Keen marathon runner, or just enjoy fun-running for a good cause? If yes to either of these then
the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon, now celebrating its 14th anniversary, around the
fascinating, impressive, Angkor temples is a must!
We at Hanuman Tourism Voyages have put together an exciting 6 day package which will allow you to
fully appreciate the wonderful temples, take a cruise on South East Asia’s largest freshwater
lake, and visit the charming capital city of Phnom Penh – as well as running the Marathon of
course!
We fully understand that before and after such a run a certain amount of pampering is required.
This is why we have chosen to accommodate you in the quiet, comfortable, beautifully decorated,
air conditioned Hanumanalaya Angkor's Boutique Resedence , which features its own sauna and pool. Yet, for
even further pampering we have secured you a unique deal with the 5 star Sofitel Royal Angkor
Hotel – throughout your entire stay in Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) you will be able to make
complimentary use of their large lagoon swimming pool, and its international standard gymnasium
(including jacuzzi and sauna), as well as taking advantage of the 30% discount at its Angkor Spa
(wonderful massages available!). And on run day itself we will have our very own Hanuman Tourism
Voyages Recovery Tent, where you will be able to relax and enjoy the post-race ceremonies.
Don’t forget that the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon is both a serious and a fun event,
so the whole family can take part. There are various categories: the Half Marathon (21km) for men
and women 16+; the 10km Fun Run for men and women 16+; the 5km Fun Run for women only (any age);
and the 4km Family Fun Run. As for the good cause, part of your Marathon entrance fee goes
towards helping Cambodian land-mine victims. For more information take a look at the
Official Angkor Wat Half Marathon website.
We believe we are offering the best deal for those of you who wish to run the Marathon, be
pampered, and experience a small slice of wonderful Cambodia.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap
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When you arrive at Siem Reap International Airport you will be met by your guide and
transferred to the HanumanAlaya Boutique Guesthouse
(approx. 20 min drive). After you have settled in we will have a welcome dinner at the
HanumanAlaya.
Day 2: Siem Reap - Relaxing tour of Angkor Wat
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After breakfast we will get our first experience of the impressive Angkor Wat temple, where
we will get up close and personal to fully appreciate its architecture and intricately
detailed bas reliefs. This temple is the largest religious building ever constructed and
is truly one of the wonders of the world. It is widely believed to have been built as a
temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer empire in the first
half of the 12th century. Angkor Wat is the best-preserved of the Angkorian temples, and
its serene setting is perfect for pre-run contemplation! Around midday we return to the
HanumanAlaya and then leave you to your own devices for the rest of the day, allowing you
to choose how to relax (maybe a pre-race massage at the Sofitel), as well as what to eat,
in preparation for the following day's run.
Day 3: Siem Reap - The Marathon!
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The Marathon begins at 6:30am, so a light breakfast will be available from 4:30am (if you
require an earlier breakfast, or would like us to prepare any special pre-run food you may
have brought with you, please let us know and we will do our best to help). At 5:30am we
will transfer you to the Marathon administration area where you can register and prepare
for the run. The half marathon (21km) starts at 6:30am, the 10km Fun Run at 6:40am, the
5km Fun Run at 6:50am, and the Family Fun Run (4km) at 7:00am. Once you have finished your
run we will have our own Hanuman Tourism Recovery tent where you will be congratulated and
offered refreshments, water and fruit. Once the various ceremonies have ended (and you
have collected your winners medal!!), we will return to the HanumanAlaya. The afternoon is
free for you to relax and recover - the perfect opportunity to try out our sauna and pool,
or make use of the complimentary access we have secured in a unique partnership with the
five-star
Sofitel Royal Angkor Hotel. You can enjoy complimentary access to its superb lagoon
swimming pool, complete with swim-up bar, have a cool down session in its international
standard gymnasium (including jacuzzi and sauna), and take advantage of the 30% discount
at the Angkor Spa for a well earned post-run massage. You can also enjoy a 10%
discount on dining in any of the Hotel’s fine restaurants to help replenish your fuel
tanks!. The Sofitel Royal Angkor is less than a five-minute walk from the HanumanAlaya
or if your legs are a little sore we can give you a lift in our complimentary tuk tuk.
