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Cambodia Encompassed
Journey to Cambodia on a redefined journey that takes you to Temples of Angkor away from the crowds, the fervor of the Mekong River and the stunning jungle environments that evokes the mystique of the rainforests.
HIGHLIGHTS
Stay in unique accommodations
Sail the Cambodian Mekong River on the Aqua Mekong
Visit to the Temples of Angkor away from the crowds
Experience rustic villages and charming environments
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE SIEM REAP
Arrive Siem Reap Intl Airport where you will be met and transferred to The Beige, set in a lush jungle environments close to the Temples of Angkor. This afternoon, enjoy your first visit of Angkor with a visit to Banteay Kdei Temple and then sunset drinks on the moat of Angkor Thom, away from the crowds.
Overnight: The Beige, Siem Reap
Meals: NIL
DAY 2: SIEM REAP
We dedicate the day to discovering some of the most incredible temples which include the Ta Prohm "Tomb Raider" Temple, Angkor Thom, Terrace of the Leper King, Preah Palilay, Phimeanakas and the Bayon with its captivating stone faces. We will enjoy a picnic-styled lunch in a temple of our choice away from the crowds and with mesmerizing views.
Overnight: The Beige, Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast & Picnic Lunch
DAY 3: SIEM REAP
An early rise as we embark on an early start before sunrise over Angkor Wat for some of the most incredible photo opportunities before we explore the temple at its quietest. This afternoon, we enjoy a journey of discovery by boat, ox-cart and on foot to visit villages that has witnessed little change since ancient times. We then end the day with sundowner cocktail at the impressive Chandara country villa, overlooking paddy fields followed by dinner.
Overnight: The Beige, Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 4: SIEM REAP / EMBARKATION ON THE AQUA MEKONG
Today, we leave The Beige where you will be picked up and transferred to the dock on the Tonle Sap Lake for your embarkation on the award-winning Aqua Mekong vessel - home for the next 4 nights. Settle into your floating retreat, with its window wall conferring and endlessly captivating panorama.
Overnight: Aqua Mekong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5: PREK TOAL / MOAT KHLA
Set off by skiff into the 22,000-hectare Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve, one of the largest freshwater bodies in Asia and the last refuge in Southeast Asia for large waterbirds like the spot-billed pelicans, milky stork, black-headed ibis and the elusive masked finfoot. After lunch, we visit the floating village of Moat Khla, accessible only by water, and attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony in this isolated community.
Overnight: Aqua Mekong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 6: CHHNOK TRU / KAMPONG CHHNANG
Explore remote villages around the Tonle Sap Lake, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997. In Chhnok Tru, we “slide” into an ice factory and learn from locals what it’s like to live in a town where schools, churches, pagodas, and even the karaoke bar and police station all float. We continue learning about Khmer riverside life in Kampong Chhnang, the 'Port of Pottery' so called because archaeological findings here date to the 6th century.
Overnight: Aqua Mekong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7: KOH CHEN / KOH OKNHA TEY
This morning, we visit Koh Chen, a silversmith village known for its fine craftsmanship. Keep an eye out for their famous silver bowls, regularly chosen by Cambodia's king as gifts for visiting dignitaries. In the afternoon, we set off for the Mekong's 'silk islands' where renowned weavers allow us to wander freely, admiring their intricate craftsmanship. Biking is optional for those who wish to explore deeper into the island.
Overnight: Aqua Mekong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 8: PHNOM PENH
Arrive into Phnom Penh this morning where we say our farewells before disembarking. Begin your visit of Cambodia's bustling capital, once called the "Pearl of Asia". Discover insights into Cambodia's tragic past under the Khmer Rouge with visits to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Prison. Thereafter, we will check into the Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh. Worth visits as well is the National Museum of Cambodia, with its incredible rich gardens and terracotta pavilion while featuring some of the most immaculate collection of exhibits.
Overnight: Raffles Hotel, Phnom Penh
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: PHNOM PENH / SHINTA MANI WILD
We leave Phnom Penh today for an inspiring journey to the remote jungle environments of Shinta Mani Wild, close to the Kirirom National Park deep in the heart of the Cambodian rainforest. Enjoy the next 3 nights experiencing an assortment of activities to escape away from the hustle and bustle.
Overnight: Shinta Mani Wild
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 10 & 11: SHINTA MANI WILD
Over the next 2 days, enjoy varied activities at Shinta Mani Wild immersing in the amazing natural environment where you may consider joining an anti-poaching patrol with the Wildlife Alliance, a non-profit organization that prosecutes poachers and illegal loggers as you learn about the importance in the daily jobs of these honorable rangers. Enjoy perhaps picnics at some picturesque waterfalls, purposefully and sustainably-executed allowing you a piece of indulgence with respect to the nature.
Overnight: Shinta Mani Wild
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 12: SHINTA MANI WILD / DEPARTURE PHNOM PENH
Your Cambodian odyssey comes to an end today as you are transferred to Phnom Penh Intl Airport for your flight return home.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
Embark on a cultural odyssey through Cambodia's Mekong River aboard the Aqua Mekong, the finest of river cruise ships in Asia, showcasing modern architecture and interiors by renowned architect Noor Design. The award-winning vessel showcases exceptional dining experience crafted by Michelin-starred consulting Chef David Thompson.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh
A luxury hotel fit for Royalty. Raffles Hotel Le Royal has, for nearly a century, been the premier hotel in Phnom Penh, blessed with history and style, atmosphere and aesthetics. First established in 1929, it welcomes as it has always done a diverse inter national clientele of entrepreneurs, writers, journalists, royalty and intrepid travelers of all stripes.
Welcome to Shinta Mani Wild, a National Geographic Unique Lodge where the adventure begins with a zoom across a zip-line on arrival, setting the tone for a most appropriate jungle luxury adventure where the 15 luxury tents perched along the banks of a rushing river provides the exclusive setting of one of the most ambitious, yet exhilarating jungle retreat designed by famed architect, Bill Bensley.
