- Cambodian Cooking Class rated "excellent" by 4 travelers
Book 2 people on Day in a Life
Email us the code word 'TREE'
and 2 trees will be planted for a village family
5N/6D Photography Enthusiasts Package (from $428pp)
Highlights:
• Watching or participating in a dawn alms ceremony with the saffron robed monks
• Wandering through a deserted Ta Prohm
• Exploring the amazing jungle ruin temple of Beng Melea
• Visiting the floating village of Kompong Khleang
• Capturing the detailed carvings at Banteay Srei
• Meeting local people in a Cambodian Village and witnessing daily life
This package is ideal for:
• Anyone seeking opportunities to capture some fantastic pictures
• Photography groups
• Photographers
• Couples
• Solo Travellers
• People with reasonable fitness and agility
o please note Beng Melea can be adapted to suit your fitness level
• Anyone with an interest in both the temples and Cambodian life
Day One "Welcome to Cambodia - Village Life"
| Arrival | You will be met at the airport (boat or bus station) by your personal ‘beyond. unique escapes’ tour manager and transported to your hotel for check in.Your tour manager will be available to answer any questions about your stay in Siem Reap and will run through your package itinerary plans with you. |
| 3.00pm | You will be met at your hotel and transported to traditional Cambodian village Enjoy a guided walking tour of a local Cambodian Village. This is a chance to learn about village life, culture and traditions. Your trip also contributes to the village, helping the local community. There are lots of photo opportunities of people and landscapes. This tour also includes a short visit to an ancient temple and active pagoda. |
| Important Information Please do not hand out money or gifts to children or people within the village. Your gifts are appreciated, but handing them out helps to create a begging culture. Should you wish to make a contribution or donation please speak with your tours manager who can help direct this appropriately. Please note your participation in this tour provides assistance to the village through a coordinated village program managed by HUSK. |
Day Two The Amazing Angkor Wat & Ancient City of Angkor Thom
| 5am | A not to be missed sunrise at Angkor Wat. Following sunrise we head out of Angkor Wat and go straight to the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Capture some amazing pictures of giant sandstone statues of the gods, demons and the smiling faces topping the gate. The famous Bayon, whose towers are beautifully decorated with both the Buddha’s and the king’s faces and they religiously signify the Charity, Compassion, Sympathy and Equanimity. Elephant and leper king terraces After the famous Bayon temple we then go to Preah Khan, the university back to Angkor period. |
| 1pm | Return to the hotel to get away from the hot sun, have lunch and rest. |
| 3pm | In the afternoon leave your hotel for the magnificent Angkor Wat. Stroll around and enjoy the skillfully carved and detailed carvings on the gallery panels. Climb all the way up to the top, view the Angkor complex and cool off. We head out to pool of ablution where we’ll stay and take the photos of the temple reflection until sunset. |
| 7.00pm | Dinner at one of our specially selected restaurants. Choose between Sugar Palm, Sojourn or AHA. |
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Options |
Day Three Explore Magical Ta Prohm and Beautiful Bantey Srei
| 6am | Ta Prohm is a sight to behold and often becomes visitors favourite temple. The mixture of ancient stones and tree roots frozen in battle provides much inspiration for the visitor. We visit Ta Prohm early to avoid the masses of crowds and provide a unique visit in this incredible temple. |
| 8.30am | Return for breakfast at your hotel |
| Lunch | We take a picnic lunch selected from our menu |
| Afternoon | We head further out through rural countryside to the small but beautiful temple of Banteay Srey. This temple is largely built of pink sandstone, a harder rock that can be more elaborately carved and better survives the rigors of time. This is an opportunity to capture some good photographs of the clear and detailed carvings. For the later afternoon we head back into main Angkor Park and journey to Tasom. Tasom offers some beautiful photo spots, especially the rear entrance where tree roots adorn the gateway. |
Day 4 Jungle Temples and Floating Villages
| Breakfast | Enjoy breakfast at your hotel |
| 8.00am | We take a 1 hour drive up to the northeast of the city to the picturesque temple of Beng Mealea. The journey out takes us through some perfect countryside for photography passing through traditional Cambodian villages, rice fields, oxen and cattle. The Temple of Beng Melea is still overrun by vegetation and not often visited by tourists, giving us a fantastic ruin for exploration. |
| Lunch | Enjoy a delicious picnic pack selected from our menu |
| Afternoon Journey to one of the floating communities of Siem Reap province, called Kampong Khleang. Our visit includes a boat trip to see villages with houses that stand about 8 to10meters in the air in dry season or sit level with the water in the wet. Visit the floating village which includes Vietnamese, Cambodians and few Chinese families. A little village walk, a school and pagoda visit all provide excellent opportunities for pictures. |
Day Five Village Ceremonies
