ULTRA TRAIL JANUARY 2016

Day 1 TUESDAY, JANUARY 19th 2016 – (ARRIVAL) Upon arrival, welcome at Siem Reap airport and check-in at the hotel. Note: Rooms are available from 2pm. Dinner free. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 2 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20th 2016 – SIEM REAP (B/L) After breakfast, visit the ancient capital of , a huge architectural complex with the famous Temple at its center. This mountain-temple was once surrounded by 54 towers. On each of the 37 remaining, 4 enigmatic faces can still be recognized. Then, explore , which was fully restored by a team of French archaeologists after 16 years of work. Lunch is at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit (early-mid 12th century) dedicated to the Hindu god . This magnificent temple-mountain, built by King Suryavarman II is considered as the masterpiece of the Khmer architecture and art. Late in the afternoon, visit a local artist's studio. The day ends with a surprising circus show combining creativity, energy and originality, all acquired from the Khmer culture. Dinner free. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Angkor, ancient capital of the Khmer Empire Its mystery lies in these ancient ruins now classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Originally Hindu, the various ruins became gradually Buddhists and were long lost in the tropical jungle. Today, the site impresses majesty and grace on its buildings, and a walk through Angkor is a unique opportunity to go back in time.

Day 3 THURSDAY, JANUARY 21st 2016 – SIEM REAP (B/L) After breakfast, drive to Kbal Spean, the “River of a Thousand Lingas”, located about 50 km north of Siem Reap. Upon arrival, walk through the forest (45 minutes) and explore the river where the bedrocks are engraved with Apsaras and countless symbols of the god . It was believed that the linga fertilized the water that irrigated the rice fields underneath. Lunch is at local restaurant. In the afternoon, drive through the famous Bantey Srey Temple the “Citadel of Women”. This small pink sandstone temple (late 10th century) is considered to be a jewel in the crown of classical Khmer art because of its delicate carvings. Then, return back to Siem Reap through the Cambodian countryside and stop at a center of the golden silk production to learn about this ancient craft, followed by the visit of the marvelously restored Bantey Samre Temple. Dinner free. Overnight in Siem Reap.

The Golden silk or revival of a forgotten craft From the Tonle Lake, silkworms naturally produce a yellow-gold color used since the thirteenth century in the Khmer traditional crafts. For several centuries, this unique silk was forgotten in favor of the less expensive materials. Today, a workshop is dedicated to the restoration of this ancient art.

Day 4 FRIDAY, JANUARY 22nd 2016 – SIEM REAP (B/L) After breakfast, visit the twin temples of Chau Say and Tevoda, the unfinished temple-mountain of , the holy water basin of , and the monastery. Finally, discover the fascinating Ta Phrom Temple, which has been left in much the same condition as it was found – the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have probably made it one of the most famous monuments with Angkor Wat and the Bayon. Lunch is at local restaurant. In the afternoon pick-up the official T-shirt with number. The rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner free. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 5 SATURDAY, JANUARY 23rd 2016 – SIEM REAP (B) Race day

Day 6 SUNDAY, JANUARY 24th 2016 – SIEM REAP (B) The day is at leisure in Siem Reap.

Optional: Excursion to Kbal Spean In the morning, drive to Kbal Spean, the “River of a Thousand Lingas”, located about 50 km north of Siem Reap. Upon arrival, walk through the forest (45 minutes) and explore the river where the bedrocks are engraved with Apsaras and countless symbols of the god Shiva. It was believed that the linga fertilized the water that irrigated the rice fields underneath.

Optional: Excursion on Tonle Sap Lake (SIEM REAP – KOMPONG KHLEANG – SIEM REAP) Pick-up from the hotel and depart for Kampong Khleang, a village located 50 km from Siem Reap, surrounded by a swamped forest where one of the largest communities on the lake is living mainly on fishing. Embark on small boats and observe the everyday life of the inhabitants of the lake. Visit the Vietnamese village as well as the place where smoked fish is produced. The village is mostly made of stilts houses which can rise up to 10 meters in height during the dry season. Then, return back to Siem Reap by road.

Optional: Excursion to the Pick-up from the hotel to visit the Roluos Group, located 15 km east of Siem Reap. It represents the remains of , the first major capital of the Angkorian era Khmer Empire. This archaeological complex is comprised of three major temples dating from the late 19th century: , the temple-mountain of and Temple set in the middle of a “Baray” (an artificial body of water). In the afternoon, return back to Siem Reap.

Day 7 MONDAY, JANUARY 25th 2016 –SIEM REAP (DEPARTURE) (B) After breakfast, depending on the flight schedule, transfer to the airport for the departure flight. Note: Rooms shall be released by 12pm (noon).

End of our services.

This program is the one of base(basis) which proposes you SDPO. Extensions are also proposed to you.

Inquire, we stay in your listening

/ EXTENSIONS (Pre-tour / Post-tour)

a. Siem Reap - Phnom Penh en vol (2 jours) b. Siem Reap - Battambang - Phnom Penh (4 jours) c. Siem Reap - Kompong Thom - Kompong Cham - Phnom Penh ( 4 jours)

d. Siem Reap - Sihanoukville (plage) en vol - 3 jours

SDP Organisation : 16 rue Jean Cocteau 95350 Saint Brice sous Forêt / France Tél / fax : 01 39 94 01 87 Site Internet : www.ultratrail-angkor.com E-mail : [email protected]