- 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
Siem Reap Secrets 4 night / 5 day package
While the temples are clearly one of Cambodia’s star attractions there is so much more to this incredible country. Most visitors enduring memory of Cambodia is the smiles and resilience of the people. We believe the best way to experience Cambodia is to have a meaningful and respectful interaction with the local people.
This package includes the very best of the temples and some of Siem Reaps other amazing attractions;
• Exploring a deserted Ta Prohm Temple
• Learning about life in a typical village and capturing some amazing memories and photos
• Exploring the floating community of Mechrey by boat
• Enjoying a sunset drink on the banks of the ancient Srah Srang
• Sunrise at Angkor Wat
• Visiting some of the lesser known temple sites and avoiding the tourist trails
• Participating in the giving of Alms
Day 1
Arrival and Temple Sunset
| Arrival | You will be met at Siem Reap International Airport by your personal Beyond Tours Manager |
| 4.30pm |
Depart your hotel and head to the Angkor Temple Complex for a sneak peak of the temples at sunset. Your driver will transport you to Srah Srang for sunset. Enjoy sunset sitting at the edge of the vast hand dug pool at Sra Srang. Sit back with a bottle of wine and toast arriving at The Temples of Angkor |
Day 2
Spectacular Sunrises and Journeys Beyond
| 4.50am | Your private guide will meet you at your hotel reception at 4.50am. From here you journey out to Angkor to experience an incredible sunrise. We enjoy sunrise at Angkor watching the reflection of the temple in the moat that surrounds it. Directly after sunrise we depart and head to the magical Ta Prohm temple
Explore the amazing Ta Prohm temple minus the crowds. By arriving early you miss the throngs of people that fill the temple during the day and have the chance to explore this stunning monument in peace. Ta Prohm is stunning, with stones and massive tree roots locked in a battle that seems frozen in time. |
| 8.00am | Return to town for breakfast at your hotel. |
| 9.00am | Head from town out to the magical temple of Banteay Srei. On route we will stop in the local villages allowing you a chance to soak up some of the countryside.
Banteay Srei is one of Angkors smallest temples but is famous for its detailed and intricate carvings. The sandstone used has a pink hue and it’s a photographers favourite. |
| Lunch | Enjoy a picnic lunch in a secluded and peaceful location. |
| PM | Return to the main park and take in the temples on the grand circuit before heading to Pre Rup for sunset. |
| Sunset | Enjoy sunset at Pre Rup |
Day 3
Temples and Culture
| 6.00am | Your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you out to witness the ceremony of giving Alms. A small alms offering will be prepared by your guide to enable you to take part in this special ceremony. |
| 7.00am | Return for breakfast at your hotel |
| 8.30am | The World Heritage listed Angkor Wat is the jewel of the Khmer Empire. Built over 900 years ago it is still the largest religious monument ever built. A guided tour through the incredible complex will bring Angkor to life. You will learn about how the incredible temple was built, the people who lived around it and the stories of the god and demons that adorn its walls. |
| Lunch |
We take a short trek through the jungle to enjoy lunch in a secluded shaded spot. |
| After lunch we explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom, featuring the mysterious faces of Bayon Temple. Take a walk on the rampant walls and enjoy some of the lesser visited parts of the ancient city. | |
| 4.00pm | We return to town and then head out to Treak Village for a guide walking tour of this typical Cambodian village. The tour takes around1.5 – 2 hours and takes in the local village and Pagoda. Learn about life in a typical Cambodian village and have the opportunity to take photographs of village life and activities. |
Day 4
Cycling Siem Reap
| 7.00am | You will be met at your hotel by your guide before having a short lesson in Khmer the local language. Once you have mastered a few basic words we cycle along the red soil roads through some of the farming villages with stilted households that are purposely built to avoid flooding and to keep them cool in hot months.
