Indochina: Luxurious Glamping Getaways (IPM23)

Susadei! Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Upon arrival at Phnom Penh Airport, you will be welcomed by a hostess holding a welcome signboard with your name on it who will help you through the fast-tracked (VIP) process to get your visa stamped.

Once you have obtained a stamp for your visa and collected your luggage, your hostess will happily take you to your waiting guide and driver who will take you on a three-hour drive directly to the Shinta Mani Wild, the fabulous luxury wildlife Tented Camp located near Kirirom National Park. Consisting of 16 gorgeously decorated tents all located around a central river and waterfall, this luxury camp is designed to recall the age of exploration and La Belle Epoque.

Your knowledgeable guide will be happy to answer any questions along the way regarding your 21-day Glamorous Camping Trip in Indochina.

Arrive and check into your luxury tent. With an ethos of sustainability and conservation at its heart, this eco-luxe tented camp immerses you in nature. You can arrive in intrepid style with a zip line ride over a waterfall, followed by a glass of the resort’s signature cocktail.

Overnight at Shinta Mani Wild
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Spend your day lazing on your open balcony and taking in the panoramic views. If you want to be active, let’s explore the nearby estuarine waterway from the comfort of a luxury expedition boat or embark on foot into the jungle with the rangers to study the forest and its resident wildlife and examine findings from camera traps.

You can also pamper yourself at the luxury spa or enjoy a cooking class with a difference, as the talented local chef guides you through the jungle foraging for wild fungi, plants, and fruits.

Overnight at Shinta Mani Wild
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Another day to enjoy the comforts and facilities of Shinta Mani Wild. Indulge in pampering treatments at Shinta Mani Wild’s signature Spa, Khmer Tonics. The spa’s two treatment rooms are nestled amid giant natural rocks perched in the forest canopy.

If you want to be active, again you can take advantage of the various exciting excursions and tailor-made activities available. You can join the mountain bike between villages; or forage in nature’s larder accompanied by expert naturalists. Then return to relax at your 15-tent jungle retreat, taking in views of verdant trees, sparkling waters, and the sky peeking through the canopy.

Overnight at Shinta Mani Wild
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After breakfast and check out of your luxury tent, your private guide and driver will pick you up and take you back to Phnom Penh city, the capital of Cambodia.

Upon arrival, you will embark on a guided tour of this charming colonial City. Begin with a visit to the Royal Palace Compound built-in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, the most conspicuous feature and also one of the most impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), which display plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold, and silver.

Next, proceed to visit Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from the French colony. Continue to visit the National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was built since 1917 containing more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood, and others. Pass through the River Front Park whose scenery is much worth shooting.

Later, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor ruins, a sprawling World Heritage-listed complex of more than 400 ancient temples with the magnificent Angkor Wat as its focal point.

Upon arrival, you will be met by your private guide and taken in a private vehicle to The Beige, a Luxury Tent Resort located in the lush environs of Angkor. Ensconced in a region replete with UNESCO World Heritage sites like Angkor Wat, this resort evokes a feel for the finest of Khmer History.

After checking into your luxury tent, spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Enjoy your complimentary massage, fruits, and sunset sparkling wine at your tent.

Lunch and dinner are at the resort.

Overnight in Siem Reap
Meals: (B/L/D) 

Today you will have a full day of exploration in Siem Reap. You will experience the temple relics in a way that will really let you feel like you’ve escaped the 20th century and traveled a thousand years back to a time when life was simple and nature was surreal.

Morning
After breakfast, you’ll be escorted by a classic 1930s fully restored Citreon. Start your discovery of the temple of the legendary city of Ta Prohm Temple, best known for its gigantic roots of vine that convent down the walls of a thousand years. Worn by time, rain, and overpowered by the jungle, this immaculate structure is hidden under the canopy will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into the movie set of a treasure hunt adventure. Your private tour guide will give you the history and stories passed through oral tradition.

Leaving the Ta Prohm, you will be transferred to Angkor Thom via the grand South Gate. Here you’ll explore the last capital of the once great Khmer Empire, with the 216 enigmatic faces of The Bayon at its centre. Still, within the ancient city walls, you’ll marvel at the view from the summit of Baphuon, the enormous temple mountain, affording unspoiled views over the surrounding ruins. You’ll round off the morning poring over the intricate bas-relief of the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King, before having a Royal Khmer lunch at the fine-dining restaurant Le Grand. The fabled Royal Khmer cuisine, handed down over the centuries by the chefs of the Royal Palaces, uses only the finest ingredients carefully blended to create a distinct epicurean experience.