Back at the HanumanAlaya from 6:30pm to 7:30pm there will be a post-marathon cocktail
party at the garden bar followed by a special dinner.
Day 4: Siem Reap - Temples & Cruise
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Hopefully today your legs will not be too stiff as after breakfast we go temple exploring.
First we visit Angkor Thom. This Royal city was first built under the reign of
Udayadityavarman II in the 11th century. However, it was destroyed when the Chams from
Vietnam rose up against the Khmers and invaded, sacking the city, fortunately it was
subsequently renovated by King Jayavarman VII at the end of the 12th century. Its vast
walls, some 6m wide and 8m high, is 13km in length and contains many beautiful monuments.
We will approach this ancient city via the South Gate, which is flanked by demons and gods
engaged in a tug-of-war over the elixir of immortality. Once through the gate we will visit
the Bayon, a temple mountain built by Jayavarman VII. It is situated in the centre of the
city of Angkor Thom. It is a three-tiered pyramid and is famed for its many gigantic carved
faces, representing Avalokiteshvara but with the features of Jayavarman VII, smiling
beguilingly down at you. We will also visit other important sites in this immense walled
city, including the pyramid of Baphuon, Phimean Akas, and the royal viewing stands known as
the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. We will return to Siem Reap
and take lunch at a local restaurant. After which we head south in the afternoon to Phnom
Krom and a relaxing cruise on the Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in South East
Asia. Here we will see traditional floating villages and witness the residents going about
their daily life, and for the wildlife enthusiasts there is also the opportunity to spot
many birds which feed on and around this huge lake. As we return to Siem Reap we will call
in at Les Artisans d’Angkor, a workshop
created to help young people find work in their home villages, allowing them to
practice their traditional crafts and providing them with a vocation and a role in society
- a great place to buy traditional, quality souvenirs, whether silk scarves, a wood or
stone carving, or maybe some lacquerware. We will have dinner at a local restaurant in
Siem Reap.
Day 5: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
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After breakfast we will transfer you to the airport for the 50 minute flight to Phnom Penh
(flight FT 991, 8:10am). Upon arrival in Phnom Penh you will be met by your guide and
transferred to your hotel, the Imperial
Garden Villa & Hotel, located very close to Phnom Penh's main attractions. In the
afternoon we will take in some of Phnom Penh's sights, starting with a visit to the
beautiful Royal Palace located on the shores of the Mekong river. Inside its walls are the
Throne Hall, the Chan Chaya Pavilion, used for performances of classical dance, the
Napoleon III Pavilion, and the King and Queen's residential quarters. Next stop will be the
Silver Pagoda, so named as its floor is made up 5,000 silver tiles! The Silver Pagoda is
also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha as it houses a glittering array of Buddhist
statues, the centre piece being a magnificent 17th century emerald Buddha statue made of
baccarat crystal. Next on the schedule is a visit to the 1917, terracotta red, National
Museum - home to the world’s leading collection of Khmer sculpture. The museum offers a
charming setting for the comprehensive collection of Khmer art. Predominantly worked in
stone, the sculptures date from both the Angkorian and pre-Angkorian eras, complimented by
more recent examples of Cambodian art. Dinner will be at the Mekong River Restaurant, offering
views across the river.
Day 6: Depart Phnom Penh
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After breakfast you are free until the afternoon when we will transfer you to Phnom Penh
International Airport for your onward flight. You may wish to take this opportunity to
learn about Cambodia's more recent turbulent history by taking a visit to the Toul Sleng
Genocide Museum, the infamous Khmer Rough prison / torture centre (also known as S21), and
/ or the 'Killing Fields' located about 15km from the city centre. Or on a lighter note,
you may wish to buy some last minute souvenirs at the fascinating Russian Market.
