TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS

ExperienceTravel Group

SRI LANKA THE MALDIVES THAILAND LAOS MYANMAR INDONESIA BORNEO

CALL US ON 020 3642 6359 www.experiencetravelgroup.com EXPERIENCE TRAVEL GROUP EXPERIENCE TRAVEL GROUP - CAMBODIA 21

INTRODUCING Cambodia WHAT MAKES A GREAT TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY?

Every holiday these days claims to be tailor-made, bespoke or “designed around you”, but what does that really mean? At Experience Travel Group we spoke to some of our clients to find out what is important to you, the traveller. We came up with the following five elements; we feel that getting these right is crucial to creating an unforgettable journey.

1. A GOOD EAR stressful file in your inbox and lots of loose The best way to get the holiday you want ends to tie up, your pre-holiday planning 5. THE EXPERIENCE is to talk to someone who wants to listen. should consist of a lovely personalised and You’ve made it to your dream destination A great travel consultant will ask you where adjustable itinerary which allows you to and now it’s time to experience it. Get you’ve travelled, how you travelled and focus on feeling relaxed and excited about under the skin of the country by exploring what drew you to the destination of your the amazing adventure before you. the undiscovered, the weird and wonderful, choice. They’ll find out what you want the people, the traditions, the festivals from your holiday—adventure, relaxation, 4. SUPPORT and delicious cuisine. A well-crafted cultural insight. When travelling, complications can arise experience ensures you not only visit the You’ll be able to trust a great consultant and you need to know you’re going to be main highlights of a country, but that you to make the right suggestions, understand- looked after, no matter the circumstances. do it in a distinctive way, leaving you with ing your needs and limits to craft a dream Three important questions to ask are deeper insight and a more well-rounded holiday to suit. as follows experience than most other tourists. They say “travel is the one thing you 2. EXPERTISE i Does the company I’m booking with can buy that makes you richer”, and The amount of information available on have full financial protection in place? experiencing another culture and country the internet is overwhelming and can be As a minimum a great travel company from a unique perspective, away from the unreliable. Talking to a real expert who is should offer ATOL and ABTA bonding. well-trodden path, will give you memories Beng Mealea temple, nr Siem Reap passionate about this region, who has lived Affiliation with a kite mark of quality such and stories that will enrich your life for and breathed it themselves, will give you as AITO (Association of Independent Tour years to come. After all, experience an extra perspective and an even deeper Operators) is a nice bonus. is everything. “CAMBODIA IS Built during the , the From the exclusive islands of the south to enthusiasm for your destination of choice. Temples of Angkor near Siem Reap are the remote forests of the north-east, call Experts know the hidden gems and the ii Is there someone on hand to answer BRIMMING WITH the most astounding and popular ruins in us on 020 3642 6359 and we will help you insider secrets and their zeal will ensure my questions after I’ve booked? FASCINATING SITES Southeast Asia. But these stunning temples plan a balanced itinerary to explore its you get the best holiday. A dedicated consultant will be there for you GOT A QUESTION? aren’t the only jewels in Cambodia’s profound history and natural beauty. throughout the process and be happy to THAT OFFER A crown; the country is brimming with 3. EASE answer your questions. Experience Travel Group fascinating sites that offer a glimpse into its The planning and anticipation should be enhance the lives of GLIMPSE INTO ITS enigmatic past. fun and stress free. Leave the hard bits iii Does the company offer 24-hour in- the world’s most ENIGMATIC PAST” to the experts ­— their job is to oversee country emergency support? As Cambodia recovers from a tumultuous passionate travellers. the logistics; they’ve done it many times A great travel company will offer steadfast 20th century, urban centres like Phnom before. From airlines to hotels, visas and in-country support should you need it. Penh pulsate with a new energy and tickets, a great consultant will take care They will also offer the flexibility to alter CALL US ON 020 3642 6359 visitors are rediscovering sleepy coastal of the boring bits efficiently. Instead of a your holiday should it be necessary. resorts like Kep and Kampot.

CALL US ON 020 3642 6359 www.experiencetravelgroup.com 22 CAMBODIA - EXPERIENCE TRAVEL GROUP EXPERIENCE TRAVEL GROUP - CAMBODIA 23

