Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Description

As of December 2011, allow Vietnam Airlines to open the doors to Vietnam with their new direct flights from London. Fly into Saigon and head straight for the tiny tropical island of Con Dao, set in the East Vietnam Sea.

Located off the south-east coast of mainland Vietnam, the Con Dao archipelago of islands was initially settled by the British East India Company in 1702 and remains one of Vietnam’s unexplored gems. The largest island, Con Son, is home to Six Senses Con Dao, which sets the benchmark for excellence in Vietnam, set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The villas sit along a mile of golden sand, looking out at the blue sea and curve of the bay and sheltered by darkly green, forested mountains. The whole area has been protected as a nature and marine reserve for decades and its unspoilt beauty is home to many endangered and indigenous species. The property itself boasts elegantly designed modern accommodation, offering generous personal space with lush tropical mangrove vegetation and breathtaking views. There are 50 spacious villas, each with their own private infinity pool and unobstructed views of the azure sea. The contemporary architecture has been designed to blend in with the beautiful natural surroundings and built following Six Senses total commitment to the environment with natural, reclaimed and sustainable materials.

Six Senses Con Dao delivers adventure, culture, sport, and excursions – a whole list of experiences to keep you entertained here in paradise. If you can tear yourself away from the magnificent softly curving pool by the beach with mature mahogany trees to provide shade, you might want to take a boat trip to a nearby island or sail a hobie-cat through the enchanting waters of the East Vietnam Sea.

From Con Dao, fly through to Siem Reap in Cambodia, home to the majestic and mysterious temples of Angkor. The Angkor complex, the famous ‘lost city’ of the Khmers, is the most astounding archaeological site in Asia and undoubtedly one of the world’s great travel highlights.

Whilst exploring these ancient marvels, you will stay at Amansara, undeniably the most luxurious and exclusive hotel in Siem Reap. Formerly the guesthouse of King Sihanouk, this classic structure has been converted into a calm oasis on the outskirts of bustling Siem Reap, affording you a cool and contemporary stay, while allowing you to embrace the outstanding ancient ruins and temples within its jungle and rice paddy terrain.

Siem Reap was only a sleepy backwater until a few years ago, and still retains pleasing remnants of the past, like French shop-houses, tree-lined boulevards and a gentle winding river. Explore the many markets, galleries and wonderful restaurants that line the dusty streets following a day of adventure amongst the stunning temples.

From Siem Reap, you will fly directly to Song Saa Private Island, hidden amongst Cambodia’s turquoise waters. These natural jewels nestled in the warm sapphire waters of the Gulf of Thailand remain as nature intended - pristine white beaches, virgin rainforest, fringing reefs teeming with life. The property itself is located on Koh Ouen and Koh Bong - two small adjacent islands in the Koh Rong Archipelago, connected by a footbridge over a marine reserve established to safeguard the islands’ reefs and marine life including dugongs, seahorses and exotic species of tropical fish. At the resort’s heart is a world-class restaurant and lounge, spectacularly positioned just off the island’s shoreline and surrounded by sea. A short stroll on the boardwalk will leave you perfectly positioned to take in dramatic sunsets, seascapes and starry nights. Explore the islands’ reefs, wander among virgin rainforest and lie on the pure white sands of Song Saa’s beaches. With more than 20 deserted islands close by, opportunities for offshore adventure also abound.

As a guest, you’ll be among the first foreigners to experience this beautiful, untouched world, where rare hornbills will land on your balcony. In this private intimate setting, you will lose yourself in the natural world. No intrusions. No work. Nothing but play. If you are in search of a truly private tropical island experience, where you can forget the bustling world, few places rival Cambodia’s islands.

Guide price £6,400 per person

£6,400 Per person, on a half board basis at Amansara, including 2 guided activities daily and on a full board basis at Song Saa, including all meals, alcoholic beverages and selected activities.

Itinerary

When to travel

Location and directions

Vietnam and Cambodia