Faraway 2024 | Page 151

CAMBODIA ESCORTED TOUR
12 night privately escorted tour from £ 3299pp
Angkor Wat
COLONIAL CAMBODIA
12 NIGHT PRIVATELY ESCORTED TOUR BY AIR-CONDITIONED CAR
great for first time visitors • awesome UNESCO World Heritage sites • take a peek at local life
DAY 1 Fly to Siem Reap
DAY 2 Siem Reap On arrival , transfer to your hotel .
DAY 3 Siem Reap
Your day of exploring Khmer temples begins with some from 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 , including the South Gate with its huge statues , the ruins of Bayon , the Elephant Terrace and the Leper King Terrace .
DAY 4 Siem Reap
Drive through scenic countryside to visit the graceful Temple of Shiva , Banteay Srei and the Banteay Samre Temple . Later , swing by Ta Prohm , a beautiful jungle temple overtaken by nature and relatively untouched since its discovery . After lunch , drive to a monastery to meet resident monks and participate in a private good luck blessing ceremony .
DAY 5 Siem Reap
A tour highlight this morning as you visit Angkor Wat , the world ’ s largest religious monument and a UNESCO World Heritage site . After lunch , proceed to Tonle Sap , Southeast Asia ’ s largest freshwater lake . Here , cruise by boat to a floating village to glimpse everyday life of the locals who dwell in floating shacks .
DAY 6 Siem Reap / Battambang
Drive to colonial Battambang , which is Cambodia ’ s second-largest city . After lunch , experience a short ride on the Bamboo ‘ Train ’, a basic vehicle used by villagers in times past to transport themselves and their goods . You ’ ll then see a variety of Battambang ’ s heritage buildings , most of which are along the riverfront .
DAY 7 Battambang
Travel through the rice fields to visit “ One Village One Product ” where many families specialise and trade in individual products , such as dried banana and rice paper . Continue to Phare Ponleu Selpak , a non-profit association working with vulnerable youngsters and families . After lunch , depart for Phnom Sampeau , where the panoramic view from the top is truly breathtaking . Also here is a mountain-top pagoda and three natural caves .
Ta Prohm Temple
DAY 8 Battambang / Phnom Penh
Early morning visit to Battambang market . Drive onwards and see stone carving in Pursat , visit Kampong Chhnang to learn about traditional pottery and a silversmith village . On arrival in Phnom Penh , visit La Rose Spa for a 60 minute Khmer traditional massage .
DAY 9 Phnom Penh
This morning tour the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and notorious Khmer Rouge “ Killing Fields ” ( which may cause distress ). Later , witness the PSE ( Pour un Sourire d ’ Enfant ), which supports underprivileged children in Cambodia . This afternoon , visit the Royal Palace , one of Phnom Penh ’ s most splendid architectural achievements , the Silver Pagoda and afterwards , continue to the National Museum .
DAY 10 Phnom Penh
The day gets underway with a cookery lesson , as you learn all about traditional Khmer food and get to eat what you cook ! In the afternoon embark on a walking tour of the quiet backstreets for a true local insight .
DAY 11 Phnom Penh / Kampot
Drive to Takeo Province stopping at Tonle Bati , Ta Prohm , Yeay Peou Temples and Prasat Neang Khmau before reaching Chiso Mountain to see the 11th century Khmer Brahmanic Temple . Continue to Kampong Trach to visit limestone caves and passages that shelter Wat Kirisan with its various stalactites and stalagmites in the shapes of dragon heads , monkeys and whales . Continue to the small provincial town of Kampot .
DAY 12 Kampot
Explore picturesque Kampot ’ s colonial-style houses before travelling onwards to Kep Crab Market . In the afternoon , visit La Plantation , an organic pepper and spice farm , for a guided tour .
DAY 13 Kampot
Start the day by visiting salt fields which are surrounded by rice paddies , palm trees and mountains . Head on to Phnom Chhnouk for a walk down 203 stairs into the caves . This afternoon , enjoy a boat ride along the Kampot River , where you embark on an hour long kayak activity through the green cathedral ( green loop ).
DAY 14 Kampot / Phnom Penh Transfer to the airport for your onward journey .
visit your travel agent or call 08444 937 444 • www . premierholidays . co . uk
THAILAND
Siem Reap / Angkor Battambang
CAMBODIA
Kampot
Phnom Penh
VIETNAM
Siem Reap 4 nights ~ Battambang 2 nights Phnom Penh 3 nights ~ Kampot 3 nights
Tonle River
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Departures : Daily .
Meals : Breakfast . Lunch also included on days 3 , 5 , 6 , 7,10 & 11 ( packed lunch ). Dinner also included on days 4 & 6-9 .
Tour price : The price shown for this privately escorted tour by air-conditioned car includes international flights , private transfers between your hotels , 3H PLUS accommodation , sightseeing as outlined , private services of an English speaking guide and entrance fees .
4H and 5H hotels are also available at a supplement .
Phare Ponleu Selpak in Battambang & PSE ( Pour un Sourire d ’ Enfant are closed on Saturdays , Sundays & public holidays .
Before flying home , why not extend your stay at the beach ? See pages 155-157 .
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