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6 Days in Temple Town – Angkor, Elephants and Tonle Sap

Highlights

  • Visit one of the seven new wonders of the world, Angkor Wat, at sunrise
  • Enjoy river cruises to authentic, colourful settlements on Tonle Sap
  • Volunteer at an elephant sanctuary, helping the community and meeting beautiful elephants
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What you'll do

Overview

Immerse yourself in temple country like never before, ticking off the big sights, including one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the biggest freshwater lake in South-East Asia and elephant sanctuaries! You will also hugely benefit from local knowledge to discover those hidden gems you might otherwise have missed.

Once you arrive in Siem Reap and meet your guide, get ready for six days where you will begin to get truly under the skin of this incredible region of ancient, crumbling temples entangled by thick jungle, elephants roaming the countryside, and towns and cities buzzing with energy.

You’ll start by exploring the lively town of Siem Reap, then the next day you’ll see the heart-stopping beautiful sight of Angkor Wat’s towers illuminated by the soft sunrise. Explore temples that have been totally overrun by creeping roots and vines, lost for centuries deep in the jungle.

You’ll visit Angkor Wat itself, the jewel in a magnificent complex of ancient sites and stunningly built temples, before heading back to Siem Reap for some well deserved cold beers and a sunset BBQ at a local Khmer home.

Over the week you’ll visit colourful markets, floating villages, meet countless locals who all share the passion of showing off their beautiful home.

From cruises on lakes as dragonflies flit above perfumed waters and properly authentic Cambodian tastings, you’ll benefit from the people who want to give you the best local tips, tell you traditional stories and share their own experiences for a truly personal experience of this region.

Walk with giants in elephant sanctuaries, and get up close and personal with these beautiful, charming animals in establishments that are totally responsible and ethical.

Finish the six days satisfied in the knowledge that you couldn’t have experienced Siem Reap and the beautiful countryside surrounding it any better, knowing you’ve really got to know the region and its stories, its food and most importantly, its people.

Arrive in & Explore Siem Reap

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will meet our local representative at a pre-arranged pick up point and they will take you to your accommodation.

Then, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or go out exploring the vibrant, bustling Siem Reap.

Maybe take a dip in the pool or enjoy a massage to relax after your traveling, before heading out to take a stroll around the bustling old Market and Pub Street area.

We would recommend getting a reasonably early night, as tomorrow is a very early start (for very good reason)…

Accommodation: Hillocks Hotel & Spa

Hillocks Hotel & Spa is a beautiful space for your stay in Cambodia. Rooms are extremely comfortable and there is a stunning pool for you to relax in when you’re tired from a day of exploration.

Amenities:

Double or twin beds, air conditioning, mini bar, slippers, bathroom amenities, ceiling fan, Wi-Fi, safe, 24 hour room service, kettle, coffee and tea.

Meals: Breakfast

Explore the Magical Complex of Angkor Wat

You’ll depart in your tuk-tuk at 4:30 am in the morning for the sunrise at Angkor. You will arrive at the mystical Srah Sarong or “King’s Bath” just in time for sunrise over the water and temples. The towers of Angkor Wat, silhouetted against the rich, purple sky and reflected in the glassy water are a sight you’ll never forget.

After the beautiful sunrise experience, head across the road and be first at the atmospheric jungle temple of Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm is particularly amazing in the early morning, when the only sounds are the chirping of insects and the calls of exotic birds. Without the crowds, you can almost imagine yourself being those first intrepid explorers stumbling across this lost temple deep in the jungle.

The Angkor Archaeological Park is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking, and one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia, if not the world.

You could spend weeks exploring the ruins, but on this day tour, you will be lucky enough to see all the highlights, including an optional 1km walk through the jungle to the hidden temple, where you will visit a few more intriguing temples.

After taking a break for lunch and some well deserved cold drinks, the late afternoon is put aside for a visit to the main temple, Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is one of mankind’s greatest achievements, and the intricate carvings at the temple of Angkor Wat demonstrate the incredible skill of the Khmer builders.

To round off a great day exploring, in the evening we invite you to join a small sunset BBQ and share a few beers at a local Khmer home.

Accommodation: Hillocks Hotel & Spa

Hillocks Hotel & Spa is a beautiful space for your stay in Siem Reap.

Meals : Breakfast, BBQ light dinner

Cruise on the Great Tonle Sap

The Great Tonle Sap Lake (Boeung Tonle Sap) is a combination of lake and river systems that make it one of the most spectacular wonders in Asia.

After a morning of relaxation, we explore the great lake of Tonle Sap, checking out the local life with a visit to the Floating Village of Kompong Khleang or Kampong Phluk.

Colourful settlements are scattered on the margins of the great lake, and your guides will show you their very favourite spots, places you would never find without that essential local knowledge.

Add some vibrant markets into the mix and a local style Khmer picnic, if you dare to eat frogs, crickets, grasshoppers, spiders and more, and you have yourself a truly authentic, offbeat day exploring true Cambodian culture

(This is of course voluntary and if it’s not for you, you can take some amazing photos!)

This evening at 7 pm, your tuk-tuk driver will collect you and take you to Phare, The Cambodian Circus. It’s Siem Reap’s most unique, authentic, top-rated evening entertainment.

