Explore Cambodia and the wonders of Angkor.
Emerging once again, Cambodia is a mixture of Angkor wonders and the joys of meeting a resilient people welcoming tourists back to their country once again.
Cambodian explored a "culture and foodie" adventure including a 4 night classic "Pandaw" river cruise on the mighty Mekong.
There is something about Cambodia that draws me back time after time, it's hard to put a finger on it, rather its the combination of the friendliness of the people, awe inspiring sights, and the stage of development the country is at. The infrastructure has finally improved to the point where a comfortable trip can be enjoyed, the food is amazing and this is a real foodie trip. But make no mistake this is a very poor country with many challenges facing it, and you will find your emotions are all over the place, from the wonder of its glorious history, to the horror of its recent past, the delight of the people, tapered with the obvious poverty and hardships they face on a daily basis. November / December is a wonderful month to explore this country, the rainy season is over and there is plenty of sunshine, but it is not too hot. DAY 1 -3 PHNOM (2 nights hotel and 1 on the boat) There is a real frontier feel in Phnom Penh. It has a vibrant street-life and colonial architecture. We get to sample some truly great restaurants, enjoy a Spa and massage (that will have you begging for more) and visit some markets where you will be in bargain heaven. There is time to explore the Royal Palace (if open) with its opulence a stark contrast to our visit to the genocide museum and killing fields. On day 3 after a leisurely breakfast we check into Pandaw Expedition at 11:00 am and enjoy lunch onboard the boat. In the afternoon we visit the Killing Fields and Genocide museum to learn more about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Overnight in Phnom Penh city port. NB. Please note: Your cabin may not be available until early afternoon. DAY 4 KAMPONG TRALACH We leave the dock at Phnom Penh early morning and sail up the winding channels of the Tonle Sap river to Kampong Tralach. We travel by ox-cart around the river-side villages, markets and temples to get a sense of life along the river. In the evening cocktails are round a village fire pit where we will be joined by village folk keen to show us their traditional dancing show us more of the delightful Khmer culture. DAY 5 OUDONG MEDITATIONS AND PAK RUSSEI SILK In the morning, travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong where we visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre. Walk around the vast complex with it's impressive Khmer architecture and experience a short meditation class to quieten your mind. We re-join our ship at Prek Kdam before sailing back onto the Mekong proper during lunch. This afternoon we step ashore at Pak Russei, a small and remote village on the banks of the Mekong. We will explore on foot and visit local craftspeople weaving silk and producing handmade noodles. Before returning to the ship, we learn about the ancient art of Bokator, a traditional form of martial art with a private performance in the village. DAY 6 PEAM CHI KORNG POTTERY VILLAGE Enjoy morning Tai Chi or just a coffee on deck as we take a sunrise cruise to Peam Chi Korng, an untouched gem that is a hub of pottery in Cambodia. After a short tuk tuk ride from the banks of the Mekong, we witness the local potters in action before continuing to explore the village and local fresh market where you can test your language skills. In the afternoon we continue sailing along the mighty Mekong to Steung Trang, our final destination before your crew provides some final evening entertainment and a sumptuous farewell dinner is prepared by your kitchen team. DAY 7-12 SIEM REAP (6 nights) Disembark and travel by coach from Kampong Cham through stunningly lovely countryside to reach Siem Reap, around 1.30pm. After lunch there is time to visit the wonderful Museum of Angkor and get a perspective of what we are going to explore over the next few days. Siem Reap is a delightful town situated on a lovely river setting and will be our base as we explore the wonders of Angkor Wat, a complex of temples that is truly one of the great wonders of the ancient world. We will purchase the 3 day pass for the temples and visit them for a few hours each day showcasing the best at the most interesting time of the day for the best lighting and atmosphere. Along the way I have found some exceptional restaurants, the best places to enjoy an evening beer, and some superb massage spas, to indulge and relax in during the hot afternoons. Both P Penh and S Reap have some fun, quirky Gay bars and nightclubs where we get to meet the locals, watch some shows and enjoy evening time and each others company. On our final evening we have a special treat install for our farewell dinner. DAY 13 Departure day You can plan your flight for anytime today, allowing about 1hr to get to the airport for your onward journey. Accommodation for this tour package is of western standard, and all hotels are located in the heart of where we want to be, so expect to be able walk out of the hotel and be in the middle of the action. Hotels are lovely 3-4* style all with en-suite, a swimming pool and WiFi. We have negotiated some great deals for this shoulder season trip and this is largely why we can offer a "room of your own" for no supplement the accommodation we have found are little gems. All our transport is private, air-conditioned "Minivan" or open air Tuk Tuk. The food is also amazing and last trip the guys said I could have called this a gourmet tour the food was so exceptional. As with all our trips let go of the concept you're signing up for a structured tour, you're not, you're joining us on an adventure , yes its a semi structured adventure with all the hard work done, but it is nevertheless an adventure. Things will go wrong some days, and changes will need to be taken in their stride, you will need your wits about you, and to expect to do some exploring on your own occasionally. |
03rd - 15th February 2025
Starting in Phnom Penh (PNH) finishing in Siem Reap (SAI) Our 2025 trip with NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (1 cabin available for single or couple) The Cambodia trip will be escorted by Richard Min 8 Max 14. Highlights include :-
Not Included :-
Cost per person USD $3995pp Upper deck + $250pp Deposit of USD $500 pp confirms your place on the adventure No Single room supplement !!!!!!!!!!! (Guaranteed room of your own, unless you want to share) Couples welcome ! Couple or happy to share with a friend? then great you will be upgraded FREE to the upper deck on the cruise. Exchange rate movements can play havoc with planning overseas trips but quoting in USD usually means less fluctuations. Singapore, Bangkok, KL or Hong Kong are all good bases to fly into PNH and out of SAI for this trip, and easy to add a couple of days stopover. Due to the nature of Adventure travel and the prices of the resources on which it depends, the published price of any trip is subject to change at any time, before or after booking confirmation, up to 60 days before the departure. Options and methods of payment. |