TRAVEL EXTENSION | CAMBODIA
Triple gems of Cambodia: Ancient Angkor, beautiful Battambang, and burgeoning Phnom Penh
As each year draws a growing number of travelers to the breathtaking Cambodian temples and monuments, including the must-see Angkor Wat, such quiet moments as this Cambodian monk contemplating the landscape are fast becoming a rarity.
PHOTOGRAPH FROM ARCHIVES
This introduction to the triple gems of the ancient Khmer civilization include the magnificent ruins of Angkor Wat; Battambang, with its fast modernizing core surrounded by rural countryside and dotted by its historic ruins; and the capital Phnom Penh, on the banks of the mighty Mekong, where French colonial collides with modernist high-rise, and the country's rich history brushes up against the tragic legacy of the Cambodian genocide.
While Ancient Angkorian temples are indisputably the major draw to Cambodia, the sudden beauty of the countryside and the daily lives of the people—such as this inland fisherman going about his business—glimpsed during transfers between the major cities and towns can surprise and delight.
PHOTOGRAPH BY KARMA DORJI
BEGIN YOUR CAMBODIAN JOURNEY with a flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap, home to the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat. After settling in, enjoy a romantic dinner prepared by a local chef at a beautiful pavilion in Treak village before retiring to your Bungalow Suite at the elegant Heritage Suites Hotel. The following day, drive the short distance to the pier for the transfer by boat to the flooded forest and fishing village of Kompong Phhluk. Explore this rural outskirts of rapidly modernizing Siem Reap and visit some of the area's best preserved ruins dating to the 10th century before a taking in a beautiful sunset from the steps of the temple ruins.
An ancient carving of a temple-guardian on the front steps of one of the lesser-known temples surrounding the famous ruins of Angkor Wat
PHOTOGRAPH BY KARMA DORJI
Next take an excursion to see the exquisite red sandstone ruins of the Banteay Srei, which are smaller in contrast to the large-scale, monumental temple complexes that are common here. The (Hindu) temples at the Banteay Srei have been praised as a “jewel of Khmer art.” Later, visit the intriguing ruins along the Kbal Spean river with stone carvings in the likenesses of the Hindu deities Shiva and Vishnu, as well as Lingas, stone symbols associated with Hindu notions of male sexuality and fertility.
A temple caretaker adjusts the flower garland offered by devotees to Vishnu, the Hindu preceptor of the Universe. The shrine is housed in one of the many temples inside the incredible maze-like ruins of the Angkor Wat.
PHOTOGRAPH BY KARMA DORJI
On your fourth day in Cambodia, prepare to take in a bewildering amount of history, art and architecture as you immerse yourself within the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century, the temple complex began its life as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu—represented in statues and carvings across its vast spaces and buildings—and eventually became a Buddhist monument in accordance with the vagaries and changing fortunes of the time. “...these temples, a rival to that of Solomon, and erected by some ancient Michelangelo,” said the French naturalist and explorer Henri Mouhot who is credited with rediscovering the ruins in 1860, “...might take an honorable place beside our most beautiful buildings. It is grander than anything left to us by Greece or Rome.” Later, in the afternoon visit the sprawling Angkor Thom, a complex of nearly 9 square kms and home to the famous temple of Bayon that travelers from around the world come to see.
A smiling Cambodian farmer takes his young pigs to sell at a local market. In a country where a car costs a small fortune, the more affordable two-wheeler is pressed into service as farm transport, conveyances for entire families, "food-trucks" and everything in between.
PHOTOGRAPH BY KARMA DORJI
Drive through the Cambodian countryside, passing small towns, tiny villages, farmland, open spaces, and all manner of transportation on the road, ranging from the bizarre to the unbelievable, carrying passengers and riders that often seem beyond their capacity to carry. Take a rest-stop to explore the Phnom Sampeau caves, halfway up a mountain, its entrance framed by low vines and dense green foliage, and gradually opening into a large cave with a huge golden Buddha in its interior, an incongruous coda to its awful history as a “Killing Cave” of the Khmer Rouge. The remains of their victims and a glass monument are all that remain of the cave's chilling past.
Even though the famous ruins of Angkor Wat are inundated by an increasing number of visitors each year, the incredible scope and size of the temple complex (actually a series of interconnected temples and shrines) makes it a worthwhile visit and deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status.
