Laos–Cambodia: A New Tourism Route Between Vat Phou and Angkor
Laos and Cambodia want to develop a tourism route linking Vat Phou and Angkor. This cooperation project could raise the profile of southern Laos and make it easier for travellers to explore both countries on the same trip.
Laos and Cambodia launch a joint tourism plan
From 19 to 22 October 2026, representatives from the two countries met in the provinces of Stung Treng, Cambodia, and Champasak, Laos, to mark the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
The meetings brought together public officials and tourism professionals. Discussions focused on cooperation between the two countries, tourism investment, exchanges between industry operators and the promotion of itineraries combining their main attractions.
A joint tourism action plan for 2026–2028 was adopted. One of its priorities is to promote a heritage route linking Vat Phou, in Laos, with the Angkor complex in Cambodia. The two countries also want to develop combined itineraries and promote their destinations more widely to international visitors.
From Vat Phou to the 4,000 Islands, then on to Angkor
Located in Champasak Province, Vat Phou is an ancient Khmer religious centre listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a natural starting point for exploring southern Laos before continuing towards Cambodia.
Nearby, Pakse, just across the border from Thailand, provides access to several sites in the region. Further south, the 4,000 Islands offer a different side of the country, with Mekong landscapes and villages spread across the islands. Ban Nakasong is one of the main access points for this area. It is also possible to catch a bus from here to neighbouring Cambodia.
From southern Laos, travellers can continue overland into Cambodia’s Stung Treng Province before heading to other destinations in the country, including Siem Reap and Angkor.
The project announced by the two governments aims to promote this shared heritage. The authorities have referred to a route of approximately 260 kilometres between Vat Phou and Angkor, as well as a 3.7-kilometre pilot trail that has already opened. However, this does not mean that the entire route is already available as a fully organised tourist itinerary.
An alternative way to travel between Laos and Cambodia
This cooperation comes as land border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia remain closed amid months of border tensions.
The border crossing between Nong Nok Khiene in Laos and Trapeang Kriel in Cambodia is located in the 4,000 Islands region, close to Stung Treng.
By travelling through northern Laos to reach Luang Prabang, then continuing south through the country to the Cambodian border, travellers have the opportunity to visit three countries on a single trip. It is a distinctive overland journey, away from the usual tourist routes.
The Lao and Cambodian authorities are seeking to raise the profile of travel between the two countries and make combined itineraries easier to organise. For now, the initiative is primarily about cooperation and tourism promotion, and its practical impact remains to be seen.
Traveller advice
Travellers should always check entry requirements, visa formalities, border crossing hours and available transport connections before departure.
Planning a trip to southern Laos
The project linking Vat Phou and Angkor is an opportunity to explore southern Laos in greater depth. The region can also be visited independently of this cross-border itinerary. Two areas are particularly worth considering: the Bolaven Plateau and the 4,000 Islands.
Both are rewarding destinations that require some time to explore, as transport options and infrastructure can be limited.
FAQ: Travelling between Laos and Cambodia
Have Laos and Cambodia announced a joint tourism route?
The two countries have adopted a tourism action plan for 2026–2028. It includes plans to promote a heritage route between Vat Phou and Angkor and to develop combined itineraries.
Can you travel from Laos to Cambodia by land?
There is a border crossing between Nong Nok Khiene in southern Laos and Trapeang Kriel in Cambodia, near Stung Treng. Entry requirements, visas and opening hours should be checked before departure.
Can you visit the 4,000 Islands before travelling on to Cambodia?
Yes. The 4,000 Islands are in southern Laos, close to the Cambodian border. They can be a stop before continuing to Stung Treng and other destinations in Cambodia. Journey times and connections depend on the transport services available.
Is the route between Vat Phou and Angkor already operational?
The authorities have announced plans to promote a heritage route and stated that a 3.7-kilometre pilot trail has already opened. This does not mean that the entire route is available as an organised tourist itinerary.