Afternoon
Be prepared to enjoy one of the Wonders of the Ancient World: Angkor Wat. At this point, you most probably have gotten glimpses of the towers over treetops and the gates in front of passing. But now you’ll finally get to satiate that curiosity that’s grown in the last few days.

With your guide, you’ll enter Angkor Wat and learn about the stories and amazing architecture that has stunned archeologists leaving more questions than answers. Angkor Wat possesses some of the most intricate and longest stone carvings in the world. This complex is four times the size of the Vatican City making it the largest religious site in the world. Spend the afternoon adventuring through the many passages, levels, and exploring chambers that once housed one of many treasures of the ancient world. It will be an experience that you remember for a very long time.

Toward the end of the day, enjoy Champagne and canapes on the 20-minute gondola boat ride through the moats of Angkor to Prasat Chrung Temple to watch the amazing sunset. This lesser-known temple is set on top of a hill in the Angkor complex offering excellent views and it is an ideal spot to watch the sun go down.

Transfer back to your luxury tent where the balance of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight in Siem Reap
Meals: (B/L/D) 

The whole day is free at your leisure. Enjoy the comfort of your luxury tent and the complimentary massage. You can also choose to visit the village on an elephant or take part in a yoga class at the Resort.

Overnight in Siem Reap
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The whole morning will be at your leisure. Check out of the resort at midday.

Later in the afternoon your private guide and driver will collect you from your resort and transfer you to Siem Reap airport for a short flight to Luang Prabang, in Northern Laos.

On arrival, you will have VIP Meet and Greet with Fast Track service. After that your private guide and driver will take you directly to the Luxury Rosewood Luang Prabang Resort, hidden in the lush green jungle that surrounds the historic royal settlement of Luang Prabang, a river—emanating from a flowing waterfall—runs through the heart of this exotic retreat.

Check into your luxury hilltop tents. Hidden away on the hillside, these luxury tents bring you closer to nature, allowing you to hear birdsong, the wind passing through the leaves, and the sweet sound of birdsong as the sun rises—all while enjoying full comfort and amenities.

Please note: You must have both a passport and a visa to enter Laos. And your passport must also have at least six months’ validity remaining beyond the date that you enter Laos. You can get a visa on arrival in Laos. Make sure you have two passport-sizes photographs.

Overnight in Luang Prabang
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Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Morning Market, a lively street where locals shop for everything from colorful vegetables and exotic fruits to live frogs.

From the energy of the market, you’ll step into the serene calm of one of the city’s most elaborate monasteries, Wat Mai, and then to the former King’s Palace, where you’ll discover the history and present life of Luang Prabang. Next, head to the ancient Wat Xieng Thong temple, which features a spectacular low sweeping roof. It’s Luang Prabang’s most distinctive and recognized monastery.

Afternoon
After lunch at the fabulous Mango Tree restaurant, you will visit the UXO Visitor’s Centre to get an incredible insight into the horrific bombings endured by the Lao people and the effect it still has today. The UXO centre is an amazing NGO that does fantastic work, yet just scratches the surface of this little known issue.

Continue to explore the 16th century Wat Visoun temple, best known for its enormous stupa and its collection of old gilded Buddhas.

Pay a visit to the Traditional Art and Ethnology Centre (TAEC)**, the only independent resource center in Laos dedicated to the country’s many and diverse ethnic groups. If time permits, you can visit the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour.

Feeling suitably enlightened, end your day with a climb to the top of Mount Phousi, the city’s highest point where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city and the Mekong River below. After that transfer back to your resort where the rest of the evening will be at your leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang
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The whole day is free at your leisure to enjoy the comforts of the resort or discover more the beautiful Luang Prabang on your own.

Overnight in Luang Prabang
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Depart Luang Prabang you will embark on a slow voyage along the timeless upper Mekong River revealing captivating landscapes, remote native.

Morning
After breakfast and check out of the resort, transfer to the pier to board the Luxury Anouvong Cruise. Get acquainted with the facilities onboard as you embark on the upstream journey.