PHOTOGRAPH BY KARMA DORJI
Explore Battambang, with its up-and-coming bohemian atmosphere, where the faded glory of a house built in the French colonial style occasionally peeks out between the newer, more modern buildings and the decaying grandeur of ancient Angkorian temples surrounded by their lotus pools. As a great number of the visitors to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh never make it this far, the city still retains an air of authentic charm, as well as a vibrant arts and culture, and culinary, scene. There is also a new revitalization movement underway that has resulted in the re-emergence of the city's often charming historic buildings as art galleries, boutique hotels and restaurants, and the Maisons Wat Kor where you will stay while in Battambang is one such. The Wat Kor area where you will be based is essentially a heritage village built around an ancient temple of the same name; a wonderful place to explore or relax in the evening, especially when the setting sun begins to cast a glow on the nearby Sangker river and the temple roofs.
Such vehicular curiosities as this impossibly laden lorry carrying food, crafts and handmade pottery, pulled by nothing more impressive than a modestly powered motorcycle, speak of an ingenuity powered by necessity.
PHOTOGRAPH BY KARMA DORJI
Drive from Battambang to the capital Phnom Penh, stopping in the quiet village of Ondong Rossey where the famous regional red clay pottery is a household industry with the pots being made under every stilt-raised home. Gold-hued mounds of the local mud from the nearby quarries at Phnom Krang Dai Meas are coaxed, shaped and fired until it acquires a telltale shade of pink. The province of Kompong Chhnang (a name that means Clay Pot Port) is a relatively prosperous area dominated by fishing and agriculture and favored by its proximity to the capital. The main town of Kompong Chhnang (same name as the province) boasts a bustling dock on the Tonle Sap inland lake where locals and tourists alike take boat rides to a pair of local floating villages. Arrive and check in at the Iroha Garden Resort where you have a room with a balcony overlooking the pool.
Dead-skin-eating fish and other Southeast Asian tourism novelties have sadly made their way to the major cities of Cambodia, such as Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, where the ever larger number of travelers each year turn these ancient places into curious, busy and sometimes frenetic melting pots of the east and the west.
PHOTOGRAPH KARMA DORJI
Explore the city once known as the “Pearl of Asia.” Cambodia's capital can be frenetic with motorcycles whizzing dangerously through its narrow lanes, the general din of buyers and sellers and hawking on the streets, the pungent smells emanating from its open markets and the often overwhelming chaos that is the hallmark of any major metropolis in Southeast Asia. And yet, one can still stumble upon the romance and the beauty that many travelers dream about when they think about Asia from afar. The shining beauty of the Royal Palace with its golden spires, the sedate flow of the mighty Mekong as it wends its way past the city, the serene grace in the lift of a saffron-robe as a monk emerges from a temple. All these and more are part of the enigma of Cambodia's premier city as it shrugs off its turbulent past and reinvents itself as another hip capital of the region, filled with trendy bars, a classy café culture, and a vibrant and interesting food scene.
A busy market scene in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city, where traffic noise, urban bustle and the din of commerce is relieved by pockets of peace, the graceful architecture of some of its magnificent monuments and several scenic spots along the banks of the Mekong River.
PHOTOGRAPH FROM ARCHIVES
HIGHLIGHTS
Fly from Bangkok to the ancient city of Siem Reap and enjoy a romantic dinner for two on a raised pavilion | Explore the vast temple complex of Angkor Wat as well as surrounding monuments like Angkor Thom and the beautiful Preah Vihar | Visit a traditional Cambodian floating village by boat | Explore the more relaxed pace of Battambang and stay at the beautiful Maisons Wat Kor, where Hollywood personalities Anjelina Jolie and Brad Pitt stayed on their visit to the area | Take a road-trip to Phnom Penh and stop at a tarditional village famous for its red clay pottery | Explore Phnom Penh and its museums, temples and palaces as well as (optional) its dark history of atrocities & finish your Cambodian sojourn at the city's sprawling Central or Russian Market | Fly to Bangkok and overnight in Bangkok before flying to Bhutan (if you choose a pre-trip extension) or prepare for your return flight home (if you choose a post-trip extension.)
The driver of a motorized trishaw rests between trips ferrying passengers to-and-fro from popular tourist attractions that include ancient rock temples, bustling local markets, handicrafts villages, and bars, galleries, museums and restaurants, all part of the draw that Cambodia offers travelers to the region.
PHOTOGRAPH BY KARMA DORJI
COUNTRY MAP
ITINERARY
Your journey in Cambodia links the triple gems of Siem Reap, home to the world-famous ruins of Angkor Wat, bohemian Battambang where arts and culture blends with a relatively rural atmosphere, and the bustling capital of Phnom Penh where the modern collides with the old and the traditional in surprising and unexpected ways. Along the way, learn about the tremendously rich heritage of the Khmer civilization, try local restaurants, visit a village where the ancient art of pottery breathes new life to the local economy and confront the troubled legacy of the Khmer Rouge regime. A trio of relaxed and elegant properties—The Heritage Suites Hotel in Siem Reap, the Maisons Wat Kor Boutique in Battambang, and the Iroha Garden Resort in Phnom Penh—are your base for this exploration the three main cities of Cambodia and the rural countryside that surrounds them.
