Faraway 2024 | Page 150

CAMBODIA ESCORTED TOUR

travel off the beaten track visiting small towns & villages • remote temples • exotic islands DAY 1 Fly to Phnom Penh

DAY 2 Phnom Penh

On arrival transfer to your hotel . This afternoon embark on a cyclo tour highlighting a unique way to see the city ’ s Khmer architecture .

DAY 3 Phnom Penh

This morning see the Royal Palace , Silver Pagoda and National Museum . After lunch , visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Khmer Rouge Killing Fields ( which some may find upsetting ). Later , a Mekong River cruise allows you to see traditional fishing villages and a mesmerising sunset over the Mekong .

DAY 4 Phnom Penh

This morning , enjoy a cooking class led by a Cambodian chef . Prepare traditional Khmer dishes and enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch . In the afternoon , take a transformative walking tour through Phnom Penh , navigating quiet backstreets and remote communities . Next , the “ 2 Faces of Life Foundation ” which provide free schooling to underprivileged children . As the tour progresses , you ’ ll transition from poverty to a landscape of skyscrapers and affluent lifestyles .

DAY 5 Phnom Penh / Koh Trong

Drive to Kratie , a small town that retains its colonial-era charm . Continue to Chhlong , home to many elegant French colonial buildings . Travel on by local ferry to Koh Trong , an island in the middle of the Mekong River . Later , you ’ ll leisurely cycle or travel by ox and cart on a shady trail around the island visiting a Reforestation Project where you can plant a tree in your name .

DAY 6 Koh Trong / Chhlong

Board a ferry back to the mainland for a walking tour of Kratie . Drive on to Wat Rokakandal Centre , a former pagoda and now local craft museum . This afternoon , visit Wat Phnom Sambok to see Buddhist monasteries and enjoy magnificent views . Later , board a local boat in the hope of spying rare freshwater Irrawaddy Dolphins before travelling on by road to the tiny town of Chhlong .

DAY 7 Chhlong / Kampong Thom

Drive to Kampong Cham to visit the local market before continuing to Kampong Thom . This afternoon , drive to 7th century Sambor Prei Kuk Temple and onwards to the ancient capital of Chenla with its 100 pre-Angkor temples . .

DAY 8 Kampong Thom / Siem Reap

As you travel to Siem Reap , you will have the chance to see the daily lives of local people in the countryside . Make a stop at 12th century Kampong Kdei Bridge , which has more than 20 narrow arches spanning 285 feet .

DAY 9 Siem Reap

Temple exploration gets underway at the Roluos group , which date back to the 9th and 10th centuries , including the Preah Ko , Bakong and Lolei Temples . After lunch , visit the last capital of the Khmer Empire , Angkor Thom to explore the ancient city before proceeding to the ruins at Bayon , Baphoun , the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King .

DAY 10 Siem Reap

Drive to graceful 11th century Temple of Shiva , Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre Temple . On the way back , visit the famous Ta Prohm , a beautiful jungle temple that nature appears to have taken over . After lunch , transfer to Tonle Sap *, Southeast Asia ’ s largest freshwater lake . Take a memorable boat cruise to glimpse everyday life of the locals who dwell in floating shacks and whose livelihood depends mainly on fishing .

DAY 11 Siem Reap

Embark on a tour of a genuine non-touristy village , where you are warmly welcomed and able to interact with the farmers through activities such as harvesting and watering crops . Travel by ox and cart before visiting a local family home for a tasty homemade lunch . This afternoon , a tour highlight is a visit to the incredible Angkor Wat Temple .

DAY 12 Siem Reap / Koh Rong or Koh Russey Islands

At leisure before transferring for your flight to Sihanoukville and then travel onwards by boat to your selected island .

DAYS 13-14 Koh Rong or Koh Russey Islands

These islands are a simply heavenly place for doing nothing at all . However , optional jungle walks , snorkelling , diving and fishing trips are available ( at extra expense ).

DAY 15 Koh Rong or Koh Russey Island / Phnom Penh

Return to Sihanoukville and meet with your driver who will drive you back to Phnom Penh for a day at leisure .

DAY 16 Phnom Penh Transfer to the airport for your onward journey .

Siem Reap Kampong Thom

Koh Rong

CAMBODIA

Chhlong Koh Trong

Phnom Penh

VIETNAM

Phnom Penh 3 nights | Koh Trong 1 night Chhlong 1 night | Kampong Thom 1 night Siem Reap 4 nights Koh Rong or Koh Russey Islands 3 nights Phnom Penh 1 night

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Departures : Daily .

Meals : Breakfast . Lunch also included on days 4-8 & 10 . Dinner also included on days 2-3 , 5 & 9 .

Tour price : The price shown for this privately escorted tour by air-conditioned car includes international flights , domestic flight on day 11 , boat transfers on days 11 & 14 , private transfers between your hotels ( excluding Koh Rong or Koh Russey ), 3★ accommodation , sightseeing as outlined , private services of an English speaking guide and entrance fees .

Carol Cassidy Silk Weaving Centre closed on weekends and public holidays .

4 & 5★ hotels are also available at a supplement .

The best time to see Irrawaddy Dolphins is during the dry season from January to August .

* Water levels vary seasonally at Tonle Sap , so the itinerary and what you see may vary .

PREMIER PLUS

FREE 60 minute foot or Khmer traditional massage : At La Rose Spa at the end of day12 .

Before flying home , why not extend your stay at the beach ? See pages 155-157

150 INDOCHINA prices & offers change constantly - call for today ’ s best available deals !