Cambodia | Thailand | Laos | Vietnam | Signature Tours | Mekong Experience

On Only A Beaten Track Tour

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Everyone talks about heading off the beaten track, but we’ll take you down what amounts to only a beaten track to visit some of the temples rarely seen by tourists. These tracks lead to quiet villages, forgotten temples and fascinating reminders of the ancient civilization that once existed. Spend a few days seeing the main Angkor temples and then discover what is really at the end of a beaten track with this 5-day tour.

Day 1   Siem Reap - Arrival

You will be met by a Journeys Within representative and taken to Journeys Within Bed & Breakfast where you will meet your host Brandon Ross.

In the evening join Brandon for sundowners on the back patio.

Meals included: Lunch

Overnight at Journeys Within B&B

Day 2   Siem Reap - Angkor Wat

Wake up early and after coffee and a snack head to Angkor Wat for sunrise and a morning tour of the temple before the crowds arrive. Mid-morning head back to Journeys Within for a delicious brunch before relaxing in the garden, by the pool, the sitting room, or your own room for the heat of the day. In the early afternoon journey back out to the temples and see the marvelous city of Angkor Thom. Explore Banteay Kdei and Ta Prohm as the sun sets, making the temples glow.

Meals Included: Brunch

Overnight at Journeys Within B&B

Day 3   Siem Reap - Beng Mealea and Other Temples

Enjoy breakfast at Journeys Within before leaving the crowds behind and heading to Beng Mealea, a temple only recently opened to the public; about one and a half hours drive from Journeys Within. After an hour you will leave the paved road and get onto a beaten track running through rice fields and villages of rural Cambodia. At the temple our guide will help you imagine how it once was as you pick your way through the rubble now surrounded by jungle.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Later in the afternoon head back to the temples where you will visit Banteay Kdei and Ta Prohm, two of the prettiest temples in the complex. Watch the sunset from inside Ta Prohm or from the Angkor Wat promenade.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight at Journeys Within B&B

Day 4   Siem Reap - Banteay Srei and the Lingas

This morning set off with your guide to Banteay Srei, the intricately carved temple just 30 km beyond Angkor Wat.

Your driver will continue on a dirt road to Kbal Spean. Once there hike for about two hours to get to the “River of a Thousand Lingas.” In ancient times if water ran over lingas it was said to be holy water. The ancient Khmers therefore made thousands of lingas along this riverbed so the water that flowed to their rice fields was blessed. The lingas and other stone carvings remain today. Have fun exploring the surrounding jungle.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight at Journeys Within B&B

Day 5   Siem Reap – Kayaking

Experience a unique Journeys Within day kayaking on the Tonle Sap. You will set out with the rest of the group around 8am and drive for about an hour before boarding a boat for a 40 minute ride to one of the lake villages. Here the homes are built on stilts because, while in the dry season the surrounding area is dry, in the rainy season it is flooded and so they rise above the water level. You will arrive at the local home that stores our canoes and after a short safety briefing head off with your guide who will lead you thru waterways, flooded forests and out into the Tonle Sap lake where you can take a dip if you wish. Then back to wind thru the village experiencing how the locals live in this watery environment before returning to the home for lunch and a leisurely boat and car ride back to town.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight at Journeys Within B&B

Day 6   Siem Reap - Village Tour

Set out for our Journeys Within Village Tour. Our village guide will take you to his village showing you rice paddies and typical homes along the way. At his village enjoy a fresh coconut drink and meet his family and neighbors. Walk from here to West Baray Lake where you can take a local boat to an island with some picturesque ancient Khmer ruins. Return to shore where your car will be waiting for you. From here head to Pua District and visit the Artisans de Angkor silk farm where many local women are trained in the art of silk weaving.

In the late afternoon visit the Wat Thmei Pagoda School sponsored by Journeys Within and benefiting disadvantaged children. Meet the children and help them practice their English.

Transfer to the airport in time to catch your flight.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Tour Rate: starting at $995 per person double with $335 single supplement

Price includes:

• Air tickets (Bangkok - Siem Reap - Bangkok)
• Accommodation at Journeys Within Bed & Breakfast
• Licensed English speaking guide
• Tours and admission fees as mentioned above
• Meals as specified above

Price excludes:

• Personal expenses
• Visa fees
• Airport taxes
• Alcohol
• Dinner – we will provide transport to take you to your choice of one of Siem Reap's fine restaurants
• Tips

Cambodia | Thailand | Laos | Vietnam | Signature Tours | Mekong Experience