CODE CMRT011E ’S BIRDING QUEST VALIDITY OCT 20 – SEP 21 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS TYPE PRIVATE

START DAILY

SIEM REAP – PREK TOAL – TMATBOEY –

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I. HIGHLIGHTS

 Explore the wonders of the ancient Temples  Observe colonies of large water birds at Prek Toal  Enjoy a birdwatching trek in the jungle forest of  Visit Cambodia’s birdwatching paradise at Tmatboey Project

II. ITINERARY

DAY 1 SIEM REAP (ARRIVAL) After arriving in Siem Reap, transfer to hotel and check in. In the afternoon, you will be picked up by TukTuk (Remork), Cambodia’s truly unique public transportation. We travel to the earliest capitals in the Angkor area, the Temples. We begin with a visit to the brick temple of , originally set on an island in the center of the Indratatakabaray (reservoir). We continue to PreahKo (sacred cow), named in honor of Shiva’s mount, Nandin. Originally coated in stucco and painted, there is still some of the ancient plaster visible on the rear towers. Finally, we encounter , the earliest of the Temple Mountains, which later became the signature of Khmer kings. It is a giant pyramid, its cardinal points marked by giant elephants.

For those that are interested, we can offer a short diversion to the small country town of Roluos, a world away from Siem Reap (-) Overnight in SIEM REAP

DAY 2 SIEM REAP Full day Visit to by TukTuk. The crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. As you enter the main building, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside.

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On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk.

Angkor Thom: the fortified city of covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined , Royal Enclosure and before continuing to the mysterious Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle. is one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them. (B) Overnight in SIEM REAP

DAY 3 SIEM REAP ( National Park) Early pick up at 05:30 am and journey onwards, 50 km northeast of Siem Reap, pass rural villages and countryside to reach the sacred mountain of Phnom Kulen. From the slopes of the mountains you will find a well-preserved area of ironwood forest full of wildlife. This area has a good variety of birds and excellent views of species such as Hainan Blue Fly catcher, Rufous-winged Buzzard, Black Baza, Red-breasted and maybe Blossom-headed and Alexandrine Parakeets. From here we will visit Kbal Spean, walking through protected forest to see the famous carved lingas in the streambed. These were carved in the 11th and 12th Centuries and stretch over several hundred meters of river, sanctifying it for the river’s journey into the fertile lowlands and the Tonle Sap. There is also the opportunity to visit ACCB, the first nature conservation and endangered wildlife rescue and breeding center in Cambodia.

On our return to Siem Reap we take the time to visit the stunning before returning you to the hotel around 17:00.

(B/L) Overnight in SIEM REAP

DAY 4 SIEM REAP – PREK TOAL Enjoy free leisure time in the morning, you can discover Siem Reap’s down town area on your own or enjoy the facilities of the hotel. You will be picked up at your hotel at 13:30, for transfer to

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Me Chrey Villag. Arrive at approximately 1400 and from here, hop on a boat to Prek Toal, a pristine biosphere on Tonle Sap Lake, and home to some of the most endangered birdlife on the planet. Prek Toal is a vast area of natural flooded forest that draws thousands of birds annually to breed during the dry season. This is one of the premier places in Southeast Asia to see rare birds such as storks, adjutants, pelicans and ibis. When we arrive at the Prek Toal Community, transfer to visit the Environmental Research Station and the Prek Toal Information Center. Afterwards, we experience local life in the floating village. Learn about different fishing techniques and traditional water hyacinth weaving with a visit to Saray – the hyacinth platform. Enjoy dinner at the village while watching the sunset on the lake. Overnight at a local homestay in Prek Toal. (B/L/D) Important note: Homestay in Prek Toal will be basic accommodation Overnight in PREK TOAL

DAY 5 PREK TOAL – SIEM REAP Enjoy a tranquil morning and spend some time bird watching on a small traditional wooden boat, gliding through flooded forest. Head back to Siem Reap after lunch. Free at leisure until we pick you up for the cultural Apsara show, followed by dinner. Enjoy the traditional Apsara Dance Show during a nice dinner served in a cozy welcoming atmosphere.

