4D3N Angkor Wat Discovery (SIC)

Angkor Wat is located about six kilometers north of Siem Reap, south of Angkor Thom. Entry and exit to Angkor Wat can only be access from its west gate.

The largest monument of the Angkor group and the best preserved, is an architectural masterpiece. Its perfection in composition, balance, proportions, relief's and sculpture make it one of the finest monuments in the world. (TourismCambodia.com)

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Price: as low as US$ 190

Package Inclusion

• Meals for full board (3B, 2L, 2D)
• English or Chinese speaking guide for 2 days
• All entrance fees
• 1 hour Khmer traditional massage
• All land transportation with A/C with return airport transfers base on S.I.C basis
• Accommodation for 3 nights in REP based on twin sharing room
• Drinking water during the tours

Tour Itenerary

Day 1: Arrival at Siem Reap Airport, meet and transfer to your hotel for the night. This day is free at your own leisure; take some time to enjoy this mystical place.

Day 2: After breakfast, proceed to Angkor Thom Area (Angkor Thom Temple South Gate, Bayon Temple, Baphuon Temple, Phimean Akas Temple, Elephants Terrace & Leper King Terrace, Royal Palace, Woman and Man Pond). Proceed to visit Ta-Prom Temple. After lunch, continue our journey to Angkor Wat Temple - one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of the world, built in between the 9th - 13th century. Before we end our tour today, make a visit to Bakheng Hill for its beautiful sunset.

Day 3: After breakfast, proceed to the Tonlesap Boat Trip (Floating Village) and Les Artisan D' Angkor (Art School), a full-service crafts organization with an ambitious program which includes Les Chantiers Ecoles, an educational center that trains rural young people in the traditional skills of stone carving, woodcarving, lacquer and silk weaving. After lunch, proceed to Angkor Silk Farm. Enjoy a Traditional Khmer massage for 1hour and proceed for a tour of their Local Market. Tonight, we will have dinner with Aspara

Day 4: After breakfast, free at leisure till time to be transferred to airport for your flight back home.

Term & Conditions

Rates are applicable to minimum of 2 persons, unless specified. Valid to ALL Markets.

Validity Period: 1 October 2014 - 31 March 2015

Not included in the package:

• Peak season surcharges
• International air ticket, all airport taxes, tipping and visa fee
• Other personal expenses such as soft drink, laundry and so on.

Child condition:

• Child in extra bed 25% discount on total price
• Child no bed 50% discount on total price
• Child in twin no discount.

Rates are subject to change. Rooms are subject to availability at the time of booking.

Other terms and conditions apply.

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On the Ho Chi Minh Trail

Ho Chi Minh Trail was used by North Vietnam to connect North and South Vietnam during the American war. Soldiers, ammo, and supplies were transferred on foot, by truck, by bicycle for hundreds of km (kilometers) through, if not, an impenetrable forest that enclosed Vietnam’s mountainous border with Laos. The trail has silently slipped away and been reclaimed by the forest since its disuse.

However, the latest road work that keeps the original areas of the trail has already changed this. Giving an awesome scenery of the deep Vietnamese terrain, riding or driving all the way through this trail allows one to enjoy the Khe Sanh battle site and DMS (demilitarized zone), and the captivating ancient trading town of Hoi An. Exhausted tourists can stay overnight in a traditional Thai hill tribe and may visit other tribal villages along the way. Here, we take you gradually through the motorbike tour program.

Day 1. Start the tour in Hanoi where you can appreciate a Hanoi city tour, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the “Uncle Ho” house and other well-known sights.

Day 2. Take a short bus drive to Ho Chi Minh Trail Museum on the border of Hanoi, wherein you can start motorcycle tour.

Here, tourists will be given a Minsks (a small motorcycle) and time to know how to use it. Once ready, you will cross 2 short mountain paths and descent to the mountain valley community of Mai Chau for dinner and an overnight stay in a stilt house.

Day 3. A tour heading South on a beautiful crooked road which follow the banks of the Ma River. The ride lasts a few hours, next to a wavy quiet road, before joining the new Ho Chi Minh Highway. This freshly carved path leads southward close to the Laos border, before heading east approaching the coast and a night in the peaceful city of Vinh.

Day 4. The morning starts with a 40 minute ride inland towards the Laos border to the origin of Ho Chi Minh in Kim Lien Village. The spot is a temple to the Vietnamese and visited by few travelers. Continuing on the quiet highway to Dong Loc Intersection, extensively regarded by locals as the start of Ho Chi Minh Trail, tourists then pass through secluded back country, close to the border, as the view increasingly becomes dominated by Karst limestone rock formations. For the overnight stop is Huong Khe Town.

