12-DAY CRAFTS & CULTURE OF CAMBODIA AND LAOS
Women Only
Max Group 12
Lifetime Deposit
Solo traveller friendly
Think you know arts and crafts? Wait until you’ve experienced them in Cambodia and Laos! This isn’t your average sightseeing tour; it’s a 12-day bonanza of creativity and culture, tailored for adventurous female travellers just like you.
How does getting elbow-deep in silk weaving, giving pottery a spin, and mastering the art of traditional dyeing sound? How about learning all of these new skills from local masters in two of the most gorgeous countries in Asia? We knew that’d capture your attention! Our crafts and culture tours are a bit like art school but with way better scenery.
Don’t fancy yourself an art maestro? No problem – you don’t need to be a specialist, and in between your creative bursts, there’s heaps to explore. Witness the mind-bending beauty of Angkor Wat, snaffle farm-to-table Laotian dishes you’ve never even heard of, go walking in the wild with elephants and… well, you get the idea!
Ready to get those creative juices flowing and make some unforgettable memories with a group of like-minded women? Let’s go – Cambodia and Laos are waiting for you.
Highlights
Experience the traditional crafts and cultures of two unique countries.
Learn to cook Cambodian style.
Explore Angkor Wat and the Ancient Temple of Sambor Preikuk.
Weave your own piece of Laotian cloth under the gaze of a master.
Unwind in Luang Prabang - the UNESCO old town untouched by time.
Walk with Elephants through the rice paddy countryside.
Trip Details
Price
$4,998 AUD (twin share)
- $1,650 deposit.
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available: $924 AUD, max 4 spots.
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
12 days, 11 nights
Dates
Starts: Phnom Penh, 16 January 2025
Finishes: Luang Prabang, 27 January 2025
Meeting point
Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Ending point
Capital Hotel, Luang Prabang, Laos
Group size
Maximum 12
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section under the Participation Tab.
Included
- Meals: 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners
- Private air-conditioned vehicle transportation throughout
- 11 nights boutique and premium accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader in Cambodia and Laos
- International flight between Cambodia and Laos
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International Flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Visas (See FAQs for more information)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Click the tabs to find out more
Day 1 – Welcome to Cambodia
The time has finally arrived to touchdown in Phnom Penh, Cambodia! After getting your new Cambodian passport stamp, a member of our team will whisk you off straight to your hotel’s doorstep for a hassle-free arrival.
This evening, get to know your new adventure buddies over a Cambodian welcome dinner. It’s your chance to chat, laugh, sample Khmer cuisine for the first time and kickstart those friendships with your fellow Patchies. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of a trip – Cambodia’s ready to show you what it’s got, and trust us, it’s heaps!
Accommodation: Frangipani Royal Palace – Superior Room, or similar
Included: Dinner
Day 2 – Cham Pey Academy of Arts
Today’s a trip through time in Phnom Penh, kicking off at Wat Phnom – the oldest standing structure in the city, dating back to the 14th century. It’s mind-boggling to visit something so old, but that’s just the start! After soaking it all up, you’ll head over to the dazzling Silver Pagoda, which, you guessed it, is famous for its silver floor, before waltzing over to the Royal Palace.
This morning’s landmarks were impressive, but we can do even better. This afternoon, you’ll head somewhere truly special – the Cham Pey Academy of Arts. Here, Cambodian children from underprivileged backgrounds train to become world-class dancers and musicians, keeping Cambodian cultural traditions alive.
If you fancy some “me time” after this, be our guest. However, if you’re up for something more intense, head out on an optional visit to Tuol Sleng Prison. It’s a tough visit, that’s for sure, but a real eye-opener when it comes to the resilience of the Cambodian people.
Accommodation: Frangipani Royal Palace – Superior Room, or similar
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3 – Village Work Workshop
It’s time for another creative day in Cambodia’s capital, you lucky thing! First up: the Royal University of Fine Arts – the oldest university in the country. This hub of budding architects and artists is where Cambodia’s future creatives are moulded.
