Cambodia Laos Itinerary 10 Days: Top 4 Tour Plans for First Timers

A 10-day itinerary is an excellent length of time to visit Cambodia and Laos for first-timers. It gives you a brief chance to explore the natural beauty and cultural highlights of two countries. But planning a 10-day trip to Laos and Cambodia can be both exciting and overwhelming.

Siem Reap and Luang Prabang are two must-visit destinations for any 10-day Cambodia and Laos itinerary. They capture the highlights of Cambodia and Laos, from the renowned Angkor Wat to the Buddhist city of Luang Prabang. Based on your interests, you can then select additional destinations for history exploration or nature discovery.

This guide will show you the top 4 travel routes for a 10-day Cambodia–Laos trip, plus practical tips for Cambodia and Laos tours. Keep reading to find the itinerary that matches your travel style and makes the most of your Southeast Asia tour.

Most Classic Cambodia Laos Tour Route: 5 Days in Cambodia and 5 Days in Laos

The classic Cambodia and Laos tour route is perfect for first-time visitors looking for a well-rounded experience of the iconic sites of both countries.

Arrive in Siem Reap to kick off your tour, visiting the legendary temples of Angkor Wat. In three days, you can visit the most impressive temples, including Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Thom, and take a day trip around the countryside of Tonle Sap Lake. In the evenings, enjoy traditional Apsara dance performances or sample the city’s lively night market.

Spend two days in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, where you can visit the Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Killing Fields for an understanding of the country’s ancient and modern history. Balance the experience with riverside walks and sunset cruises on the Mekong River and see the thriving modern life.

Many visitors love watching the stunning sunrise at Angkor Wat.

Fly to Laos’ capital, Vientiane, to spend two days seeing its mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. There are ancient temples and spiritual sites like Wat Si Saket and Buddha Park, and the stunning Patuxay Monument, a war monument resembling the Arc de Triomphe. Finally, head to Luang Prabang, the captivating UNESCO World Heritage town with its mix of golden temples, colonial architecture, and daily almsgiving rituals. Spend three days touring the city and the surrounding area to visit beautiful natural sites like Mount Phousi and Kuang Si Falls.

10 Days Cambodia and Laos Nature and Culture Tour

Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Luang Prabang - Vientiane

For Culture Lovers: Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Battambang, and 4 Days in Luang Prabang

A slow pace of travel rewards culture lovers with the chance for a deeper dive into history, heritage, and local life. An itinerary with a focus on culture will give you the chance to connect with local people and learn the stories behind the sites you visit.

Start in Phnom Penh,to explore its palaces, pagodas, and poignant historical sites. From there, continue to Battambang, a charming riverside town known for its French colonial buildings, creative arts scene, and countryside experiences. Ride the bamboo train, visit local farms, and witness the extraordinary bat cave exodus at Phnom Sampeau. Battambang’s authenticity and slower pace give visitors a chance to connect with Cambodia’s rural heart.

Spend final two days in Siem Reap before flying to Luang Prabang, where you’ll spend two to three days not just visiting Angkor Wat, but also visiting the Cambodia Landmine Museum, Artisans Angkor workshops, and the Cambodia War Museum. These offer insights into both Cambodia’s ancient glory and modern resilience.

Here, take your time savoring the spiritual atmosphere. When planning a Luang Prabang tour, consider joining a traditional cooking class, exploring the Morning Market, and cruising to the Pak Ou Caves. In the evenings, stroll the Night Market or relax by the Mekong with a local coffee.

10 Days Cambodia and Laos Tour with Elephant Village Exploration

Siem Reap - Luang Prabang - Vientiane

For Nature Seekers: 4000 Islands in Laos and Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia

Adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts will appreciate a 10-day itinerary focused on river islands, waterfalls, and forested landscapes. This route combines soft adventure with serene natural beauty, making it perfect for those seeking to unwind in the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort.

Begin your journey in Laos with a flight to Pakse, your gateway to the Bolaven Plateau and the 4000 Islands. Spend two days exploring the Bolaven Plateau, famous for its cool climate, verdant coffee plantations, and impressive waterfalls like Tad Fane and Tad Yuang. Then head south to the 4000 Islands, where you can stay on Don Khon or Don Det. Cruise past rare Irrawaddy dolphins, cycle along palm-fringed trails, and kayak down the Mekong—all in a landscape where time seems to stand still.

The 4000 Islands in Laos offer amazing views and peaceful nature.