Day 5. Tourists will be arriving in Phong Nha around noon to board a dragon boat to travel around the well-known Nature World Heritage Site of Phong Nha cave, and then proceed 30 kilometers eastward to the coastal town of Dong Hoi for an overnight stay.

Day 6. The next day’s ride will again be on the new highway, where tourists will have a brief stop at Truong Son National Cemetery to pay respects to the soldiers who fought and died on the trail during the American War. After this, tourists will head to Dong Ha Town passing through Ben Tat Bridge which was built over the Ben Hai River.

On arrival in Dong Ha, tourists will check into a hotel and have lunch before going to the mystical Vinh Moc Tunnel and the well-known DMZ, Doc Mieu fire base and the historic Hien Luong Bridge in the afternoon.

Day 7. Continuing to West on Highway 9, tourists will go up to the Truong Son foothills. About 16 kilometer from Khe Sanh is the Dakrong Bridges and the road turns crooked and narrow. A bit more, tourists will come to Huang Hoa, once identified as Khe Sanh Base, which was recognized as a forward base by General Westmoreland close to Laos to secure Highway 9. About 3 kilometer from Khe Sanh is Ta Con Airbase. Eat lunch Khe Sanh before you take off across the well-known Dakrong River Bridge on Route 14, close to the town of Ta Rut, where tourists will stop for a visit with the Pa Co people and walk through their village.

Day 8. The highlight of the trip on this day is riding of the whole route. For the first 110 kilometers, enjoy your tour on one of the longest and most stunning route, immersed with stunning view of primitive forests backed by the grand Truong Son mountain range. There are two long tunnels and very little traffic. The next 68 kilometers from Hien to Thanh My, is a good road with some moderate climbs.

Stretch out in relaxation in Hoi An tow, an ancient Quarter well-known by its vital trading ports in Southeast Asia, and spend the night before transferring to Da Nang at the end.

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Available Vietnam Packages
10D9N Hanoi - Halong Bay Special Scenic Tour
3D2N Hanoi Free and Easy Package (SIC)
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Angkor: A Beginner’s Guide

The Angkor Archaeological Park can be appalling for the first time guests. Researchers have established that it is the largest preindustrial city, crossing over a thousand square kilometers. With over a thousand temples in its region, Angkor can take days to explore. Here is a simple guide for first-timers on how to enjoy this magnificent site.

Brief History

The Angkorian era was a term of the Khmer empire in Cambodia from the 9th to 15th century. The temples constructed in the initial stage were Hindu before the self-proclaimed “god-king” Jayavarman VII converted to Mahayana Buddhism and initiated a new building spree, which resulted in the capital city Angkor Thom. However, his heir returned to Hinduism and demolished many of the structures. Angkor, built north of river Tonlé Sap, boomed until Ayutthaya sacked the city in 1431. The Khmer people were then compelled to uproot to Phnom Penh.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Angkor is between November and February when the weather calms and is not as hot and dry as the rest of the year. In July, the rain will make visiting the archaeological sites an almost impossible task.

Getting There

Siem Reap is the entrance to Angkor, located a mere 20 minutes away via car. You can find lodging here. There are many forms of transportation going to Angkor. You can hire a car with a driver or a tuk-tuk for the whole day to bring you around the sites. This can be organized by your hotel or guesthouse. Try going on a bicycle tour and cycle from site to site if you are more adventurous. The sites are located 15 to 30 minutes away from each other and guarantee to be an unforgettable experience. You are obliged to buy a passes to enter the temples at the front gate. The ideal option is a 3-day pass, which costs around US$40, and grants you the freedom to see more without getting bored of the ruins. The 1- and 7-day passes are US$20 and US$60 in that order.

What to See

Angkor Wat
A tour to Angkor is not complete without visiting the world-acclaimed Angkor Wat. Actually, several guests gather to the area just to visit this magnificent structure exclusively, which has also been depicted in some movies. It is one of the biggest and most well-known temples in Angkor. One cannot help but speculate how the entire temple was constructed during that era – it is not only enormous in size but intricately decorated with carvings of gods and demons. Many guests opt to visit Angkor Wat before dawn to see the sun rise behind the temple.

We advise reading up regarding the site before visiting. You can get a graphic booklet from the Bayon Information Center at the back of Le Meridien Angkor Hotel for just US$5. In addition, it would be best if you avoid the tour guides at the entrance of Angkor Wat as they tend to ask for a high fee after bringing you around.