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Day 1: BANGKOK - LUANG PRABANGFlight from Bangkok to Luang Prabang Arrival in Luang Prabang Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers as well as their contact information and information for local staff, offices and contacts you may need for the duration of your stay. Transfer by air conditioned vehicle (6 kms) Overnight in Luang Prabang
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DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG (DINNER)Morning at leisure A Wat to Wat Insider Walking tour (4 hours) Discover the main sights of Luang Prabang and get an insider's view of the religion and culture from a renowned photographer and author. Acommpanied your own private guide take a tuk tuk to the centre of the city to start your walking tour. Stroll through the winding streets to Wat Visoun, one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Luoangphabhang. Visit That Makmo, also known as the "Watermelon Stupa." Continue to Wat Xieng Thong, the city's best-known and most visited monastery. The three tiered roof of the monastery sweeps low to the ground and the walls have been beautifully decorated in black lacquer and gold leaf with beautiful scenes carved in gold-painted bas-relief drawn from Hindu and Buddhist mythology. The back of Wat Xieng Thong features an intricate glass mosaic of the tree of life set on a dark red background. Later, take a walk along the Nam Khan River to Wat Khili. Here, at the temple, you will be introduced to a Luang Prabang native who has produced photography projects about world religions, and participated in art and education projects in Laos. He currently has a permanent exhibition, 'The Floating Buddha', inside the temple. He will take you on a private tour of the exhibition and share his extensive knowledge and expertise on Laos. Our final stop on this walking tour is the National Museum, which once served as the Royal Palace. After a short orientation tour through the Museum we transfer back to the hotel by tuk tuk. Transfer to/from restaurant Restaurant: Tamnak Lao Restaurant Luang Prabang (Dinner) Overnight in Luang Prabang
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DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG (BREAKFAST)Excursion by boat to Tham Pak Ou Caves (5-6 hours) Travel up the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the Tham Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images, of every style and material imaginable. On the way to the Caves, stop at Ban Xang Hai Village (If time permits). The village is open 6.00 am - 15.00 pm and closed every major Buddhist holiday. This traditional Lao village is famous for the production of lao lao, the local alcoholic brew distilled from rice. The village also provides an opportunity to learn how to make traditional Laotian Corn Leaf Paper and Rice Tree Paper. First you learn how the material for corn leaf and rice tree paper are sourced and then prepare the paper from the raw materials provided. Once the paper is dry you will be shown how it can be fashioned into lampshades, a booklet or a postcard. You get to keep what you make as mementos of your visit. Overnight in Luang Prabang
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DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG (BREAKFAST)Sightseeing in Luang Prabang Luang Prabang, the ancient capital city of the Lan Xang Kingdom, is famous for its historic temples and beautiful setting surrounded by mountains. In 1995 it was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. Visit Talat local market (Tour will start early morning) (30 minutes) Visit the National Museum (former Royal Palace) and Wat Mai Visit the National Museum (Royal Palace), a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. Then, visit the Hor Phrabang, a royal temple built on the palace grounds especially to house Laos' most sacred Buddha statue. The Buddha, cast in gold, silver and bronze alloy, stands at 83 cm tall and weighs about 50 kgs (more than 110lbs). Continue to Wat Mai, which was built in 1821 during the reign of King Manthatourath, and was once the residence of Phra Sangkharaj, the Patriarch of Laos' Buddhist clergy. Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls (3 hours) From Luang Prabang, travel by vehicle to the Kuang Si falls. The waterfalls are in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang. The multi-tiered falls tumble over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Bring your swim suits and sandals if you'd like to dip your toe or part of your body in a relatively gentle pool. Please exercise caution! During certain times of the year, the falls can be dangerous because of strong torrents and the volume of water rushing downstream. Visit the nearby village of Ban Ou or Ban Na Ouane, before returning to Luang Prabang by vehicle. Overnight in Luang Prabang
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DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG (BREAKFAST - DINNER)Today you have a free morning to enjoy a cozy breakfast for two at an interesting local cafe, relax at the hotel or do some exploring on your own. Later in the afternoon your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you by local tuk tuk to the pier. Board the local boat and then sit back and relax on a short cruise on the mighty Mekong River. Take in the scenes of local life alongside the river and look out to the distant misty mountains. Farther down the river, the boat will bring you to the opposite bank where the temple Wat Had Siew is located. After exploring the temple environs, you will be introduced to your monk teacher who will take you through a short guided meditation (your guide is on hand to help with the translation.) After clearing your mind through meditation amid the spiritual surroundings, travel by boat and tuk tuk to a local yoga school (optional). After a warm welcome by the instructor, you will be taught some basic yoga aimed at improving mental and physical balance. Be sure to wear or bring some comfortable clothes if you plan on doing yoga this afternoon. At the end of the day return to your hotel by vehicle. Restaurant : Dyen Sabai Restaurant and Lounge (Dinner) Overnight in Luang Prabang
