ITINERARY
Day 1: Siem Reap arrival- Orientation tour by tuk tuk.Welcome to Siem Reap, the provincial capital and gateway to the ancient Angkor temples. Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srei and the legendary Angkor Wat. Upon arrival, our driver and a tour guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to the hotel to check in.
After freshening up, meet your guide at the hotel lobby for the short tour briefing followed by the orientation tour by tuk tuk- the typical means of local transportation. The tour is to highlight Siem Reap. You’ll be driven along the main bustling streets, channel, passing by Preh Prohm Roath pagoda, Wat Bo or Wat Damnak. Disembark at the PsarChass that’s a kind of typical oriental bazaars– Old City Market where you’ll walk around and learn the local art of how to bargain when purchasing items. Proceed further to the most exiting pub street for a welcome drink before heading back to your home away from home.
Meals: NAAccommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 2: Discover Angkor Temples with a special sunset moment over Angkor Thom by boat.We begin the busy but interesting day by a drive from the hotel to the jungle-covered temple of Ta Prohm which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty with its giant trees that have grown there for centuries. The temple became more famous after Tomb Raider was filmed there. Afterward, proceed further to visit Banteay Srei that is also one of the must- see sites. This beautiful temple was built in 967 AD by Jayavarman V's guru, it showcases the most exquisite, deep and complex carvings in all Khmer architecture. Lunch of your choosing and can be near Srah Srang at a local restaurant on the way for your most convenience.
After recharging battery, you’ll continue your exploration by a stop at Preah Khan meaning “Holy Sword”. This is one of the largest temple compounds in Angkor and is defended by four concentric walls. The main shrine and its adjoining buildings are richly decorated with Buddhist motifs and scenes from Hindu epics. Drive further through the North Gate of Angkor Thom to see the enigmatic faces of Bayon Temple that’s known as the heart of Angkor Thom. You’ll also see the intricate base reliefs of the Terrace of the Elephants, Angkor Thom is filled with fabulous monuments on the way to get there.
Once you reach the South Gate of Angkor Thom- the beautiful and old Gate with its majestic doors and artifacts, you’ll begin a tradition boat trip along the water way where history, nature and culture come alive. You can also see the beautiful sunset at Great wall. On the way, stop at Prasat Chrung temples located at the southeastern corner of Angkor Thom and they are dedicated to the Bodhisattva Lokeshvara (Avalokiteshvara). The uneasy access there keeps Prasat Chrung remain untouristic and pretty charming. From this point, you’ll enjoy the best sunset.
Return later to the hotel and the rest of time is at your leisure.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 3: Angkor Wat sunrise- Cooking Class in Siem Reap Wake up early to be transferred for picking up the most beautiful, haunting and spiritual moment to visit magnificent Angkor Wat at dawn. This special activity is designed also to help you see “the Temple reflex on the water” when it’s much cooler and less crowded. Angkor Wat, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was constructed by Suryavarman II who reigned Cambodia from 1113 to 1152 and built the five towers in the 12th century and dedicated them to the Hindu God Vishnu. The plan of the pyramidal conception of the temple combined with spaces, alleys and ditches is an ancient masterpiece of architectural design and construction.
Drive back to the hotel for your breakfast and enjoy your remainder of this morning at leisure.
The afternoon is spent discovering the secrets of authentic Khmer cuisine in a half-day cooking class. Begin with a walk and talk along the country lanes in the village where you will learn about Cambodian vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients before returning to the classroom for a hands-on culinary experience. After dining on your creations, we will take you back to hotel for relax.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Siem Riep- BattambangOption A: (This option is available between mid July to mid February only, when water levels are sufficiently high to navigate the Sangker River and Tonle Sap!). Travel by private boat to Battambang along the Sangker River and enjoy unspoiled landscapes and traditional daily-life scenes. Stop at Chhong Kneas floating village before sailing across the Tonle Sap Lake to the floating village of Prek Tuol. Enjoy a picnic lunch as you cruise to Cheur Khmao Pagoda, “Black Wood Pagoda”, in Bak Prier floating village.
Surcharge of 150USD per private boat will be applied. Please contact our travel consultant for more details.
Option B: (Feb-July) This morning, you will take a break from visiting temples and enjoy a boat ride, in a traditional wooden boat, on the Tonle Sap. This is the largest permanent fresh-water lake in South Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. We will see a “floating village” – boats have been converted to look like houses and the “village” move from place to place following water levels.
In the afternoon, depart from Siem Reap to Battambang via Sisophon by overland transfer. Arrive in the evening, check in to the hotel for a little relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 5: BattambangTake a morning drive along the picturesque Sangker River to Wat Slaket Pagoda for Buddha Blessing ceremony. This pagoda is the residence of the provincial Buddhist patriarch. Continue to visit Wat Ek Phnom. Visit a market where Prahoc, the Cambodian fish paste, is made. Visit the Provincial Museum (closed on Saturdays / Sundays) and the local market. Take a visit to Phnom Banon, with its five sandstone towers on top of a hill and enjoy a magnificent view until sunset.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in BattambangDay 6: Battambang- Phnom PenhBreakfast at the hotel. Leave Battambang for Phnom Penh by private car. Stop at the stone carving workshops in Pursat before your lunch. Then, head up to Kompong Chhnang to see the pottery village. You will visit the floating village with private boat at Krar Kor. Arrive in Phnom Penh late afternoon.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh.Day 7: Phnom Penh City TourPhnom Penh was founded in the 14th century and has long been a vital trading hub at the confluence of three rivers: the Mekong, Tonle Sap & Bassac. Start the day learning about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent history on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Choeung Ek “Killing Fields”. Our cultural tour continues as we visit the National Museum - a journey into ancient Khmer art and civilization and the Royal Palace, home to the royal family and the opulent silver pagoda.
Enjoy some free time to rest and freshen up before driving to the dock to catch an evening boat cruise along the Mekong River. Savor a welcome dinner on board as you watch the sunset over the shimmering lights of Phnom Penh.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Day 8: Phnom Penh -Takeo - Drive to KepLeaving Phnom Penh, we drive to the seaside resort, Kep-sur-Mer, a favorite getaway of the French in the early 1900s. Have breakfast at the hotel then begin our journey southwards, making our first stop at Phnom Chisor Temple and dating back to the 11th century. Climb the 500-step path to the top of the hill to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Continue on to the quiet town of Takeo before taking a short cruise to Angkor Borei, located just a few kilometers from the Vietnamese border. Here we visit a small museum displaying several reproductions of sculptures from the nearby ruins and a selection of artifacts dating as far back to the 4th century. After visiting the museum, we embark on our boat for a trip to visit the pre-Angkorian temple, Phnom Da, and a nearby temple Asram Maharosei. We arrive in Kep in the evening and check in at the hotel.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in Kep
Day 9: Kep to Sihanouk Ville
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel followed by a drive along the southern coast to Sihanouk Ville, stopping at Kampot en route. The whole afternoon is free to spend as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Sihanouk Ville
Day 10: Sihanouk Ville
Today is yours! Relax and further explore the seaside town of Sihanouk Ville, including the amazing surrounding beaches.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Sihanouk Ville
Day 11: Sihanouk Ville - Phnom Penh
Enjoy the breakfast at hotel and free at your leisure until the driver meets you at hotel’s lobby and transfer you on 3.5 hour driving to Phnom Penh. Enjoy the last night at our bustling capital.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Day 12: Phnom Penh Departure.
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your free time until our driver transfer you to the Phnom Penh International Airport for your flight home.
Bon Voyage!
Start city: Siem Reap
