- Tim Bennett - China explored, Laterally -
Indochina explored, laterally
Because I’ve always wanted to... Sofitel Legend Metropole
Hotel 3 Nagas Amantaka
La Residence Hue
Anantara Hoi An
Amansara Phum Baitang
Raffles Hotel le Roy-
MGallery Hotel des Arts
Song Saa Private Is- land Knai Bang Chatt In a Nutshell...
Day 1 – Arrive in Luang Prabang, 3 Nagas Day 2 – Luang Prabang, half day cycling, 3 Nagas
Day 3 – Luang Prabang, Kuangsi Waterfalls, Amantaka Day 4 – Luang Prabang, at leisure, Amantaka Day 5 – Fly to Hanoi, bamboo experience. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel
Day 6 – Hanoi, Vespa tour. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel Day 7 – Hanoi, cooking class, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel Day 8 – Transfer to Hue, La Residence Hue Hotel & Spa
Day 9 – Hue, cyclo tour, La Residence Hue Hotel & Spa Day 10 – Transfer to Hoi An, Anantara Hoi An Day 11 – Hoi An, at leisure, Anantara Hoi An
Day 12 – Transfer to Ho Chi Minh, at leisure, MGallery Hotel Des Arts Day 13 – Ho Chi Minh, highlights of Saigon, Vespa tour. MGallery Hotel Des Arts Day 14 – Transfer to Sihanoukville, Song Saa Private Island
Day 15 - At leisure, Song Saa Private Island Day 16 - At leisure, Song Saa Private Island Day 17 - At leisure, Song Saa Private Island
Day 18 – Transfer to Kep, Knai Bang Chatt Resort Day 19 – Transfer to Siem Reap, at leisure, Amansara Day 20 – Siem Reap, Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Amansara Day 21 – Siem Reap, , half day biking, Phum Baitang Day 22 – Siem Reap tour, Phare Circus, Phum Baitang Day 23 – Transfer to Phnom Penh, day room at Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Day 24 – Arrive back in London Flights…
Date Airline & Flight From Departs To Arrives Class Number TBC Emirates LGW (N) TBC Dubai TBC TBC EK012 TBC Emirates Dubai TBC Bangkok TBC TBC EK374 TBC Bangkok Airways Bangkok TBC Luang Prabang TBC TBC EK4572 TBC Lao Airlines Luang Pra- TBC Hanoi TBC TBC QV313 bang TBC Vietnam Airlines Hanoi TBC Hue TBC TBC VN1547 TBC Vietnam Airlines Da Nang TBC Saigon TBC TBC VN117 TBC Cambodia Angkor Saigon TBC Sihanoukville TBC TBC Air
TBC Cambodia Angkor Sihanoukville TBC Siem Reap TBC TBC Air
TBC Bassaka Air Siem Reap TBC Phnom Penh TBC TBC 5B 902 TBC Emirates Phnom Penh TBC Dubai TBC TBC EK389 TBC Emirates Dubai TBC LHR (T3) TBC TBC EK001 Your Suggested Itinerary...
Day 1 - Fly from the UK to Luang Prabang via Dubai and Bangkok
Accommodation: Overnight flights Meals: In flight meals
Day 2, 26 Mar—Arrive in Luang Prabang You will be met upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport by your laterallife representative for the transfer to your hotel with your English speaking guide.
Check in at the hotel. Remainder of day at leisure.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage City in 1995, Luang Prabang mixes both traditional Laotian and colonial architecture with charming results that make exploring and touring the city an absolute delight.
The crown jewel of Laos, Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved tra- ditional city in South East Asia. Magical and charming, it has preserved its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness.
Accommodation: 3 Nagas in Deluxe Room Meals: None
Day 3 - Luang Prabang, cycling tour After breakfast at your hotel, depart at 8:00am to meet with your English speaking guide at 8.20am at the Tiger Trail office. Start with a visit by bicy- cle to the morning market to explore a distinctly Laos selection of goods. Next take a ride around the city centre and peninsula stopping to view where the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers meet and visit the famous Wat Xieng Thong Temple. From there wind your way through the backroads of Luang Prabang to see a special selection of city highlights and rarely visited cultural and craft-making sites for an intimate view of Laos life. Sites include a sample of Luang Prabang’s oldest and most beautiful temples, Laos tradi- tional craft homes, traditional music centres, spirit house craftsmen, funeral pyres, and the UXO Museum. Top off the tour with a well-earned meal at a choice local noodle shop for lunch. Finally, make your way back to the city centre and the Tiger Trail bike shop. You can expect to be back around 1:00 p.m. (times vary depending on biking speed). The route is about 13 km on paved roads mostly flat with some low-grade hills.