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DAY 6: LUANG PRABANG - VIENTIANE (BREAKFAST)Transfer by air conditioned vehicle (6 kms) Flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane Transfer by air conditioned vehicle Sightseeing in Vientiane The capital city of Laos and the seat of Laotian government sits on a bend of the Mekong River amid the fertile alluvial plains. Vientiane (pronounced Wieng Chang by the locals) is a laid-back city with lots of history, interesting temples and lively markets. Overnight in Vientiane
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DAY 7: VIENTIANE (BREAKFAST)Sightseeing in Vientiane (8 hours) The capital city of Laos, Vientiane, still feels like a sleepy city with a relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, beautiful temples and colorful markets. Tour the many highlights of the city, including Pha That Luang, a gleaming golden stupa with a vibrantly painted interior (below) that is perhaps the most important national monument in Laos; Ho Pha Keo, the royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculptures; Wat Si Saket, another built in 1818; Patuxai, a monumental arch inspired by Paris' Arc de Triomphe, but executed with Lao motifs. Stop by the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) for a reckoning with the awful legacy of American bombs, and the progressive work of the organization rehabilitating those injured by unexploded ordnances. See Wat Si Muang, a gold monument built in 1563. End your day at the Talaat Sao, or the "morning market" (actually open all day), the best place to buy traditional Lao fabrics. Overnight in Vientiane
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DAY 8: VIENTIANE (BREAKFAST - DINNER)Today you have a chunk of leisure time to explore on your own, try some interesting local restaurants, visit an art gallery or just spend some time reading and relaxing at the hotel. This evening visit the home of a local chef and learn how to cook delicious Lao dishes. Travel to Ban Nong Bone Village, where the Head Chef, Vanpheng, will welcome you to her home and teach your cooking class. Over the next few hours you will learn how to cook three local dishes using traditional ingredients and techniques. Afterwards, relax and enjoy the feast everyone has created together. Traditional sweets and snacks will also be on offer, although the savoury dishes tend to be most popular to prepare. Tropical drinks are also included with the meal. Say farewell to Vanpheng and spend the rest of the evening at leisure (or see recommendation below): Recommended Tour: This evening we recommend a stroll along the banks of the Mekong River through Chao Anou Park and the Night Market, observing locals and taking in the views. Both are situated along the Mekong and this area comes alive after dark. Adventurous foodies can sample a wide range of local snacks along the way. Cap off the night with a bottle of the Beerlao, a tasty local beer brewed from local rice and high-quality malt. Overnight in Vientiane
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DAY 9: VIENTIANE (BREAKFAST)Transfer by air conditioned vehicle Flight from Vientiane to Bangkok
Please inquire about details if you have time to add a 3-day extension to Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains from Phnom Penh, featuring stay at a unique tented camp on a river (see picture below)
Young Cambodian boys cool off in the furious summer heat by jumping into a local stream in the countryside surrounding Siem Reap. The city services the record numbers of visitors each year who come to see what remains of the once fabulous Khmer civilization.
PHOTOGRAPH BY KARMA DORJI
FEATURED LODGES
We have selected a trio of hotels for your Cambodian experience that evoke the hospitality of a bygone age without compromising on modern luxuries. These smaller heritage and boutique properties offer the same uncompromising service and facilities as the bigger hotels in the region at much more comfortable and intimate scale.
*Please click on the gallery images of the featured lodges below for more on the main lodges on this itinerary.
An aerial view of the Maisons Wat Kor, the base for this Cambodian triple gem in Battambang. It is a matter of pride for the establishment that the Hollywood actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt once stayed here during a visit to Battambang.
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE HOTELS
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RELATED DISCLOSURES
Accommodation is subject to availability. If the listed properties are fully booked, alternatives will be offered. Occasionally guest numbers, the time or season of booking, renovations & repair and/or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control may make them unavailable. In such circumstances, we always rebook our confirmed guests at resorts, hotels and lodges of equal or comparable value. Therefore, please take the Featured List of Lodges & Accommodations for your trip to mean either the establishments named in this document “or resorts, hotels or lodges of equal or comparable standard and/or value."
