Angkor Wat from a helicopter by LUXURY TRAVEL VIETNAM

Dec. 21, 2008 - PRLog -- Angkor Wat from a helicopter

As self-proclaimed “Travel Diva's” we love to discover wonderful places that aren't overrun with tourists, but offer adventure and luxury combined. We've used many of the very best travel companies like A&K, National Geographic, etc in the USA. However, when possible, we prefer to find travel companies that are based in the countries we are visiting – for those are the true experts on their country and culture.

We had emailed Pham Ha, President and CEO of Luxury Travel Co.  www.luxurytravelvietnam.com and by the very next day he was planning a private, custom 2 week itinerary designed to fulfill our every dream. Before we knew it we were leaving our homes in the USA and heading for Vietnam and Cambodia.

In Vietnam, we visited Hanoi, Sapa, Nha Trang & Ho Chi Minh City. We are so grateful to Luxury Travel for treating us like royalty.

Then we were off to our final stop Siem Riep, Cambodia. Since our arrival was in the evening, we were taken directly to the luxurious Hotel de la Paix – a delightful oasis in the heart of Siem Reap. Instantly greeted with a cold towel and cold drink, we were escorted to our spacious loft-style spa suites. The rooms were so comfortable we could easily have never left, except we were too excited to see the wonders of Angkor.

Luxury Travel had arranged a perfect itinerary designed to fit our desire to maximize every minute. Pictures of Angkor Wat are awesome, but it pales in comparison to the thrill of entering the grounds and beholding the sight of it all with your own eyes. Touching the walls, climbing the stairs, taking in the soul of such a world wonder is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. We visited as many temples as possible, each one a wonder of its own.

We thoroughly enjoyed a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to visit the houseboats and deliver toys to the giggling children on board. Once again, our excellent guides also made sure we visited the best artisan workshops where we purchased high quality, handmade goods at unbelievably fair prices.

At the last minute, we also decided we couldn't leave Cambodia without the experience of seeing Angkor Wat from a helicopter. Of course, that was no problem for our guide Sophea, who immediately made arrangements for us. Our final surprise was to take Sophea with us on the helicopter ride and treat him to his first flight ever over the Angkor temples. The memory of his smile throughout the ride is as vivid as the amazing views of the temples from the air. To have shared that moment with him is one of our favorite memories.

Alas, our fantastic journey had come to an end. Today, when we think of Vietnam and Cambodia, memories come flooding back of all the warm, friendly people we met; the hotels that rivaled the best in the world; some of the most fabulous food we'd ever tasted (not one bad meal in the entire trip!); amazing sites and beautiful scenery.

Our journey had all the elements we desired - from adventure to luxury, seclusion to cities. Every stop was perfect. Our only complaint was that we couldn't stay longer and see more, but that simply means we have to return.

www.LuxuryTravelVietnam.com
By Palmela Solvang

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Luxury Travel Co., Ltd. (Vietnam) is a 100% fully registered and privately-owned Vietnamese company. It was founded by luxury travel specialists since the 1990s when Vietnam had just opened its doors to worldwide tourism. www.luxurytravelvietnam.com