Rest of the afternoon free at leisure.
Accommodation: 3 Nagas in Deluxe Room Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at local restaurant
Day 4 - Luang Prabang, Kuangsi Waterfalls, Butterfly Park After your breakfast, your private guide and driver will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00am. Then you will drive about 30 kilometres to start your day of discovery around Kuang Si Waterfalls. On the way, enjoy a stop at Ban Na Ouan, the Hmong minority village, walking around to discover the daily lifestyle of this minority. The next stopover is Butterfly Park where you have the opportunity to spend some time in these beauti- ful gardens. Here you will be surrounded by many species of butterflies in a relaxing setting where you are rocked by the sound of the waterfalls. You can also enjoy the natural fish spa whilst you attract a butterfly that will land on your hand. Visiting this park ensures you have made a sus- tainable impact in the education of local children about biology and how to take care of this incredible planet we live in. Afterwards, continue to the restaurant Carpe Diem which is situated 150 meters before Kuang Si Waterfalls to indulge in a culinary delight in the heart of a magical atmos- phere. You can taste excellent dishes, western or Lao, prepared by a young French chef. After your lunch, you can enjoy the natural pool or relax with a massage in an idyllic setting at the base of the Kuang Si wa- terfalls. Next spend part of the afternoon discovering the Kuang Si water- falls. Firstly, stop at the “Bear Lao” Bear Sanctuary on the path up to the pools of the waterfall and see the bears, which are rescued from bear bile farms and illegal private zoos, in their rehabilitation enclosures. After- wards, stroll around Kuang Si Waterfalls where you can admire the clear blue water gathered in basins. Let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the landscape and bring your swimsuit for a little dip or for the bravest, climb up to the top of the falls by a path on the left. For your return jour- ney to Luang Prabang we propose a picturesque cruise by boat on the Mekong river.
Accommodation: Amantaka Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - At leisure at Amantaka Full day at leisure.
Dinner at leisure.
Accommodation: Amantaka Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Bamboo experience After breakfast, drive to the unique and authentic workshop Bamboo Ex- perience which helps local villagers to strengthen their own traditional art & handicraft, and the secret of Lao cuisine. You will discover Lao cul- ture through bamboo products, activities & foods where it’s located in a local village Ban Naxang – countryside setting and surrounding by rice fields and beautiful landscapes.
Programmes: - On arrival "Sabaidee" a greeting by our guide and get offer a welcome drink - Presentation of Bamboo plant and its varied handicraft products - Crossbow shooting practice - Bamboo stilts walking practice - Sticky rice pounding in traditional wooden pestle & mortar - Traditional bamboo weaving lesson with local craftsman - Traditional Lao cooking class "Using bamboo shoot as main ingredient" - Lunch in a traditional bamboo tray - Hmong khen performance "Traditional bamboo instrument" - Kamu bamboo dancing "Skipping poles"
Return to Luang Prabang by car.
At 15:00pm, transfer to Luang Prabang airport with your English speaking guide for flight to Hanoi with: LPQ/HAN QV 313 17:10/18:10.
Arrive in Hanoi at 18:10pm where you will be met from the airport and transferred to your hotel for check in.
Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, Old Wing Room Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Insider’s Hanoi In the morning, take a guided tour on the backseat of a vintage Vespa scooter for an insider’s view of greater Hanoi unlike anything you would see from a car window, and much more of the city than you could possi- bly see on your own.
The tour highlights include sampling the local Café culture followed by a ride through the city’s iconic narrow streets. You will see how the locals live and work, just centimetres from the train tracks in tall narrow houses, then drive to Ngoc Ha village where you will visit a 400-year-old temple, walk through a local market and see the wreckage of a B52 bomber, which was shot down during the 1972 Christmas air raids.
