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Travel insurance
Lotos Rallye
Street 138, #160z, Sangkat Toek Laok 2, Khan toul kok
12157, Phnom Penh
Tel: +855 (0)98 908 524
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://cambodia-travelpartner.com
Intro
We are back again! Due to circumstances, we were forced to cancel the 2021 and 2022 Lotos Rallye editions. But we are back again. And for sure we are! Cambodia – North East - selfdrive vintage jeep tour. Welcome to possibly one of the most unique and memorable Cambodia adventures on the market. A self-drive vintage jeep tour through Cambodia. This unique tour is only for a few privileged guests and few tourists can say that they have experienced driving a vintage jeep through Cambodia, visiting floating villages, seeing the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, majestic elephants, masterpiece of Khmer architecture Preah Vihear temple, stay in a 1916 build Colonial Custom house and much more. Every year since its conception since 2013, we have strived to develop and enhance the Lotos Rallye itinerary; looking for new routes, accommodation, restaurants and experiences for our guests. For the Lotos Rallye 2024 we have travelled the extra mile and created, what we believe, is the best Lotos Rallye jeep tour ever. New roads have opened up, new places have been added and unique, new hotels have been included. For a new visitor to Cambodia, this tour will provide the most exhilarating way to experience this uniquely special country, and even those guests have been lucky enough to join in the past, will discover completely new experiences and a new side to Cambodia on this tour. The LOTOS-RALLYE is not designed to be driven at speed, but is about experiencing the wonderful landscape of Cambodia with its cultural and historic buildings and amazingly friendly people. Tours of temples, local markets and other special places of interest are all included in this wonderful journey, but we have taken special care each day to ensure that the routing will take you on the path less travelled giving you a truly personal and unique jeep travel experience. We make sure that there is no stress during your jeep adventure. Almost everything is included, hotels, meals, vintage jeep with petrol, guides, activities and even the drinks during lunch and inside the jeep. Starting date: 6 January 2024 We drive with 2 participants in 1 jeep. The minimum participation is 6 jeeps (12 participants) and there is a maximum limit of 10 jeeps. So we drive with a small select group. Most participants have a passion for vintage cars and are adventurous. This is the perfect way to get to know Cambodia. The organisation is in the trusted hands of André and Lily from Cambodian Travel Partner Contact us for more information: [email protected]
Cambodia
Cambodia is a kingdom in Southeast Asia. It is 181,035 square kilometres (69,898 square miles) in area, bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. Cambodia has a population of over 15 million. The official religion is Theravada Buddhism, practiced by approximately 95 percent of the population. The country's minority groups include Vietnamese, Chinese, Chams, and 30 hill tribes. The capital and largest city is Phnom Penh, the political, economic, and cultural centre of Cambodia. The kingdom is a constitutional monarchy with Norodom Sihamoni, a monarch chosen by the Royal Throne Council, as head of state. The head of government is Hun Sen, who is currently the longest serving non-royal leader in South East Asia and has ruled Cambodia for over 30 years. Cambodia has become a popular destination and the country is developing fast. The city of Siem Reap was about thirteen years ago a small place with dirt roads and one traffic light, nowadays is the most touristic city of the country and the historical heart of Cambodia. The temples of Angkor is about seven kilometers of the city center and there are a lot of facilities to entertain the tourists from all over the world. But Cambodia is not only Angkor Wat. This fascinating, friendly country has so much more to offer. Countryside tours, floating villages, white sand beaches, tropical islands, jungle trekking, the mighty Mekong river, bicycle tours, cooking class, waterfalls, hilltribes, and much more.
