Day 1: Arrival
into Siem Reap, flight to be determined
Met on arrival with private
transfer to your hotel of choice.
Day 2: AM: First Sign of Angkor
Temples (Half day Remorque)
By road to Srah Srang and then Ta Prohm (11km), pausing to collect your entry
passes at the Archaeological Park Entrance.
Take your time to walk
through the temple from the West entrance to the East entrance to meet again
with our driver (walk 1–2 km). From the Northwest of Ta Prohm we shall walk
(15 minutes) through the forest to the lightly visited temple of Ta Nei. There is a
reasonable chance of having this beautiful Angkor temple to yourself to explore.
Pause for a light breakfast
(packed) around this peaceful area before exploring further. End the
morning at Ta Keo temple, known as the “mountain with bronze
peaks”, and admire its five-tiered pyramid structure.
Return by road to Siem Reap
for lunch (own cost). We can recommend a wide selection of excellent eateries
to suit all tastes and budgets. Please ask for more details.
PM: Angkor Thom, the Khmer
ancient city
Travel by road to the Death Gate of Angkor Thom. You have the choice of either walking along
the path along the 8m high laterite city wall (500m)
to the Victory Gate or continuing around by road.
En route to the Terrace of the Leper King, you can stop briefly to see an
imposing statue found in Bayon which is now displayed at Vihear Prampeilveng.
Begin again at the atmospheric Preah Palilay and walk
(1km) through the shaded parkland behind the terraces, pass Phimeanakas with its beautiful lakes, and the imposing Baphuon to finally reach Jayavarman’s state
temple of Bayon at the centre of the city.
Explore this important temple with its many captivating giant stone
faces. Your guide will point out the most interesting of the detailed bas
reliefs illustrating everyday life in the Angkorian era.
Enjoy sunset drinks with a leisurely boat ride on the moat of Angkor
Thom and view hidden elements
of the ancient Khmer water systems, relaxing with G&T in hand and
accompanied by the sound of bird song.
Day 3: Early: Angkor Wat Sunrise and
Exploration
A sunrise tour starts
pre-dawn to witness the breathtaking view of Angkor
Wat temple, the best place for photography. Explore the central complex and
bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat [AD1113], one of travel’s remaining great adventures
before returning to your hotel for a late breakfast.
PM: Banteay Srei and Banteay
Samre temples
In the afternoon, travel
across ancient reservoirs (long since devoid of water), through pretty villages
and rice paddies to Banteay
Srei [AD967] some 37km from
Siem Reap. This beautiful pink sandstone temple is well-known for its
intricate carvings, of which hardly any space is left untouched, and its
perfect state of preservation.
On your way back to town,
visit the temple of Banteay
Samre, built in a similar style to Angkor Wat. Take a walk along the old
causeway and be welcomed by the stone lions and Naga balustrades, as the temple
looms above.
Day 4: AM: Hunter/gatherers on Tonle
Sap
The great Tonle Sap lake is
the richest fresh water fishing ground in the world, a national treasure
producing an ever-changing landscape. The communities that live around the
margins of the lake cope with huge seasonal variations in water levels by building
their homes on floating bamboo rafts or 30ft stilts. It is well worth the extra
effort to get away from the touristy village of Chong Kneas to the more genuine stilted villages – Kompong Khleang or Kompong Phluk
(dependent on water levels) – for an understanding of contemporary lake life.
Take the opportunity to pause
at the stilted houses to learn how a subsistence fishing family lives, before
continuing by boat along the margins of the lake. While you explore the life on
the water we will have prepared a picnic
lunch for you to enjoy
on-board while absorbing the atmosphere of this unique locality.
* Please let us know of any
specific dietary requirement or allergies you may have.
On return to Siem Reap,
optionally pause at Wat Lolei to receive a water blessing from the monks at
this contemporary Buddhist pagoda, said to bring good fortune for the journey
ahead.
PM: The earliest Angkor
capital
Explore the earliest Angkor
capital in the region [Hariharalaya AD881] near the contemporary town of Rolous. Lolei, Preah Ko and Bakong exhibit some of the first examples of
architectural features found commonly throughout later Angkor temples.
Day 5: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Preah Vihear Temple
Leaving Siem Reap early
morning travel to Anlong Veng, 125 km north of Siem Reap - the last
stronghold of the Khmer Rouge led by Ta Mok (brother No 5) before it collapsed
in 1998, as well as the resting place of Pol Pot. Visit Ta Mok’s house,
set within an artificial lake to protect him when he was in power.
