JEWELS OF LAOS AND CAMBODIA

Transcription

1 JEWELS OF LAOS AND CAMBODIA Visit us at

2 ITINERARY OVERVIEW Embark on a journey combining the most alluring highlights of Laos and Cambodia, the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire. Charming cities, rich colonial architecture, glorious ancient temples, untamed jungles, and welcoming people combine for a trip fit for Khmer royalty. Ride bareback on an elephant through the Laos jungles and trek to Hmong villages. Explore beyond the main attractions of the Angkor complex and experience the spiritual home of the Cambodian people as the locals do. Phnom Penh will be a lesson in contrasts as you explore the dark history of the Pol Pot regime and then see the bright future of Cambodia s youth when visiting the Apsara Arts Association. Cap off your journey by reflecting on your adventure from your own private island and marine sanctuary. String together these two gems of Southeast Asia and discover a beautiful and beguiling land which never fails to impress and enchant. DAY OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS LUANG PRABANG LUANG PRABANG LUANG PRABANG LUANG PRABANG Hotel de la Paix Hotel de la Paix BL Arrive in Luang Prabang and transfer to your hotel. Private baci ceremony Early morning alms, visit morning market, walking tour of Luang Prabang, visit Kuang Si waterfall and the Sunbear Refuge Hotel de la Paix BL Elephant ride, jungle trek, bamboo raft ride Hotel de la Paix BL Pak Ou caves, visit riverside villages 5 SIEM REAP Victoria Angkor B Fly to Siem Reap and transfer to hotel 6 SIEM REAP Victoria Angkor BL Tour of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Phrom 7 SIEM REAP Victoria Angkor BL Bicycle through the Cambodian countryside, cooking class at local home, visit Banteay Srei 8 SIEM REAP Victoria Angkor BL Beng Mealea, visit Kampong Kleang stilted village, sunset trip on Tonle Sap Lake 9 PHNOM PENH Raffles Le Royal B Flight to Phnom Penh, sunset boat trip 10 PHNOM PENH Raffles Le Royal BL Walking city tour, lunch at Friends 11 SONG SAA Private Island B Drive to Sihanoukville and transfer to Song Saa by private boat. Explore island and marine reserve 12 SONG SAA Private Island BLD Free day, options include snorkeling, kayaking in the mangroves, village tour, and Song Saa nature safari 13 DEPARTURE B Transfer by boat to the mainland and transfer to the airport for your international departure flight. -2-

3 ITINERARY IN DETAIL DAY 1: ARRIVE IN LUANG PRABANG Fly into the picturesque city of Luang Prabang. Transfer to Hotel de la Paix, a boutique hotel set in a restored French Colonial fort. Take some time to settle in before being treated to the refined grace of a private baci ceremony at a small village called Ban Khomkhuang. Translated to mean the calling of your soul this ceremony is deeply rooted in Lao culture and villagers offer visitors tidings of good luck and fortune for their life and travels by gently tying cotton cords symbolizing luck, friendship and good health around your wrists. The ceremony is held at a private family home. Overnight at Hotel de la Paix. DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG- NATIONAL MUSEUM KUANG SI WATERFALL The bells of the town's monasteries toll at dawn and golden lines of monks emerge to receive their morning rice from the townspeople. Arise early to respectfully witness this sacred ritual of barefoot monks weaving through the streets on their morning alms rounds. Visit the morning market and see an array of meats, vegetables and spices. Return to your hotel for breakfast. Explore the historic and charming city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for harmoniously blending traditional Buddhist temples with French colonial architecture. Begin at WatXieng Thong, a 500 year old temple that is considered the best example of the classic Luang Prabang style. Zig zag down small side streets, along back alleys and through temples allowing you to soak up the ambiance and appreciate the hidden charms of Luang Prabang. Walk up the peninsula, stopping at temples and other sites as you wish. Discover relics from the Kmer Empire at the National Museum, which is the former Royal Palace. It is said that those who do not climb the 328 steps of Phousi Mountain have not really experienced the city. Venture up this mountain and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city, the river, and the surrounding jungles. Travel south to the Kuang Si Waterfall where tiers of cascades splash into idyllic turquoise pools. Bring a bathing suit if you would like to swim and be sure to try the rope swing! Visit the nearby Sunbear Refuge to learn more about the conservation of these endangered creatures. A visit to the Living Crafts Center is an opportunity to discover time honored textile art and meet the weavers who help keep this tradition alive. Overnight at Hotel de la Paix [BL] -3-