Day by Day | |||
| Day 1: | Saturday 06 January 2024 | Siem Reap airport | Siem Reap |
| Day 2: | Sunday 07 January 2024 | Siem Reap | Siem Reap |
| Day 3: | Monday 08 January 2024 | Siem Reap | Kampong Thom |
| Day 4: | Tuesday 09 January 2024 | Kampong Thom | Chloung |
| Day 5: | Wednesday 10 January 2024 | Chloung | Chloung |
| Day 6: | Thursday 11 January 2024 | Chloung | Sen Monorom |
| Day 7: | Friday 12 January 2024 | Sen Monorom | Sen Monorom |
| Day 8: | Saturday 13 January 2024 | Sen Monorom | Banlung |
| Day 9: | Sunday 14 January 2024 | Banlung | Banlung |
| Day 10: | Monday 15 January 2024 | Banlung | Stung Treng |
| Day 11: | Tuesday 16 January 2024 | Stung Treng | Sra Em |
| Day 12: | Wednesday 17 January 2024 | Sra Em | Ko Ker |
| Day 13: | Thursday 18 January 2024 | Ko Ker | Siem Reap |
| Day 14: | Friday 19 January 2024 | Siem Reap | Siem Reap |
| Day 15: | Saturday 20 January 2024 | Siem Reap | Siem Reap airport |
Day 1
Saturday, 06 January 2024
Siem Reap airport to Siem Reap
Welcome to Cambodia
Welcome to the magical land of Cambodia – the Kingdom of Wonder. Our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you directly to your hotel. Here you can check in and enjoy the facilities getting used to your new environment before you start an unforgettable journey.
In the late afternoon you will have an orientation briefing (traffic rules, introduction of the staff, road explanation book, Jeep instruction, etc.).
Accommodation
Metta Residence & Spa
Metta Residence & Spa - Junior Suite Pool View Dbl/Twin
www.mettaresidence.com
Included today
Transfer Siem Reap airport to hotel
English/Dutch/German speaking Tourleaders (Andre and Lily)
Included meals
D
Day 2
Sunday, 07 January 2024
Siem Reap
Explore mystery temples
This morning, you will depart by jeep to the magnificent World Heritage Site UNESCO, the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. We have scouted out some back roads to the temples that still exist so you can get away from the tuk-tuks and busses for a much nicer and more relaxing drive to the temples. With a little imagination, today’s trip will give you a picture of the lost temples as they have lain for thousands of years. An English-speaking guide will lead you through the historic park, where you can see majestic structures and admire the splendor of the ancient kingdom. Most of the temples date back to the 12th century and house some of the most anticipated bas-reliefs and beautiful sculptures such as Garudas and Apsara dancers. First, visit the temple of Angkor Wat, the largest of all temples that has survived the sands of time and is in excellent condition. Here you can admire its dominating towers and sheer presence while taking the time to walk around inside. Continue on to Angkor Thom with its spectacular Bayon Temple. Here, a tour of the superbly preserved temple will allow you to admire 54 intricate and visually stunning four-headed Buddha statues - truly one of the most impressive sights of the temple complex. Lunch will be taken near the man-made lake of East Baray, which was created to supply water to the temple complex. After lunch and a short rest, you will visit Ta Phrom Temple. Made famous by the hit movie “Tomb Raider” starring Angelina Jolie, the temple's iconic trees with their gigantic roots hugging the walls have slowly taken over, creating a visually stunning and unique backdrop that makes a breathtaking end to your "templing" day“.
In the evening, visit Phare, the Cambodian Circus, which uses modern circus arts and high-energy music to tell uniquely Cambodian stories, exploring themes rooted in Cambodian traditions, ethos and spirit. The performances mix theater, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acrobatics, fire and contortion with an explosion of virtuosity and sensitivity. During the hour-long shows, the Phare performers share their emotions and enthusiasm, sweeping the audience away with their integrity and power.
