The best of Cambodia Tour – 12D/11N

DAY 01: SIEM REAP ARIVAL

Upon arive at Siem Reap airport, meet you guide and car transfer to city center for check in the hotel. Free explorer Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 02: ANGKOR TEMPLE TOUR (B)

Beat the crowd early morning by 7am, visit the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. And continue to visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat – one of the world’s most impressive ruins. The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art. Lunch is own account. Afternoon, explore the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom. City & Bayon Its 54-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Further, visit to the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Lepper King Terrace and Royal Place area and visit one more ruin in Angkor Area of Preah Khan temple, built in 12th century by King Jayavarman VII and it is the same style to Ta Prom Temple. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 03: ROLUOS GROUP & KOMPONG PHLUK FLOATING VILLAGE (B, L)

Today you will start with a short drive to the Roulous temple group which are among the oldest Khmer monuments in the area, dating back to the 9th century reign of Indravarman I and part of the former city of Hariharalaya. Explore these peaceful temples and soak up the local atmosphere away from the crowds before you continue to Kampong Phluck, located a short drive away. Kampong Phluck is a permanent settlement on the Tonle Sap Lake with a small land based village attached to it. Its remarkable mangrove forest is unique in the Siem Reap area. You will board a local boat and cruise the waterways observing the authentic and diverse lifestyle of the local floating community. One the way back to Siem Reap lunch with local house in the Chress Village learning the local life style by talking to the old man who was the village chief during Khmer Rough regime and visit the local orphanage, primary school. (Suggested visit period is between September and early February). Back to Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 04: SIEM REAP – OUTLYING TEMPLES (B, L, D)

In the morning, drive to the rural outskirt 35km from Angkor area to visit the smallest, but magnificent, Banteay Srei built in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. The pink sandstone structure bears a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women for the details are too fine for the hands of a man. Continue to the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya which flourished in the late 9th and earlier 10th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred to the Rolous group we visit the main one called Bakhong temple. Lunch is hosted at the local family, a great chance to chat with the survivor former village chief during Khmer Rouge regime. Enjoy sunset with a bottle of champagne in the rice paddies (Place to set up the table is flexible depend on season and suggestion from guide). Enjoy the dinner in Crystal restaurant with Apsara. Back to Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 05: SIEM REAP – BATTAMBANG (B, L)

In the morning, you are leaving from Siem Reap and drive to Battambang (it is approximately 3 hours), on the way you will stop to see stone carving and clay pot making (a plenty of stone carving are selling there), upon arrival Battambang town, Have a lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, we take a short tour by visiting Battambang town including the Provincial Museum, old governor resident, France colonial flat buildings along the Sangke riverbank (it is a unique province which remained the most France colonial buildings in Cambodia), Domrei Sor ancient pagoda, continue visit Cultural Village of Wat Kor which is the “homeland” for many Khmer traditional houses, most of them built from 1920-1956, among the plenty of houses, there is a house that is belong to Mr. Nuon Chea, the former Second Brother Leader of the Pol Pot communist regime which is now well preserved by the new owner and well-cooperated by local authority, continue to visit Sampov mountain, natural mountain with several caves (it was relevant with popular Khmer legend for local people and this mountain was composed several songs by most popular composer in Cambodia in AD1960 as well, staying at the foot of mountain and waiting to see many thousands of bats flying out of their cave to finding the foods, (it is resemble the dragon is flying on the sky). Overnight in Battambang.

DAY 06: BATTAMBANG – PHNOM PENH (B, L)

Driving to take Bamboo Train (commonly called Nori vehicle by local people, it is a unique experience to take this train that you might not ever had before), continue to the Southwest of Battambang town by visiting Winery house where is a unique wine making place in Battambang, not far away from winery house, we will visit one thousands of fox bats living on Bo tree (it is a symbol of godness tree), located in Baydamram pagoda and continue to visit Banon temple erected in the late 12 century by Jayaindravaraman II, the temple is on the top of mountain with 4 towers. In the afternoon, depart to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, check in the hotel. Free explore Phnom Penh at night. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

DAY 07: PHNOM PENH CITY TOUR (B)

The capital city of Phnom Penh was once considered the loveliest city of Indochina. Despite its recent turbulent history, it still maintains considerable charm. A city tour acquaints us with some major sights of Phnom Penh. Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and then the National Museum, which is dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period from 9th to 15th century, but some date from as early as the 4th century. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are now home to the royal family and are therefore very close to the public. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

DAY 08: PHNOM PENH – MEKONG ISLAND (B, D)

Free at leisure in the morning. 14:00 pick up from your hotel in Phnom Penh and transfer to Mekong River where you will cross the river by local ferry to get into the Mekong Island which well-known as the weaving village, the villagers now is not really doing the weaving but there are still some houses working on the silk weaving. The particular beauty of this village is about the daily activities of the villagers in the farm, this island is in the Mekong River that provides a lot of fertile land and water supply to villagers to crop all year round. Walking through the village, interact with locals and visit to one of the local pagodas to learn Buddhism. Continue to enjoy a great swimming in Mekong River with nice sandy beach. Come to one of the local houses where you will have a chance to interact to learn about lifestyle of villagers on this island, have dinner and overnight with family members in Khmer traditional house.

DAY 09: MEKONG ISLAND – SIHANOUKVILLE (B)

After breakfast, leaving the village and transfer to Sihanouk Ville, it will take for 3 hours driving. On the way we will stop take the boat ride in Ream National Park to view the Mangrove Tree and scenery of nature, BBQ lunch will be provided on the side. After lunch we will continue to visit the floating villages and finishing activities of locals near Ream National Park. Proceed to Sihanouk Ville, on arrival we check-in at hotel and free at leisure to enjoy the swimming and private beach until evening. Overnight at hotel in Sihanouk Ville.

DAY 10: SIHANOUKVILLE (B)

Free at leisure in Sihanoukville.

DAY 11: SIHANOUKVILLE (B)

Free at leisure in Sihanoukville.

DAY 12: SIHANOUKVILLE – PHNOM PENH – DEPART (B)

Breakfast at hotel, check-out from your hotel and transfer (no guide) back to Phnom Penh. Arrive in Phnom Penh, transfer toward the airport for flight back home or next destinations. End of our services.

Included

• Private tour with local English Speaking Guide
• All transfers and land tour with A/C vehicle
• All entrance fees as per program
• Meals as mentioned per program
• Boat ride as per program
• Cold water and towel during the tour
• Service charge & government tax
• Accommodation based on half twin sharing

Excluded

• Visa fee to Cambodia of USD 20 per person
• Local domestic air ticket
• International air ticket
• Travel insurance
• Drinks and meal not mentioned in program
• Personal Expenses
• Gratuities/ Tipping
• Other services not mentioned in the program