Your tour will then continue with a ride out of the city centre over the Long Bien Bridge, a magnificent structure built over a hundred years ago, to Long Bien district. Here it takes you along the riverside past the an- cient dyke to a Kumquat Farm, located in a peaceful green agricultural oasis in the city. These little trees are traditional gifts at Tet, the Vietnam- ese Lunar New Year, and adorn every family home, symbolising luck, health, wealth, fertility and peace. You will then jump on the bike and head to the final spot, a little snack stop.
Arrive back at the hotel at around 13:00 hrs and have some time at lei- sure.
Late in the afternoon, take a tour of Hanoi’s famous street food scene with a walk through the labyrinth of the old quarter, which is the core of the legendary “Hanoi of 36 guild streets” where goods and crafts were traded in specialised streets formed by traders and artisans from clans and villages all over the country. In the course of their migration to the city, they brought along their culture, habits and local delicacies that were gradually adopted in the Hanoians’ way of life. So, it is here that the street food scene is at its most abundant and should not be missed during your journey to Vietnam as a whole and to Hanoi in particular.
Pick up at hotel lobby at 16:00 hrs for transfer to Hang Than street where your street food adventure will start with all sights, sounds and delicacies that will certainly satisfy your taste buds. Our experienced tour guide, a na- tive of Hanoi, will tell you stories about life of the city dwellers, the signifi- cance of places as you are going by and can also recommend the best dish- es for you to enjoy as you walk through the labyrinth of streets and alley- ways.
Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel , Old Wing Room Meals: Breakfast.
Day 8 - Hanoi cooking class You will be collected from your hotel at 8:30am for your morning course which begins at 9:00 with a brief introduction to Vietnamese cuisine, high- lighting the ingredients of traditional Vietnamese dishes. Afterwards, walk to the Chau Long Market and enjoy a market tour with the Hanoi Cooking Cen- tre chefs who will highlight some of the daily produce sold, such fruits, vege- tables, meat, silk worms and all manner of exotic food items. This market visit will certainly provide you with endless photo opportunities.
Return to the Hanoi Cooking Centre and get started. The chefs will explain how to prepare the various dishes on the menu. Printed recipes as well as samples of some local fruits, green bean cake, quail eggs and other tasty things can be taken home after the class.
Enjoy the meal you prepared and visit the Hanoi Cooking Centre shop where you may find useful cooking utensils, recipe books, spices, and other local wares to take home with you.
In the afternoon, enjoy some free time at leisure to explore charming Hanoi.
Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel , Old Wing Room Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at cooking class
Day 9 - Transfer to Hue After breakfast at the hotel., check out at 10:00 and transfer to Noi Bai In- ternational Airport for your flight to Hue – Hanoi VN 1547 13:05 14:20, transfer to the city centre for hotel check-in.
Accommodation: La Residence Hue Hotel and Spa Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10—Hue Imperial City Cyclo Tour Breakfast at the hotel.
At 9:00am, start your exploration of the Imperial City of Hue. The Hue Citadel is situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River and built by Emperor Gia Long. It was designed for the exclusive use of the Emperor and his household. The Citadel is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures; the Citadel, Kinh Thanh Hue, the Yellow Imperial city, Hoang Thanh and in the centre the Forbidden Purple city Tu Cam Thanh where the Emperor lived. The Hue royal complex has been officially rec- ognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Next, take a cyclo (rickshaw) tour through the narrow lanes of old Hue, passing homes, shops, hidden cafés, bonsai gardens and parks.
After lunch, drive to visit Tu Duc Royal Tomb, considered to be one of the three most beautiful mausoleums around Hue. Hue’s environment is dotted with tombs of past emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Construction of the tombs was meticulous carried out starting whilst the king was still alive in order to ensure his comfort in the next life. Most of the tombs have courtyards, a temple for worship, statues of elephants and figures and a pond, but the layout of each is different reflecting differing each king’s personality and style. They have a lovely peaceful atmosphere..
Accommodation: La Residence Hue Hotel and Spa Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 - Hue to Hoi An Breakfast at the hotel.
Check out at 9:00am and start a spectacular drive over Hai Van Pass to the ancient town Hoi An (3 hrs approximately).