EXPERIENCE NOTES FROM ANGKOR Jake Corke WITH ETG

Cambodia has endless attractions but a visit to the magnificent Angkor temples is sure to be the main motivation for your holiday. Since they are the impetus for most people’s visit to Cambodia, the temples can be busy with guides and coach tours jostling for prime Very few westerners know Cambodia as photo locations at the main sites at certain well as Jake. He speaks fluent Khmer and times of the day. Experience Travel Group has explored every nook and cranny of Cambodia having led countless tour groups have worked closely with a veteran tour leader around the country. He works as our local to construct 1 and 3-day signature tours at consultant making sure our experiences are different times from the crowds, that allow you as fresh and exciting as possible. to explore the temples at your own pace against Why do you keep going the flow. back to Cambodia? We’re not going to give away all the secrets Cambodia casts a spell on those who are here, the route will always be changing and receptive to its magic. Mystical ruins tell of its ancient past, a tragic episode scars its recent tailored to you, but perhaps you’ll visit Pre history and a beautiful countryside maintains Rup temple at sunset when other tourists its traditions and spirit. are swarming around Phnom Bhakong. What’s the most interesting festival? Maybe you’ll eat a picnic breakfast at dawn in Bon Om Touk (The Water Festival), usually atmospheric Ta Phrom when everyone else is celebrated in October or December. Boat races crowded at Angkor Wat, then cycle across to are held around the country from the Tonle Sap Angkor Wat when the others have gone back to River to the Royal Palace. their hotels for breakfast. What’s your favourite time of year? October and November. The rains end, Angkor Wat temple complex everything is green, the fields are alive with local life and the humidity drops. June is good too, as the first rains have arrived and the heat of the hot season recedes. 01. 02. 03. 04. 05. DISTINCTIVE Tell us a good local spot? The Riverside in Phnom Penh. After 5 pm EXPERIENCES locals come to play football, learn the latest Korean pop dances, or just mill around. When it gets busy you can retire to a balcony bar and enjoy the merriment with a sundowner.

What’s the defining characteristic of Cambodians? The people are the of this magical land. Their warmth, resilience and grace continue to mesmerise me. THESE ARE FIVE QUAD BIKING AT SUNSET BAMBOO TRAIN GIBBONS IN RATANAKIRI CAMBODIA’S HISTORY – SEAFOOD IN KEP & OF OUR FAVOURITE WAYS TO EXPERIENCE — SIEM REAP IN BATTAMBANG Travel through the rural villages PHNOM PENH KAMPOT and farmland of Cambodia’s CAMBODIA’S MANY Leave the main roads behind Experience communal trans- The Khmer grandeur of the Roy- The sleepy towns of Kep and Ratanakiri province before HIGHLIGHTS; and head out into the paddy port like a local with a trip on al Palace and relics from French Kampot offer some of the best plunging into the region’s GOT A QUESTION? CALL US ON fields on a private, guided quad the bamboo train in Battam- Indochina set the tone on a seafood in Southeast Asia. jungle, home to the exceptional 020 3642 6359 bike tour. This is a great way to bang. This classic rail journey, guided tour of Phnom Penh, Visit the stilted, over-water northern yellow-cheeked gib- Flights & Hotels FOR MANY MORE explore the scenic countryside which ambles along well-worn whilst a visit to Tuol Sleng Mu- shacks where the catch is bon. Discovered in 2010, we Visas & Vaccinations PERSONALISED at dusk with plenty of time to tracks, is not only a unique seum is crucial to understanding cooked fresh as the fishing offer the rare opportunity to see Tipping & Currency SUGGESTIONS. stop and interact with villagers off-the-beaten-path experience what Cambodians lived through boats arrive. Try fried Kep crab this endangered species in its as you pass through local com- but an exciting way to see the under Pol Pot. The museum is in Kampot pepper sauce or the natural habitat. Or to discuss the best time to go munities. lovely surrounding countryside. a sobering interlude but it puts national favourite, Fish Amok. thriving, present-day Cambodia CALL US ON 020 3642 6359 into illuminating perspective.

CALL US ON 020 3642 6359 www.experiencetravelgroup.com 24 CAMBODIA - EXPERIENCE TRAVEL GROUP EXPERIENCE TRAVEL GROUP - CAMBODIA 25

TAILOR IT - Common Questions

ITINERARY PLANNING This page focuses on one of our favourite ways to tour Cambodia. It’s followed up with a handful of ways you could 1. ‘tailor it’ to suit your own timescale and personal travel style. CAMBODIA Call us on 020 3642 6359; we create hand-crafted itineraries WITH ETG tailor-made for you.

CAMBODIA EXPLORER

Day Location 1-4 – Travel & Siem Reap 2. 5&6 – Battambang SIEM REAP 7&8 – Phnom Penh 9-11 – Cardomom Mountains Battambang 12-16 – Kep

This privately guided tour invites you to discover the alluring temples of Angkor before travelling through Cambodia’s astounding landscape and learning about Cardamon its contrasting history in more depth. Mountains 3. Phnom Penh After time exploring Angkor, your guide will take you off the tourist path to discover the lively markets and Kep diverse architecture of Battambang. In Phnom Penh you’ll learn about Cambodia’s volatile past. The pace will slow and you’ll relax in the rural beauty of the Cardomom Mountains and on the tranquil shores Street scene, Phnom Penh of Kep, a former French Colonial resort that’s been restored to its former glory. THE TRAVELLERS’ TALES

