Siem Reap – Phnom Penh – Danang City Golf, Cultural, Nature and Beach

Start at jungle-clad Ta Prohm. This temple was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. Ta Prohm has been controversially left to the destructive power of the jungle by French archaeologists to demonstrate the awesome power of nature. It has been largely consumed by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself.

We head north to visit the elegant temple of Banteay Srei built by a Brahman in the 10th Century, this temple was dedicated to Shiva. The famous pink sandstone structure bears a series of beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. It is said they must have been carved by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man. This gives us the origin of the Khmer name, Fortress of the Women. (It may take approx. 40 minutes’ drive).

We can also make a detour to view Banteay Samre, a splendid temple built by Suryavarman 11. The style of the towers and balustrades bear strong resemblance to those at Angkor Wat, and even more so to the temples of Phimai in Thailand. Many of its carvings are in excellent condition.  Due to the location, we prepare lunch at Bongthom Homestay local lunch. (not picnic lunch).

Either you return to hotel to break the journey and enjoy at the pool (30 minutes drive from Banteay Srey to Hotel), or you can continue visiting more temples. If your return to Siem Reap, we can stop at Land Mine Museum for a quick look. (if open).

In the afternoon, we start to visit with the sites of Angkor Thom. This Royal city was first built under the reign of Udayadityavarman II in the 11th Century. It was destroyed when the Chams from Vietnam rose up against the Khmers and invaded, sacking the city, and was subsequently renovated by King Jayavarman VII at the end of the 12th Century. Its vast walls, some 6m wide, 8m high and 13km in length contain many monuments. Continue to visit Victory Gate, the Bayon, this temple mountain, built by Jayavarman VII, is situated in the center of the city of Angkor Thom. It is a three-tiered pyramid with its entrance facing east. The central shrine is surrounded by 54 towers all crowned by gigantic faces, representing Avalokite-shvara but with the features of Jayavarman VII. Later, we return back to your hotel.

After breakfast, morning at leisure. Later, we visit with Rolous Group built in the 9th century and corresponding to the old capital of Hariharalaya. A short visit to the Lolei (993) follows, once on an island in a middle of an artificial lake (baray), continue on to Bakong temple, is the first temple mountain of sandstone constructed by rulers of the Khmer empire which was built as a stepped-pyramid representing Mt. Meru.

Continue to visit Angkor Wat, in its beauty and state of preservation, is unrivaled. Its mightiness and magnificence bespeak a pomp and a luxury surpassing that of a Pharaoh or a Shah Jahan, an impressiveness greater than that of the Pyramids, an artistic distinctiveness as fine as that of the Taj Mahal. Angkor Wat is located about six kilometers (four miles) north of Siem Reap, south of Angkor Thom. Entry and exit to Angkor Wat can only be access from its west gate. Angkor Wat was built in the first half of the 12th century (113-5BC). Estimated construction time of the temple is 30 years by King Suryavarman II, dedicated to Vishnu (Hindu), replica of Angkor Thom style of art. Return to your hotel for accommodation.

Your full day tour today takes you on a comprehensive journey through some of Phnom Penh’s most important historic and cultural sites. While giving you an insight into the horrors of Cambodia’s past it should also give you a sense of the optimism of its people.

Starting early, you’ll begin with the emotive settings of the detention centre S21 at Toul Sleng and the ‘Killing Field’ of Choeung Ek (45 minutes drive away). Please be aware that the exhibits are, by their very nature, both graphic and disturbing, highlighting the atrocities committed against an entire population during one of the most terrifying periods in Cambodia’s history. Heading back into the city, there’s time to immerse yourself in the color and chaos of the bustling Russian Market before lunch at an NGO-run restaurant and training school for street kids, serving delicious khmer fusion tapas. The colorful decor and the smiling portraits of the staff on the walls of Friends’ Restaurant are in striking contrast to the sobering black and white portraits seen at S21.

After lunch, visit the art galleries along National Museum Road and take a short stroll to the Royal Palace (best visited in the afternoon when it is less busy and the light is better for photographs).

Later, we return to your hotel.

Breakfast at hotel and transfer to golf course for 1 round of 18 holes including caddie and cart. Sitting on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Vattanac Golf Resort includes two contrasting Nick Faldo designed 18-hole golf courses located 20 kilometers from the center of Cambodia’s capital. The East Course is publicly accessible, while the West Course is a private members layout.

The par-72 East Course plays to over 7,400 yards and through scale models of pre-Angkorean structures including Preah Vihear Temple, Bayon Temple, and Angkor Wat. The design makes a unique combination of culture, leisure, and golf. Teeing areas provide for good views over the surrounding countryside and from the high points on the course. Vattanac is grassed with the latest Paspalum variety which ensures good golf conditions.

After your game, return to your hotel. Farewell dinner at local restaurant.

Breakfast at hotel. Today, we transfer to Golf at Ba Na Hills Golf Club (mountainous Luke Donald design). After your game, we will return to your hotel for accommodation.

Breakfast at hotel. Walking tour to explore the World Heritage sites in Hoi An. From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders. These people came primarily to trade ceramics and high-grade silk, which is still produced in the area. Today, Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, tailor shops, and numerous cafes. Some of the buildings in the narrow streets have remained unchanged for more than a century. In the morning, we spend a half-day walking through the narrow winding streets of the ancient quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200-year-old Tam Ky ancestral house, and the Japanese Bridge.

Breakfast at hotel. Morning at leisure until we transfer to airport for your flight to home.