Smiling Albino

Intro

Total Trip - 4 days

Regarded as one of the Great Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat is the world's largest temple complex. Designed as a tribute to Hindu gods, the magnitude and artistic significance of Angkor are unparalleled. This vast kingdom was once the most important and powerful in the region, serving as the Khmer capital for over 600 years. The primary complexes of Angkor Wat, Angkor Tom and Tha Prom are considered the finest and most significant of all the Khmer ruins.

The enigmatic ruins of Angkor provide a stunning venue for exploration. Avoiding the crowds and delving into the essential - and lesser known - gems is vital to getting the most out of a visit. With this in mind Smiling Albino has applied our original approach to travel to create an intimate and fun exploration of Angkor's highlights, some lesser-known sites and other interesting quarters using a variety of transport options.

Complimented with the country's best hosts, a focus on great local cuisine and superb accommodations, this is an amazing Angkor adventure!

ACCOMODATION: Located a couple kilometers from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap, Pavillon Indochine is the closest accommodation to Angkor Wat. The quaint resort blends traditional Khmer style with colonial French influences and offers stylish rooms with soft wood interiors. A swimming pool, nice restaurant and reading room surrounded by tropical gardens make it a lovely hidden getaway. An ideal property to experience Angkor. See Upgrades for other hotel options.

Note: should you require return airfare from Bangkok to Siem Riep we can arrange it for about $350US. Please contact us for current prices on this flight.

Itinerary

Day 1 - To Cambodia

Fly to Siem Reap at your leisure (we can help arrange air tickets if you wish) arriving early in the morning if possible to get the most out of your day. Upon arrival you'll enjoy exclusive VIP express service to get you through Cambodia Immigration quickly then you're met by your Smiling Albino host who will transfer you to your hotel.

Settle-in and get oriented before an amazing afternoon. Upon check-in you'll also receive a personalized Adventure Kit containing lots of handy area info, maps and more.

Depending on individual interest we'll take either a bicycle or private car to explore Angkor's temples at your own pace. Over lunch we'll introduce you to the history of the area and the temples, and then begin an exploration of Preah Khan, Neak Pean and Ta Som temples. We'll then tuck into East Mebon and climb up for a stunning view at Pre Rup for a quiet sunset with champagne.

Tonight we'll treat you to dinner at a signature Khmer restaurant.

Meals: L,D

Day 2 - Essential Angkor

Today we'll head to Angkor's main sites, Angkor Thom, Bayon and the surreal, overgrown Tha Phrom, which many deem to be the most charming of all Angkor temples.

Break from the sun with a nice lunch before exploring world's most celebrated temple, Angkor Wat. Dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu, Angkor Wat is the greatest architectural achievement of the Angkor period. Enjoy a methodical exploration at your own pace.

If you wish you can finish things off this afternoon with a visit to the Land Mine Museum on the way back to the hotel.

Enjoy tonight at your leisure. We'll be sure give you lots of suggestions to properly experience the local scene.

Meals: B,L

Day 3 - Thonle Sap

After breakfast we'll cycle (or private car if you wish), along the river and through villages, rice fields and temples towards Tonle Sap. As Southeast Asia's largest lake, Tonle Sap is a must see and great way to avoid temple-overload. We'll gain an interesting look at floating villages and fishing communities and fresh water mangrove forests. In the afternoon you can do some shopping in the Old Market, head back to Angkor for more temple indulgence or chill out by the pool, up to you!

Enjoy tonight at your leisure.

Meals: B,L

Day 4 - Onwards

Enjoy the morning at your leisure then your Smiling Albino host will transfer you to the airport for your flight if required.

This is an amazing discovery of spiritual and artistic significance. The images of Angkor impart visuals that will last with you for a lifetime.

See a video from this trip

See some photos from this trip

 

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FAQs

What kind of clothing should I bring?

Travel in clothing you feel comfortable wearing in hot weather for an entire day. Quick-dry, wick-away fabric is ideal for active days. For a more on this subject, check out What to Pack.

Are mosquito nets provided during the trip?

Generally they are not necessary for our trips in South East Asia. Lodgings we use have sealed doors and windows. Should you wish to enjoy the extra peace-of-mind of a mosquito net, feel free to bring one along and we're always happy to help you put it up.

Our group includes a variety of ages, interests and abilities - will we enjoy the same trip?

Yes, our adventures are flexible. If one member of your group doesn't want to ride a bike, we'll have a van waiting while you enjoy a good pedal. You may not want to ride a motorscooter, so you can enjoy the comfort of our van or even try riding on the back of your guide's bike for a while. We are experienced in ensuring everyone has their own perfect holiday while traveling together.

Read our Testimonials to learn more about how flexible our trips are.

Have more questions?

We have lots more information in our Travel Tips section that will give you an idea of what it's like to travel with Smiling Albino. You can read more on food, weather, language, history and culture, see where you'll be travelling, and maybe find a book or two that you can read before your adventure.

Visit the Travel Tips area.

How do I get a Visa?

It's easy to obtain a visa upon arrival in Asia for Cambodia and Laos. Prior to your trip we'll send you a comprehensive pre-trip kit with all the information you'll need to touch down fully prepared.The visa costs about $20US and you will need one passport-sized photograph. Wait about 10 minutes and your visa is in hand!

 

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Upgrade Options

Want to do your 3 nights 5-star?

Hotel de la Paix is without a doubt one of the coolest hotels in SE Asia. An almost spiritual transformation of traditional Khmer and modern design, Hotel de la Paix is art deco, ultra-sleek and luxurious. Pools of water, wide open spaces and white everything. For anyone seeking the latest in chic, this is the place. The lobby bar doubles as a contemporary Khmer art gallery in this concept hotel in downtown Siem Reap.

Total Trip Price: $1,040US/pp
Single Supp.: $410US
Extra nights: about $215-250US/room depending on season

Need extra nights in Siem Reap at Heritage Suites?

Let us book you in at Heritage Suites for $150US/room.

Need time on the beach when you're done? Our Thailand beach escapes are second to none.

Smiling Albino has an extensive selection of amazing beach resorts and destinations. Check out our options and let us know if we can add a beach escape to your trip.

Flights to & from Bangkok can be arranged.

Need a hotel in Bangkok before or after the trip?

Either downtown or at the airport we can accomodate you.

Downtown: Majestic Grande $115US/night or the Four Seasons $300US/pp/night (double) or $600US/pp/night (single).
Airport: Novotel Suvarnabhumi $220US/night.

Like to customize this adventure as a private trip?

Any of our trips can be changed up and moved around to give you the perfect experience. Take a look at one of our custom trip examples and let us know what we can do for you.

 

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