4 DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG - HUAY SAE ELEPHANT ADVENTURE Drive about 15 km outside of town to meet your first guide of the day, an elephant! Explore the camp - learning more about the project, speaking with the veterinarian, and helping to feed the elephants. This full day expedition begins with a 3 mile elephant ride across the river through teak forests and over hills to reach the protected Huay Sae Valley. Say goodbye to your elephant and have a traditional Lao lunch by a secluded waterfall where you can take a dip and cool off in the pool below the falls. Trekking along the marvelous Huay Sae mountain stream the trail crosses bamboo bridges and passes waterfalls, impressive limestone formations and turquoise blue pools in the dense jungle. A Hmong guide shares indigenous knowledge about local flora and fauna and introduces you to daily life, agriculture, and farming practices of hill tribes all while trekking through fields, plantations, and teak forests. Float serenely down the Nam Khan River on a bamboo raft back to Luang Prabang observing the traditional village life of farmers and fishermen along the river. Free evening to explore the city. Overnight at Hotel de la Paix [BL] DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG- PAK OU CAVES MEKONG RIVER VILLAGES Spend the day cruising the lifeblood of Southeast Asia, the Mekong River. Visit the Pak Ou Caves, sacred grottos cut into a sheer limestone cliff beside the river. A steep staircase takes you to the upper cave where the serene faces and figures of more than 3,000 Buddha images emerge from the darkness. Travel along this economic lifeline stopping at two riverside villages along the way. In Ban Xang Khong, wander the narrow village streets between women weaving on wooden looms, stacks of colorful fabrics, and stalls selling all types of Lao Lao, a very potent rice whisky. Return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. Overnight at Hotel de la Paix [BL] DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG SIEM REAP Spend the morning exploring new parts of Luang Prabang or revisiting old favorites before transferring to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. After clearing immigration and customs meet your Cambodian guide and transfer to your hotel. The Victoria, a lovely colonial style hotel, is located right by the Royal Park and Residences. Have the evening to explore the gateway to Angkor and Cambodia s epicenter of chic, wandering the bustling night markets, meandering along the river, and indulging in Cambodian cuisine. Overnight at Victoria Angkor Resort [B] Flight: Lao Airlines QV 513, departing Luang Prabang 10:40 AM, arriving Siem Reap 14:00 PM DAY 6: SIEM REAP THE GREATEST MEDIEVAL CITY ON EARTH Wake before sunrise to arrive at Angkor at before most other tour groups as the vast complex of temples and boulevards emerges out of the jungle in the serene light of dawn. The ancient capital of the Khmer empire, Angkor is the greatest medieval city on earth, once ruled by warrior kings who dominated all of present day Cambodia and much of Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar. Your guide will take you to -4-