After a brief introduction to Anouvong, meet Mr. Francis Engelmann, a writer and retired consultant to UNESCO on heritage preservation projects since 1994. Born in Paris in 1947, Mr. Engelmann has lived in Laos for over 20 years and knows its many facets like the back of his hand. In his presentation, Mr. Engelmann shares some of his expertise on the country’s rich cultural heritage, the turbulent history, and the day-to-day life of Lao people.

Later, arrive in the village of Muang Keo where you get the chance to observe local weavers honouring their timeworn traditional crafts. From Muang Keo, take a short and easy trek to the famous Pak Ou Caves, located directly on the Mekong’s rocky shore and opposite the mouth of the Ou River. There are two spacious limestone grottoes which house approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images ranging from mere centimetres up to 2m (7ft) in height.

Afternoon
After lunch on board, recharge for a little more adventurous action later in the afternoon (optional activity): Take a kayak and discover the peaceful, flowing river on your own and observe life on the shores from a different perspective. Make your way upstream during the late afternoon and find your overnight spot near a local village. You can relax on the sun deck or in the privacy of your room and take in the magnificent views of Laos’ countryside.

Overnight onboard the Luxury Anouvong Cruise
Meals: (B/L/D)

Morning
Early birds are welcome to join the daily morning exercise class (Yoga or Tai Chi) on the terrace deck. After a relaxing practice to the stunning backdrop of rolling hills and the majestic river, breakfast is served. As you cruise along your local expert hosts a lecture about Asian elephants, particularly the Laotian species, their cultural importance in the past, and the current threats which have brought them to the brink of extinction.

Afternoon
Arrive in the small town of Pakbeng. This riverside settlement is halfway between Luang Prabang and your final destination, Huay Xai. Many locals also stop here when they travel or transport goods between these two “hubs” on the upper Mekong.

In Pakbeng, you will visit a lovely hill-top temple with amazing views of the gently flowing Mekong below. You also have the chance to expand on the knowledge from your morning lecture when visiting an elephant preservation sanctuary. The elephants here used to work as logging elephants and can live in peace and safety as they now lack the ability to survive in the wild. The sanctuary is designed under the aspects of ecotourism, and its management looks strongly after sustainable tourism while supporting this threatened species.

Back on board. Continue cruising upstream with some scenic views before you stop for the night at a sandbank.

Evening
After dinner, there is a famous Laotian “comedy” movie scheduled in our nightly “on-board cinema”. The movie, called “Chang” (Laotian for “elephant”), was shot not far away from our current location in 1927 and was made by the same producer as the first King Kong movie.

Overnight onboard the Luxury Anouvong Cruise
Meals: (B/L/D)

Morning
Rise early to catch the sun’s first rays and again join the Thai Chi or Yoga class on the terrace deck. Enjoy your breakfast as you cruise along.

After breakfast, your morning lecture provides you with interesting insights and facts about Laotian culture of the diverse tribes living along the upper Mekong. In addition to the lecture, you are welcome to join an authentic Laotian cooking class to learn how to prepare some of the delightful and easy-to-make local foods.

The rest of the morning is at your disposal as you sail through lush vegetation and gently rolling verdant hills.

Afternoon
You will arrive at Huay Palang village, home of the Khmu ethnic minority consisting of approximately 85 families. The locals’ lifestyle here depends fully on the Mekong as a means of transportation and a primary food source. In the village, you will have the chance to learn about the local art of weaving Bamboo mats, which you can try your hand at it if you like. Local households also produce their own alcohol by distilling rice to make the famous Lao whiskey.

As the sun sets over the Mekong River, return to the boat for a farewell Baci Ceremony, held by the village elders and meant to send you off on safe travels after spending a final night aboard the Anouvong Cruise.

Evening
Your culinary team is pleased to spoil you on your last evening as your chefs have prepared some delectable dishes for dinner. Have a grand time together with your newly made friends and join your staff to celebrate this wonderful journey and dance the night away.

Overnight onboard the Luxury Anouvong Cruise
Meals: (B/L/D)

Morning
The last sunrise aboard paired with a morning Thai Chi is the perfect way to commence your final day. Enjoy the sumptuous breakfast buffet afterward as you voyage towards the Thai border and Huay Xai.