After roaming its halls and learning about some of its famous alumni, you’ll head over to the National Museum to check out the massive collection of sculptures from the ancient Angkor Empire. We’re spanning the entire history of Khmer art today!
Post-lunch, roll up those sleeves at a Fair Trade social enterprise close to our hearts at Patch because it exists primarily to support people with disabilities to have a self-determined future. In this eco-friendly art haven, you’ll spend two hours crafting your very own hand-printed bag. Paint, laugh, and create a design that’s uniquely “you”. This is your chance to leave with a one-of-a-kind memento of your Cambodian adventure, and we know that this bag is going to have some stories to tell by the end of the trip.
Accommodation: Frangipani Royal Palace – Superior Room, or similar
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4 – The Ancient Temple of Sambor Preikuk
Who says travel days have to be dull? Bright and early, you’ll leave Phnom Penh behind and hit the road to Siem Reap, the gateway to the world-famous temples of Angkor. Of course, we’re breaking up the drive with a kick-ass stop along the way.
Kampong Thom, in the middle of Cambodia, is home to one of the coolest temples in the country. It’s called Sambor Preikuk, or Isanapura, and dates back to the Pre-Angkorian era of Chenla, between the 6th and 9th centuries. This is your first taste of clambering over the ruins of ancient temples, so get excited. Bear in mind, though, that today is just a warm-up compared to the heart-thumping temples of Angkor we have waiting for you in a couple of days!
As the day mellows out, you’ll roll into Siem Reap. You might let out a few “oohs” and “aahs” as you catch your first glimpses of the city in the golden hour light.
Accommodation: Landing Gold Hotel – Deluxe Room, or similar
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 – Siem Reap: Cooking and Pottery
Today’s a feast for your inner artist and your inner foodie! You’ll get started with a bang at the local market, where you’ll play ingredient detective for your upcoming cooking class at the Happy Ranch Farm. Then, dive into a hands-on, flavour-packed cooking class. It’s all laughs as you whip up some Cambodian culinary magic before tucking into your creations in the farm’s lovely grounds – it’s as delicious as it sounds.
Post-feast, it’s time to get stuck in with a pottery class. Don’t fret if you’re not a pottery whiz – it’s all about having a giggle and giving it a go. Plus, you’ll get to pick a piece from their collection as a memento. Win!
As the sun sets, brace yourself for an evening full of surprises. It’s a top-secret event with a hint of wow, a dash of backstage access, and a sprinkle of circus magic. Excited? You should be. It’s going to be unforgettable!
Accommodation: Landing Gold Hotel – Deluxe Room, or similar
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6 – Angkor Temples
Today, you’re stepping right into a scene from your dreams – Angkor Archaeological Park! You’ve seen it in countless books and on screens, but nothing beats the real deal.
We’ll warm you up for the big one with visits to Bayon Temple, Baphuon, and the jungle temple of Ta Prohm. This one’s a real treat, with the ancient ruins clutched in the roots of towering trees. The temple has been taken over by nature, and you’re right in the thick of it.
The best one is saved for last: it’s time for Angkor Wat itself! This massive, sprawling complex deserves every bit of hype it receives, and no matter how long you spend exploring, you’ll always wish you had more.
It’s been a craft-free day so far, so let’s change that. In the afternoon, recover from all that temple-hopping with a local craft workshop, carving stone, wood, and leather, and trying your hand at weaving water hyacinths. Only in Cambodia, right?
Accommodation: Landing Gold Hotel – Deluxe Room, or similar
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7 – Siem Reap’s Art Scene
Say hello to a new face this morning as you meet our friend Bina, curator extraordinaire at the McDermott Gallery and your guru into Cambodia’s art scene. You’re the stars of the show this morning, though, because Bina wants to know exactly what gets your creative juices flowing, tailoring the arts and crafts tour to the group’s interests. From local lacquer artists to snazzy fine art photography and up-and-coming Cambodian talent, you’ll see it all!