5 different areas of this sprawling complex, explaining the elaborate sculptural decorations and bas relief of the Angkor complex. You have time to wander, contemplate and photograph the site before returning to the hotel for breakfast. The Angkor complex is one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. Return today entering by the southern gate of Angkor Thom to see the complex network of temples of Bayon, Baphoun, Phimean Akas, the Royal Enclosure, the terraces of Elephants, and the Leper King. Drive to Ta Phrom, a jungle-clad temple that has been left in much the same condition in which it was found. Photogenic trees spiral out of the ruins making for a truly unique experience that contrasts that of restored Angkor. Perch on one of the temples to enjoy a lovely sunset view as a fitting finale to a grand day. Overnight at Victoria Angkor Resort [BL] DAY 7: COUNTRYSIDE CYCLE CITADEL OF WOMEN Hop on bicycles and cycle from the city into the countryside, stopping by a local market to purchase ingredients for lunch. Drop your market booty at a local family s home and head out to explore the small villages and rice fields (by bike or on foot). Sharing rural roads on bikes or walking amongst locals is a great way to observe daily life, to photograph the countryside, and to chat with people you meet along the way. When your belly starts to grumble cycle back to the house and enjoy lunch with your new family friends. Further in the countryside is the lesser known Banteay Srei. The walls of the "Citadel of Women" are dense with some of the most beautiful and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple. It is said they could only have been carved by the hands of women. Its relatively small size, pink sandstone walls, and ornate design give it a magical aura and a distinct feel from other Khmer temples. In the afternoon, ramble though the labyrinth of grey stone courtyards of Preah Khan and listen to raucous parrots screech and watch the monkeys lounging on the temple walls as the day comes to a close. Return to Siem Reap for overnight at Victoria Angkor Resort [BL] DAY 8: SIEM REAP BENG MEALEA & KAMPONG KLEANG Venture further afield to Beng Mealea, a 900 year old seldom-visited temple where the jungle envelopes the sandstone sanctuary covered in carvings from Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Enter amongst the ruins of the royal road amongst kapok trees whose roots twist and wind their way around courtyards and galleries. After a peaceful picnic lunch in the complex, drive to Kampong Kleang, a fishing village on a flood plain where houses are built on 30-foot-tall stilts. Watch the local fishermen using their inventive -5-

6 ways to catch fish. Speak with students in the local school and in the late afternoon take a boat to watch the spectacular sunset over Tonle Sap Lake. Overnight at Victoria Angkor Resort [BL] DAY 9: PHNOM PENH Transfer to the Siem Reap airport for your flight to Phnom Penh. Check in at your hotel before meeting your guide in the evening to head to Phnom Penh s riverfront where a boat is waiting to take you on a sunset river cruise down the Tonle Sap River. Float the river and marvel at the stark differences of Cambodia; this river lined by the metropolis of Phnom Penh is the same one that feeds the flood plains of the stilted fishing village you visited yesterday. Return to your hotel and overnight at Raffles le Royal [B] Flight: Lao Airlines, departing Siem Reap 11:50 AM, arriving Phnom Penh 12:35 PM DAY 10: PHNOM PENH WALKING CITY TOUR Phnom Penh is not just another metropolis - it s the old Asia of your imagination beautiful historical buildings, aromatic street food around every corner, endless markets, monks passing on the streets. This fascinating city with a dark history of war and turmoil is now filled with vibrancy and warmth. Start your walking tour with a visit to the Royal Palace and a visit to the Silver Pagoda, aptly named after its shimmering floor, which is covered with over 5,000 silver tiles. Next up is the Apsara Art Association, whose aim is to preserve Cambodian arts and culture while teaching disadvantaged children traditional dancing. The association also provides foreign language classes, housing, and educational support. Later visit the National Museum which houses everything from ancient Angkorean sculpture and inscription to wooden tools and contemporary archaeological exhibits. The museum is one of the most intellectually stimulating and calming experiences in the city Eat lunch at a very special restaurant, Friends or Romdeng, where 100% of the profits are re-invested in training activities for the local staff. Friends is a training restaurant that helps former street children get a head start in the hospitality industry. The sky won t be the only thing darkening in the afternoon. Visit Choeng Ek, the location of the infamous Killing Fields and continue to Tuol Sleng prison, the prison where thousands of people perished in the darkest hours of Cambodian history. This tour offers a comprehensive view of Phnom Penh, one that will take you on an emotional roller coaster. From the horrors of the Pol Pot regime to the optimistic outlook at the Apsara Art Association, you ll leave with a better idea of the intricate culture of the Cambodian people where it s been and where it s going. Return to your hotel and overnight at Raffles le Royal [BL] DAY 11: SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND AND MARINE SANCTUARY Drive through the Cambodian countryside to Sihanoukville. Upon arrival a private speed boat takes you to Song Saa Private Island. Song Saa in Khmer means Sweetheart and the resort s location is as seductive as the name implies. It is made up of two small islands Koh Ouen and Koh Bong which are connected by a footbridge over a marine reserve. It has undergone 5 years of restoration and rejuvenation for its flora, fauna, and coral making for a truly spectacular undersea experience. Song Saa is a sustainable sanctuary inspired by Cambodian fishing villages. Guests to Song Saa Island will be among the first travelers to experience this beautiful, untouched world, where rare hornbills perch on your balcony and the warm sapphire waters teem with life. The resort is all inclusive. Overnight at Song Saa Private Island. [BLD] -6-