At approximately 14:00pm check in your hotel in Hoi An upon arrival.
Afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: Anantara Hoi An Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 - Hoi An at leisure
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day at leisure.
Accommodation: Anantara Hoi An Meals: Breakfast
Day 13—Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City Breakfast at hotel.
At 08:15am transfer 30 minutes to Danang International Airport for your morning flight to Ho Chi Minh city VN117 10:15/ 11: 45.
Meet your guide upon arrival and transfer to hotel.
Afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: MGallery Hotel Des Arts Meals: Breakfast.
Day 14—exlore Ho Chi Minh City Breakfast at hotel.
Saigon highlights Starting at 08:30am, your sightseeing tour takes you atop Saigon’s new- est landmark, the 262 m high Bitexco Financial Tower which has a shape of a lotus, Vietnam’s national flower. The high speed elevator takes you up to the observation deck where you can experience a fantastic 360- degree view of Saigon city and its surroundings. Visit Lam Son - Opera Square with its famous historic landmarks, such as the Opera House, the Continental Hotel, known from the movie “The Quiet American” and the Caravelle Hotel. Continue to Notre Dame Cathedral. Inaugurated in 1880, the cathedral became the spiritual and cultural crucible of the French presence in the Orient as was the Post office designed by Gustav Eiffel and resembling a grand railway station.
Visit the Reunification Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace, renowned for its symbolic role in the fall of Saigon in 1975. Round up your tour with a visit to the colourful Ben Thanh Market
Saigon after sundown At 18:30pm, get ready for the Vespa, where the tour launches into a street food adventure. Your first stop is at Café zoom to "watch the world goes by" (quoted by The Lonely Planet) and enjoy a cocktail and appetiz- ers (inclusive) before adventuring into favourite local eating spots. You will experience the nightlife of Saigon the way locals do, all from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter.
The tour will start with a ride to part Chinatown and then heading to Dis- trict 4 through busy streets and alleys to see the night life of locals and enjoy street sea-food and cold drinks, places that foreigners would hardly venture to. Leave district 4 for district 3 through downtown district 1 to a famous Banh Xeo shop to enjoy the specialty of Saigon, and southern food with the locals. Then continue to a hidden Vietnamese-style coffee shop to have a taste of Vietnamese music. Afterward venture to a lively bar to enjoy drinks along with live music. Later in the evening, take a stroll along Dong Khoi boulevard and around District 1 to explore Saigon by night.
Accommodation: MGallery Hotel Des Arts Meals: Breakfast
Day 15—Ho Chi Minh City to Song Saa Private Island Early morning hotel check-out at 6:30am for the transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight to Sihanoukville by K6 839 /08:30 - 09:40.
Arrive at Sihanoukville Airport and transfer with driver only to Internation- al Sihanoukville port for the joint private boat transfer to Song Saa Private Island.
Accommodation: Song Saa Private Island Meals: Breakfast
Day 16 - at leisure at Song Saa
Accommodation: Song Saa Private Island Meals: Breakfast
Day 17 - at leisure at Song Saa
Accommodation: Song Saa Private Island Meals: Breakfast
Day 18 - at leisure at Song Saa
Accommodation: Song Saa Private Island Meals: Breakfast
Day 19—transfer from Song Saa to Kep Joint boat transfer from Song Saa Private Island to Sihanoukville port. Pick up and transfer with driver only from Sihanoukville to Kep.
Accommodation: Knai Bang Chatt Resort Meals: None
Day 20—transfer from Kep via Sihanoukville to Siem Reap k6 130 (12:05-13:10) Breakfast at hotel. At 7:30am, transfer with driver only 2 hours from Kep to Sihanoukville for the departure flight K6 130 (12:05-13:10) to Siem Reap.
Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport and transfer with English speak- ing tour guide to hotel.
The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Siem Reap.
Accommodation: Amansara Meals: Breakfast
Day 21—Siem Reap Breakfast at hotel. At 9:00am in the morning, visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th cen- tury). See the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, Bayon temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), Baphuon (recently re-opened after years of restoration), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Ter- race, the Terrace of the Leper King.
In the afternoon, visit Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples, Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monu- ments of Angkor, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the ways most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them. Then visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its dis- tinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th cen- tury masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond. Sunset at Angkor Wat.
