Trails of Indochina

A Thai & Khmer Honeymoon - 14 Days/13 Nights

A Thai & Khmer Honeymoon A Thai & Khmer Honeymoon A Thai & Khmer Honeymoon

  • DAY 1: ARRIVE SIEM REAP

    Arrive today to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Temples of Angkor. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at leisure.

  • DAY 2: TEMPLES OF ANGKOR

    Start the day with a transfer to Angkor Wat, one of the modern wonders of the world. Be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th centuries, around the time when Angkor Wat was built. Stroll through the intricately carved hallways that show hundreds of fine carvings and discover small shrines still in use today by the local people. Head back to Siem Reap to rest and to enjoy lunch on your own before continuing to Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of Khmer Empire with its centre piece; the Bayon temple. As you approach, you will notice the enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking into every direction. Your guide will take you to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds detailed carvings winding along a narrow passage way that leads to the Baphuon complex. In the late afternoon, visit Artisans d’Angkor, an organization focusing on training unschooled rural youth in traditional handicraft skills. Ancient techniques are still practiced here such as wood and stone carving, lacquering, gilding and silk painting. Bid farewell to the artisans and return to your hotel.

  • DAY 3: TEMPLES OF ANGKOR

    Start the day early with a transfer to the picturesque Ta Prohm. This beautiful temple is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling. Continue to Prasat Tanei, where a light breakfast can be enjoyed (box from hotel) before exploring this smaller structure that is tucked away deep in the jungle. Transfer mid morning to Preah Kahn temple, which is generally not as crowded as others in the Angkor complex. Built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, it once housed over 100.000 officials and servants. Explore this magnificent structure before moving to the jewel of the Khmer Empire; Angkor Wat. Admire the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th centuries. Stroll through the intricately carved hallways that show hundreds of fine bas reliefs and discover shrines still in use today by the local people. After this intriguing visit continue to Angkor Thom, the ancient city. Lunch is served at a secluded spot at a home near Sras Srang.  Visit the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds detailed carvings winding along a narrow passage way that leads to the Baphuon complex. Top off the day with a visit to the Ancient Royal City’s centre piece; the Bayon temple. As you approach, you will notice the enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking into every direction. Late afternoon is a perfect time to visit this highlight as crowds usually flock elsewhere; leaving the Bayon standing majestically in the beautiful late afternoon quietly. Later return to Siem Reap for a well deserved rest.

  • DAY 4: CHHONG KNEAS BY BIKE

    Siem Reap’s most recognized floating village, Chhong Kneas, is extraordinary in many ways. During the dry season, when the water levels of the Tonle Sap lake recede, most of the floating villages recede with the water. The stilt houses remain and form the village of Chhong Kneas. When the rainy season hits its peak and the lake expands, the boats come back to Chhong Kneas and form a maze of waterways and trade. Start the day with an easy yet enjoyable bicycle ride of a total of 12km (7 miles) through local villages along the Siem Reap River. Board a local boat and observe a range of activities on the water, which varies from children pedaling their boats to school to women doing their laundry at their doorsteps. A catered lunch is set up at one of the local houses where you will be able to learn more about the local way of life. Visit the local school, the crocodile and fish farm and the biodiversity centre before disembarking. In the afternoon, climb the stairs to Phnom Kraom. This short climb leads to the top of a small hill overlooking the floating village and the entire Tonle Sap surroundings. An ancient temple, built in the late 9th century provides shelter from the sun and offers picturesque images. Walk back down the hill before you will depart for Siem Reap.

  • DAY 5: SIEM REAP - BANGKOK

    Arrive today to buzzing Bangkok – Thailand’s capital and largest city. Transfer from the airport to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

  • DAY 6: BANGKOK

    After breakfast, drive to Wat Po in time to experience the monks’ morning chanting ritual. One of the oldest temples in Bangkok, Wat Po is home to the famous 45m reclining Buddha; it is also the original school of traditional Thai massage. From here, take a tuk-tuk ride via Pak Klong Taland Flower Market towards The Grand Palace, the most important and spectacular royal palace in Thailand. The mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand, now is housed here. Continue with a walk to the pier for a long-tailed boat ride along the “klongs” (canals) of Thonburi to get a flavour of local life. Stop at Wat Arun, once the grand royal temple to King Rama II. Lunch is served at one of the riverside restaurants. Cross the river again and drive to Chinatown and get a first-hand look at old Bangkok. Walk along Yaworat Road where there are many interesting shops selling everything imaginable. Enjoy a cup of Chinese tea with the locals at a very old teashop before exploring the bustling Talad Kao market, where a variety of food, fresh and dry fruits, and Chinese herbs are on offer. Return to the hotel afterwards. (Ladies should wear short-sleeved top with full-length trousers or knee-length skirts. Gentlemen should wear trousers and short-sleeved shirts for religious reasons. No sandals or flip-flop allowed.)

  • DAY 7: CHIANG MAI

    This morning, fly to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.
    On arrival, enjoy lunch in town and then head to Wat Suan Dok, just outside the ancient city walls of Chiang Mai. The temple was built in the 14th century by King Keu Na of Lanna to accommodate important priests visiting from Sukhothai, as well as a place for local monks to shelter from the rain. Continue to Wat Chedi Luang where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined. This impressive temple was built between the 14th and 15th centuries and nowadays houses a replica of Thailand’s most important Buddha relic. Wat Phra Singh, with its impressive prayer hall, is the next stop. Built in the 14th century, it was carefully restored in 2006 and now houses a very sacred 1,500 year old Buddha image. End the trip with a visit to Wat Phrathat on Doi Suthep Mountain, which was founded in 1383 A.D. In 1935 a road was built to the top, but nowadays people climb the 309 steps from the car park to the top or take a tram for a small surcharge. The climb up is rewarded with a superb panoramic view over the city. Return to the car park for the transfer back to Chiang Mai.

  • DAY 8: CHIANG MAI

    Enjoy a day with elephants, Thailand’s most loved animal. After breakfast travel one hour north of Chiang Mai to the Chiang Dao Elephant Training Camp, passing through spectacular scenery while driving through the mountainous areas that surround Chiang Mai. Arrive at the camp and watch a herd of elephants taking their morning bath in a mountain stream. A demonstration starts at 10.30am and shows how elephants work in the jungle nearby and what kind of tasks they undertake. Following this, enjoy a one and a half hour elephant ride through the jungle and visit a local ethnic minority village of the Lisu tribe. Learn about the fascinating lifestyle and customs of these people before continuing by elephant back to base camp for lunch. Early afternoon, transfer back to Chiang Mai.

  • DAY 9: CHIANG MAI - PHUKET

    Fly this morning to Phuket – Thailand’s beach paradise.

  • DAY 10 -13: PHUKET

    Enjoy some days at leisure on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

  • DAY 14: DEPARTURE

    Enjoy today at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
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