Written by Joanne Payne
As you may have read form my previous blogs, I have had a love for Asia. I decided to go to Cambodia and Laos but this time not with a friend or my daughter but to join a small group for an active adventure trip.
Day 1-2
Arrived in Phnom Penh and met my local guide and we covered all the major sights and sounds: The Royal Palace and the stunning Silver Pagoda / The National Museum and Wat Phnom one of the oldest historical sites in Phnom Penh , walked along the Mekong River to the Independence monument before visiting the Phsar Thmei (central Market) the city’s most famous market. We then visited the Killing Fields and the Toul Sleng Museum also call S21. This is a museum that shows where the Khmer rouge set up a prison, tortured and interrogated people accused of opposing the Pol Pot regime. This is a must do when in Phnom Penh.
Day 3
We crossed the Mekong River, picking up our mountain bikes for a half day cycle tour around Silk Island / Koh Tock. We cycled past Orchards and paddy fields seeing local actives such as weaving silk, soy paper making and farming.
Day 4
Today we took a minibus / ferry journey to Kratie / Koh Trong - famous for citrus fruit and experiencing a homestay. Along the way we stopped off at Skuon, a well-known spider Market and visited the Kampong Cham Bamboo Bridge. Once we arrived at Kratie we cycled around the island getting a glimpse into what everyday life is like for the Cambodians.
Day 5-6
We left Kratie / Koh Trong to Stung Treng, we stopped off at Kampi where we went Dolphin spotting. Once in Stung Treng we sampled the local markets, the following day and a 2-hour drive to Voeun Kham to catch a local boat to cruise down the Mekong. We moored the boat at a local family home where we went on a Jungle track adventure then on to Sopheakmit waterfall with its stunning views – we kayaked along to Mekong River to Vuen sien village before returning to Stung Treng.
Day 7 -9
Arrived at Siem Reap –the afternoon / evening enjoying the delights and hustle and bustle of life here. The following day having collected our bikes we cycled to and around Angkor Wat to look at the wonderful temples. That evening we experienced the Phare Circus (Cambodian versions of the cirque du soleil) having admired the twists and turns and adrenalin filled show we were ready for our own zip line adventure in Angkor Wat gliding high through the trees and my time in Cambodia was over.
Day 10-11
I flew up to Luang Prabang (Laos) and checked into the beautiful Angsana Maison Souvannaphoum. Visited the National Museum, School of fine Arts, Wat Xieng Thong before taking a stroll around the night market.
The next morning Started with a Monk blessing ceremony followed by a car journey for 40 minutes to the Kuang Sii Waterfall and Bear Rescue Centre passing through the stunning paddy fields. We then travelled via boat / Kayak to the Pak Ou Buddha cave. Stopping of at the Ban Thin Hong weaving and fishing village to meet the locals, later that evening I enjoyed the delights of street food.
Day 12
Up at 5am to participate in the Alms ceremony with the monks. Walked to the day Market, then climbed up to the top of Mount Phousi to admire the beautiful views of the city and the Mekong River.
Day 13
Chill time and relax around the pool before heading home.
This trip was amazing, and I would highly recommend it. I can’t wait to return one day.
To see more of what I got up to head over to our Facebook page Janaway Travel Limited. Like us and follow us 😊
If you would like to know more about Cambodia or Laos, please do not hesitate in contacting us.
Joanne