7 DAY 12: SONG SAA Do as much or as little as you wish. Kayak amongst the mangroves, snorkel around the islands in the marine reserve, visit the local village or embark on a Song Saa island or marine safari. Of course you can always just spend the day relaxing at your villa, mere feet above the shimmering sea abundant with colorful fish and turtles. Overnight at Song Saa Private Island [BLD] DAY 13: DEPARTURE Say goodbye to Song Saa. Transfer back to Sihanoukville by speedboat and continue on to the airport in Phnom Penh to begin your journey home. [B] END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. -7-

8 PRICING AND DATES: For current pricing please click here For scheduled departure dates please click here INCLUDED SERVICES Accommodations for 12 nights as indicated All meals according to itinerary [B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner] Internal airfare Luang Prabang to Siem Reap and Siem Reap to Phnom Penh (listed separately) All transfers and transportation per the itinerary Guided tours and excursions including entrance fees per the itinerary Local on site guides Assistance at airports/ hotels at the time of check in and check out at all major cities Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International airfare arriving in Luang Prabang and departing from Phnom Penh Cambodia and Laos Visa Tips and gratuities Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Recommended travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above -8-

9 ACCOMMODATIONS HOTEL DE LA PAIX, LUANG PRABANG Built on a heritage site in the former royal capital of Laos, Hotel de la Paix infuses French Colonial charm with contemporary elegance in this all-suite resort. Hotel de la Paix is a fully restored 100 year old fort, featuring large courtyards, landscaped gardens, a pool and fireplaces to provide a welcome retreat. All rooms feature a garden terrace. The hotel offers free wifi as well as a pool and spa. VICTORIA ANGKOR, SIEM REAP Step back in time with the Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa. Modeled in the 1930 s colonial style this resort is just 10 minutes from the Angkor Wat temple complex. Neighboring the King s Residence in Siem Reap and overlooking the Royal Gardens it is within walking distance of the Old Market and the river. It features air conditioned rooms all with private balconies facing the pool, tropical garden or the Royal Park. Wifi is available throughout the hotel. There is a spa and restaurant on site. RAFFLES LE ROYAL, PHNOM PENH The iconic Raffles hotel has long been its own destination in Cambodia. Founded in 1929, it is a luxury hotel blessed with history and style, atmosphere and aesthetics. Located at the heart of Phnom Penh, directly across from the American embassy, it offers easy access to the Central Market and Russian Market and makes an ideal base for sightseeing tours of Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and along the mythical Mekong. Your room will have a private balcony, air conditioning, and wifi. SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND Song Saa features luxury over-water, jungle and ocean-view villas built with sustainable materials and with respect for the natural environment. At the heart of the resort is a world-class restaurant and lounge, spectacularly positioned just off the islands shoreline and surrounded by the sea. Kayaking, snorkeling in the marine reserve, naturalist tours, and yoga are just a few examples of activities that await you at Song Saa. You ll find huge beds, outdoor showers beside private decks and pools, and hand-crafted furniture made by local artisans in every villa. There is also a spa and wi-fi is available throughout the resort. -9-

10 BOOKING YOUR WILDLAND ADVENTURE HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East, the Mediterranean and North America. *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at , send an to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $ days: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a or info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary; however, it is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality (if upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply). All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions. -10-