us past Kampong Kdei Bridge, one of the country’s oldest Angkorian bridges, before we arrived in the capital.

Once we arrived, we checked into La Rose Suites, a charming boutique hotel that truly gives guests the VIP treatment. That evening, we joined a Khmer cooking class after a market visit – hands-on, engaging, and great fun.

The next day began at the Royal Palace and National Museum before visiting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. These are challenging but vital experiences that give depth to any Cambodian journey. Later that day, we enjoyed a sunset cruise on the Mekong – a reflective and peaceful end to a powerful day.

That evening, we joined the DTH Cambodia team for dinner at Malis Restaurant, one of Phnom Penh’s finest spots for authentic Cambodian cuisine. It was a memorable evening, enjoying exquisite dishes while sharing stories and insights with the team.

Kampot & La Plantation

From Phnom Penh, we drove south into Kampot Province, taking in the scenic countryside along the way. Lunch at River Trees Villas was a lovely interlude, with riverside views and fresh, local ingredients providing a perfect taste of the region. Afterwards, we continued to La Plantation, a world-renowned pepper farm. We took shelter from the midday sun in the café, enjoying some refreshing drinks while taking in the stunning views over the property, before exploring the farm and learning about the meticulous cultivation process – and, of course, sampling some of the finest Kampot pepper.

That evening, we arrived at Amber Kampot, a riverside retreat that perfectly balances comfort and character. The beautifully designed rooms and tranquil setting offered a peaceful respite from the day’s travel, while the surrounding gardens and river views made it an ideal spot to unwind. Dinner at the hotel showcased regional flavours and local ingredients, including amazing seafood dishes, rounding off the day with an authentic taste of Kampot’s culinary charm.

Six Senses Island Finale

Our final leg took us to Sihanoukville, where we boarded a speedboat to Six Senses Krabey Island. Even though we stayed just one night, it felt like an indulgent finale: private villas, world-class service, and a setting that seemed to exist outside of time. It was the perfect way to close a trip rich in culture, history, and discovery – and of course, we treated ourselves to a session at the country’s best spa!

After breakfast, we returned to Phnom Penh for the evening flight back to London via Bangkok, full of memories and plenty of notes for future itineraries.

Final Thoughts

This first-hand travel experience was more than a whirlwind through two countries – it was a reminder of why Laos and Cambodia pair so beautifully together. Laos offers calm, reflection, and authenticity, while Cambodia provides energy, history, and depth. Together, they create a journey that is balanced, enriching, and unforgettable.

For clients, the key takeaway is this: travelling here is not about rushing from one sight to another but about allowing the rhythm of each country to guide you. It’s swimming beneath waterfalls in the Lao jungle one day and watching the sun rise over Angkor the next. It’s sitting down with a local chef in Phnom Penh to learn a family recipe, then ending your trip in barefoot luxury on a Cambodian island.

Every stop had something to offer, from the adrenaline of sky bridges to the serenity of river cruises, from world-class hotels to the humblest of village encounters. What impressed me most was how each experience felt authentic and rooted in place – never manufactured, always meaningful.

If you’re thinking about your next adventure, Laos and Cambodia are a partnership well worth considering, though each is just as brilliant as a standalone destination. Whether you’re drawn to heritage and history, landscapes and wildlife, or simply the warmth of human connection, you’ll find it here. And like me, you’ll come home not just with stories, but with a sense that you’ve truly experienced something special.