Trekking beyond Angkor

Angkor guardian

It is not easy to find great trekking in Cambodia, wars having ravaged the countryside and littered the natural environment with landmines and unexploded ordinance. Most adventurers therefore have been limited to visiting the main sites, shuttling to and fro by car or by bus. Many travellers simply stop over in Cambodia on a trans-Asia tour to visit the fabulous Angkor Wat temple sites.

However, following extensive research, Exotissimo has developed a safe and exciting trek to off the beaten track ancient sites just outside the main temple complex. This is probably the best trek in Cambodia though it is not for the faint-hearted. The 135-kilometre trek offers a unique opportunity to explore the real Cambodian countryside; hiking through villages, visiting schools, enjoying the natural environment of lowlands, forests and waterfalls, and exploring off the beaten track temples and pagodas. Nights are spent in the open, camping under the stars in two-person tents before ending the adventure in the comfort of a delightful Siem Reap hotel.

Roluos temple

Among the temples visited is the Roluos group of temples, containing some of the earliest permanent temples ever built by the Khmers. The most beautiful of the group, was built in typical early Khmer style as a model of a mountain.

Another, Boeng Mealea is one of the most interesting and least accessible of Angkor’s many temples. It is nearly the size of Angkor, but utterly consumed by jungle. Overnighting here is one of the highlights of the trip. Please contact cambodia@exotissimo.com for more information.

Dinner and a show at Angkor Thom

A consortium of travel associations have organised a spectacular evening show and dinner gala for guests at the site of Angkor Thom. The Angkor Night presentation will be held two times a month on the following dates:
 ·  7^th & 28^th December 2004
 ·  11^th & 25^th January 2005
 ·  8^th & 22^nd February 2005
 ·  8^th & 22^nd March 2005
 Please contact cambodia@exotissimo.com for more information.

A new master in residence

The Shinta Mani Hotel and Institute of Hospitality will be hosting another Masters in Residence programme, Inner Smile, at its Sanctuary Spa with therapist and consultant Mr Roger Moore. Between 17^th February and 9^th March, Mr Moore will hold individual sessions or group events using techniques such as reiku, watsu, reflexology, chi nei tsang and other methods to help guests find spiritual and physical balance.