SIMPLY LAOS AND CAMBODIA

Board an international flight from London to the Laotian city of Luang Prabang, connecting in Bangkok. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel, former residence of the Prince Souphanouvong, at the heart of the city. You’ll have three nights to immerse yourself in the wonders of Luang Prabang, the ‘jewel’ of Indochina and designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 1990s. Surrounded by mountains at the confluence of Mekong and Khan Rivers, it’s a beautiful city rich in temples, religious monuments and deep cultural heritage.

Head out on foot, or hire a bicycle, to explore the dozens of temples in the city’s atmospheric old quarter, stopping for lunch at one of the restaurants perched along the banks of the Mekong. Highlights include the beautiful Wat Xieng Thong and 16th century Wat Visoun – the oldest temple in the city. Make time, too, for the UXO Laos visitor centre for an insight into the devastation of the Vietnam War, as well as the National Museum (former Royal Palace) with its impressive collection of valuables and artefacts.

Spend the evening wandering the bustling H’mong Night Market, before climbing the 328 steps of Mount Phousi to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the temples and hillsides. Rise early the following day to witness a traditional alms-giving ceremony before taking a boat excursion along the Mekong to visit the incredible Pak Ou Caves – repositories for thousands of Buddha images.

Stay: Three nights in a deluxe room at Satri House – bed and breakfast

Today you’ll journey across the border to Siem Reap in Cambodia, arriving in the afternoon. Your hotel, beautifully situated along the Siem Reap River, is just a short drive from the astonishing temple complex of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a testament to the might of the Khmer Empire. Enjoy a full-day guided tour of this 162-hectare site and its ornate temples, huge statues, decorative carvings and enigmatic stone heads, taking in breathtaking sites like the 12th century Bayon – a richly decorated temple with 54 towers – the pyramidal Baphuon temple and the Terrace of the Elephants.

Rise early the following day to explore the overgrown temple of Ta Prohm, of Tomb Raider fame, without the tourist crowds. Just behind the temple, you’ll find the Sra Srong village where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and observe villagers palm weaving and making wooden carvings.

Later in the day, you’ll have time to visit the small but magnificent Banteay Srei. Built during the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva, the pink sandstone temple and its beautiful bas-relief work is one of the finest remaining examples of Khmer classical art.

Stay: Three nights in a deluxe room at Jaya House Park – bed and breakfast

The time has come for some well-deserved relaxation. A morning flight will whisk you from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville, where a speedboat will be waiting to take you to the beautiful Cambodian island of Koh Rong.

A virtually car-free world of crystal-clear waters and powdery beaches, you’re guaranteed a relaxing getaway. Days can be blissfully spent alternating between relaxing on the white sands snorkelling on nearby reefs. Private boats are also on hand to take you to nearby islands where you can enjoy a truly private, romantic picnic.

Stay: Five nights in an ocean view villa at The Royal Sands Koh Rong – bed and breakfast