Bayon
Located in Angkor Thom, Bayon is a temple well-known for its sculptured smiling faces. Some claim that these faces were shaped after the king himself. In comparison to Angkor Wat, Bayon is a claustrophobic's nightmare. Its 216 faces are flocked in 54 towers, and will either soothe or distract you.

Other famous ruins to check out in Angkor Thom are Baphuon, the Victory Gates and the Elephant Terrace.

Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is a place where stone and wood comes together in mystical beauty. The temple was almost absorbed by the jungle when it was first discovered by the explorers. It has been trimmed for easier access. Ta Prohm may look small from the outside, but as you venture deeper into the temple, you will realize that it is in fact an enormous maze.

Ta Prohm has a special beauty that sets it separately from most of the other ruins. However, be prepared for swarm of people, especially in well-known scenic spots.

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Related Tour Packages:
3 Days / 2 Nights Angkor Wat Tour
4D3N Angkor Wat Discovery (SIC)

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Trip to Ta Phin City of Sapa, Vietnam

To really enjoy Ta Phin Village, it is recommended that travelers allocate an entire day to hike 12 miles of mountainous geography from Sapa to Ta Phin. This offers more time to unwind and appreciate the natural environment, when past and present unite. Observe the villagers as they start their daily life, in their terraced paddy fields. There is as well a historical French monastery, which is now deserted, but has been part of the landscape for over 50 years. The seminary stands still amongst a lawn of natural artichoke plants – its pillars are supported by rock and its facades covered with moss, keeping an old world appeal that still captivates visitors till today.

At the rear of Ta Phin City is a hidden old cavern. If you have time, children will guide you with torch lights to show you the way in. A token of appreciation is expected, around US$2 or so, for a tour to the cave. There are stalactites of many shapes and forms in the cave itself, and your guide will light the torch on the different figures that will result in reflections that will ignite your imagination. But if you are in search of more “magical” and colorful experience in that case you must see the caves of Halong Bay in northern Vietnam or the national park Phong Nha-Ke Bang in central Vietnam. These attractions have installed electric lights that are turned on when there are guests so it does not have a small piece of the rustic charm.

The twisting passage inside Ta Phin Cave is not large enough in some sections towards the end for larger group of people to pass through just like many caves in other parts of Vietnam. As such, some travelers are not encouraged to go farther as it would show that it is very hard for them to get back.

Something else to look forward to is the old carvings found on boulders and stones along the way around the hill tribe village. These ancient monuments are still intact and flawless; you will need a local to show you where to find them. As they commonly are able to speak in English and French, so there should be no trouble asking for assistance.

Ta Phin is a tourist village, so do not be startled when some local children and adults follow you around, promoting and trying to convince you to purchase their wallets, bags, clothes and other products made of ethnic fabric (tho cam). Their persistent in pursuing you may seem a little scary at first, but they are very friendly and helpful when you talk with them. Some may invite you to go to their homes to share how they live and what they have, and share stories about their families. The modesty of their lives and their eagerness to share is an eye-opening and touching experience. Try to keep in mind to buy the products that you like from them, or give a token of appreciation for this gesture, as the majority of these villagers are poor, and need to increase their income with whatever tourism brings.

The next time you are in search of a holiday, where you can explore caves and ruins, enjoy nature, the simple life and get away from the rat race, then Ta Phin in Sapa, Vietnam is the place for you.

Image Source: www.travelofsapa.blogspot.com

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Two Days (48 Hours) in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh commonly gets shadowed by its smaller but more renowned sister City, Siem Reap, which acts as an entrance to the ancient civilization of Angkor. Travelers stop in Phnom Penh to transfer to Siem Reap, and several overlook the wonders of this charming French-colonized city with its not-so-secret austere history.

If you are planning a tour to Cambodia to see the wonders of Angkor Wat, make sure to give yourself a at least two days to visit the capital city. There are things to do in Phnom Penh; however here is our suggested itinerary for 2 days (48 hours) in Phnom Penh:

First Day

Start your day in Phnom Penh Adventure by allocating the morning at the Royal Palace. Appreciate one of the best samples of Cambodian architecture in the country before noon. Even though the king’s quarters are closed for public viewing, the Silver Pagoda and central compound of the Palace is open for visitors to awe about.

Eat lunch at one of the Cambodian restaurants around the city. If you are in doubt as to where to stay, take a leisurely walk to Central Market and have a taste of how the locals eat. The market is sheltered in an Art Deco building, an exceptional landmark of the city, and has a wide range of products on offer. This is the ideal place to train your haggling skills.

After you have filled your tummy and fulfilled your shopping habit, hail a tuk-tuk to bring you down to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The museum is located in the old prison grounds, where its buildings were cautiously preserved with the old prison cells still in one piece. The secret prison was where Pol Pot, leader of the Khmer Rouge, kept his detainees and tormented them, even killing some in the process. Depressing as it may be, this place brings the existence of the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime to life.

