PANORAMA OF CAMBODIA
Means of transport:
Meet your guide and driver at Siem Reap airport and transfer to the city center to check-in at your hotel. Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor temples, is considered as the “tourist capital" of Cambodia, travelers staying there for the millennial temples, a must-see. The rest of the day will be free for you to discover Siem Reap at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Today we will make the visit by tuk tuk (a motorized tricycle which can carry up to 4 passengers) and follow the river to reach the west site of Angkor Wat complex. Among all Cambodia’s temples, Angkor Wat is the most famed, so much so that its picture is featured on the national flag and some riel notes. After having lunch in a local restaurant, we head to the temple of Angkor Thom (Great City). We enter the southern gate, admire the famous Bayon, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, and the 11th century Baphuon, dedicated to Brahmanism (ancient Hinduism). We then proceed with the Elephant Terrace or the Leper King Terrace. Night at the hotel.
This day’s first focus is the Kbal Spean (River of a Thousand Lingas), set deep in the jungle at about 30 km (1-hour drive) north of Angkor. The riverbed is carved with linga symbols and images of Hindu deities. We then head to Phnom Kulen Sacred Mountain (at 487m above sea level). After a 45-minute hike through a dense rainforest, you will reach Preah Ang Thom pagoda, the most sacred and worshiped site on Kulen Mountain. We will continue to explore Banteay Srei temple (Citadel of Women), dedicated to Shiva. This 10th-century Hindu temple is famous for its beautiful pinkish sandstone and sophisticated wall carvings. It turns into a beautiful shade at sunset, a sight not to be missed.
Transfer by car to the countryside to meet your host - a Khmer family. Discover with them the technique of homemade sugar. Venture among the sugar palms, basic ingredient of this preparation, and pick out its sweet flowers. On foot or by bicycle, wander in this village to grasp the essence of this local life. Come back home to prepare lunch with your host, the perfect opportunity to learn how to make some traditional dishes of Cambodia. At the beginning of the afternoon, take the road to Battambang.
By bike or by tuk-tuk (a motorized tricycle which can carry up to 4 passengers), we travel along the Sangkae River through a lush landscape dotted with many pagodas, ancient witnesses of a bygone era. On the way, we make a first stop to discover the traditional craft of rice cake preparation in a typical small factory. Then, we will start our tour of the 11th century Wat Ek Phnom temple. Continuing to the Angkorian temple of Phnom Banon. At the top of the hill where it’s located, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. A short transfer by car will take mode of transport: the bamboo train! You will ride in a wooden car pulled by a locomotive with a 10-horsepower engine, on an abandoned rail line for about an hour and a half. A friendly villager will be your driver and guide for this extraordinary activity.
After breakfast, depart for Phnom Penh, the capital of the country. Stop in the Pusat area, where you can admire the remains of colonial architecture and visit an authentic floating village. Take a stroll in Kampong Chhnang, a pottery village, before getting to Kandal. There venture into the abandoned royal city of Oudong, discover its many temples and beautiful statues. The journey will end in Phnom Penh where you’ll spend the night at the hotel.
The first visit of the day is to the Royal Palace monuments which comprises the Chan Chhaya Pavilion, the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, where they house the world's finest collection of Khmer sculptures. We will then explore the monument of Independence, shaped like the central tower of Angkor Wat. It was built in 1958 to commemorate the country's independence from France in 1953. We next visit Wat Phnom Daun Penh - a pagoda built by Lady Daun Penh in 1372 on a small hill. Wat Phnom remains today the highest artificial hill in Phnom Penh and the center of many recreational activities.
Your driver will transfer you to Kep. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to rest and explore the surroundings at your own pace. Overnight at the hotel.
Today, you’ll leave the small town of Kep, whose fishermen are protected: a statue of a woman waiting for the return of her husband is erected on the port. Don’t forget to make a morning visit to the seafood market, before breakfast. Then board a fast boat for a sea transfer to Koh Rong. Overnight at the hotel.
Two seaside days to discover the island of Koh Rong with brilliant white sand, endless turquoise sea and unspoiled jungle: a marvelous postcard landscape.
Two seaside days to discover the island of Koh Rong with brilliant white sand, endless turquoise sea and unspoiled jungle: a marvelous postcard landscape.
In the early morning, fast boat to Shihanouk ville City then transfer to Phnom Penh then transfer to the airport for your return flight. End of our services.
OVERVIEW
A journey far from mass tourism, passing through Siem Reap thousand-year-old temples, uncharted villages, lakeside hamlets and charming towns. The opportunity to discover a rich history, an authentic daily life and grandiose architectural monuments.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The temple of Angkor Wat
• The Roulos complex
• Tropical forests in Siem Reap
• Villages on the Tonle Sap Lake
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:
- Accommodation with breakfast on a Double/Twin Basis in Homestay/Hotels listed or similar
- All entrance fees and sightseeing as mentioned in the program
- Experienced English speaking tour guides except on free days (for other language guides supplements will be applied)
- Meals as mentioned in the program (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles with driver
- Bottled water during the tour day
OUR SERVICES DO NOT INCLUDE:
- Rates and Hotels are subject to availability
- Domestic & International flights when not mentioned
- Drinks and meals other than those mentioned
- Gratuities to guides, drivers, boat crews, wait staff... We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture.
- Personal expenses of any nature like, laundry, telephone calls, shopping, incidentals at hotels etc.
- Visa Stamping Fee for Cambodia
- Travel Insurance
- Peak season or Public holiday surcharges if any
- Other services not mentioned in the itinerary
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