Signature: Laos and Cambodia's Ancient Traditions

This G Adventures small-group tour begins in Luang Prabang, Laos, where mornings can include giving sticky rice to monks, and afternoons might be taken by the quiet roar of the Kuang Si Waterfall or visiting a sanctuary for rescued bears. You’ll drop in on local homes for a Baci ceremony, an intimate ritual to protect the soul.

Crossing into Cambodia, the rhythm changes beneath the vast stone faces of Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple. Siem Reap offers a mix of archaeological grandeur and stillness; boat rides through the flooded village of Kampong Kleang bring you closer to local life, while hands-on dyeing workshops recall centuries-old craftsmanship. Evenings here include an unusual drum show, a fitting soundtrack for temples that have seen far more than most.

Throughout, National Geographic Expedition leaders and local guides add context and ease the way. The voyage between Laos and Cambodia is not without logistical quirks, but these come with the territory when travelling through these parts. It is a well-paced trip that invites time to sit quietly with places and traditions that endure despite the modern world pressing close.