Make the most out of your tour and visit one last attraction of the day by going to Wat Phnom, the sacred Buddhist sanctuary of Phnom Penh. Legend has it that a rich widow discovered four bronze statues of Buddha in a tree. She took it as a sign and constructed a shrine to guard the statues. Shortly, more people started visiting the place to pray and give offerings.

Not distant from Wat Phnom is Sisowath Quay, home to many bars and restaurants and located next to the Tonle Sap River. Take a seat by one of the roadside restaurants and relax the night away with a couple of drinks while people-watching. You want to be careful of the children selling magazines and souvenirs along the dock. Buy something from one and you may find yourself with a group of kids surrounding you.

Second Day

Learn more regarding the Cambodian culture by taking a visit to the National Museum. It has an entire range of Cambodian artifacts from the 12th century that endured the Khmer Rouge era. You must hire a guide for this as it is greatly lacking in information for tourists. The architecture itself is a beautiful structure to commend.

The National Museum is that far from the Foreign Correspondent’s Club in Sisowath Quay. Take a seat for lunch and adore the view of the river and soak in its atmosphere. Go for the Khmer dishes such as fish amok rather than the usual Western affair.

After lunch, take a tour along Choeung Ek Killing Fields. It might be the farthest sightseeing spot from the heart of the city, but it is a must-see that you totally can’t miss. You can hire a tuk-tuk for a return trip, and the travel time must not take more than 45 minutes per way. Its secluded location is not a plain accident; the Khmer Rouge planned it per se so that the mass murder would go without being seen by others. The majority of the victims who died here were brought from the Tuol Seng Prison. Pay your respects at the stupa after your tour around the Killing Fields.

End the day and your trip in Phnom Penh with a movie at The Flicks Movie House. For only US$3.50, you will be able to watch all the most recent blockbusters the whole evening. The screening of movies regularly start around 4pm during the weekends and 6pm during the weekdays, therefore you can simply end your trip lazing about on their mattresses and cushions with cheap food and drinks. But we suggest reserving a spot before heading down.

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5 Things to Do in Bintan

In case you're headed to the excellent island of Bintan, Indonesia, here are 5 must do that each guest have to try.

Water Sports

As a beach destination, an evident yet unquestionably pleasant option is water sports. Choose from wakeboarding, jet skiing, diving, snorkeling and many more. For thrill seekers, take the well-known Banana Boat challenge and check whether you can stay floating. A visit to Bintan is simply not complete if you did not try at least one water activity.

Outdoor adventure sports

If you had rather stay dry and water is not your thing, don’t be troubled. Bintan also offers many outdoor adventure sports, like flying fox, archery, rafting, paintball and even all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides. FOCUS adventure is a company that specializes in team challenges like Pyramid or Hourglass, which makes the destination ideal for company retreat and team building too.

Golf

With the picturesque landscape and abundant natural greenery, playing golf in Bintan is a must, with some offering a scenic background of the South China Sea. If you have never tried playing golf before, golf classes and clinics are as well available. Enjoy a full or half game in a location of your choice – it’s no doubt that the island is recognized for having one of the best golf courses in Asia.

Spas & Massages

After a long day of outdoor adventure, water sports or golf, it is time to chill out with a soothing spa and massage which is available all over the island. Ease your tired muscles while taking in the stunning views. A must try are the traditional Indonesian oils and blends that are health-oriented, and the delectable spiced tea that is normally served after each treatment.

Mangrove tour

Bintan also offers an opportunity to commune with nature. Look at the mangrove tour that educates guests more about the eco-nature of mangroves and its natural life. Try to spot local inhabitants like kingfishers, monkeys, mud lobsters, otters, and yellow-united mangrove snakes. There are likewise a group tours that take you to the town of the "Orang Laut" (Sea People) and even night tours where you can wonder about pretty firefly displays.

Image Source: bintan-resorts.com

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Beautiful Bangkok

Bangkok is the biggest urban area in Thailand and became the capital city in 1768 after the collapse of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It has developed very much over the years and is now one of the most exotic locations on any traveler’s agenda.

Image courtesy of Sura Nualpradid / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

While more than a few assemble to this Thai capital, not many are aware of its history. Even though it became a capital city in 1768, the Rattanakosin Kingdom did not start until 1782, when the capital was stirred across the river after being ransacked by the Burmese. Rattanakosin capital is currently called “Phra Nakhon,” with the name Bangkok forming the urban build-up since the 18th century. It currently has its own public administration and governor.