Accommodation: Amansara Meals: Breakfast
Day 22 - Half Day Biking Tour: Countryside & Villages Circuit Breakfast at hotel. Luggage will be transfer to Phum Baitang. You will be collected at 9:00am. The tour is 20 km on mostly unpaved roads. Transfer to starting point. Ride all on unpaved roads across the Cham village with it’s Mosque, and carry on to Wat Tschor Pagoda. Visit of the Pagoda. Continue cycling trough villages and the fascinating countryside, far off the main roads. Stop in a village for a break and return to your hotel.
Visit “Les Artisans d’Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles”, a centre working with young artisans; the team creates, produce and market a unique collection of orna- mental sculpture, lacquer ware, silk weaving and silk painting. The company promotes fair, sustainable development in order to provide benefits to the rural communities. Time at leisure at the local market.
Accommodation: Phum Baitang Meals: Breakfast
Day 23 - explore Siem Reap and Angkor Wat further Breakfast at hotel.
Enjoy another day exploring Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.
Before or After Your Dinner More than just a circus, the performers of PHARE, the Cambodian Circus use theatre, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent. Phare artists are students and graduates from Phare Ponleu Selpak's vocational training centre in Battambang.
Accommodation: Phum Baitang Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
Day 24—Siem Reap to Pnomh Penh Breakfast at hotel. At 9:25am transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for the departure flight SB 902 @ 10:55 hrs to Phnom Penh. Arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport and transfer with guide to hotel.
The rest of the day leisure. Day use room at Raffles Hotel Le Royal.
At 20:35pm transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport for the departure flight EK 389 at 23:35 hours to Dubai.
Accommodation: Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Landmark Room (day room only) Meals: Breakfast
Day 25 - arrive home - welcome back! We hope you loved Indochi- na
Laterally sleeping...
3 Nagas Luang Prabang The 3 Nagas is a small, charming boutique hotel, comprising three superbly restored his- toric UNESCO World Heritage buildings which are more than a century old. The hotel is ideally located in the town’s Old Quarter, just a short walking distance from the major tourist attractions, on the path of the morning alms-giving procession and opposite one of the best restaurants in town. High ceilings, exotic dark wooden floors, large four-poster beds, silk fabrics and traditional weavings make the large rooms elegant and stylish whilst still full of character.
3 Nagas has a beautiful courtyard garden beside the Nam Khan River plus an acclaimed fine dining restaurant, serving exquisite Laotian food. This hotel is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the serene Lao lifestyle. www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-9641-3-nagas-luang-prabang-mgallery-by-sofitel
Amantaka Set on a large garden estate, in graceful French colonial buildings, Amantaka is airy and elegant throughout, the décor and furnishings reflecting the town’s French colonial histo- ry. Situated just south of Phousi Hill, the resort is within strolling distance of the bou- tiques, bakeries and restaurants lining the town’s main street and gives access to the town’s many historic sites including more than 30 golden-spired temples and the former Royal Palace, a classic example of the town’s unique blend of 19th and 20th century French colonial and Lao architectural traditions. www.aman.com/resorts/amantaka
Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi The only real 5 star hotel in town, this hotel has a great location in the French quarter and is also very close to the Old Quarter. Style is divided between the new and the old colonial wing. The new wing is decorated in art-deco style but feels welcoming and con- temporary. The old wing has darker woods and high ceilings so is perfect if you love that colonial look. The pool and central garden area are a great respite from the city craziness. Check out the Bamboo Bar for excellent cocktails and Vietnamese snacks. www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-1555-sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi
La Residence Hotel, Hue La Residence has been lovingly restored to its former glory as it sits majestically on the banks of Hue’s Perfume River. Formerly the residence of the colonial governor of Annam, La Residence has been converted into a charming small hotel with luxurious amenities and social areas. The hotel’s 122 rooms and suites are stylishly decorated and furnished, taking care to maintain the evocative colonial atmosphere of the original building. Rooms are light and airy with dark wood furniture and art deco touches. Most rooms feature views of the River and the historic Citadel and the hotel’s signature suites have spacious terraces. www.la-residence-hue.com
...sleeping Laterally Anantara Hoi An Resort Experience an idyllic blend of riverside relaxation and Anantara luxury, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on your doorstep, and beautiful beach life just a short bicycle or boat ride away. Scenically positioned on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Anantara Hoi An Resort in Vietnam is a charming boutique retreat in the historic port town of Hoi An. Designed with French, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese influences that reveal Hoi An’s fascinating cultural diversity, split level rooms and suites open onto porches with comfortable day- beds, overlooking the river or a garden courtyard.