After five days in Laos, cross the border into Cambodia for your next adventure. Visit Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, and explore its floating villages by boat. Then head west to the Cardamom Mountains, one of Cambodia’s last wilderness frontiers. With dense rainforests, hidden waterfalls, and opportunities for eco-lodging, this region is a paradise for hikers and wildlife lovers.

This itinerary is ideal for travelers looking to disconnect from city life and immerse themselves in Southeast Asia’s natural landscapes. It highlights some of the most peaceful and scenic places to visit in Cambodia and Laos. You’ll return refreshed, with stories of jungle trails, river sunsets, and encounters with rare wildlife.

10 Days Discover Laos and Cambodia Tour

Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang - Siem Reap

Off-the-Beaten-Path 10 Days Plan: Hidden Gems Beyond Angkor Wat and Luang Prabang

Heading to the lesser-known parts of Cambodia and Laos is ideal for a return visit or if you want to avoid tourist crowds. An off-the-beaten-path itinerary focuses on taking you to discover hidden gems and authentic experiences. Choosing the best time to visit Cambodia and Laos can make these quiet destinations even more enjoyable, with pleasant weather and fewer travelers.

Start in Cambodia’s Kampong Thom, located between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Visit the pre-Angkorian ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient brick temples nestled in the forest. Then move on to Kratie, a charming and quiet Mekong town known for its population of endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. Then, visit the dramatic Preah Vihear temple, perched atop a cliff near the Thai border, offering spectacular views and very few tourists.

Cross into southern Laos for six days of quiet exploration. Begin in Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau before heading to the 4000 Islands for slow-paced island life. Visit Wat Phu, an ancient Khmer temple complex near Champasak, and end with a Mekong river cruise or a relaxing stay in a riverside eco-lodge.

In Kratie, Cambodia, you can spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the river.

10 Days Cambodia and Laos Lifetime Discovery Tour

Siem Reap - Vientiane - Luang Prabang

Add Vietnam to Extend Your 10-day Southeast Asia Trip to Hanoi or Saigon

If you have more time, add a trip to Vietnam as part of a wider Southeast Asia tour. Both Hanoi and Saigon are incredible destinations for experiencing Vietnamese culture and history, and have great international flight connections for convenient travel.

Hanoi is the gateway to the best sites of Northern Vietnam, including the breathtaking Halong Bay and Ninh Binh. In the city, you can explore the winding streets of the Old Quarter, try the best of local street food, and visit highlights like the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Saigon is the cultural hub of the south and a gateway to the Mekong Delta. Enjoy the city’s colonial architecture and learn about the Vietnam War. Both cities have direct connections to destinations in Cambodia and Laos for easy transfer between countries.

10 Days Glimpse of Vietnam Cambodia Laos

Hanoi – Halong Bay – Ho Chi Minh – Siem Reap – Luang Prabang

Insider Tips for Cambodia, Laos Itinerary 10 Days from Local Experts

- It’s possible to travel between Cambodia and Laos by air or land. The most popular border crossing is between Stung Treng in Cambodia and Don Det in Laos, but flying is faster and the more reliable way to travel.

- Cambodia and Laos both have convenient e-visa systems to let you arrange your visa before arrival at major airports. All you need is a valid passport and photos, and you can apply for visas for Cambodia and Laos online.

- Mid-range travelers should budget 1000-1500 USD per person for a 10-day tour of Cambodia and Laos. This cost covers accommodations, internal transportation, guides, and meals.

- Working with a local travel agency is the best way to ensure a smooth and well-planned tour. Our expert travel consultants will work with you to personalize your itinerary, providing the benefit of the most up-to-date information and cultural insights.

- USD can be used in major hotels and large businesses, but it’s best to carry some local currency in cash for everyday expenses. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere, particularly in rural or out-of-the-way locations.

Conclusion

Cambodia and Laos are two of the gems of Southeast Asia with a wealth of authentic and fascinating experiences for travelers. With local experts on the ground in both countries, we helped 1000’s of visitors have unforgettable experiences touring Cambodia and Laos. You’ll get one-on-one attention from our experienced local travel consultants to fully personalize your itinerary to meet any budget and travel goals.

We know how to take you beyond what’s mentioned in the guidebooks so you can see the real Cambodia and Laos and return home with a deep and long-lasting impression. Contact us to get a free tour quote for 10 10-day Cambodia and Laos tours.