For over two centuries, Bangkok has been the social, political and economic center not only in Thailand but also in South East Asia and IndoChina. It is part of the urbanized triangle of the central and eastern region of Thailand – from Nakhon Ratchasima to the industrialized eastern seaboard. The city was regarded as the world’s 22nd largest city, with a population estimated to be approximately 15 million if the wide unregistered number of residents is taken into consideration. This has resulted in the Thai population becoming a vibrant mix of people – mainly from Western, Chinese and Indian cultures.

Today, Bangkok is well-known as tourist destination with beautiful beaches, bargain markets plus exotic entertainment and gastronomical adventures. If you have yet to experience this amazing tropical city, do so as soon as it promises to be an experience that you will not soon forget.

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Secret Gem – the Best Western Supalai Resort, Phuket

For those who want a holiday in Phuket although enjoys a slower pace of life than the usual resort areas, Supalai Resort and Spa could hold the answer. Located on the most quiet but no less beautiful, North Eastern cost of the island, this chic resort is tucked away in the forested hillside overseeing the turquoise waters of Pha Nga bay.

This solitude does not mean the resort is isolated or cut off. Phuket airport is only 15 minute drive away, and the resort has enough on-site facilities to keep guest entertained.   It has a massive, 2-level swimming pool with flowing fountains, while the Sundaree Spa possesses an array of treatments from traditional Thai, oriental, herbal, aromatherapy, Swedish, hydrotherapy, foot and sports massage through to body wraps and expert waxing treatments. For more active guests, water sports are available while day tours and hire cars are also available to explore the island.

The resort’s sea view rooms and poolside villas highlight modern East Asian decor where the style is definitely “East meets West”.  The sea view rooms consist of Deluxe, Super Deluxe and Grand Deluxe, whereas the pick of the bunch is the House Pool Villa that features a 4.5m x 9.5m infinity edge private pool surrounding the fabulous panoramic ocean view.

The Best Western name and reputation may not be as famous in Asia as other hotels brands, but this resort from the world’s largest hotel chain offers everything one might expect from any of the more desired names in Thai hospitality. It is relaxed, modern and affordable, with a serene location and a level of peace and intimacy that is perfect for families and couples. For a piece of Phuket without the usual hustle and bustle, the Best Western Supalai is truly a secret gem.

Book Now!
Supalai Resort and Spa, Phuket
69/9 Moo 6, Ao Po Lang Deand Rd., Paklok, Thalang, Phuket, 83110 Por Bay

Image Source: www.plentyrooms.com

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3 Natural Pools in South East Asia

Want to swim where you will be able to dive beneath the cascading waterfalls? Then, in South East Asia you can find some of the best natural swimming holes in the world.

So, pack your swimsuits and head off to one of these places:

Taal Lake, Philippines
A freshwater lake on the island of Luzon in the Philippines was created by immense eruptions many years ago. Here stands Taal Lake, home of the merely freshwater sardines in the world and the very uncommon venomous sea snake called ‘Hydrophis semperi’. In close proximity to the centre of the lake is the active Taal Volcano. Swimming in this lake sounds really exciting now, doesn’t it? Venomous sea snakes and active volcanos! But the sulphur from the volcano in the water is supposedly good for your skin. And the view will not disappoint.

source: mostbeautifulplacesintheworld.org

How to get there: Take a bus from Manila to Tagaytay where you can hire a Jeepney to take you there.


Erawan Waterfall, Thailand
Erawan Waterfall is located at Erawan National Park in the Kanchanaburi Province of Thailand and is made up of seven tiers of beautiful falls with a total height of over 1500 meters. Make your way to the top for the view but get ready to take a two-hour hike up. Look at it as the build-up to one of the best swims that you will ever have in your life. However, wear good shoes for hiking; in some areas the trail is missing, slippery or steep. The milky blue pools with mist rising from the gushing water are like something out of a fantasy novel, sans the tour groups of course. Go early to avoid the afternoon sun and post-lunch crowds.

source: www.placesonline.com

How to get there: Take a bus from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi where you can easily catch a bus to the National Park.

Tat Kuang Si Waterfall, Laos
Tat Kuang Si Waterfall can be found in no other than the beautifully serene Luang Prabang. This waterfall is popular swimming spot, especially during the rainy season due to the stronger water currents. Like Erawan, you should hike to the top for more stunning view. Take some pictures, take a swim, and visit the sun bear sanctuary nearby when you get bored.  Avoid going on weekends if you’re not in the mood of swimming with the crowds.

source: happywanderer15.wordpress.com

How to get there: Take a tuk-tuk from Luang Prabang.

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