Continue to Preah Vihear temple. Perched on the edge of the
Dangrek escarpment, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Preah Vihear cliff-top temple has
spectacular views across both Cambodia and Thailand, where it is nestled on the
border. This temple was built over a period of 300 years by a succession of
Kings and is regarded as a masterpiece of Khmer architecture.
Arriving at the foot of the
escarpment, travel up to the top by 4WD. The temple complex’s unique blend of
sanctuaries linked by pavements and staircases with the breathtaking natural
landscape make this temple a site of exceptional quality.
Return to Tbeng Meanchey and
stay overnight.
Note: Please bring your
passport as there is a routine police check at Preah Vihear as it is located by
the Thai-Cambodia border.
Day 6: Remote and jungle temples –
Koh Ker & Beng Mealea
After checking out of your
guest house, travel to Koh Ker,
one of the ancient capitals of the Angkor civilization which today sees
relatively few visitors. Built between 928 and 944 under King Jayavarman IV and
his son, Harshavarman II, the complex is made up of many small, unique temples
though dominated by the impressive pyramid-shaped Prasat Thom, with its striking similarities to
Mayan temples and panoramic views from its peak. The area is scattered with a total of
around 42 major structures, include some of the largest Shiva lingas to be found in Cambodia.
Explore some of the smaller
sites – which you will likely have to yourself – starting with Prasat Pram where the crumbling ruins are gripped by twisting tree roots.
Turning right in the Koh Ker ‘loop’, to take in some of the smaller temples as
well as the Linga shrine, before culminating at imposing Prasat
Thom where you can climb the wooden staircase to reach the top for expansive
views over the surrounding countryside.
A local lunch (own cost) can
be taken at one of the restaurants in the temple complex area before driving to
the mysterious jungle-clad Beng
Mealea, often described as the blueprint for Angkor Wat. Built under the
control of Suryavarman II, this 12th century temple, overgrown with roots
and vines, is in a much collapsed state retaining a very atmospheric feel.
Venture into darkened doorways skirting crumbling pillars and walk down the
long promenades lined by naga balustrades. Take advantage of the walkways to
traverse the ruins and scramble over tumbled stones in the less-explored
courtyards.
Return to Siem Reap in the
evening.
Day 7: Free at your leisure
Day 8: Siem Reap to
Battambang by private vehicle
Explore the villages, markets
and rural scenery along National Road No 6 & 5 (private transportation).
You have choices to stop at Preah Netpreah to learn more about craft of stone
carving about 20Km before Sisophon and other places along the way.
Day 9: AM: Battambang Market &
The Bamboo train
Explore this laid back
provincial town full of (crumbling) colonial beauty slowly being repaired to
its former glory, with long roads lined with tall overhanging palm trees and
charming countryside. Whilst Battambang is Cambodia’s second largest city, it’s
surprisingly sleepy.
Visit Psa Nath (‘Meeting Market’) in the centre of
town, where you can get an insider’s view into local life, then jump aboard the
famous bamboo train for a fun and breezy ride. From
here take in the rural surrounds and
emerald green rice paddies and
hold on: when two bamboo trains meet……..the lighter one has to be dismantled
and taken off the rails, leaving the other to pass!
PM: Phnom Sampeau and Phnom
Banan
Travel southwest of the town
to explore Phnom
Sampeau, a limestone hillside
with panoramic views out into the countryside. The area
also hides several killing caves of the Khmer Rouge, a harsh reminder of tragic
Cambodian history. Phnom
Banan, an Angkorian ruin, is
also located on the top of a mountain overlooking rural villages. The lintels
of the temple’s towers remain in beautiful condition whilst building blocks
have fallen and trees grow within the site which adds to the atmosphere.
On the way back to the town,
you may like to stop off at Cambodia’s first winery, and try a drop or two.
Day 10: AM: Battambang to Phnom Penh
by private vehicle
Explore the villages, markets
and rural scenery along National Road No 5 (private transportation). You have
choices to stop to learn more about Khmer crafts: artifacts made of marble in
Pursat and pottery in Kompong Chhnang province.
Evening: Private sunset boat cruise on Sisowath Quay (weather allowing) on the Tonle Sap and
Mekong rivers. A river view gives possibly the best view of Phnom Penh and its
ever evolving skyline, lit up in the twilight sky.
Day 11: AM: Khmer Rouge Memory
A tough beginning to
understanding Cambodia. You will make more sense of modern Cambodia with a familiarity
of the events of the late 1970’s and how the country continues to recover from
this tragedy. Visit the Killing Fields and Toul
Sleng (S21), where only 7
survived from 1,000’s incarcerated.