Accommodation
Metta Residence & Spa
Metta Residence & Spa - Junior Suite Pool View Dbl/Twin
www.mettaresidence.com
Included today
Vintage jeep (Self drive with petrol)
English/Dutch/German speaking Tourleaders (Andre and Lily)
Entrance Fee Angkor temples
English speaking Angkor guide
Drinking water, fruit, snacks during the day
Tickets Phare Circus
TukTuk transfers Phare the circus
Included meals
BLD
Day 3
Monday, 08 January 2024
Siem Reap to Kampong Thom
The floating village of Kampong Kleang
Today we leave Siem Reap and drive to the city of Kampong Thom. First stop is at Kampong Kleang, the largest floating village in Cambodia. In the dry season, we drive our jeep between the stilts on which the houses are built, rising up to 10 meters in the air. In the rainy season, the water level reaches its peak and can rise up to 1 or 2 meters above the houses. We will offer you a boat ride through the village and have the opportunity to meet the locals. Afterwards we continue our journey and make a short stop in Kampong Kdei. Here you will see one of the most beautiful and best preserved bridges built by the Khmer kings. This bridge dates back to the 10th century. In the late afternoon we will reach our hotel. We can have a sundowner on Santuk mountain and watch the sunset with a cold beer in hand.
Accommodation
Glorious hotel
Landmark room (SGL/DBL/TWN)
www.glorioushotel.asia
Included today
Vintage jeep (Self drive with petrol)
English/Dutch/German speaking Tourleaders (Andre and Lily)
Drinking water, fruit, snacks during the day
Community Fee Kampong Khleang
Boat tour Kampong Khleang
Included meals
BLD
Day 4
Tuesday, 09 January 2024
Kampong Thom to Chloung
The Mighty Mekong River
After a delicious breakfast, we will drive our jeeps through the beautiful Cambodian countryside to our first stop of the day. We will stop to see some truly impressive carvings. From huge blocks of stone, sometimes up to 8 meters tall, the stonemason chisels and carves some extremely impressive sculptures. The sheer amount of detail that goes into some of his work is extraordinary and you will have plenty of time to admire his work. We continue our scenic drive to our second stop for the day and visit a local rubber plantation. Here you will learn more about the workings of the local rubber industry, how the latex is collected, cleaned and dried before being shipped to an outside rubber factory.
After this excursion, we will take a ferry north of Stung Trong and cross the mighty Mekong River. It is the twelfth longest river in the world and flows from the heights of the Tibetan Plateau to the South China Sea, some 4,500 km from its source. It is the lifeblood of many people, and its impressive size and power can only be experienced firsthand. On the east side of the Mekong is the old French colonial town of Chloung. In this peaceful and traditional town, we will spend the night in the former governor's mansion built in 1916, where we can experience Cambodia’s colonial past first hand.
Accommodation
Le Relais du Chhlong
Heritage Suite
www.relaisdechhlong.com
Included today
Vintage jeep (Self drive with petrol)
English/Dutch/German speaking Tourleaders (Andre and Lily)
Drinking water, fruit, snacks during the day
Ferry boat crossing Mekong River
Included meals
BLD
Day 5
Wednesday, 10 January 2024
Chloung
Spot the dolphins
We drive our jeeps along the banks of the Mekong River and pass some of the Muslim Cham villages. These were formed when the Cham fled the Vietnamese conquest and stayed in their new homeland, adding a new dimension to the area. At Kampi, 12 km north of Kratie, we board the boat to try to spot the Irrawaddy Dolphins. These rare, endangered freshwater dolphins live in a beautiful section of the Mekong River near a small rapids. The chance of seeing them playing in the rapids is very high, so have your camera ready. After Kampi, we will head back to Kratie where we will take a ferry to Koh Trong Island. With a local guide, you will explore this island paradise by bike and get explanations about the way of life of the inhabitants and the products that are grown there. Back on the mainland we drive back to Chloung with our jeeps.