In the afternoon, we’re cranking up the fun in Siem Reap with a cocktail class. After all, the city loves to party – so much so that it even has a famous street called “Pub Street”. 90 minutes of shaking, stirring, and, of course, taste-testing your own boozy creations. Because let’s face it, what’s a cocktail class without a cheeky cocktail… or two?
Accommodation: Landing Gold Hotel – Deluxe Room, or similar
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 – Welcome to Laos!
Strap in, because today you’re jetting off to Laos! Wave goodbye to Siem Reap and hug your Cambodian guide – Over the last seven days, you’ve all explored, travelled and laughed so much together, but now Laos is on the horizon. With a bunch of new experiences for you to uncover, your Laotian guide is waiting for you on the other side of a short flight!
Once you touch down, the day’s yours to do whatever you want with. That’s right – total freedom! Fancy a bit of exploration? Luang Prabang’s old town is laid back, inviting and brimming with surprises just waiting for you to explore. Your guide will happily point you in the direction of their favourites.
If kicking back is more your style, no worries – there’s plenty of time to refresh at the hotel, catch up on sleep, or head out on foot to soak up the laid-back Laos vibes. This evening, what better way to unwind than by reminiscing about your epic Cambodian adventures with your fellow Patchies?
Sleep well, because tomorrow is going to be a busy one!
Accommodation: The Capital Hotel – Superior Room, or similar
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 – Uncovered Luang Prabang & Paper
Today in Luang Prabang, we’re ditching the beaten path for something a bit more “you”. This is Patch after all, and we love the road less travelled. So, jump in, and let us take you on a road adventure through the heritage town, but with a twist.
The main highlights are all on offer, like checking out the ancient Wat Xieng Thong and the National Museum, but that’s just the beginning. After ticking all the “must sees” off your list, it’s time to head down the side streets. That’s where the real Luang Prabang hides. It’s quirky, unexpected, and full of local life, and you’re going to love it.
This afternoon, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on treat. We’re diving into the world of mulberry Sa Paper. This workshop is your opportunity to decorate your own piece of this traditional paper with fresh flowers, leaves, and fibres. You don’t get more “Laos” than this!
Accommodation: The Capital Hotel – Superior Room, or similar
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10 – Weaving Masterclass
If you enjoyed yesterday’s Sa Paper class (and of course you did), you’re going to adore this morning’s workshop. This time, it’s all about textiles, so you’ll be learning about silks, dyeing, and weaving, getting a full-day masterclass from the resident weaving wizard. And yes, you’ll be taking the reins on a traditional floor loom and managing to finish a small piece to take home!
Stretch your legs when you break for lunch – Chances are you’ve worked up an appetite, so here’s your reward: an epic farm-to-table feast, showcasing Laos on a plate. We’re talking hearty Lao bamboo soup, Luang Prabang-style sausage that’ll make you drool, zingy fish larb, and chicken with a lemongrass twist. By the end of the night, your face will hurt from laughing so much and you’ll probably need to unbuckle your belt, but it’ll be worth it. Where has Laotian food been your entire life??
Accommodation: The Capital Hotel – Superior Room, or similar
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11 – Morning Alms and Elephants
Rise and shine! You might not feel bright-eyed and bushy-tailed when your alarm goes off at 5.30 am, but what’s waiting for you is more than worth sacrificing a few extra hours of sleep. Stepping into a scene straight out of old Laos, join the lines of barefoot monks in the misty morning in a quiet village far away from the tourist trail. Here, you’ll get to participate in the almsgiving tradition, with the opportunity to offer alms yourself.
Post-alms giving, it’s time to get up close with the gentle giants of Laos. We’re talking about joining elephants on their daily walk through the countryside. This ethical elephant sanctuary takes the utmost care of their rescued herd, and if they feel like it, they’ll finish up in the river for a refreshing bath with their mahouts. Later today, there’s time for your own dip in the refreshing waters of a Kuang Si Waterfall.
