Beyond Angkor Wat: Top 15 Places You Must Visit in Laos and Cambodia

If you're planning a trip to Cambodia and Laos, Siem Reap and Luang Prabang should be at the top of your list. These two cities are the heart of each country—Siem Reap is the gateway to the world-famous Angkor Wat, while Luang Prabang is a peaceful UNESCO town filled with temples and riverside charm. Together, they offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

But your journey doesn't have to stop there. Beyond these highlights, Cambodia and Laos are full of hidden gems—from tropical islands and stunning waterfalls to quiet mountain towns and mysterious caves. In this article, we've picked the top 15 places you must visit in Cambodia and Laos. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or local culture, you’ll find plenty of travel inspiration inside.

Must-Visit Destinations: Siem Reap, Luang Prabang

A visit to the iconic cities of Siem Reap and Luang Prabang is a must on any tour of Cambodia and Laos. Both destinations represent the cultural and spiritual heart of their countries, and each offers an unforgettable experience.

Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Archaeological Park, an architectural marvel and spiritual sanctuary. The sight of the sun rising over the temple complex is one you will never forget on a Siem Reap tour, and you can explore the jungle, discovering ancient temple ruins. Siem Reap is also more than just temples. Its vibrant markets, modern cafés, and traditional Apsara dance performances make it a place where ancient and contemporary cultures seamlessly blend.

Angkor Wat is a must-see tourist attraction when traveling to Cambodia.

In Laos, Luang Prabang offers an equally enchanting experience. Nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, this UNESCO World Heritage town is a blend of golden temples, French colonial villas, and serene Buddhist monasteries. The city streets are full of saffron-robed monks and the soft ringing of temple bells. It's a peaceful place where you can feel the living culture of Laos.

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a picturesque town located in northern Laos.

Second-Classic but Very Popular: Phnom Penh, Koh Rong Island, Vientiane, Vang Vieng

After the top must-visit destinations, you can visit places that offer a rich blend of culture, history, relaxation, and adventure while you cross the two countries. Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, offers a complex portrait of the country's past and present. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda contrast deeply with the harrowing legacy of the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. It's a city that demands reflection and rewards curiosity.

For a change of pace, Cambodia's Koh Rong Island serves as a tropical escape for an unforgettable beach tour in Cambodia. With powdery white sands and turquoise waters, it's a paradise for beach lovers. Unlike Thailand's more commercialized islands, Koh Rong retains a raw, untouched charm. You can snorkel, kayak, or simply swing in a hammock and let the sea soothe you.

Koh Rong Island has best beaches in Cambodia.

In Laos, Vientiane charms travelers with its tree-lined boulevards, Buddhist stupas, and riverside cafés. It offers cultural gems like That Luang and the quirky Buddha Park. Vang Vieng, once known for wild parties, has rebranded itself as an adventure haven. Surrounded by limestone karsts and emerald rice fields, the town is now famous for kayaking, hiking, and exploring caves. The Nam Song River winds lazily through the landscape, inviting travelers to float, reflect, and reconnect with nature on Laos tours.

Vang Vieng has beautiful scenery with paddy fields and Karst mountains.

14 Days Cambodia and Laos Relaxed Tour

Siem Reap - Sihanoukville - Phnom Penh - Vientiane - Luang Prabang

Deep Cultural & Historic Spots: Battambang, Plain of Jars, Pak Ou Caves

For a rich experience of local cultures, well-preserved traditional sights offer a chance for insights into the deep history of the region. Battambang is often overlooked but remains a bastion of Cambodian art and tradition. There are many things to do in Battambang. Known for its colonial architecture and bamboo train, the town also boasts a lively arts scene, with galleries and workshops tucked between faded French buildings. The countryside, with its ancient temples and rice paddies, provides a glimpse into rural Cambodian life untouched by mass tourism.

Our guests enjoy Bamboo train in Battambang.

In Laos, the Plain of Jars is one of Southeast Asia's great archaeological mysteries. Scattered across the Xieng Khouang plateau are thousands of stone jars, some weighing several tons, whose origins and purpose remain debated. Walking through these quiet, fog-covered fields feels like stepping into a prehistoric world. Local legend suggests the jars were used by giants, adding mythic allure to their mystery.

Nearby Luang Prabang, the Pak Ou Caves present another spiritual journey. The caves are filled with thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrims over centuries. The flicker of candlelight against the limestone walls, the sound of water lapping below, and the silence of devotion create a deeply moving experience. These sites remind travelers on Southeast Asia tours that history and faith are often written not in words, but in stone, silence, and ritual.

The Pak Ou Caves offer a unique blend of spiritual richness and natural beauty.

Stunning Nature Escapes: Tonlé Sap Lake, Kratie, Kuang Si Waterfall

The natural landscapes of Cambodia and Laos are an important part of their national identities, and a perfect escape from the hectic pace of modern life. Tonlé Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, is a living ecosystem and lifeline for millions. During the rainy season, the lake swells dramatically, reversing the flow of the Tonlé Sap River. Villages float on its surface, moving with the tides. A boat ride through stilted houses, floating schools, and lily-covered waters offers a window into a resilient, water-bound way of life.

The Tonle Sap Lake hosts a number of floating villages.

Kratie, a peaceful town on the Mekong River, is best known for its rare Irrawaddy dolphins. Spotting these gentle creatures on a Mekong river cruise at sunset is a magical experience. The riverbanks, fringed with palm trees and sleepy villages, offer an ideal setting for this iconic cruise experience. Here, life moves to the rhythm of the river.

