CAMBODIA GROUP TOUR

Escorted Group Tour Dossier. GCT15

Most people know of Cambodia's famous temple complex at Angkor Wat, which has once again becoming accessible. Most people have no idea of the stunning visual beauty and traditional culture that Cambodia has to offer. It is a unique and fascinating land of great physical and rich cultural diversity whose history spans over 4,000 years.

Picture a land of idyllic tree-lined beaches, tranquil bays dotted with the sails of junks and sampans, offshore coral islands, mountains, valleys, primal forests, plains crossed by countless rivers and emerald rice fields enriched with the varied scenes of everyday life. The traditional rural life, embodied in the villagers tilling the land with rudimentary tools under their conical hats in the patchwork paddy fields, and children riding their water buffaloes home from the fields at the end of the day, contrasts dramatically with the sights, sounds and pace of the cities whose busy streets overflow with humanity borne along on a rising tide of bicycles and motor scooters.

The country's long history is an every present companion: sites of ancient battles, ancient civilisations and kingdoms which flourished in this enigmatic land long before the French colonialists, and the tragic war of the more recent past.

In a traditionally agricultural country, new to the concept of tourism that you have to expect the unexpected, you won't be disappointed.

This tour traces the complex history and culture of Cambodia and its people, introducing some of the many different faces and places of this fascinating country. Almost all travel restrictions have been dropped, and can now visit the whole of the country.

MEKONG TRAVEL - SIGHTSEEING TOUR POLICY
Major sightseeing highlights of Indochina include a huge variety of religious and historic monuments; a rich cultural and artistic heritage; museums and beautiful scenery. Such key elements are naturally include in sightseeing tour itineraries, but Mekong Travel also seeks out the less obvious attractions - interesting local markets, festivals, wherever these coincide with travel plans, traditional handicrafts and industries, plus the opportunity to meet local people in their own environments. Also include are opportunities to try regional cuisine and to see typical or traditional forms of entertainment.

Mekong Travel includes such extra dimensions to make any visit to Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia or Laos a richer, more rewarding and more memorable experience.

GENERAL ADVICE ON TRAVELLING IN INDOCHINA

Never drink tap water - purified, bottled water is available everywhere.
The support Vehicle will carry supplies of water and snacks of fruit/bread etc.

Use an insect repellent against mosquitoes, especially in upcountry and forested areas. A high factor block cream is advisable as protection against the hot tropical sun.

Travellers should take adequate supplies of any prescription medicines they may need, as supplies may not be available locally. A first aid kit with items such as aspirin, elastoplast, antiseptic cream, anti-diarrhoea pills will be useful. A spare pair of eyeglasses, if worn, is also advisable. Useful too, is a flashlight, for exploring caves or details of temple interiors, which are often not properly illuminated

Take plenty of film, as locally available supplies are not always reliable. Photography in airports, railway stations and near any military installation is forbidden. Please use discretion when photographing people, especially with tribal people, who may have superstitions against this. For close-up shots always ask first.

Visitors are required to dress decently within the precincts of religious buildings. Ladies should not wear shorts or bra-less T-shirts in such places. Shoes and socks/stockings must always be removed at pagodas and monasteries. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Disregard of these rules causes serious cultural and religious offence to the devout Asian people. Visitors are advised to ignore touts who may approach them to exchange foreign currency, or to sell gems of dubious quality. Such offers, although apparently attractive, are breaking strict laws.

Begging is widespread in some parts of Indochina but not in others and visitors are requested not to encourage development of this practice by giving money, sweets etc. to children. If travellers wish to contribute to say, a village community, gifts should be directed to the local schoolteacher or headman.
Contributions can also be arranged to recognise local charities two of which we support.

HOTELS

In spite of the building boom that is creating new hotels up to international standards for the first time in key tourist centres, accommodations in Indochina still varies widely in quality and, during high seasons, availability can be limited. Mekong Travel clients will generally receive hotel reservation priority, but Mekong Travel cannot guarantee specific hotel requests and reserves the right to substitute accommodation of the best available alternative standard when a first-choice hotel is not available. Clients are advised that accommodations, especially outside the main locations, may not always be up to international standards.

