Buddhism as a Way of Life in Cambodia

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Overview

A brief but pretty introspective journey for those who would like to better understand the most spiritual facet of Cambodia.

For some a religion, for some both a religion and a philosophy and for others exclusively a philosophy, a way of life. We don’t pretend to get into that discussion, just to offer a chance for our most mindful travellers to discover how Buddhism is lived in ancient Phnom Penh as one of the most important cornerstones of the Cambodian culture and society. 

Highlights

  • Getting to know or better understand the traditions and beliefs of Buddhism directly from some of the most respected masters in Phnom Penh (monks and secular teachers at the largest teaching centre in the country).
  • Guided meditation session that you can keep on practicing and improving back home.
  • Stay at the foot of Oudong Mountain, one of the most revered spots in Cambodia.

Day 1 Wat Botum, Phnom Penh & Oudong Mountain

Meals: lunch, dinner | Accommodation: Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Center (basic accommodation)

In the morning we will visit Wat Botum in Phnom Penh to learn more about the traditions of the city’s Royalist pagoda that has been connected with the Royal family for hundreds of years. We will also have the chance to meet and talk to the English-speaking monks at the Wat. 

After lunch, we will depart for Oudong. Our masters will be awaiting us at the Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Center, the largest Buddhist teaching center in the country, situated at the foot of Oudong Mountain. We will receive instructions by the English-speaking monks and some lay specialists for meditation and later our yoga teacher from Phnom Penh will join us for a yoga session. 

We will enjoy a community dinner at the temple and later we will spend the night in one of the rooms at the Centre, which will be clean and basic.

Day 2 Oudong Mountain – Phnom Penh

Meals: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: not included

Feel free to join the morning chant at the temple or do some meditation before breakfast. 

Afterwards, we will head to the Royal stupas of Oudong Mountain, some of the most revered shrines in the country, containing the remains of former kings and the bones of Buddha himself. The views after the 500 steps will also be rewarding. We will travel back to Phnom Penh after lunch.
 

Price per person based on a group tour

Validity

Price per person

based on group of 2 pax

Jan 2023 - Dec 2023

USD 452
[vnd 10 938 000]

Jan 2024 - Dec 2024 USD 520
[vnd 12 584 000]

* Would you like to adapt the itinerary, accommodation or any activity as per your needs and preferences? Then just get in touch with us with your comments at info@handspan.com.

* Special prices for groups of more than 2 people and for children and the possibility to connect the trip with other stages of your trip around Indochina, by contacting us. 

* A private trip for a solo traveller is also available with a surcharge.

Included

  • Basic communal accommodation at the Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Center.
  • Meals as specified on the program.
  • Transfers with experienced driver.
  • Activities and the admission fee to indicated sights as stated.
  • The services of an experienced English-speaking guide.
  • Donation to the Center and the Pagoda and other expenses. 
  • VAT and other taxes.

Not included

  • Flights and visas.
  • Personal travel Insurance.
  • Beverages, gratuities and personal expenses.
  • Supplements on peak season.

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