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Remnants of once powerful kingdoms are being reclaimed by dense jungles as the nation recovers from a tyrannical regime. Explore the country's temples, palaces, markets and French Colonial architecture before escaping to a tropical hideaway in sight of the country's remote white sand beaches and island life. This itinerary moulds the past and present.
CAMBODIA UNCOVERED
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gin & tonic in the famous Elephant Bar of Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh.
- Marvelling at the intricacy of carvings on Banteay Srei.
- Discreet luxury and seclusion on the private island of Song Saa.
- Sunrise at Angkor Wat.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Phnom Penh
Arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city with its French colonial architecture and riverfront bars and restaurants.
Overnight: Raffles Hotel Le Royal
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Day 2 - 3 Phnom Penh
Your exploration of the capital will include the beautiful Royal Palace and time to browse the treasures of the National Museum. 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.
Close to the National Museum sits Friends, a vocational training restaurant, which your guide can take you to. This is an inspirational concept where Cambodian youth are given skills in the catering industry when before, they may have had very little to look forward to in terms of a future. By enjoying lunch or dinner here you will be supporting a very worthy, community cause.
Overnight: Raffles Hotel Le Royal
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Day 4 Siem Reap
Fly to Siem Reap and begin exploring the temples this afternoon. The impressive Preah Khan is the sister temple to Ta Prohm and a great place to start before inspecting the petite yet elaborate fountains of Neak Poan. The royal crematorium at Pre Rup offers great views at sunset.
Overnight: La Residence d'Angkor
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Day 5 - 7 Siem Reap
Your time will be carefully planned to avoid the crowds where possible whilst capturing key images in their best light. Experience Ta Prohm at dawn, climbing through the tree roots which are reclaiming a beautiful temple, made famous by the film Tomb Raider. The temples of Roluos are the oldest and some of the simplest, whilst the most elaborate carvings are 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 and a cruise through medieval floating villages on the Tonle Sap Lake. Discover the blueprint for Angkor Wat as the vast Beng Melea lies engulfed in the voracious forest. Lasting memories will include a dramatic sunrise over the majestic Angkor Wat and the 216 enigmatic faces of the Bayon, which overlook the immense walled city of Angkor Thom.
On one of your evenings in Siem Reap, we highly recommend a visit to the remarkable Phare Circus. Performances last just one hour, but it will be a highlight. The Phare Circus has provided a future for street kids who have been trained in various performance arts and now have a second chance at life.
Overnight: La Residence d'Angkor
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Day 8 Sihanoukville
Fly to Sihanoukville and board a speedboat, zipping across to your remote private island paradise.
Overnight: Song Saa
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Day 9 - 11 Song Saa Private Island
Enjoy the seclusion and luxury of jungle island hideaway. Snorkel with the seahorses, meditate in the jungle or gaze out to sea from your private infinity pool. World class cuisine and a choice of superbly selected wines are included throughout so there is no need to dread the final bill!
The Song Saa Foundation has worked wonders for the local community on Koh Rong, just across the water from Song Saa, and you may enjoy a quick boat trip to see what a difference the Foundaton has made. A school has been built and funding has been put in place to educate the villagers on the importance of litter clearance, recycling and responsible fishing. Apart from anything else, the welcome you get from the local children is unforgettable! Any items that visitors can bring with them will always be welcome and the Foundation can be contacted in advance to see what they need.
Overnight: Song Saa
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Day 12 Depart
Return to the mainland and travel by road to Phnom Penh to catch your flight home.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
Currency
| Low | £ 3,120 | $ 4,520 |
| Mid | £ 4,200 | $ 6,085 |
| High | £ 5,040 | $ 7,302 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Based on two people sharing a twin/double room throughout.
- Song Saa does not have a good beach, but fabulous local beaches are only a short boat ride away.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast.
- Private transfers throughout.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
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.