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EXTENSION COSTS & DETAILS
TRIP TITLE
Triple Gems of Cambodia
DURATION
9 days Round-trip from Bangkok, Thailand includes flights shown on itinerary)
DATES
Can be arranged before or after your Bhutan journey
TRIP PRICE
US$2,950/- per person, double occupancy
Includes: round-trip flights from Bangkok and any domestic flights or inter-country regional flights and transfers, all taxes, surcharges, accommodations, guides, transportation services, entrances and land costs*
*DETAILED INCLUSIONS:
Included Services
• English-speaking guide.
• Accommodation in hotels as mentioned above or equivalent.
• Meals according to itinerary / Breakfast box in lieu of ABF when early morning flight
• Boat ticket(s) according to the itinerary.
• Ground transportation in private A/C vehicle.
• 1 complimentary bottle of drinking water and 1 cold towel per person per half day tour/ 2 bottles of water and 2 cold towels per person per full day tour.
• Sightseeing incl. admission fees according to itinerary.
Excluded Services
• Visa fees, drinks, personal expenses.
Local visa costs, where applicable, are not covered and are the responsibility of the trip member; not all meals are included in order to let guests explore and try some local restaurants on their own - please consult your extension itinerary to see which meals are included and which ones are not.
Cancellation Policy
Please see our Trip Cancellation & Refund Policy in print copy (downloadable above) or ask for it by email.
FLIGHTS
Round-trip flights from Bangkok, Thailand, and any inter-country regional flights as well as domestic internal flights are included
GETTING THERE
Depart your home city for Bangkok, Thailand. Thai visas are automatically granted to US citizens and EU citizens on arrival for up to 15 days per entry.
For regional travel between Bangkok and our travel extension destinations all logistical arrangements, including round-trip flights from Bangkok, will covered under the trip cost. The flights and transfers and tour logistics in each country will be handled through our regional partners, and extension tour activities and highlights as described on our extension itineraries will be guided by experienced local guides who are licensed and government-approved in each country where our travel extensions are offered.
In some cases, you may have to prearrange your own visas to the countries listed on the extension journey (such as Myanmar). Other countries like Laos and Cambodia will grant visas on arrival at all the major airports where you land, for a nominal fee ranging approximately between US$30 to US$50.
Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions is responsible for all your flights, hotels and other logistical arrangements for Bhutan. Please let us know at the time of booking your travel extension journey whether you would like to take the travel extension before or after your trip to Bhutan with us. Please note we do not require that you participate in our Travel Extensions in order to be eligible for our Bhutan journeys. Regional Travel Extensions and our featured journeys in Bhutan are priced separately.
Your Bhutan journey with us begins with your arrival in Paro and closes with your departure from the Paro Airport. Passports should be valid up to 6 months after the last date of your travel in the region. If you need to renew or request a new passport, please let us know in advance so we can send you the proper reminders and resource information.
The national airline, Druk Air, offers flights daily from Bangkok to Bhutan, and less frequently from major Indian cities Delhi and Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). Bhutan Himalaya staff will make your round trip flight arrangements to Bhutan from Bangkok, Thailand, or India.
FINAL NOTES & DISCLAIMERS
Please note that while we design our travel extension itineraries with our regional partners to complement our Bhutan journeys, travel extensions are not operated or guided by Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. All regional travel between Bangkok and our travel extension destinations, all logistical arrangements for the extensions, including round-trip flights from Bangkok, regional flights and domestic flights and transport, airport transfers as well as tour logistics in each country are handled by our regional partners. Travel extension tour activities and highlights as described on our extension itineraries are guided by experienced local guides who are licensed and government-approved in each country where our travel extensions are offered.
PROGRAM ACCURACY DISCLAIMER: While this is an accurate representation of this travel extension journey at the time of printing actual activities and arrangements during your journey may vary due to unexpected weather and/or changes in local conditions beyond our control. We may also change or modify the journey to best serve the needs of the journey and in response to space availability at our featured hotels and resorts, or the spaces available on regional flights. When modifications are made we will make our best efforts to distribute an updated itinerary prior to your arrival with all the changes. Please note, however, that this may not always be possible for a variety of reasons. In all instances we strive to always improve the quality of the featured journey through such changes if any are deemed necessary.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to send us a message, or call us at 1.805.534.9224 during normal business hours. We look forward to sharing the happiness of the Bhutan Himalaya with you soon!
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