(B/L/D) Overnight in SIEM REAP

DAY 6 SIEM REAP (STOUNG BENGAL FLORICAN CONSERVATION AREA AND TMATBOEY) The stunning Tonle Sap grasslands support over half of the world’s Bengal Floricans, and our guides have an exceptional track record of finding these Critically-Endangered, shy birds. Other birds we typically see include Sarus Crane, numerous stork species, Manchurian Reed Warbler, Pied and Eastern Marsh Harrier, Small Buttonquail, Blue throat and Red Avadavat. From here we travel to the Tmatboey eco-lodge, birding in dry forest along the way. We may get a chance at our second Critically-Endangered species this evening, as we try to see White-shouldered Ibisat a roosting site. The night is spent in Tmatboey community run Eco- lodge with home-cooked Khmer cuisine or BBQ and a chance to relax deep in the Cambodian Countryside. (B/L/D) Overnight in SIEM REAP

DAY 7 SIEM REAP - TMATBOEY PROJECT Tmatboey is a world-famous and award-winning site for some of the rarest bird species: Cambodia’s national bird –the pre-historic Giant Ibis, as well as the White-shouldered Ibis. We have a 100% record of finding these unique species at this site where we’ve been partnering with

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There are also 16 species of woodpecker including the Black-headed Woodpecker, the huge Great Slaty Wood pecker and the scarce Rufous-bellied Woodpecker. Plus the recently recognized Indian Spotted Eagle, White-rumped Pygmy Falcon, Collared Falconet, Rufous- winged Buzzard, Indochinese Bushlark, and many more… (B/L/D) Overnight in Siem Reap

DAY 8 SIEM REAP - TMATBOEY PROJECT The morning is spent birding or just relaxing at the onsite hide spotting forest gems, before returning to Siem Reap. (B) Overnight in Siem Reap

DAY 9 SIEM REAP – DEPARTURE Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for departure flight to next destination.

(B)

— END OF SERVICES —

*Program is subjected to change without prior notice due to unexpected weather phenomenon or changes by the airlines for their schedule or flight cancellations. **When visiting temples, like Angkor Wat and others, visitors are asked to dress more modestly.

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III. RATES TOUR PRICE OCTOBER 2020 — SEPTEMBER 2021

PAX RATES (USD)

1 pax in SGL 2,443

2 pax 1,664

3 – 6 pax 1,525

7 pax up 1,200

SGL SUPP 120

Rates mentioned above are based on sharing Twin or Double and per person. Please add Single Supplement for any odd number of pax or pax requesting SGL room

ACCOMODATION CITY VAR 1

La Niche d’Angkor Boutique Hotel SIEM REAP Deluxe Room

Home Stay PREK TOAL (basic accommodation, no A/C, sharing bathroom)

Home Stay TMATBOEY PROJECT (basic accommodation, no A/C, sharing bathroom)

Accommodation in hotels is subject to availability. If the listed hotel is fully booked, alternate accommodation will be booked within the same hotel category without surcharge/reduction. If no hotel in same category available, we preserve the right to apply a surcharge for any higher category or a reduction for any lower category. All hotel ratings are according to the local accreditation authority. Compulsory surcharges and meal options apply during peak holiday period such as Christmas, May 1st, New Years and Chinese New Year. These will be advised at the time of booking or at any time should the hotel apply on an ad hoc basis.

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SERVICES INCLUDED SERVICES EXCLUDED SERVICES All described sightseeing as in program above International air tickets Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle Flights & visa fees Accommodation in hotels with daily breakfast Travel Insurance in all kinds English-speaking local guides Meals not mentioned in itinerary Admission fees to indicated sights Compulsory Meals Meals mentioned in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, Drinks during Meals D=dinner) Tip, drinks, any personal expenses Domestic gov’t tax and service charge Early check-in and late check-out

PCM: CMRT011E Birding and Culture Cambodia 20/21

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