Accommodation
Le Relais du Chhlong
Heritage Suite
www.relaisdechhlong.com
Included today
Vintage jeep (Self drive with petrol)
English/Dutch/German speaking Tourleaders (Andre and Lily)
Drinking water, fruit, snacks during the day
Boat tour to the dolphins
Ferry boat Koh Trong
Transfer on Koh Trong
Included meals
BLD
Day 6
Thursday, 11 January 2024
Chloung to Sen Monorom
On the way to Highlands
After Chloung, we continue our way to the breathtaking province of Mondulkiri. The landscape changes from the plains of the Mekong up to the highlands. We drive through forest and hilly landscapes and reach our destination for the next few days in the afternoon. Sen Monorom, the provincial capital of Mondulkiri, is actually an overgrown village, a charming community at the point where the hills that give the province its name meet. The village is inhabited by the indigenous Bunong people, whose tribesmen are frequently encountered in the town. The area around Sen Monorom is dotted with minority villages and picturesque waterfalls. Many Bunong from nearby villages come here to trade: They are easily distinguished from the migrant lowlanders by the characteristic baskets they carry on their backs. Sen Monorom is located at an altitude of 800 meters, and when the wind blows, it is much cooler here than in the rest of Cambodia. After getting used to the town and new surroundings, we rest to recharge our batteries for tomorrow’s adventure.
Accommodation
KNN Resort
Deluxe Double
www.knnresort.com
Included today
Vintage jeep (Self drive with petrol)
English/Dutch/German speaking Tourleaders (Andre and Lily)
Drinking water, fruit, snacks during the day
Included meals
BLD
Day 7
Friday, 12 January 2024
Sen Monorom
Off road experience
We drive through small villages and over a mountain pass before we have the opportunity to see how the beautiful Asian elephant lives in its natural environment. There are many elephant projects in Mondulkiri, but the Elephant Community Program is one of the smaller ones working towards a sustainable future for the local community. A large portion of the trip price stays in this community, allowing the mahouts to make a living to support their families and keeping the elephants out of the hard labor of the forest. You will learn how the elephants live, what they eat, and how they have integrated into the local community. Since the focus of the program is on caring for the elephants, riding the elephants is not allowed. However, you will have the opportunity to feed them bananas or bamboo before saying goodbye to these magnificent animals. In the afternoon we will drive through minority villages and discover more of the Mondulkiri Outback. On the way back to Sen Monorom you will be accompanied by the memories of a unique and unforgettable trip.
Accommodation
KNN Resort
Deluxe Double
www.knnresort.com
Included today
Vintage jeep (Self drive with petrol)
English/Dutch/German speaking Tourleaders (Andre and Lily)
Drinking water, fruit, snacks during the day
Elephant Project
Included meals
BLD
Day 8
Saturday, 13 January 2024
Sen Monorom to Banlung
Largest waterfall in Cambodia
In the morning we drive north, 30 km outside Sen Monorom and stop at the largest waterfall in Cambodia. The Bou Sra Waterfall is a magnificent sight, tumbling through a gorge in the jungle near the Bunong town of Bou Sra. The three-tiered waterfall has an upper tier of 12 meters and a stunning lower tier with a massive drop of 20 meters, before a final drop of 4 meters makes for a beautiful sight and a rushing sound. We then continue our journey into the beautiful province of Ratanakiri with its rugged, breathtaking landscape. Until recently this was a tough, grueling drive, but now there is a good new road that makes the journey through this wonderful place much smoother. About 20 km after Lumphat, we leave the paved road and turn onto a small, windy dirt road that takes us to Banlung, the capital of Ratanakiri. This town has a bustling market teeming with products from local ethnic villages. Yeak Laom Lake outside the town is home to some of the rarest and most exotic birds in the region. It is one of the few crater lakes in Cambodia and dates back to about 4000 years ago. The lake is almost 50 meters deep and ensures that the water is very clean and clear. You can cool off on one of the wooden platforms and swim with the local people or just sit back and enjoy the peaceful and natural environment.
Accommodation
Terres Rouges Lodge Ratanakiri
Deluxe room Twn/Dbl
ratanakiri-lodge.com/?lng=en
Included today
Vintage jeep (Self drive with petrol)
English/Dutch/German speaking Tourleaders (Andre and Lily)
Drinking water, fruit, snacks during the day
Entrance Fee Bousra waterfall
Included meals
BLD
Day 9
Sunday, 14 January 2024
Banlung
Gems and mountains
The word "Ratanakiri" itself is a derivation from two Cambodian words that together mean the place of gems and mountains. These are the two characteristics for which this Cambodian province of Ratanakiri is best known.