PM: We continue to the Royal
Palace built in 1866 by King
Norodom and the Silver Pagoda with a floor of over 5,000 silver
tiles. We then head to the National
Museum,which houses the world's foremost collection of Khmer art. You
can then opt to explore the shops
and boutiques in Street 240 area or
visit the small hill within the city, Wat
Phnom and learn how the city
got its name.
Day 12: AM: Koh Okgna Tei
We will begin today on the
Mekong with a trip up to Okgna Tei Village some 15km North of the city.
The villagers’ income derives mainly from the weaving of scarves and
sarongs. All the production is based on individual family styles and
traditional techniques. This is an excellent opportunity to pass from
house to house and gain an insight into rural Cambodian living in the Mekong river
valley. The people are very welcoming of visitors and genuine in their
approach.
PM: Hidden Gems of Phnom Penh
Weaving through Phnom Penh’s
colourful city streets bustling with activity and the whizzing of motos, today
a local architecture student will reveal some of our favourite hidden gems of
this multifaceted capital by traditional transportation method, the cyclo.
Pedal power affords a gentler pace to soak up the modern architectural heritage of this burgeoning capital. Take in highlights that showcase the city’s fusion of past and present and its juxtaposition of old and new. Most of these buildings reflect three basic groups, the Chinese shop-house style, the late 19th and early 20th century French colonial buildings – with an eclectic mix of influences and the “New Khmer Architecture” of the late 1950’s – 1960’s, built in the post-independent Golden era.
As brand new apartment blocks
spring up from the charming chaos, discover there’s more than first meets the
eye to Cambodia’s capital.
Day 13: Depart
Phnom Penh to drive to Kratie
Today
depart to Kratie to see the Irrawaddy
Dolphins on the Mekong
River. Explore the countryside, markets and sites of interest on the
drive from Phnom Penh. Stops in Skoun to see (try?) the deep fried spiders.
Leaving
the main road in Skoun, continue on to Kratie in time to take a boat out to see
the (illusive) dolphins in the early evening. In
2005, the World Wildlife Fund
(WWF)established the Cambodian Mekong Dolphin Conservation Project with
support from the government and local communities, whose aim it is to support
the survival of this unique and beautiful creature, through targeted
conservation activities, research and education.
Today either take a picnic lunch with you from PP or stop at a local
restaurant (own cost).
Day 14: AM:
Kratie Exploration
After
breakfast leave the hotel to take a boat out to see the dolphins in the early morning if you did not get the opportunity
to see them last evening. Back to town for lunch (own cost).
PM: Visit to remote pagoda of Sosor Moy Roy, so called as it
is claimed 100 pillars hold up its roof. Closer to town is Phnom Sambok where after climbing several flights
of steps, snuggled between two hilltops, you will find another pagoda which
affords beautiful views over the Mekong river and lush countryside beyond.
Day 15: Depart Kratie and drive to Mondulkiri
Explore
the countryside, markets and sites of interest on the drive from Kratie.
The
journey will take about 4-5 hours in a private a/c vehicle – depending on the
weather.
Tonight,
let your guide show you your dinner options in the area. We suggest The Nature
Lodge.
Day 16: Travel to
Bousra waterfall
Bousra
Waterfall, about 35km East of Sen Monorom, is one of the country’s most
impressive falls (depending on the season) plunging deep into the dense jungle
below. It is possible to swim under the cascades so bring a towel.
It is a
popular local spot and gets busier on the weekends. Tribal people from the area
sell their produce on site.
On your
way back we will explore some of the agricultural projects that are established
in this province, such as the Pepper and Coffee plantations scattered about.
Mondulkiri coffee is a “must try”!
In the
late afternoon we will drive and walk up Dos
Kromom hill, a sacred
mountain to all of the tribes in the area, for an opportunity to see a
breathtaking sunset view across the sleepy town of Sen Monorom.
A shrine
dedicated to Netha (holy male spirit according to local religion) is located on
the top of the hill a little way off from our sunset spot– a popular place for
locals to visit.
Day 17: Phnom Penh – Ratanakiri
Prepare
for an early start today and be picked up at 8.30 from your hotel.
Enjoy
your lunch en-route (packed lunch) or stop for a little while to fill up in
Kampong Cham province. Why not try a deep fried spider in Skuon? These
creatures are bred here and are considered a delicacy! Visit Phnom Srei and
Phnom Pros – these temples carry a message from Khmer mythology why a man must
propose to a woman. Passing through the town of Kratie and Steung Treng
province to reach Ratanakiri.
