Brief

These countries have it all! Stunning coastline, the mighty Mekong River, un-spoilt jungle, outstanding cultural interest, world heritage sites in Cambodia and fantastic cuisine. The Laos wilderness offers an abundance of community-based trekking that combines spectacular natural attractions with the chance to experience the ‘real Laos’ in a village homestay. With plenty of opportunity to meet the locals and become immersed in the history; now is the best time to visit these countries which are developing at a fast pace.

Highlights

Take a boat trip along the Mekong river.

Trek through spectacular forest and mountain scenery.

Explore the riverside cities of Phnom Pen and Battambang.

Work with local families in remote villages, helping with community projects.

Discover Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.

The Expedition

Phase 1: Acclimatisation

Arriving in Vientiane in Laos, teams can spend a few days adjusting to South East Asian lifestyle and culture in the stunning former royal capital Luang Prabang.

Phase 2: Trek

Travelling south will provide the teams with excellent options to trek in traditional Laos countryside. Trekking on the Bolaven Plateau will take the team past waterfalls, across the ancient volcano and through dense jungle. Alternatively the teams may chose to trek in Xe Pian National Park where an abundance of wildlife, coupled with remote villages, home to the Brau, Su and Lao Loum tribes, make for a truly memorable experience.

Phase 3: Project

In this valuable and rewarding phase teams can volunteer and take part in a variety of community based projects working with our charity partner, Better Lives. Past examples include creating family gardens, building playgrounds, concreting paths and repairing bridges in communities. All projects are chosen in consultation with the community to ensure their needs are met.

Phase 4: Culture & Review

A visit to Laos & Cambodia would not be complete without spending a few days exploring the spectacular and vast temple complex of Angkor Wat. A sunrise, or sunset visit will be unforgettable. Teams may also like to visit the historical and moving sights of the Tuol Sleng Musuem and Choeung Ek.

Expedition Grade

Our Cambodia and Laos adventure is graded as moderate or level 3. However, some easier and some more challenging days can be expected when trekking giving it an overall level of 2 to 4. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy your expedition.

Expedition Type

Adventure

Project

Culture

Expedition Level

Easy

Moderate

Hard

Facts

Terrain

Varies from coastal, to jungle, to lush countryside and hills.

Weather

April to October is the summer monsoon season with hot, humid weather across the country. In Laos the Bolaven Plateau is cool year round at an altitude of 1350m.

Culture

The predominant religion in Laos & Cambodia is Buddhism, yet there is also a historical Hindu influence which can still be recognised today.