Cambodia is a country that was devastated by a regime that tore through its heart and wiped out almost an entire generation. Today it is a destination filled with pride and a people that welcome visitors with warm smiles and a boundless enthusiasm to show off their national treasures. It isn't just about the wondrous Angkor temples, which should be on everyone's bucket list, but now it is a one stop destination for history, culture, adventure and beach- with a world class dining scene that melds Michelin starred restaurants with training kitchens for street kids.
ESSENTIAL CAMBODIA
HIGHLIGHTS
- Witnessing the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime at Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.
- Visiting the most extraordinary of all Angkor temples, Preah Khan, and the less visited Phnom Bakheng.
- Lunch at a traditional Khmer house that others won't find.
- Happy hour at Kep's sailing club, listening to entertaining stories from the locals as you dine on fresh Kampot crab.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Phnom Penh
On arrival in Phnom Penh you will be met and privately transferred to your central hotel, the Grande Dame of Cambodia's vibrant capital, and the ideal base from which to explore Southeast Asia's fastest growing city. Once you have had time to refresh, your private guide will take you for an afternoon's sightseeing to include the former Royal Palace and time to browse the treasures of the National Museum.
Overnight: Raffles Le Royal
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Day 2 Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
Though deeply upsetting, the terrifying reign of the Khmer Rouge should not be ignored. The former high school of Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek lay bare the reality of Cambodia's recent past, allowing a far greater appreciation of this fascinating country. Tonight dine in one of Phnom Penh's many great restaurants as the city has earned its reputation as the foodie capital of Cambodia.
Overnight: Raffles Le Royal
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Day 3 Fly to Siem Reap
After breakfast, fly north to Siem Reap; the home of the awe-inspiring Angkor Temples. Once settled in at your hotel, join your private guide for an afternoon's exploration of Bayon with its 216 enigmatic faces overlooking the immense walled city of Angkor Thom; home to the Terrace of the Leper King and Terrace of Elephants. End the day with a private boat trip on Angkor Thom's moat and enjoy cocktails as the sun sets.
Overnight: Phum Baitang
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Day 4 Jungle Temples and Waterfalls
Your time will be carefully planned to avoid the crowds where possible whilst capturing key images in their best light. Experience Ta Prohm in the early hours, climbing through the tree roots which are reclaiming a beautiful temple, made famous by the film Tomb Raider. Venture on to see the most elaborate carvings found at Banteay Srei. So fine is the detail here that it is assumed to have been made by women rather than men! Variety is added with a short trek to the fascinating carved riverbank of Kbal Spean where you can cool off in the waterfall's pool.
Overnight: Phum Baitang
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Day 5 Angkor's Temples and the Phare Circus
Lasting memories will include a dramatic sunrise over the majestic Angkor Wat with a picnic breakfast before exploring the temple once the crowds have dispersed. Head on to the mighty Tonle Sap Lake and board a local boat to cruise the canals (streets in dry season) of Kompong Pluk, a stilted village that appears to float in wet season. Return to Siem Reap by road in time for lunch in the shaded garden of a traditional Khmer house, Sala Kdei, on the banks of the Royal bathing pool at Sra Srang. Move on to arguably the most extraordinary of all temples, Preah Khan, ending at Phnom Bakheng where limited numbers are allowed to view sunset from the top floor. Finish today with an evening performance of the Phare Circus - a magical spectacle in which the performers are street kids who have been given the opportunity to train to be incredible acrobats.
Overnight: Phum Baitang
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Day 6 Cambodia's Coast
Fly south to Sihanoukville and be driven three hours to the charming coastal village of Kep in the Kampot province. The area is famous for crabs, so a visit to the crab market should not be missed. Nor should Happy Hour at Kep Sailing Club where locals gather every evening to share stories over a cocktail or a cold beer.
Check into your hotel for the next few days of leisure. This is an exceptionally relaxing retreat with a lovely infinity pool and gardens as well as a peaceful spa.
Overnight: Knai Bang Chatt
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Day 7 - 8 Relaxing in Kep
Two full days at leisure to relax by the pool, have a spa treatment, enjoy watersports at the Sailing Club next door, or venture out into the peaceful surroundings of this quiet fishing province.
Overnight: Knai Bang Chatt
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Day 9 Depart
At the appropriate time you will be privately driven the three hour journey back to Phnom Penh to catch your flight home.
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Depart
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Addition to Day 5
Extend by a night to enjoy a full day exploring the surrounding countryside riding pillion on motorbikes - each with a professional driver/guide. Enjoy Khmer cuisine as you interact with farmers and locals in rural villages.
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
| Low | $ 4,869 |
| High | $ 5,415 |
| Peak | $ 5,778 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Price is per person based on two people sharing a room.
- For Festive season there will be an extra charge for the mandatory New Year's Eve dinner at Phum Baitang, and the mandatory Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve dinner at Knai Bang Chatt.
- If you are interested in adding any of the optional enhancements listed, please speak to your specialist about prices and how best to fit them into the itinerary.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast.
- Lunch at Sala Kdei (shared).
- Private transfers throughout in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Angkor Pass.
- Private English-speaking guide for all sightseeing.
- Internal flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and on to Sihanoukville in Economy.
- Phare Circus (front row seats).
- Private local boat at Tonle Sap Lake.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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