www.hoi-an.anantara.com
MGallery Hotel des Arts Saigon Conveniently located in the city centre, Hotel des Arts Saigon is minutes away from the main tourist attractions, popular bars, local cafes, shopping centres and entertainment complexes which this city has to offer. The chic, yet locally inspired 5-star hotel features 168 rooms and suites, stylish restaurants, a fabulous and funky rooftop pool bar, spa, fitness centre, garden, terrace and even a ballroom. This is the perfect feel-good city • hotel from which to explore Ho Chi Minh City.
www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-9231-hotel-des-arts-saigon-mgallery-collection
Song Saa Private Island Song Saa Private Island lies secluded in this magnificent seascape, just 40 minutes by boat from the port of Sihanoukville. Most of the island remains undeveloped – deserted oases of virgin rainforests, tropical reefs and glistening white beaches.
You’ll be among a handful of lucky adventurers to experience this beautiful, untouched paradise. Walk among old-growth rainforest, watch dazzling reef fish swim under your villa or see rare hornbills land on your balcony.
In this private and intimate setting, you will lose yourself in the wonders of the natural world. No intrusions. No work. Nothing but relaxation and play. As Cambodia’s first luxury private island resort, Song Saa is committed to maintaining the natural assets that make this location so unique. If you are in search of a truly private tropical island experience, where you can forget the bustling world, few places rival Cambodia’s islands.
www.songsaacollective.com
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Knai Bang Chatt A driving force behind the clean lines and minimalist style of Knai Bang Chatt is adopted from the ancient Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, which places importance on rustic simplicity, understated elegance, and the inherent beauty of imperfection. Appreciation for the elements and the ingenuous integrity of natural objects can be found in the pol- ished teak wood beds, natural earthy tones, and imperfect ceramic lamps and vases. Throughout the property, trees, pebbled pathways, and natural bamboo screens define the open space and time-weathered wood is transformed into seating and dining areas that blend seamlessly into the relaxed and beautiful surroundings. Next door, and part of the hotel, is the wonderful Sailing Club of Kep. www.knaibangchatt.com
Amansara, Siem Reap, Cambodia Originally a private house constructed in the 1960s, the elegant and private Amansara is finished in pale terrazzo and timber. Amansara’s suites offer a combined bedroom and living area which steps down into a light-filled bathroom with an island bathtub. Floor-to- ceiling glass doors open to a private garden courtyard with sun loungers, a reflection pond and, in 12 suites, a private plunge pool. Sandstone reliefs reference the famed ruins of Angkor temples just minutes away. www.aman.com/resorts/amansara
Phum Baitang, Siem Reap, Cambodia Phum Baitang − or ‘the green village’ − is a 5-star luxury resort near Siem Reap. Set with- in 8 acres of lush gardens, lemon-grass meadows and rice paddies, this elegant retreat is a gateway to the Angkor World Heritage Site and numerous natural and cultural wonders. 45 spacious stilted villas − 25 with private terrace, and 20 with private plunge pool − comprise the guest accommodations. Inspired by traditional Cambodian wooden housing, both exterior and interior have been designed, sculpted and furnished to create an au- thentic yet luxurious Cambodian experience. www.zannierhotels.com/phumbaitang
Raffles, Phnom Penh Ideally situated at the heart of the city, this leading Phnom Penh luxury hotel offers easy access to the prime shopping attractions in the city, such as the Central Market and Russian Market. It also makes an ideal base for sight-seeing tours of Wat Phnom, the resplendent Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the National Artefacts Museum and dazzling sunset boat cruises along the Mekong River. The epitome of sophistication, this luxurious hotel’s French colonial elegance is complemented by modern comforts and a leisurely ambience. www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-A5E0-raffles-hotel-le-royal