Tourists can visit Irrawaddy dolphins in Kratie.

In Laos, Kuang Si Waterfall is the jewel of Luang Prabang's surroundings. Cascading over limestone tiers into turquoise pools, the falls are a natural wonder that invites both awe and immersion. You can hike to the top, swim in the lower pools, or simply relax amidst the lush forest. The nearby bear rescue center adds a conservation dimension to the visit.

Kuang Si Falls is renowned for its numerous pools and milky turquoise waters.

14 Days Cambodia and Laos Relaxed Tour

Siem Reap - Sihanoukville - Phnom Penh - Vientiane - Luang Prabang

Hidden Treasures for Adventurers: Kampot, Kep, 4000 Islands

Go beyond the usual destinations to discover hidden gems. Kampot, in southern Cambodia, is a riverside town surrounded by mountains, pepper plantations, and colonial remnants. Its famous Kampot pepper is considered among the best in the world, and tours of the farms reveal the care and tradition behind its cultivation.

Just down the coast lies Kep, a sleepy seaside town famous for its crab market and tranquil sunsets. Once a glamorous French resort, Kep is now a serene getaway with a rugged coast, jungle hills, and a nostalgic air. Cycling through its quiet roads or taking a boat to nearby Rabbit Island offers a glimpse of coastal Cambodia, untouched by crowds.

In southern Laos, the 4000 Islands lie scattered across the Mekong River like emeralds. Don Det and Don Khon, two of the more accessible islands, offer rustic guesthouses, bike trails, and views of cascading waterfalls. Life here is slow, sun-drenched, and blissfully disconnected. It's the perfect place to swing in a hammock, sip a Lao beer, and let time drift by with the river when you plan a 2-week Cambodia and Laos tour.

The 4000 islands of Laos are a beautiful region with abundant wildlife that crosses both nations.

Recommended Cambodia and Laos Tour Routes with Must-see Places

An 8-day Cambodia and Laos tour is a popular itinerary for visiting the main highlights of Cambodia and Laos. Arrive in Phnom Penh and explore the sights of Cambodia's capital. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda for a look into the imperial past, and visit the somber Killing Fields to learn more about Cambodia's tragic modern history.

Angkor Wat is the highlight of Siem Reap and is worth at least a full day of exploring. You can also take a day trip to the countryside, where you can see rural villages and Tonle Sap Lake.

Luang Prabang is a peaceful and laid-back city, dotted with ancient temples. Spend two days exploring the city and the countryside, taking a river cruise to the Pak Ou Caves.

End the tour with two days in Laos' capital, Vientiane. In the mix of modern and traditional, you can learn about Lao culture at the National Museum and visit Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple in the country.

8 Days Classic Cambodia and Laos Tour

Siem Reap - Luang Prabang - Vientiane

A longer tour lets you explore more of both countries. The 14-Day Best of Cambodia and Laos Tour visits the highlights of Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane, while also taking off the beaten track to immerse yourself in local culture and nature.

Visit Battambang, the sleepy cultural center near Phnom Penh. Take a ride on the traditional Bamboo Train and marvel at the sight of the Sanker River from Wat Banan.

In Laos, you'll visit Pakse to see sights like Tad Fan Waterfall, the largest and most amazing waterfall in the country. Visit rural villages like Alak, Nge, and Katu villages on the Bolavan Plateau, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, and observe the cultivation of coffee, tea, cardamom, and bananas.

From Pakse, you will drive to Si Phan Don, the 4000 Islands. Along the way, visit the Vat Phou Ruins, an ancient temple complex from the 10th century, and take a boat tour to see sights like the Old French Railway Bridge and Pha Pheng Waterfall.

14 Days Best of Cambodia and Laos Tour

Phnom Penh – Battambang – Siem Reap – Pakse – Vientiane – Luang Prabang

Essential Travel Tips for Your Cambodia and Laos Tours

Timing and preparation are key to making the most of your journey through Cambodia and Laos. The best time to visit Cambodia and Laos is during the dry season, from November to February, when the weather is cooler and skies are clear. March to May can be hot, while June to October brings rain but also fewer crowds and lusher landscapes.

Domestic flights are a time-saving option for getting between major destinations. For a more immersive experience, private vehicles can be arranged for comfortable overland journeys.

It’s easy to get visas for Cambodia and Laos. Cambodia offers e-Visas and visas on arrival. Laos also provides visas on arrival at major border crossings and airports, or you can apply online through the eVisa portal. Be sure to check entry points, especially if traveling overland between the two countries.

Both nations embrace tourism with warmth and grace, but respectful behavior is expected, especially at religious sites. Dress modestly, remove shoes when entering temples, and ask before photographing monks or locals.

20 Days In-depth Exploration Cambodia and Laos Tour

Vientiane – Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang – Pakse – Siem Reap – Battambang – Sihanoukvile – Phnom Penh

Conclusion

Natural escapes, hidden treasures, and cultural and historic wonders, the sights of Laos and Cambodia have something for everyone. Going beyond Angkor Wat will immerse you in lands of deep culture and ancient traditions. Tour the main lights of Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane, or venture off to the lesser-known destinations like Battambang and Kampot. Our expertly crafted and fully personalized Cambodia and Laos tour itineraries will take care of all the logistics so you can focus on making memories that will last a lifetime. Contact us anytime to find out more or start planning your dream tour of Laos and Cambodia today.