The performers use theatre, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell traditional Cambodian stories. The show will finish around 9:15 pm and your driver will take you back to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hillocks Hotel & Spa

Hillocks Hotel & Spa is a beautiful space for your stay in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast

Visit the Elephant sanctuary

Today is elephant day! At 8 am you will be picked up from your hotel and head to the Sanctuary.

For centuries the Asian Elephant has played an important role in Cambodian history and culture. Elephants were used for transportation, agriculture, and warfare, and were highly prized by the Cambodian royalty.

In more recent history, elephants continued to be used for transportation and labour, and in the wild their numbers have their dwindled due to habitat loss, poaching and the destruction of forests. Several areas of forest are now protected and conservation projects are helping to reestablish the forest home and feeding areas for the elephants and other animals and birds.

The Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary has areas of forest where the elephants can roam and a river for them to bathe in. The elephants are able to socialise and interact with each other, and are provided with a healthy diet of natural foods such as bamboo and bananas and where expert veterinary care is provided when needed.

You’ll arrive at the Elephant Sanctuary and prepare yourself to be involved in some activities. You will first have lunch before starting your task to prepare food for the elephants and take them for a walk in the jungle.

Spending time with these gentle creatures is the only motivation you’ll need to help them thrive in their natural habitat, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you form personal bonds with these characterful animals. There is no elephant bathing here, just observation, and there are many areas of the conservation project which you can get involved in such as planting trees and minor construction projects, making trails , cleaning animal shelters, if you wish to do so.

You will be living on-site in comfortable accommodation, where you will fall asleep to the sounds from the jungle. (All meals are vegetarian, with unlimited drinking water available.)

Accommodation: Elephant Sanctuary

You will be staying at the jungle lodge in the Elephant Sanctuary. The accommodation is very comfortable, and it is a magical experience to sleep immersed in wildlife, with the sounds of elephants, bats, and insects the only soundtrack to the night.

Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary is in a remote area north of Siem Reap. The project conserves 1 million acres of jungle habitat, and the area is home to native species, flora and fauna such as tigers, monkeys, buffalos, and of course, the Asian elephant.

This experience will give you the chance to get up close to these beautiful majestic creatures. Prepare food, take them on a walk through the jungle and learn all about how this incredible project is working hard to protect Asia’s elephants.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner

Another Day with the Elephants

After a vegetarian breakfast, start your busy morning by preparing food for the elephants, enjoy watching these majectic creatures as they enjoy their time together. After a vegan lunch we will travel back to Siem Reap. Check in to your accommodation to relax and enjoy some free time. Take a dip in the pool, or enjoy the spa, and later you could head out to the night markets for dinner, drinks and shopping.

Accommodation: Hillocks Hotel & Spa

Hillocks Hotel & Spa is a beautiful space for your stay in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Departure from Siem Reap

Time to say farewell after an amazing trip! We hope that you have enjoyed this tour and we wish you a safe onwards journey.

Not sure where to go or what to do next? Let us know if you need inspiration or help with your onward journey.

What's included

Included

  • Transfers to and from the airport
  • 4 nights accommodation at Hillock Hills Hotel and Spa
  • 1 night accommodation at the Elephant Sanctuary
  • Local English speaking guides on all activities
  • Transport during the trip
  • Guided visit to Angor Wat
  • Guided boat ride in Tonle Sap
  • Visit to Phare Circus
  • Snorkelling Trip in Koh Rong
Your local host

Anh

Quynh Anh (QA) graduated in tourism from Hanoi university and is super passionate about travel. She has exceptional people and communication skills and always finds a way to create the best holiday experience for her customers. QA is a very experienced tourism professional and knows all the hidden gems in Vietnam. She is based in Hanoi but spends a large part of her time in the local communities in North Vietnam developing IMPACT projects in the local communities. QA’s colleagues and customers all value her kindness and friendship. She will ensure you have the best time in her home country.

Quynh Anh (QA) graduated in tourism from Hanoi university and is super passionate about travel. She has exceptional people and communication skills and always finds a way to create the best holiday experience for her customers. QA is a very experienced tourism professional and knows all the hidden gems in Vietnam. She is based in Hanoi but spends a large part of her time in the local communities in North Vietnam developing IMPACT projects in the local communities. QA’s colleagues and customers all value her kindness and friendship. She will ensure you have the best time in her home country.

Anh image
Sustainability Efforts

What Sustainability Efforts are we Taking?

At Not in the Guidebooks we’re committed to empowering the local communities in Costa Rica. We work closely with the local people and their businesses to make sure that they receive a fair percentage of the money you spend on your holiday there. By partnering with local guides and suppliers, we’re able to create meaningful, authentic experiences that directly benefit the people who call this incredible country home.

Learn More

Location

The tour runs out of Siem Reap in northern Cambodia.

Pick up is provided from all transport points, the airport, bus station, or a hotel within Siem Reap. Your specific pick up point will be confirmed upon booking.

Four nights of accommodation will be in the Hillocks Hotel & Spa or a hotel of a similar standard (more accommodation details can be found in the itinerary). One night during the trip, you’ll spend the night at the elephant sanctuary.

What our travellers are saying...

Thank you for planning such a magical experience. The highlight for me was watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat temple, a sight I will always remember and cherish. We enjoyed experiencing Khmer culture around Tonel sap and getting up close to elephants. Siem Reap is an exciting town, filled with friendly, welcoming local people, always eager to share their home and experiences with you.

Lauren

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