Tonight’s your farewell dinner and a moment to reflect on the incredible journey through Cambodia and Laos. Cheers to this once-in-a-lifetime adventure with your close-knit group of Patchies. How do you feel? Ready to do it all over again?
Accommodation: The Capital Hotel – Superior Room, or similar
Included: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Day 12 – Farewell Friends
And that’s it, your whirlwind adventure through Cambodia and Laos has unfortunately come to an end. But what an experience it’s been! You’ve tried more new arts and crafts than you can shake a stick at, checked out some of the most famous temples in the world, walked with elephants, and shared it all with some of the most fun-loving women you’ve ever met.
We’ll drop you off at the airport with plenty of time for your flight. After that, all there’s left to say is… See you next time!
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
The Essential Info
WHAT ABOUT FOOD?
A typical Cambodian meal consists of fried or steamed rice mixed with pieces of salted, dried, or cooked fish, seasoned with fresh chillies and/or garlic, often accompanied by a simple spicy or sour soup. Cambodian food staples are rice and fish, and, surprisingly for an Asian country, bread.
In the countryside, Lao food comprises simple dishes of meat and salad, often with a staple ingredient – sticky rice or noodles. Meals can be spicy and sometimes bitter, but non-spicy options can be arranged. French influences can be found too, thanks to Laos’ brief colonial history. In Luang Prabang, it’s pretty easy to track down a fresh baguette and a hot coffee in the mornings!
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love travelling and enjoying most of your time in a country.
You don’t like being rushed or herded around B-grade attractions, but you also understand that some places are worth the wait in line.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. Even in the best restaurants, the service sometimes is a little slow. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also know that a ‘great trip’ doesn’t have to mean sprinting from place to place. The best moments so often come when you hit the pause button, sit still, and just take it all in.
You’re young enough at heart to know that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’re least expecting it. You understand that doing things right doesn’t always mean following a strict routine.
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that involves trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
Does that sound like you? We’d love to invite you to travel with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD:0.65 USD.
A deposit of $1,650 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 95 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
Australians and New Zealanders require tourist visas to enter both Cambodia and Laos. Currently, you can choose between an online application or visa-on-arrival. You’ll need to budget for around $120 AUD to cover off both. We’ll be providing more guidance on visas closer to the trip departure.
Airfares are not included.
There are several 1 and 2-stop flights available from Australia and New Zealand that transit through other SE Asia countries. Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia and accepts international arrivals. Luang Prabang in Laos (where the trip finishes) is a regional airport that accepts some international flights. If you’d prefer to depart from Laos’s capital (Vientiane) the two are linked by fast train (around 2 hours). We can help arrange your ticket.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
Your trip covers 2 countries with individual currencies, so we ask your contribution be:
- Cambodian tip kitty given to your guide on Day 1
- 283,000 Cambodian Riel (equivalent to $70USD) at exchange rate $1USD:4,055 Riel)
- Laos tip kitty given to your guide on Day 8
- 750,000 Laos Kip (equivalent to $36USD) at exchange rate $1USD:20,750 Kip).
Each kitty will be managed by your guide and distributed along the way at restaurants for included meals, hotel staff, drivers and all guides.
Will we be picked up at the airport?
Yes! One of our friendly team will be waiting for you in the public arrivals area of the airport. You’ll transfer directly to the hotel. The transfer is free and in a private and air-conditioned vehicle, which you will only share if there is anyone else on your flight joining the tour.
When should we arrive?
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommended. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. There is no specific exercise planned for this trip, but there will be days where you’ll be walking and spending a lot of time on your feet – sometimes on uneven ground and unpaved tracks. Daily activities may include morning walks and getting on and off various forms of transport. Art classes may include getting up from ground level or low-lying seats.
You’ll need to be capable of occasionally using a squat toilet. We do our best to accommodate sit-down toilets (all the hotels have them) but when you’re out for the day, and nature calls, sometimes they can’t be avoided.
All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