| 6.00am | Rise early and journey to a local rural village and witness the giving of alms as saffron monks wander through the village. This day break Buddhist ritual dates back thousands of years and is incredibly important in Khmer culture. An alms gift of food and water is part of ancient belief system of making merit and honoring the deceased. Should you wish to take part in the ceremony your guide will prepare an appropriate offering for you. Please inform us in advance. Please note it is incredibly important that you do not touch the monks. Please also ensure when taking photographs you do so from a respectful distance without interrupting this personal ceremony. Following the alms ceremony your guide will lead you through an active Buddhist pagoda and provide information on the history and beliefs of the Cambodian people. |
| Mid Day |
Set aside for your own private touring or relaxation time. |
| 4.00pm |
A late afternoon hot air balloon ride to get some aerial photos of Angkor Wat and Great Angkor’s irrigation network, the 11th century reservoir of West Baray, the Bakheng Hill and mountain ranges |
| 7.00pm | Depart for your evening of Cambodian culture with a traditional dancing performance and dinner show at the Apsara Theater. |
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Options |
Day Six Departure
| Departure | Your options for this day will depend on your departure time from Siem Reap. Your package includes return transfers to the airport, boat or bus station. Town transport is also available up until 12pm. Should you have a late departure please advise us and we can make recommendations for this day. |
Package Inclusions & Information
Accommodation
We provide a range of accommodation options from Guesthouses through to Five Star hotels. Our accommodation partners are selected because of the quality of the services they offer, their standards of customer care and their commitment to responsible tourism in Cambodia. Please note accommodation will not be confirmed until we receive your deposit payment via money transfer.
Balloon Ride
Your package includes one trip in Angkor's tethered balloon. Please note this trip us subject to the terms and conditions of the operator. Should the balloon trip be cancelled due to weather or other reasons we will re schedule this for another time within the package. If the trip can’t be rescheduled we do not provide a refund for this trip. There are no additional charges should we need to travel back to the balloon departure point more than once.
Beng Melea
Included within this package is a trip to the outlying temple of Beng Melea. The package price includes the Beng Melea temple pass. Please note you need a reasonable level of fitness and agaility to fully explore this temple, however boardwalks provide access to many areas as well.
Breakfasts
Breakfasts are provided daily by your hotel
Cancellation & Deposit
For all packages in the case of a 'no show' the full value of the package will be charged to your credit card and you are bound to accept this fee.
Any cancellation within two weeks of the package departure date will be charged 50% of the total package cost.
A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking. Upon receipt of this deposit your trip will be confirmed in writing. This deposit will only be refunded if you cancel more than one month prior to your arrival date. The deposit will be refunded in full less any bank charges.
Dinner and Dance show
We have included two tickets for a Khmer Dinner and Dance show. Bookings for this show are subject to availability, should space be limited we can alternate the evening for this show. This includes a set dinner menu at the Apsara Theater.
Dress Codes
Please keep in mind that Asia holds different cultural values. While strict dress codes only apply in a few places it is worthwhile keeping your attire in mind. As a general rule covering shoulder and avoiding overly revealing clothing is appreciated.
Dress Code Angkor Wat
For visits to Angkor Wat there are dress codes that must be met if you wish to access the top levels (Shoulders and Knees must be covered / no plunging necklines). Even if you do not wish to enter the top of Angkor we ask you to please keep in mind Cambodia’s culture and dress respectfully.
Dress Code – Active Pagodas
Please keep your shoulders and knees covered. Please also be aware you should never touch a monk.
Flexibility
This type of travel requires considerable flexibility and you should allow for alternatives during your trip. The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities scheduled but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events. While we endeavor to operate all packages as described we reserve the right to change the itinerary.
Guide Services
You package includes the services of a local English speaking guide for all days of your itinerary. Surcharges will apply for languages other than English. Should you wish to extend the services of your guide, for example additional sunrise departures, or additional days surcharges will apply.
Should you wish to upgrade to a senior Beyond guide please note there is an additional surcharge of $15 per day.
Insurance
Insurance is compulsory for all package customers and should be taken out at the time you make your booking. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the heads of cover. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide proof of your travel insurance on the first day of your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without it.
