Itinerary  July  5 - 15     2016

 

10 nights   Cambodia and Laos

* 10  nights accommodation in luxury boutique hotels  *  10  Breakfasts   *  5 Dinners   *   Return  flights  Siem Reap to Luang Prabang *  2  River boat journeys   * road transport   *   Entry fees and transport to  Angkor  Archaeological Complex , Nam Ou Elephant Sanctuary and Wat Xieng Thong temple *   welcome drinks * tour Artisans De Angkor to observe traditional art techniques * guide and ongoing expert art tuition .

 

 

Day 1.    Travel to Siem Reap 

Arrive in Siem Reap by own arrangements .This lively town is only 11km from the Angkor ruins and a perfect base from  which to visit . We will all meet at our hotel for welcome drinks. If you need a late snack this town has a large range of eateries to satisfy any hunger.

 

Day  2.     Siem Reap 

This  morning we will make our way by motorised tuk tuk to the Angkor Wat Archaeological site. We will explore Angkor Wat , sketching the architecture , sculptures and intricate bas reliefs of this World Heritage site. We will then visit the evocative tree ravaged ruins of Ta Prohm and the intricate carvings of the Elephant terrace.

In the afternoon we will hold a drawing instruction session endeavouring to get the best out of our sketches and paintings.

Our dinner tonight is in the vibrant heart of Siem Reap with a later walk around town.

 

Day 3.    Siem Reap

This morning return to Angkor , this time visiting Angkor Thom , the centre of the Khmer Empire .We will pause and draw at the towering  south gate flanked by stone statues of demons and gods and then continue to  Bayon the state temple of  the legendary King Jayavarman.We will sketch the imposing giant  images of his face carved in stone.

This evening we will enjoy traditional Khmer cuisine and witness a performance of Apsara dancing .Its an opportunity to try " Amok "  the delicious national dish of Cambodia or Kuy Teav , tangy beef noodle soup .

 

Day 4.    Siem Reap  

Morning at leisure in Siem Reap. Optional activities include a bicycle ride , enjoying a fish pedicure , soothing massage or wandering through  Psar Chaa , the old market , looking for bargains.This market is a great place to purchase finely worked silver , stone and wood carvings and textiles.You can choose to just relax by the pool or visit the  Angkor National Museum , home to the magnificent sculptures and reliefs from the Angkor Archaeological site.

This afternoon we will visit Artisans d' Angkor , an institution dedicated to keeping alive  traditional arts skills such as carving , tapestry and weaving . 

 

Day 5.   Battambang

This morning we will venture off the tourist trail and deeper into the heart of Cambodia with an amazing  boat journey up the Mekong River  to the beautifully preserved colonial era town of Battambang. This river trip  takes us through the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary  with its abundant bird life and on the way we will observe the floating villages of the Tonle Sap Lake  and the panorama of river life , viewed at leasure from the boat . This boat journey has been described as the most picturesque river journey in South East Asia .

We will all dine together tonight.

 

Day 6.   Battambang  

Day at leisure . Battambang offers a glimpse of Cambodian rural life and our resort hotel is set amongst rice paddies .Optional activities available include a visit to a crocodile farm , sketching in active temples, a bicycle tour of the countryside, shopping for handicrafts and a chance to sample some locally brewed rice wine, a cottage industry of this region.There are also several massage and spa centres to pamper adventurous bodies . Early evening offers the chance for discussion and feedback regarding our sketches and paintings created to this point.

  

Day 7.    Siem Reap 

Today we return to  Siem Reap by road,passing quintessential south east asian scenery of rice paddies and wooden houses on stilts.  

 

Day 8.    Luang Prabang 

Morning flight to Luang Prabang in Laos .Nestled at the confluence of two rivers and surrounded by mountains this charming town offers much for an artist .Luang Prabang is saturated in colour with gilt roofed temples ,emerald jungles and brightly painted traditional Lao wooden houses.

Tonight we will enjoy traditional Lao cuisine - time to try Laap ,  Lao sausage , sticky rice or fish steamed in banana leaf.    

 

Day 9.    Luang Prabang  

At dawn rows of saffron robed monks enter the streets in the daily requesting of alms  . We will witness this colourful procession and visit Wat Xieng Tong , one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in the country. This provides the opportunity to draw the exquisitely ornate Lao temple architecture.  

Later in the day we take a boat down the Mekong to spectacular Kuang Si Falls .This journey is particularly scenic passing through ethnic Hmong and Khmu villages and emerald green terraced rice paddies. The falls cascade over a series of limestone formations and eventually spill into turquoise blue pools.  Here  we can bathe and sketch .

A visit to the lively night market in Luang Prabang can provide tasty local treats, woven silk garments and some atmospheric sketches.

 

Day 10.    Luang Prabang  

This morning offers the unique opportunity to draw elephants at close range . We visit Nam Ou  elephant farm , a property which provides former working elephants with sanctuary and care. No cage bars here - we will sketch and interact with these magnificent creatures at close quarters . 

Sunset over the Mekong is not to be missed and tonight we will enjoy our farewell Lao banquet with the opportunity to reminisce and confirm new friendships .

 

Day 11.    Siem Reap and travel home   

Soak up the last of Luang Prabang and board flight to  Siem Reap . Tour concludes.