Travel news: Take in Cambodia with an insider tour

Tour Cambodia with Backyard Travel

Backyard Travel, an online boutique Asia travel specialist, has launched a new “insider tour” of Cambodia which includes the temples of Angkor and the so-called “lost city” of Mahendraparvata, a performance by the Phare Circus and a private cooking class.

The new five-day, four-night excursion begins with a scenic guided tour by bicycle to visit some of Angkor’s sites. The temple of Angkor Thom is the first stop, followed by the former Royal Palace and Ta Prohm temple, and a 120-metre balloon ride over the complex.

The second day is spent with chef Kathana Dunnet learning how to easily recreate Cambodian dishes at home. Day three takes the group to the site of Mahendraparvatanear Phnom Kulen. On the back of a motorcycle, tour-takers will be safely guided around the region to visit Poeng Tbai to see the well-preserved rock carvings.

From there the tour moves to Prasat Rong Chen, possibly the most significant site in Cambodian history. It was atop the three-tiered pyramid that Jayavarman II declared himself the absolute monarch of Cambodia and renounced the rule of Java.

Rounding off the tour of Siem Reap, travellers will visit the Phare Cambodian Circus Show to meet the performers and watch preparations before seeing the main show, which mixes dance, music, contortion and acrobatics. Prices start at US$1,030 (Dh3,782) per person based on two sharing, excluding flights (www.backyardtravel.com).

Dnata tour operator offers spring deals

The Dubai-based tour operator Dnata has released several travel deals for the spring. These include the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train, which offers spectacular rail journeys across western Canada and the Canadian Rockies. A five-day trip, which includes a helicopter ride, starts from Dh5,530 per person based on two sharing, for travel between April and October. Bookings made before April 18 will receive up to $1,200 (Dh4,407) per couple of added extras. For reservations and more information visit dnata.com.

Another deal is a seven-night Club Med holiday in Bali, which offers an all-inclusive break and a variety of sporting and spa facilities and activities for children. Club Med Bali is located on the south coast of the island, near Denpasar and within easy reach of the airport.

Room prices start at Dh5,680 per person based on two sharing, and includes four-star accommodation, all meals, child care facilities and a range of sports activities for departures from May 9 to December 14. Bookings made before April 30 will receive up to €300 (Dh1,515) off per person on selected Club Med holidays elsewhere. For reservations email nonairgsa@dnata.com.

rbehan@thenational.ae

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