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FAR EAST


Away from the more well known sights lie the golden beaches of Sihanoukville and the serene charms of traditional towns like Battambang and Kep. Cambodia can offer visitors an impressive selection of 5 star luxury and unspoilt tranquillity.


THE TEMPLES OF ANGKOR A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the extraordinary jungle temples of Angkor represent some five centuries of Khmer culture. Covering 155 sq km of Cambodian countryside in the vicinity of Siem Reap, these priceless pearls are a wonderful collection of bas-relief carvings and hidden temples. We recommend at least 2 full days to appreciate all the ruins.


ANGKOR WAT The most photogenic and iconic of all the temples, the imposing setting of Angkor Wat is without doubt one of the highlights of any journey through Indochina. Stunningly preserved and visually captivating, it takes on an almost ethereal glow in the golden light of the setting sun.


WHERE TO STAY IN SIEM REAP Siem Reap has seen some excellent properties developed in recent times, and the wide choice includes:


VICTORIA ANGKOR RESORT & SPA – Colonial style resort with rooms overlooking the pool and lotus gardens


LA RESIDENCE D’ANGKOR – Elegant Orient-Express hotel with stylish rooms overlooking the river, pool or gardens


HOTEL DE LA PAIX – Artistic, hip and working with the local community to promote responsible tourism


PHNOM PENH Lying at the confluence of 3 rivers, Cambodia’s enchanting capital is a delightful blend of Khmer and French influences. A wander through its streets reveals a city whose heritage earned it the title of the ‘Pearl of the Orient’; its sights, its people and its food presenting a feast of tantalising experiences. The historic Raffles Hotel Le Royal and newly opened Sofitel Phnom Penh both come highly recommended for your stay in the capital.


BATTAMBANG Cambodia’s second largest town, Battambang, still retains a distinctly ‘small town’ ambience. On the banks of the Sangker River, the town is imbued with a rich colonial spirit that stems from its numerous French-style villas. The addition of the surrounding Khmer temples makes this an ideal destination after Phnom Penh or as a fascinating river journey from Siem Reap.


KEP A 3 hour drive from Phnom Penh, Kep was a favourite retreat for the French and Cambodian elite in its heyday. Set beside the waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Kep offers an alternative to the more popular beaches.


4 RIVERS FLOATING LODGE, KOH KONG


NEW Accessible only by boat, and set amongst the protected rainforests of the Cardamon Mountains, this secluded


eco-lodge features 12 luxurious floating tents that occupy a peaceful corner of the Tatai River. Each well-appointed tent is secured on a floating platform and comes with a private terrace, whilst fine dining is assured in the lodge’s superb riverside restaurant. 4 Rivers Floating Lodge lies close to the Thai border halfway between Phnom Penh and Bangkok.


Song Saa Private Island villa SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND


NEW Set amongst the untouched paradise of Koh Rong Archipelago, Song Saa Private Island offers the ultimate in uncompromising


luxury. The island can be reached by speedboat from Sihanoukville, or by private plane from Siem Reap. In keeping with its policy of conservation, the resort’s 27 exquisite over-water, beach and jungle villas are built with consideration for the environment.


CAMBODIAN EXPLORER


14 DAYS from £2745 (per person twin share with flights)


itinerary


Jungle ruins, bustling capital and beach in this most fascinating of countries


DAY 1 – Fly to Siem Reap Thai Airways flight from Heathrow to Bangkok connecting with a Bangkok Airways flight to Siem Reap.


DAY 2 – Siem Reap Arrive into Cambodia for 4 nights at Hotel de la Paix.


DAY 3 – Siem Reap Explore Angkor Thom, last capital of the Khmers.


DAY 4 – Siem Reap Visit Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world and Ta Prohm, the ‘Jungle Temple’.


DAY 5 – Siem Reap Banteay Srei, the ‘Citadel of beauty’, and a boat ride on Tonle Sap, the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia.


DAYS 6/7 – Battambang Drive via a silk farm and a local village to Battambang. 2 nights at the Bambu Hotel. Explore some lesser visited temples and take a bamboo train ride.


DAY 8 – Phnom Penh Drive to the Cambodian capital visiting a fishing village at Kompong Chhnang. 2 nights at The Quay Hotel.


DAY 9 – Phnom Penh City tour to see the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and Killing Fields. Afternoon visit to the Apsara Arts Association.


DAYS 10 to 12 – Sihanoukville Drive via Kep to the beach at Sihanoukville. 3 nights at the Sokha Beach Resort with 2 full days at leisure. Alternatively, upgrade to the luxurious Song Saa Private Island.


DAYS 13/14 – Fly to the UK Return by road to Phnom Penh for the Thai Airways flight via Bangkok to Heathrow.


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