Kompong Khleang
This village is located on the amazing Tonle Sap river and waters here can rise by 10m in the wet season. Your experience of this village will vary according to the time of year. Whether it’s wet or dry the village provides amazing opportunities for photography. Please note this is a remote rural village, facilities are very basic and limited.
Meals
Breakfast is included daily for each of the hotel options suggested
Dinner is provided on night two in your choice of restaurant from out selected list
Lunch on day 3 is provided. This is a picnic lunch which you can choose from our menu
Dinner on night 4 is provided as part of the Apsara Show
Outlying Temples
Outlying temple trip is included. Please note these sites are 42km from Siem Reap. Please ensure you wear sturdy footwear and long sleeves are recommended
Pricing and Payment
All rates are quoted in USD unless otherwise stated. No bookings can be made until your deposit is received.
Responsible Tourism
We are a proud responsible tourism operator. We recommend you read our section on being a responsible visitor before departing for your trip. Please note we do not allow items to be handed out directly to villagers as this can cause issues with jealousy and undermine efforts to provide sustainable assistance.
Temple Passes
This package includes a three day temple pass. Should this pass be lost or stolen you are required to replace this pass at your cost. Temple passes come in one day $40, 3 day $40 or 7 days passes $60 per person.
Children under 12 years are free- but a passport will be required for proof of age.
Transfers
Your package includes return transfers to and from the airport, boat or bus station.
Transport
Your package includes transport in a tuk tuk for the activities around Siem Reap and temples within the main Angkor Park. For outlying temple trips transport will be via car.
Tours Manager
Your tours manager is responsible for ensuring you have an amazing time during your trip to Siem Reap. They will meet you at the airport and ensure you have the opportunity to run through your itinerary and ask any questions. They are available throughout your stay to help resolve any problems that arise or help tailor your trip to better suit you needs.
Tipping
Tipping is not essential but is certainly appreciated. How much to tip is very much a personal decision.
Visas & Taxes
You are responsible for ensuring you have visas and for paying any entry or exit taxes to enter or depart the country.
Village Tour
Included is a guided walking tour through a local village. 50% of the tour fee goes to a fund to help the local village. Please ensure that you do not hand out gifts, lollies, or money within the village. Well meaning gifts can create jealousy and help contribute to the begging cycle. If you wish to help please discuss this with our team.
Pricing
• Prices are quoted in $US
• Prices are inclusive of all taxes
• Prices are valid until March 2012
• Prices are per person and based on 2 people twin share
• Bookings will be confirmed in writing upon receipt of your 30% deposit
| Accommodation Options | Low Season Apr - Sep | High Season Oct - Mar |
| Hotel De La Paix | $740 | $1013 |
| Sojourn | $623 | $683 |
| Angkor Miracle | $555 | $600 |
| Prince D’Angkor | $514 | $552 |
| Tara Angkor | $473 | $533 |
| The Villa Siem Reap | $428 | $443 |
Making a Booking
To confirm your booking, or to ask any questions please contact our team at info@beyonduniqueescapes.com
A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking. Should you cancel within one month of the package arrival date then this will be refunded less any bank charges.
Hotel availability cannot be guaranteed until your deposit amount is received and booking confirmation forwarded to you.
Payment can be made either through bank transfer or by credit card (Visa or Master Card only) – please note credit card payments attract a 3% service fee.
Making a Booking
To confirm your booking, or to ask any questions please contact our team at info@beyonduniqueescapes.com
A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking. Should you cancel within one month of the package arrival date then this will be refunded less any bank charges.
Hotel availability cannot be guaranteed until your deposit amount is received and booking confirmation forwarded to you.
Payment can be made either through bank transfer or by credit card (Visa or Master Card only) – please note credit card payments attract a 3% service fee.
4N/5D Photography Enthusiasts Package (from $362 pp)
Siem Reap and The Amazing Temples of Angkor provide limitless inspiration for photographers and photo enthusiasts. Whether you prefer to capture faces or landscapes opportunities abound. This tour is designed to take you to places at the best times for photography, providing ideal lighting, avoiding the crowds and provide interactions with local people and the countryside of Cambodia.
3N/4D Photography Enthusiasts Package (from $268pp)
Siem Reap and The Amazing Temples of Angkor provide limitless inspiration for photographers and photo enthusiasts. Whether you prefer to capture faces or landscapes opportunities abound. This tour is designed to take you to places at the best times for photography, providing ideal lighting, avoiding the crowds and providing interactions with local people and the countryside of Cambodia.