There is little that compares to cycling though a village to enable interaction with local people. Photo opportunities abound and it's the small things you see along the way that make this such a special trip. Local barbers cutting hair in traditional barber shop chairs or basic wooden stools in wooden shanties, women frying food to sell, children practicing their skills fishing in the rivers. There are plenty of great things to see along the way. Stop on the way and have a glimpse of the craft places where the people use sugar palm leaves to make mats and vine for baskets. This is also the chance to capture some amazing photos of the village ladies in their traditional Sarong and checked scarves. Visit a local school and active monastery, exploring the monk’s way of life. |
| Lunch | Enjoy a picnic lunch in a stilted village house overlooking the rice fields. This is a great spot to sit and relax and soak up the beauty of the fields. |
| 2pm | From here you give up two wheels for four and head by car out to the boat dock at Mechrey. Board a wooden boat and explore the floating community of Mechrey, one of the villages on the incredible Tonle Sap lake system. Learn about village life on the lake system as well as this incredible natural wonder. |
| 5.00pm | Return to the hotel |
Day 5
Departure
| Departure | Transfer to Siem Reap airport for your flight |
Package Inclusions & Information
Alms
The giving of Alms is a important ritual in Cambodia. Please be respectful of this tradition. Please do not touch monks and keep photography at a respectful distance.
Cycling
The cycling component of this trip is designed to soak up local sights and sounds, rather than speed or kilometres. You do need to have some cycling experience, but do not need to be an expert. Australian standard helmets are available.
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 Wats
Please keep your shoulders and knees covered. Please also be aware you should never touch a monk.
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to venues listed within this itinerary are all included. This includes the Temples of Angkor. Should the itinerary be changed to include additional venues with entrance fees those costs are not included. We will not replace lost, stolen or damaged passes.
Guide Services
Your package includes the services of an English speaking guide who will look after you for the duration of your trip.
Insurance
Insurance is the responsibility of each participant. Siem Reap has an international hospital offering world class care. Evacuation by helicopter is available in the case of emergency.
Meals
Day 1 lunch – A picnic lunch with sandwiches and fruit is included
Day 1 sunset – A bottle of wine and taro chips are provided
Day 2 lunch – A picnic lunch with traditional Khmer food is provided
Day 3 lunch – A picnic lunch with traditional Khmer food is provided
Should you have any special dietary requirements please let us know at least 48 hour ahead of your arrival in Siem Reap.
Mechrey
This trip includes all transfers and boat fees to visit the village. Please note we have no control over the allocation of boats and must take the boat allocated at the dock.
Pricing and Payment
All rates are quoted in USD unless otherwise stated. No bookings can be made until your deposit is received. Deposits are non refundable.
Responsible Tourism
Being a responsible visitor is important. You play an important part in helping Cambodia develop its tourism sector responsibly. Please do not hand money or gifts out to beggars or villagers, a well meaning gift can inadvertently contribute to the begging cycle and create jealousy. Please avoid shows that involve young children performing at night time as children need time to study and rest. Please be mindful of your behaviour and dress particularly in villages, revealing clothing and intimate gestures are not part of normal village life in Cambodia.
Temple Passes
This package includes a three day temples pass to the main Angkor Temples. Should a pass be lost or damaged this must be replaced at your expense.
Transport
Your package includes transport using an airconditioned 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.
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.
Visas
You are responsible for ensuring all participants have their entry visas and meet requirements for these visas. Please be aware Cambodia has different requirements for different nationalities. Please be aware you are responsible for all Visa costs and entry / exit taxes from Cambodia.
Pricing
• Prices are quoted in $US
• Prices are inclusive of all taxes
• Prices are valid until October 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 2012 -Sep 2012 | High Season Oct 2011 - Mar 2012 |
| Hotel De La Paix | $590pp | $790pp |
| Sojourn | $515pp | $565pp |
| Angkor Miracle | $403pp | $428pp |
| Prince D’Angkor | $390pp | $428pp |
| Tara Angkor | $378pp | $390pp |
| The Villa Siem Reap | $315pp | $340pp |
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.
To make a booking please email us at info@beyonduniqueescapes.com