Good afternoon Joan,
Please see the detailed itinerary for the Cambodia add-on:
Day 12
Rise early for a morning boat trip to the extraordinary floating market at Cai Rang. Observe boats jostling for position as the locals engage in frenetic trading and be sure to have your camera ready for some great photo opportunities. Return to Can Tho before driving to Chau Doc, where you will board a boat for a river cruise to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia for your two night stay.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 13
Today you will embark upon a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh. Visits will be made to the Royal Palace complex and the impressive Silver Pagoda. Then you will continue on to the National Museum, where you can view Angkorian and Pre-Angkorian sculptures. You will pass the waterfront cafés and restaurants. Next you will have the opportunity to climb the hill to Wat Phnom, the city's main temple. You may like to go to the Central Market or Russian Market where you will be able to browse through the colourful stalls. Dinner tonight is at the Foreign Correspondents Club with its wonderful riverfront views.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 14
Today you will fly to Siem Reap for a three night stay and a first visit to the extraordinary Temples of Angkor, an exotic temple complex. Flight details will be confirmed by your Tour Manager. You begin your tour at the most famous Angkor Wat, marvel at the majestic towers as you explore this national treasure. Time is allowed for a thorough exploration of this huge architectural wonder before climbing to the top of ancient Pre Rup temple to watch the sunset over the jungle.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 15
Today you will visit the Angkor Complex for a comprehensive full day tour. Within the walls of Angkor Thom you will begin your exploration with a visit to the centrepiece of this ancient city, the Bayon. You will also visit the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas and marvel at the Baphuon, the Terrace of Elephants amongst many other fascinating sights. Exit the city and you will see some lesser visited sites of Ta Keo, Chan Sey Tevoda, Preah Neak Pean and the atmospheric Ta Phrom covered in lush vegetation.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 16
This morning's drive further into the lush countryside to view the intricately carved temple of Banteay Srei, also known as the Citadel of the Women, which is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Later in the day you will head out of Siem Reap to the Tonle Sap Lake where you will board your boat for a cruise on what is Cambodia's largest lake. The trip will take you through floating villages, which are complete with schools, health clinics and even pig farms. Tonight you will enjoy a special dinner accompanied by a Classical Khmer dance performance. This evening your Tour Manager will provide details regarding your return transfer.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 17 - Siem Reap/UK
Your flight back to the UK will be later this evening; there may be a possibility of a late check out room at your hotel today. Prices will be advised in resort and rooms are subject to availability, your Tour Manager will assist you with any queries you may have regarding this.
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Breakfast included.
Day 18 - UK
Arrival in the UK.
Also please find details about Cambodia that you may find useful in preparation for your trip -
When is the best time to visit Cambodia?
Being located in the tropical zone north of the equator, Cambodia has a monsoon climate. Monsoon season runs May - November, meaning that the most pleasant season for visitors is generally the dry season, stretching from November/December - April. Immediately after the monsoon, the blanketing green of the countryside can be stunningly beautiful.
In the north, winters are generally colder, while throughout most of the country temperatures remain fairly constant. The average year-round temperature in Cambodia is 27.7C (the highest monthly average being 35C, the lowest monthly average being 21C). There is often seasonal flooding in Phnom Penh and the rest of Cambodia in late July and early August, and, because the majority of roads are dirt, travel may be disrupted at these times. At the peak of the wet season it can rain as often as two in every three days.
What sort of electrical adapter do I need?
Electrical current in Cambodia is 220 volts, 50 cycles. Electrical sockets take two flat prongs. The power supply is relatively stable in the big cities, although the power supply is somewhat "dirty" (inconsistent in voltage). Outages can be frequent in the rainy season.
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Are western toilets available?
All hotels are equipped with western toilets. On long bus drives, we endeavour to time stops according to acceptable and hygienic toilet facilities which will, in most cases, include a western toilet. We recommend that you carry hand sanitizer and toilet paper
Is it safe to catch a taxi or cyclo at night?
We generally advise against taking cyclo’s at night, tuk-tuks are a safer mode of transport especially if known by hotel concierge. In Phnom Penh there is a network of safe and reliable taxis. To assist in finding your way back to your hotel, make sure you obtain a hotel address card, to show the driver where you want to go.
What are some of the local customs I should be aware of?
Dress standards are fairly conservative, especially outside major cities. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong. You should try to keep your shoulders covered, especially outside major cities. Try to resolve any difficulties in a calm, friendly matter. Losing your temper will not get you anywhere.
How much money will I need each day for food and other expenses?
Cambodia is more expensive than neighbouring countries. Allow approximately 30 USD per person for day-to-day living, which will buy you lunch and dinner at good local restaurants, as well as refreshments during the day. Transport such as tuk-tuks and cyclos is inexpensive, and should cost you no more than 5 USD a day on average, and often much less. High end and Western restaurants will cost more. Prices of alcohol varies. All excursion’s that are paid for in resort must be paid for in US$.
Can I drink the water?
We advise against drinking tap water in Cambodia. Bottled water provided on a complimentary basis by most hotels and is otherwise inexpensive and readily available.
Is there vegetarian food and western food available?
Vegetarian dishes are not a common feature of Khmer cuisine, however there are a number of vegetarian restaurants in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Elsewhere, even vegetable dishes may use fish or meat stock as a base so if you are a strict Vegetarian it's a good idea to ask about the ingredients used. Western food is widely available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, though is generally more expensive than local cuisine.
I have special dietary requirements/allergies – can these be accommodated?
It is generally possible to accommodate special dietary requirements and allergies, if possible it is a good idea to have someone prepare a Khmer translation of the details of your needs to show restaurant staff. Even non-seafood dishes may feature prahok, a fish paste, shrimp paste or fish sauce as a base.
I hope this helps,
Kindest,
Ben