ACCOMMODATION. The accommodation on this trip is a mixture of good quality private hotels and guest houses (mostly 2 star). The hotels have air conditioning and we will normally have twin rooms with private facilities. In general, the hotels we use are of a good standard, and will be clean and comfortable with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, minibar and TV.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

WEATHER. The weather will be hot and humid throughout, with temperatures during the day between about 28C and 34C. It is only a little cooler at nights. There is a range of seasons from the hot and dry season from February to June, and then a pronounced wet season in September and October. In addition flooding does occur from time to time particularly around Tonle Sap and Phnom Penh. Though this is unpredictable, as indeed is the weather in Indochina in general.
November to March is the cool season during these months a pleasant cool wind blows down from the Lao Mountains. It is unlikely that the weather will ever be perfect for the entire duration of any trip. Other than that, rain when it does fall usually comes in short, violent bursts with bright sunshine in between. The ideal time to visit Cambodia is during the dry season although it is pleasant at any time of year.

VACCINATIONS. No vaccinations are compulsory unless arriving from and infected area, but we recommend vaccination against hepatitis A and typhoid. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended and there has been some chloroquine resistance reported, so please see your Doctor for advice.

FOOD. All breakfasts (e.g. bread, eggs or fruit and tea or coffee) are included as are all Dinners which are taken as a group and arranged in good local restaurants were a variety of Cambodian dishes can be tried.. Lunches are on a daily kitty of £4. Main meals include rice. There is always enough food and we eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Drinking water, fruits and snacks are always available in our escort vehicle. Other drinks are not included in price, but widely available at local restaurants and shops along the way.

EXTRA EXPENSES. Lunch (see above): Visa £40. Departure tax: currently US$7. There are also a number of entry fees not included in the price: as it is hard to say what people would like to visit. There will also be a kitty to cover soft drinks, mineral water and snacks for consumption whilst travelling , though this is unlikely to cost more than about £20 for the trip.

GROUP, STAFF & SUPPORT. The group size will be between 6 and 14. All groups will be accompanied by an experienced English guide, plus a local guide and driver. All your luggage and personal belongings will be carried by the support vehicle.

TRIP PROFILE. Our trip takes us from the temples of Angkor Wat at Siem Reap, across Lake Tonle Sap to the capital Phnom Penh and onto the coast at Sihanoukville. We travel through the most scenic and interesting parts of Cambodia stopping at all the main sights on the way. There is plenty of time to explore the cities, historical sites, markets and to relax.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Economy class return flights with Thai International airlines (will be booked separately, see main box).
• UK Air Passenger Duty Tax
• Accommodation as specified (tax and service charges are also included as is breakfast)
• Services of a Western tour leader throughout
• Local guide throughout
• Private air-conditioned vehicles in each location
• Private (group) transfers to and from airports and train stations
• Entrance fees to museums, etc., permits, etc.
• Breakfasts & Dinners
• The services of our local staff in Cambodia

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, tips, etc.
• Visas
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure if you are not arriving on our standard flights (supplement payable).
• Airport taxes payable locally on each departure

ITINERARY
From London

DAY 1

Mid-day departure with Thai International Airways from London, Heathrow.

DAY 2

Connecting flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap arriving around mid-day. Transfer to the hotel, which is located in the central part of the town. After a rest you will have an introductory talk and lunch. Mid-afternoon we will drive to Angkor Wat and view the sunset from Phnom Bakheng.

DAY 3

All day tour of the temple complex. Visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
The majestic temples of Angkor belong to the classic period of Khmer art and civilisation. Today, a millennium after they were built, they awe visitors with their perfection and enormity.
The temples are the creation of a succession of Khmer kings who presided over an empire that dominated the region from 800 to 1430, reaching its peak in the 12th century. The period began with the ascension to the throne by King Jayavarman II.
From the 15th century, the temples were abandoned, forgotten by the world until their "rediscovery" in 1861 by French naturalist Henri Mouhot.
The jungle setting and silence enhance the mystery of the temples. One early discoverer's reaction upon seeing Angkor Wat more than 130 years ago may not be so different from what travellers can experience today.

Many of the temples remain in surprisingly good condition. Others are under restoration, and visitors can get a firsthand look at the painstaking efforts underway to preserve the relics. Architectural historians from a variety of countries including France, India, Japan, the United States, Indonesia and Hungary in the past few years have contributed their expertise to preserve the temples. The ruins cover an area of 400 square kilometres in the province of Siem Reap containing more than 100 monuments.

DAY 4

After Breakfast we travel down to the Vietnamese floating village before catching the afternoon boat to Phnom Penh. It takes about 4 hours across the Tonle Sap and then along the Tonle River. It is then a short ride to our hotel in the centre of town.

DAY 5

We spend the day on a city tour; visit National Museum, Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace. The city is conveniently located on the banks where three rivers - the Mekong, the Tonle Sap and the Bassac - converge, a location known to Cambodians as Chatomuk, or four faces. The French influence can be felt today in the city, a legacy of a 90-year period that saw the construction of many lovely colonial era residences for French administrators.

