Indulge in a luxurious 4-day escape to the enchanting Luang Prabang. Immerse yourself in opulent accommodations, savor gourmet cuisine, and explore the UNESCO World Heritage town’s ancient temples and vibrant markets. Relax by the serene Mekong River and pamper yourself with spa treatments. Experience the pinnacle of Laotian elegance and culture.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap (No Meals)
Arrival into Siem Reap, flight to be determined. Met on arrival with private transfer to your hotel of choice.
Day 2: Siem Reap (Breakfast)
Collected from your hotel lobby you will take the road to Srah Srang and then Ta Prohm (11km), pausing to collect your entry passes at the Archaeological Park Entrance. Take your time to walk through the temple from the West entrance to the East entrance enjoying this world-renowned temple in the early morning light. Pause for a light breakfast around this peaceful area before exploring the lightly visited temple of Ta Nei. There is a reasonable chance of having this beautiful Angkor temple to yourself to explore.
End the morning at Ta Keo temple, known as the “mountain with bronze peaks”, and admire its five-tiered pyramid structure. Return by road to Siem Reap for lunch (own cost). We can recommend a wide
selection of excellent eateries to suit all tastes and budgets. Please ask for more details.
Day 3: Siem Reap (Breakfast, Dinner)
A sunrise tour starts at pre-dawn to witness the breathtaking view of the tropical sun emerging from behind the iconic lotus towers of Angkor Wat, the best place for photography. Constructed over a period of 30 years during the reign of King Suryavarman II [AD1113], by some measures it is the largest religious complex in the world. Originally a Hindu Mountain temple aligned to the spring equinox, around the C16th it was converted to a Theravada Buddhist monument, a capacity in which it continues today.
Explore the well preserved central complex and detailed bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythologies and battles of the ancient empire. The beauty in balance and composition, combined with its sheer scale ensure Angkor Wat’s place as the crowning achievement in Khmer art and architecture. This is truly one of travel’s remaining great adventures.
Return to your hotel for a late breakfast.
Beyond the temples lies a rural landscape which is often little changed since the days of Jayavarman VII. To depart Siem Reap having seen only the temple ruins is to miss contemporary Khmer culture. As infrastructure and technology encroach upon the countryside this opportunity will soon be lost
forever.
Join us on a journey of discovery through the rural landscape to reach villages where mass tourism cannot follow. Living and working in Siem Reap we have discovered beautiful and interesting places that are generally inaccessible to visitors. Today we will lead you between rice paddies, through woodland and back gardens on foot, boat and by ox-cart to experience the very best of the countryside.
After a short drive from Siem Reap visit a colorful contemporary pagoda to learn more about the importance of Buddhism in rural communities and seek a blessing from the monks. We will enjoy seasonal fruits straight from the tree, and speak to local families who showcase palm leaf weaving.
Take 20-minute easy walk to bring you to the vast Western Baray. An impressive engineering feat, this man-made reservoir was once integral to the complex Angkorian rice irrigation system. You will travel by boat (depending on water level) to the north side of the Baray. Here you will have the choice to take an ox-cart ride through typical Cambodian villages – this will be an adventure from a slower, more romantic era of travel.
We reach Villa Chandara, surrounded by rice paddies, across a stream to the north of a village where tourists are rarely seen. This is a wonderful spot to relax in the quiet of the countryside and enjoy sunset
drinks (included). The tempo of the Cambodian countryside is truly meditation in motion.
While our chef prepares your classic dinner, you can take a wander across the levees of the rice paddies, look for fish traps, or walk a short distance to a viewpoint over the ancient reservoir, whilst listening to the elegance of traditional Khmer music played by local musicians, before being seated for your evening meal.
We recommend to wear comfortable, practical footwear suitable for walking and also clothing appropriate for entering a pagoda. Please cover your knees and shoulders to show respect.
Day 4: Depart Siem Reap (Breakfast)
Transfer to Siem Reap airport for your outbound flight to the next destination.
Hotel Accommodation
Destination | Hotel | Room Type |
Siem Reap | The Aviary Hotel | Tailorbird Standard |
Included
Accommodation as stated
Sightseeing tours and transfers as outlined
Meals as mentioned
English-speaking tour guide
Air-conditioned private vehicles
Accident insurance
Not Included
Services not mentioned
Expenses of a personal nature
Tips and porterage
Domestic flights in Cambodia
International flights to/from Cambodia