In the morning, you will drive by jeep to Kachon where a boat will be waiting for you. After a half-hour ride on the Tonle San River, you will reach Koah Peak. This small village is very traditional and has no electricity, running water or other facilities that we usually expect. Together with your guide, you can visit the village and meet the friendly inhabitants. The guide will show you the remains from the Khmer Rouge period. The villagers had to work hard during the Khmer Rouge, but they survived this time, which is a real miracle. The village is also home to a very different ritual regarding death. Large wooden dolls are placed next to the graves of the dead to help the survivors in the afterlife. These graves are unique in Cambodia and may only be visited in exceptional circumstances and under strict supervision. Works of art and other items that were important to the deceased are also placed next to the grave. After this eccentric visit, you will take a boat back to Koah Peak and then to Ratanakiri. On the way you will stop at a Krueng minority village.
Accommodation
Terres Rouges Lodge Ratanakiri
Deluxe room Twn/Dbl
ratanakiri-lodge.com/?lng=en
Included today
Vintage jeep (Self drive with petrol)
English/Dutch/German speaking Tourleaders (Andre and Lily)
Drinking water, fruit, snacks during the day
Included meals
BLD
Day 10
Monday, 15 January 2024
Banlung to Stung Treng
The best sundowner
After breakfast, head west along a new road that passes directly through the hills of Ratanakiri. We will stop in a rural village by a river.
Our accommodation for tonight is located on a high bank of the Mekong River. All bungalows have a balcony overlooking the river. It is a relaxing place overlooking the Mekong River. The Mekong has hundreds of sand islands and by boat we went to a sand island for a very special sundowner.
Accommodation
Stung Treng Resort
Deluxe bungalow
www.stungtrengresort.com/?type=deluxe&rid=3
Included today
Vintage jeep (Self drive with petrol)
English/Dutch/German speaking Tourleaders (Andre and Lily)
Drinking water, fruit, snacks during the day
Sundowner experience
Included meals
BLD
Day 11
Tuesday, 16 January 2024
Stung Treng to Sra Em
Sopheakmit Waterfalls reveals the power of the Mekong
Wake up to the sounds of birds and enjoy the view of the Mekong River. After breakfast, we will drive on a new road along the border with Laos. Some parts are paved, but many parts are still dirt roads. However, it is much better constructed and allows for faster travel than before. You will have lunch on the banks of the Mekong River and also visit the Sopheakmit Waterfalls. This hidden gem is one of Cambodia's most picturesque natural spectacles and is surrounded by islands and endless waterways. The water, often an iridescent jade color, cascades over the numerous rocks and is especially powerful during the rainy season. After this wonderful experience, you will continue your journey to Sra Em. This small village is located 25 km from the Preah Vihear temple. The most beautifully located temple in Cambodia we will visit tomorrow.
Accommodation
Preah Vihear Boutique Hotel
Deluxe Double / Twin
www.preahvihearhotels.com
Included today
Vintage jeep (Self drive with petrol)
English/Dutch/German speaking Tourleaders (Andre and Lily)
Drinking water, fruit, snacks during the day
Included meals
BLD
Day 12
Wednesday, 17 January 2024
Sra Em to Ko Ker
The most beautifully located temple in Cambodia
You will wake up early and the hotel will provide some snacks for your breakfast. A local pick-up will take you up the steep mountain. At sunrise, you will reach the Preah Vihear Temple where you can find a nice spot for your breakfast. This breathtaking spectacle is a sight not many get to see. Combine the most beautifully situated temple in Cambodia with an unforgettable sunrise and you will experience something you will remember for the rest of your life. After the sunrise, you can explore the temple. The temple is a great place for beautiful photos. Then we will descend and return to the hotel. At the hotel, you can freshen up and have lunch before heading to Koh Ker. We will make a few stops along the way.