The ship arrives this morning at the junction with the Nam Tha River, one of the Mekong’s major tributaries. The Nam Tha, which translates to “Green River”, begins near the Chinese border, 325 km to the northeast, and ends at this crossing with the Mekong. Kick back and relax or join your local handicraft workshop before lunchtime.

Afternoon
Continue journeying over the last hours until you reach the final destination of Huay Xai (approximately 15:00 o’clock). After check-out, the boat crew will assist you with border crossings (Laos and Thailand) before bidding you farewell in front of the Thai immigration office. (The process of passing through both immigration can take up to one hour).

Once you arriving on the Thailand side, your private guide and driver will collect you and take you on the two-hour drive to the fantastically luxurious Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, for two all-inclusive nights. Nestled in the magical bamboo forests of the Golden Triangle, Four Seasons Tented Camp is the perfect escape, offering unique excursions that include interacting with rescued elephants, exploring spectacular mountain trails, or simply unwinding in luxury tents, inspired by the 19th-century lifestyle of explorers.

Arrive and check into your luxury tent. Then spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Overnight at the Four Season Tended Camp
Meals: (B/L/D)

You will have a full day for your explorations and chill out at the luxury camp. A range of wonderful activities are included in your stay, more elephant focussed ones such as trekking alongside an elephant and spending half a day training to be a mahout (humane elephant handler). You can also choose to trek in the jungle with your personal guide, discover the Golden Triangle with a visit to the Hall of Opium, or even just relax and enjoy a spa treatment before a wine and cheese tasting in the Wine Cellar.

Overnight at the Four Season Tended Camp
Meals: (B/L/D)

Morning 
After breakfast and check out of the tented camp, meet your private guide and driver, and transfer to Chiang Rai for a short sightseeing tour. Upon arrival, you will set out to explore the Emerald Buddha Temple (Phra Kaew Temple); where the Emerald Buddha image was once enshrined. Next, you will visit Rong Khun Temple (White s Temple), designed by the famous national artist. The main temple building is a distinctive white color, decorated with fragments of reflective glass which can be seen from afar.

End your tour at the Blue Temple (Rong Sued Ten Temple); designed by a local artist in Chiang Rai. The main temple building is a distinctive blue color with the new philosophy of Buddhist art.

Transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for s short flight to Phuket in the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand.

Afternoon
Upon your arrival, you will be picked up by your guide and driver for a private transfer to the unique Keemala. A luxurious rainforest retreat draped on a pretty hillside above Kamala beach where palm-fringed paths lead to a Hobbit-inspired collection of mushroom-shaped thatched-roof huts, dangling tree houses, a sensational spa, a sparkling swim.

Arrive and check into your luxury Tent Pool Villa. Then spend the remainder of the day to relax at your leisure.

Overnight in Phuket
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You have a completely free day to relax at the Keemala. Indulge your body and invigorate your mind with massage or meditation beneath the trees. Learn the art of Thai cooking using herbs picked from the hotel’s own garden. Or simply just relax and listen to the rhythms of the rainforest from the sumptuous surroundings of your tribal-inspired suite.

Overnight in Phuket
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Morning
Spend the whole morning at leisure in the Keemala. Check out of the hotel at midday.

Afternoon
Your private driver will pick you up and take you to the pier for a short speedboat ride to Koh Yao Noi where you will enjoy the last part of your holiday at Thailand’s last unspoiled islands.

Upon your arrival, you will be picked up by your private driver for a short transfer to the 9Hornbills Luxury Tented Camp surrounded by the stunning tropical rainforests.

After checking in, spend the rest of your day at leisure. Enjoy epic panoramic ocean views from your luxury safari-style tented villa, nestled on its own hill site with the incredible panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay.

Overnight in Koh Yao Noi
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Free day at your leisure to relax and enjoy the beautiful beach of Koh Yao Noi and the comforts and facilities of the luxury camp.

Overnight in Koh Yao Noi
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Another free day at your own leisure. If you want to be a little bit active, just book a day trip to Koh Phi Phi, one of the most beautiful islands on earth, a perfect place for swimming and snorkeling.

Overnight in Koh Yao Noi
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Your private transfer greets you at the hotel after breakfast and escorts you to Phuket International Airport where you board your flight home or travel on to more adventures, we will help you with the planning.

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