Independence Monument
Designed by Khmer architect Ban Molyvann, Independence Monument commemorates the end of Cambodia's rule by France in 1953.

Royal Palace
Built in 1866 by King Norodom, the Royal Palace is now home the His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk Varman, King of Cambodia, and Her Majesty Preah Reach Akkamohesey Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, the Queen. Most of the buildings inside the palace walls are closed to the public except on special occasions.

Silver Pagoda
Located within the Royal Palace compound, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. On display inside are hundreds of royal gifts received by the Royal family over the years. Among the treasures are a solid gold Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds and weighing 90 kilos and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. The compound also houses Wat Phnom Mondap, containing Buddha's footprint. The walls surrounding the compound - the oldest part of the palace - are covered with frescos depicting episodes from the Khmer version of the Ramayana, the Reamker.

National Museum
Located just north of the Royal Palace, the National Museum has recently been restored and represents the finest of Phnom Penh's architecture on display inside.

Tuol Sleng Museum
It's hardly surprising that the city's two most dramatic monuments are those connected with the darkness and brutality of that time. One is the Tuol Sleng Museum, formerly Tuol Svay Prey High School, which the Khmer Rouge turned into Security Prison 21 - their main detention, interrogation and torture center for class enemies during Year Zero. It's a bleak collection of old school buildings surrounded by a tall fence topped with barbed wire and although a lot of its most hideous features - the various instruments of torture - have been removed, it still chills the heart when you try to imagine the suffering and despair of the thousands of people who passed through this charnel house.

DAY 6

Departure from Phnom Penh to Takeo and on arrival take a speed-boat to Phnom Da Hill. Explore the four caves with shrines carved into the walls before reaching Phnom Da temple, a pre-Angkorian laterite tower (6th C.). Visit the Asram Maharosei (6th C.), an Indian-style sandstone temple constructed in a style unlike any other temple in Cambodia.
Return to Takeo by speedboat and stop in Angkor Borei to visit the museum where reproductions of objects found in the region are displayed. After lunch we continue to Kampot near the coast.

This town has some good examples of French colonial architecture and a relaxing atmosphere. In the evening we take dinner by the backs of the Mekong River.

DAY 7

Travel along the coast to Kep and enjoy the beauty of the beach and the old colonial villas that line the beach front. Originally built in 1908 the town was a popular retreat for the French until independence and then abandoned in 1979 when the Khmer Rouge where ousted by the Vietnamese. Late afternoon we return to Kampot.

DAY 8

After breakfast drive to the top of Bokor Mountain National Park. Visit the ancient hill resort with the ruins of the casino hotel, church and other buildings, which failed to escape the ravages of time and war. A 1000m high plateau of steaming jungle, shy wildlife and abandoned buildings. Built by the French as a casino resort in the 1920s, it was redeveloped by Sihanouk in 1959 before being abandoned to the elements in the 1970s. Off-limits until recent years, the empty buildings and majestic views give it a haunting, romantic quality. Picnic lunch on site. Return to Kampot.

DAY 9

After breakfast we travel along the coast to Sihanoukville also known as Kompong Som. This is Cambodia's leading beach resort. There are white-sand beaches around the headland, unspoilt islands off the coast and the popular Kbal Chhay waterfall near town. As well as relaxing on the beach, boat trips and scuba diving are popular activities.

DAY 10

The full day is to relax or if preferred you can visit the near by maritime national park of Ream, exploring the mangroves by boat and viewing wildlife on the shore. Ream National Park, is a coastal park occupying 21,000 hectares, including two islands, Koh Thmei and Koh Ses. Sights include lowland and dwarf evergreen forest, long stretches of white-sand beach, submerged coral and sea grass. Mangrove forest within the park supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

DAY 11

After lunch depart Sihanoukville and drive to Phnom Penh. Arrive late afternoon.

DAY 12

Morning visit Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Mass graves. The afternoon is free for shopping and in the evening enjoy our farewell dinner.

DAY 13

Those extending there trip or arranging there own flights will make their own arrangements.
The day is available for a little last minute shopping before departure at 18.45. We arrive in Bangkok at approximately 19.50 for the onward flight.

DAY 14

Depart Bangkok at 00.45. Arrive early morning 06.20 at London, Heathrow airport.

DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES 2007

For currency conversions, click here: XE.com Personal Currency Assistant

We will arrange twin share accommodation for single travellers, the supplement is for those requesting for their own rooms.

The information in this dossier has been given in good faith and covers the average range of conditions to be found on the trip. Cambodia is a poor country where services are not up to international standards consequently unexpected changes sometime occur.

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