Accommodation
Koh Ker Temple Garden
Deluxe Garden view
www.kohkertemplesgarden.com
Included today
Vintage jeep (Self drive with petrol)
English/Dutch/German speaking Tourleaders (Andre and Lily)
Drinking water, fruit, snacks during the day
Entrance Fee Preah Vihear Temple
Included meals
BLD
Day 13
Thursday, 18 January 2024
Ko Ker to Siem Reap
Feel like Indiana Jones
After breakfast you will go to Koh Ker. It is a stunning and unique pyramid-shaped temple built in 931 AD. When you enter it, you almost feel like you are approaching a Central American Mayan sight like Chichen Itza. Koh Ker also has a unique political history, having been established by Jayavarman IV as a "new" capital outside the Angkor area. Its importance was short-lived, however; after the king’s death, power reverted to the Angkor area around 944 AD. The arduous climb up wooden steps to the top of the pyramid is quickly forgotten when viewing the breathtaking view from the top.
We leave the village and drive into the Cambodian hinterland to the mysterious 12th century temple of Beng Melea. Beng Melea is overgrown with trees, vines and moss, giving you an impressive glimpse of the majestic temple complex. In the late afternoon we are back in Siem Reap.
Accommodation
Navutu Dream
The Explorer Double / twin
www.navutudreams.com
Included today
Vintage jeep (Self drive with petrol)
English/Dutch/German speaking Tourleaders (Andre and Lily)
Drinking water, fruit, snacks during the day
Entrance Fee Koh Ker temple
Included meals
BLD
Day 14
Friday, 19 January 2024
Siem Reap
Stunning Sunset and farewell party
A day off to do as much or as little as you like - a day of shopping in town, a massage, or a little local excursion. But we will end this unforgettable self-drive jeep tour with a grand bouncer.
At 4pm, we will drive the jeeps into the countryside of Siem Reap for a breathtaking sunset. Explore and experience the colours, smells and magnificent views of Cambodia at its best. We will also drive through vast rice fields and as the sun sets, we will take the jeep to find a beautiful spot in the middle of the rice fields. Here we open a bottle of champagne and toast to a beautiful sunset. Later in the evening we have a farewell dinner and an award ceremony in beautiful surroundings.
Accommodation
Navutu Dream
The Explorer Double / twin
www.navutudreams.com
Included today
English/Dutch/German speaking Tourleaders (Andre and Lily)
Vintage jeep (selfdrive + petrol)
Farewell party
Included meals
BLD
Day 15
Saturday, 20 January 2024
Siem Reap to Siem Reap airport
Time to say goodbye...
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, and this year’s Lotus Rally is no exception. Today it is time to say goodbye to Cambodia. Enjoy the ride to the airport and take one last look at the wonderful country you have been privileged to enjoy over the past 14 days. We are sure that you have had a fantastic adventure here that you will remember for a long time. We hope you will come back very soon and we can show you more of Cambodia.
Bon Voyage!
If after this exciting jeep adventure you would like to relax for a few days on a beautiful white sandy beach with turquoise sea, we can offer you a package deal. Ask us about the possibilities.
Included today
English/Dutch/German speaking Tourleaders (Andre and Lily)
Transfer hotel to Siem Reap airport
Included meals
B
Quotation summary | |||||
| Booking number | 2023-002125-RALLYE | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | 06-08-2023 | ||||
| Customer | Lotos Rallye | ||||
| Customer email | [email protected] | ||||
| Number of persons | 1 | ||||
| Total price | 4899.00 | USD | |||
| Price per person | 4899.00 | USD | x 1 | 4899.00 | USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Download this quotation as PDF here: | Quotation Version 1 | (Sunday, 06 August 2023) |
| Download this quotation as PDF here: | Quotation Version 2 | (Wednesday, 06 September 2023) |
| Download this quotation as PDF here: | Quotation Version 3 | (Wednesday, 06 September 2023) |
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