Favourite Hotel Guy De Boursac and Berit Scott 1. SIEM REAP TO PHNOM PENH: FLY OR ROAD? “4 Rivers (see TAILOR IT page 26): without doubt our When you factor in airport transfers and checked favourite hotel we have ever luggage the hour-long flight between Siem Reap stayed in.” and Phnom Penh might be just as long as the five-hour road trip. Plus, the drive gives you the opportunity to explore the countryside and villages along the way. Favourite Experience “The personal accounts of 2. HOW LONG IN SIEM REAP? our local guide in Phnom If time allows, we recommend staying longer than Penh enhanced our the standard three nights. In addition to the many “We wanted to combine a full tour of understanding of temples within the UNESCO site there’s Tonle Sap Cambodia with a taster of Thailand and Sri Cambodia’s history.” Lanka. Experience Travel Group helped us lake with fascinating floating villages like Kampong put together a seamless tour of all three Phluk, the excellent Landmine Museum, superb fascinating countries. Khmer restaurants and, of course, the tranquillity of Aside from the incredible architecture Surprise your hotel to enjoy. CALL IN AT KAMPOT SAIL DOWN TO VIETNAM EXPLORE THE and astounding history, one of the Stop Just a stone’s throw from Kep is the co- Watch the scenery change from country REMOTE NORTH-EAST highlights of Cambodia for us was the “On approaching the Car- 3. WHICH BEACH? lonial riverside town of Kampot. Enjoy the to country as you take a speedboat out of Leave the typical tourist trail behind and delicious food. We loved it when our driver damom Mountains we were Cambodia has some superb beach and island markets and dine on the famous pepper Phnom Penh and cross the border towards explore some of Cambodia’s more remote stopped off on road journeys to let us taste stopped and presented resorts (see Song Saa page 26) with more on the crab on a daytrip or stay a few nights and Vietnam’s Delta. Leisurely four-day regions. Swim in crater lakes, trek in dense delicious and authentic Khmer street food. with bananas – an offering way - especially on islands off the south coast. discover the Bokor National Park. cruises like the Pandaw explore the “rice forest and glimpse gibbons in the wild near We even tried deep-fried spiders at a local to ensure good luck on the But for an added adventure, you could cross into bowl” region in-depth and take you all the Ratanakiri or boat on the Mekong and spot market en route to Phnom Penh!” journey.” Thailand and boat over to the magnificent islands way to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) in style. Irrawaddy dolphins near Kratie. of Koh Chang National Park.

CALL US ON 020 3642 6359 www.experiencetravelgroup.com 26 CAMBODIA - EXPERIENCE TRAVEL GROUP

HAND-PICKED The distinct feature of Cambodia’s accommodation is the variety of small, atmospheric hotels found in its towns and cities. These are neatly complemented by original retreats in rural locations and HOTELS sophisticated luxury resorts on the coast and islands. At ETG we’re dedicated to uncovering hidden urban gems and Cambodia remote havens on your behalf. We only have room for a selection of our favourite hotels here; call us on 020 3642 6359 for more.

SHINTA MANI GOVERNOR’S HOUSE KNAI BANG CHATT — Siem Riep — Phnom Penh ­— Kep

This Bill Bensley-designed courtyard- This traditional colonial-style mansion An utterly unique art deco mansion style hotel is within walking distance is wonderfully located within walking with an oceanfront view and beautiful of the town centre and not only distance of the river and main tourist pool and gardens, Knai Bang Chatt offers epic service, with touches like sites of Phnom Penh. But with only 12 offers a laid-back atmosphere. The complimentary ice cream around the rooms, a peaceful courtyard and pool, restaurant at the adjacent sailing club relaxing pool area, but it’s also heavily it still manages to feel intimate. and the nearby crab market ensure that invested in the local community and you won’t get hungry! sustainable tourism.

CHAMPA LODGE SONG SAA 4 RIVERS FLOATING — nr Kampot — Koh Rong Archipelago LODGE — Cardomom Mountains

A rural riverside location and traditional Off Cambodia’s coast sit two tiny Located in the middle of the jungle, stilted cabins are coupled with fantastic islands that are connected by boardwalk 4 Rivers consists of luxury tent-style excursions to explore the countryside to create a luxury retreat. The villas rooms suspended over the river. by foot, kayak or swimming. The are exclusive and private yet in total Proximity to nature means it’s great relaxed mood and freshly cooked harmony with the surroundings. The for everything from jungle walks to Khmer food only add to the familiar all-inclusive package is outstanding and kayaking, and its seclusion means atmosphere. includes bespoke marine safaris, cultural you’re guaranteed a very peaceful stay. experiences and the option to dine as WE VERY MUCH WELCOME VISITORS TO OUR OFFICES. PLEASE CALL AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: +44 (0)20 3642 6359 and when you please. 7 PRESCOTT PLACE, LONDON, SW4 6BS [email protected] WWW.EXPERIENCETRAVELGROUP.COM CALL US ON 020 3642 6359 www.experiencetravelgroup.com