Backpacker Guide to Cambodia and Laos: An Epic Overland Adventure

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. By Legend Travel Group.

The Perfect Overland Duo for Adventurous Souls

Cambodia and Laos offer the ultimate backpacker playground—ancient temples rising from jungle vines, untouched highlands echoing with hill tribe songs, and rivers that wind through timeless landscapes. From the majestic Angkor Wat at sunrise to the tranquil 4,000 Islands at dusk, this overland journey delivers raw beauty, rich culture, and unbeatable value.

With Cambodia Tours designed for intrepid explorers and Laos Travel routes that embrace slow-paced authenticity, Legend Travel Group makes it easy to experience both countries without breaking the bank. Deposit just 10% today and pay the rest 30 days before departure—travel with total peace of mind.

Days 1–4: Phnom Penh & Siem Reap (Cambodia)

• Arrival: Fly into Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)

• Must-See: Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Museum, Killing Fields

• Siem Reap Base: Pub Street nightlife, sunrise at Angkor Wat

• Pro Tip: Book a Cambodia Tours sunrise package with Legend Travel Group—includes transport, guide, and temple pass

Days 5–8: Kratie & 4,000 Islands (Border Crossing)

• Overland Route: VIP bus Phnom Penh → Kratie (5 hrs) → Stung Treng → Laos border

• Highlight: Irrawaddy dolphin spotting in Kratie

• Border Crossing: Trapeang Kriel (Cambodia) to Nong Nok Khian (Laos) – $2 exit fee + $1 entry stamp

• 4,000 Islands: Rent a bicycle ($1/day) and island-hop between Don Det and Don Khon

Days 9–14: Pakse, Bolaven Plateau & Champasak

• Pakse Hub: Night market street food ($1–$2 per dish)

• Bolaven Loop: Rent a motorbike ($7/day) for waterfalls and coffee plantations

• Champasak: Wat Phou (UNESCO site) – $5 entry

Days 15–21: Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang & Beyond

• Vang Vieng: Tubing, Blue Lagoon, hot air balloon rides

• Luang Prabang: Alms-giving ceremony, Kuang Si Falls, Mount Phousi sunset

• Departure: Fly out from Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)

Book with Legend Travel Group and lock in this route for under $600 including Cambodia Tours and Laos Travel essentials!

Cambodia Visa for Backpackers

• On Arrival: $30 (30 days) at airports or land borders

• E-Visa: Apply online ($36) – valid at Moc Bai, Bavet, and Trapeang Kriel

• Extension: +30 days for $45 at Phnom Penh Immigration

Laos Visa for Backpackers

• On Arrival: $30–$42 (30 days) depending on nationality

• E-Visa: Not yet available – obtain at border or embassy

• Extension: +30 days for $2/day in Luang Prabang or Vientiane

Pro Tip: Carry crisp USD bills for visa fees—ATMs charge high fees at borders.

Cambodia

• Free Angkor Sunrise: Enter via Angkor Thom at 5 AM (no ticket check before 5:30 AM)

• Kratie Homestay: Stay with local families for $5/night including meals

• Koh Rong Island Hop: Ferry from Sihanoukville ($20 round-trip)

Laos

• Free Kuang Si Falls Transport: Join local songthaew from Luang Prabang market ($2)

• Pakse Motorbike Loop: 3-day circuit with waterfalls and tribal villages

• Vang Vieng Cave Tubing: $8 including guide and life jacket

Travel responsibly with Cambodia Tours and Laos Travel packages that support local communities:

• Stay in eco-lodges powered by solar energy

• Visit hill tribe cooperatives and buy direct from artisans

• Offset carbon with tree-planting initiatives in Bolaven Plateau

Book Now: Only 10% deposit required. Final payment 30 days before departure. Cancel free up to 45 days prior.

• Lightweight daypack (20–30L)

• Quick-dry towel & flip-flops

• Reusable water bottle with filter

• Power bank (electricity unreliable in rural areas)

• Mosquito net & DEET spray

• Rain jacket (monsoon May–Oct)

• Modest clothing for temples (shoulders & knees covered)

• Photocopies of passport + visa photos

• USD cash in small bills

• Register with your embassy (STEP program for U.S. citizens)

• Drink only bottled or filtered water

• Use Grab or PassApp for rides—avoid unmarked tuk-tuks at night

• Vaccinations: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Rabies (if handling animals)

• Travel insurance mandatory—Legend Travel Group includes basic coverage

Secure your spot on the ultimate Cambodia & Laos overland journey with Legend Travel Group.
Book Now with 10% Deposit — Pay later, travel sooner!

By Legend Travel Group © 2025