Day 18: Ratanakiri
Exploration
AM: Visit Banlung market before
heading to the waterfall nearby. Cha
Ung Waterfall is the most
impressive of the ones this region has to offer. We will drive back to town for
lunch (own cost).
PM: In the afternoon drive to
the Volcano lake (Boeung Yak
Lom). This is a beautiful blue crater-lake set
amid the vivid greens of the towering jungle. It is one of the most peaceful,
beautiful locations Cambodia has to offer and the water is extremely clear –
bring your swimwear and camera!
Ratanakiri
Exploration
Enjoy
elephant rides to
visit the nearby villages, passing through beautiful rubber plantations. Lunch
in town (own cost).
Virachay
National Park
This is
one of the largest protected areas in Cambodia stretching for 3325 sq km east
to Vietnam, north to Laos and west to Stung Treng Province. The park has never
been fully explored and is likely home to a number of larger mammals, including
elephants, leopards, tigers and all manner of exotic birds. Put on your
walking boots and explore the jungle.
Day 19: AM: Ratanakiri to Phnom Penh
by road
After
breakfast at the hotel, we will depart to Siem Reap.
Day 20: Phnom
Penh to Sihanoukville by road
A port
city located on a small peninsula with beaches and tropical islands off its
south and west coast and a commercial port to the north west. Beaches that line
the west contour of the city from north to south are Victory Beach, Lamherkay
Beach, Koh Pos Beach, Independence Beach, Sokha Beach, Serendipity Beach,
Occheuteal Beach and Otres Beach. The most popular beaches are Occheuteal,
Sokha,
Independence
and Victory. Take a water taxi to the nearby islands for diving, snorkeling,
and game fishing.
Day
21: Ream National Park
Ream National Park offers pristine beaches,
mangrove forests, tropical jungle and bird life in abundance. Today walk with a
local ranger to explore this part of the coast, jungle and beach, including a
leisurely boat ride along the mangroves. During the months of December
through February there is sometimes the possibility of seeing the infamous,
fresh water dolphin.
Day
22: Free at your leisure
Day 23: Transfer Overland from Sihanoukville to Kep (Without Guide)
Met at your hotel with private transfer for your departure to Kep.
Day 24: AM:
Cave Exploration & Secret Lake (Approx 4 hrs)
The landscape between Kep and
Kampot is studded with limestone mountains, hiding forgotten caves and Buddhist
shrines. Visit the cave complex of Phnom Chhnork, located just outside Kampot,
known for its impressive formations of stalagmites and stalagtites and well
preserved 7th Century brick temple shrine to Shiva
in the main chamber.
The beautiful surrounds of
the green Cambodian countryside and rice fields lead you to the next stop, the
so-called “Secret Lake”, created through hard labour under the Khmer Rouge as
an irrigation dam, no providing a scenic location for a picnic or a swim.
Note: This tour can be taken
by tuk-tuk, but due to the road conditions we recommend the adventurous option
of motorbike.
PM: Free at your leisure
Day 25: Free at
your leisure
Day 26: Kampot & Kep
exploration
Explore
the quiet riverside towns of Kep and Kampot with their attractive mix of
colonial French and local architecture, just a
few kilometers from the Gulf of Thailand.
These
two villages make a great base for visiting the surrounding pepper plantations, for which Kampot is best known. Additionally, a
visit to the salt fields (mostly exported overseas) is also of great interest-
think fish and chips. Visit the beach town of Kep and
savour the seafood, especially the delectable crabs cooked with Kampot pepper,
which this sleepy seaside town is famous for. Kep remains the centre of the
Cambodian Crab fishing industry.
Day
27: Transfer overland from Kep to Phnom Penh
International Airport for your outbound flight to be determined
Met at your hotel with
private transfer to Phnom Penh for your outbound flight.
Price for Tour Package:
Touring Only:
(Without
Accommodation)
|
Total Price
based on 2 guest
USD
|
4,860
|
Exclude
|
Include
|
Ø Visa and
Immigration Fees
Ø International
air tickets to/from Cambodia
Ø Insurance of
all kinds
Ø Meals aside from those specifically included
Ø Additional touring required beside above sights
Ø Tips, drinks, personal expenses
|
ü Transportation and transfers in private air-conditioned
vehicle with dedicated driver or remorques (tuk-tuks) as noted
ü Angkor Archeological Park Entry Pass: US$40 (3 Day) per
person
ü Private boat tours (as applicable)
ü Accommodation including all taxes and breakfast
ü Expert local guide in language specified
ü Government tax and service charge
ü Luggage handling
ü Drinking water and refreshing towels for touring
|
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