Experience 10 Days Explore Kep to Spectacular Angkor Vacation Package

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Arrive at Siem Reap where you’ll need to complete the visa and immigration formalities. We can arrange for a VIP welcome package. A personal immigration officer will assist with any paperwork and you’ll skip the queues, ready to take a private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day has been left free so that you can relax and unwind after the journey.

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Arrive at Siem Reap where you’ll need to complete the visa and immigration formalities. We can arrange for a VIP welcome package. A personal immigration officer will assist with any paperwork and you’ll skip the queues, ready to take a private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day has been left free so that you can relax and unwind after the journey.

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This afternoon visit sprawling Angkor Thom. This was the world’s largest city in the 12th century and today draws travellers from across the globe. Must-sees include the Terrace of the Leper King, atmospheric Preah Palilay and Phimeanakas, surrounded by tranquil lakes. Saving the best until last, you’ll end up face to stone face with the Bayon before embarking on a leisurely sunset boat ride on Angkor Thom’s moat, glass of champagne in hand.

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It’s a truly memorable sight to watch the first rays of sunlight appear behind the iconic form of Angkor Wat. Once the sun has made an appearance, continue to explore this architectural marvel. Once a Hindu mountain temple and later converted to the Buddhist monument it is today, this huge complex is packed full of features. Ornate bas-reliefs adorn the walls of its terraces and each corridor and room reveals more secrets from the past. Eventually, drag yourself away to return to the hotel for brunch and the chance to enjoy each other’s company. A driver will be available should you wish to return to Angkor Wat to explore further.

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During the monsoon, water from the Mekong is pushed back into the lake, forcing inhabitants to cope with wildly fluctuating water levels. Their ingenious stilt and raft houses are an effective solution as well as being especially photogenic. Aboard Ella, our custom-made traditional wooden boat, you’ll explore this fascinating landscape. Later, you’ll paddle kayaks through the flooded forest, gliding past the diverse birdlife that calls this verdant setting home. The waters are calm, so this is suitable for all abilities, but where appropriate footwear. Lifejackets are provided.

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This morning, you’ll set off for a four mile hike which takes you from Angkor Thom’s moat under the shade of leafy mature trees to Angkor Krau village. From there, you’ll walk to Prasat Prei temple, featuring a single tower and fire shrine, and past paddy fields to atmospheric Prasat Banteay Thom temple. There are no roads to this temple, which means you’re likely to have it to yourself. You’ll need suitable clothing and footwear as you may have to walk or wade through a stream or two. Take plenty of water; the sun packs a punch here.

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A driver will be waiting at 4am to take you to the base of Phnom Krom Pagoda. You’ll climb the hill aided only by torches and the light of the moon. At the pagoda, you’ll meet the abbot and an elder of the temple. Immediately before dawn, the monks will begin a purification ceremony. A final blessing with holy water from the abbot himself follows chanting and prayer. As the sun rises, you’ll witness the illumination of the Angkor plain from your lofty vantage point, its temples and lakes laid out before you, surrounded by forest. Enjoy a breakfast picnic after the ceremony. Later, return to Siem Reap and this afternoon, transfer to Phnom Penh by air, a roughly 50-minute flight.

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You’ll begin at the 19th century Royal Palace and witness the glittering Silver Pagoda whose floor features over 5000 silver tiles. Next we’ll take you to the National Museum to admire the world’s premier collection of Khmer art. Later, you can browse the boutiques of Street 240, visit Wat Phnom hill or stroll the characterful waterfront promenade. This evening, you can choose to enjoy our Dine around Phnom Penh tour. Start with a sundowner before a tuk tuk whisks you to a hidden gem of a restaurant tucked down a back alley. Feast on Cambodian barbeque and locally-brewed beer before finishing your romantic evening on the riverfront.

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People refer to Kep as the jewel in the crown of Cambodia’s colonial era towns, Once, the villas that stretch along the waterfront would have been the homes of wealthy ex-pats; today they make for impressive sightseeing. These days, Kep is renowned for its seafood, with rows of crab shacks lining the beach. This afternoon, take a dip in the pool or hike to the top of nearby Kep Hill from where you’ll enjoy far reaching views over the Gulf of Thailand. When it’s cocktail hour, make your way to the pier of the Knai Bang Chatt Sailing Club for a well-deserved sundowner. Kep’s sunsets are legendary and you may wish to take advantage of our optional sunset boat cruise to enjoy it from the water.

Perhaps make the most of your waterside setting: rent Hobie cats, kayaks or even a speedboat from the hotel, or spend the day fishing. If you prefer to remain on land, why not take a self-guided walk or bike ride around Kep Hill. A well-maintained five-mile trail circumnavigates the hill. It winds through shady forest with breaks to view the area’s spectacular ocean setting and catch an invigorating sea breeze to cool off. The second half of the trail reveals some ghosts from Kep’s past: post-war modernist villas reclaimed by the jungle. You’ll need to pay a small entrance fee to access the path but it is well worth it. As before, you’ll connect through a hub city in Southeast Asia en route back to the UK, this time on day flights, with a total time of between 13 and 15 hours.