Traveling solo to Indochina is certainly going to be one of the most daunting, exhilarating, culturally-rich trips I’m ever going to take. However, there is no doubt it will be filled with pockets of pampering, luxury and heavenly views.
Check out the plan thus far:
Malaysia Kitchen
Days filled with cooking classes, reviewing stylish restaurants, interviews with top chefs…very masterchef!
From KL, I’ll be heading to Vietnam, specifically, Epikurean in An Van Linh Bay…
Luxury destinations
I will make sure I still get amongst it in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi….but all that running around will deserve a little pampering…
So will end the trip with the stunning Alila Sothea, Siem Reap, Cambodia!
a little luxury in cambodia
Itinerary involves
- Meditation in Phonm Krom, under the gaze of one of the tower faces of Angkor Thom, surrounded by trees, serenaded by cicadas.
- Cooking classes with Resident Chef Khmer, and even a trip to the local outdoor market to collect the ingredients.. really Masterchef at its finest!
- A little adventure starting with a guided to the countryside of Siem Reap on a bicycle. Activities within the Tour includes a visit to Farming communities, a stop at some local rice wine makers, tree planting activity (The tree sapling will bear a marker bearing the your name) and a monk blessing.
- Day trip to KBAL SPEAN (The Carved River), commonly known as the valley of 1000 Lingas, Kbal Spean is set deep in the jungle to the north east of Angkor. A 45 minute steep walk takes you to the river and a waterfall where hundreds of relics in the shape of phalluses are carved on the riverbed by the ancient Khmer people… sounds incredible!
- Shopping! After being so cultural.. I will need to get back to ‘reality’, what better way than to go shopping..
Cant wait to check out
Wanderlust – Elizabeth Keister left a hectic fashion career in New York (She was once the Fashion Editor for Jane, Marie Claire and was Concept Director of Abercrombie and Fitch) for a bohemian life in Cambodia. Hand‐dyed, organic cotton dresses are the main attraction for her store along with other very summery knick‐knacks.
- Of course the trip wouldnt be complete without Alila Spas!
Just before sunrise to Phnom Krom, a 9th century temple situated on top of a hill, east of Tonle Sap Lake, is the place I’ll stop for a sunrise meditation session with a monk. Afterwards, I’ll return to the resort for steam, shower, luxuriate with an organic scrub, followed by a blissful tropical bath and finished off with an aromatic massage. The perfect spa treat!
All sounds incredible… how will I ever want to come home?