CAMBODIA COMPLETE

CAMBODIA COMPLETE

BRIEFING AND TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY 

An extended visit to Cambodia allows time to explore the famous temples, the quiet countryside of Battambang and the busy capital of Phnom Penh. The tour then slows down along the southern coast taking in the seaside town of Kep, sleepy Kampot and dreamy beach time in Koh Rong before finishing amongst the pristine beauty of the Cardamom Mountains.

Day 1
SIEM REAP ARRIVAL

Meet your guide on arrival Siem Reap. During the drive your guide will provide an introduction to Siem Reap and answer any questions you have.

Siem Reap, situated in the north west of the country, is an enchanting town with Chinese-style shop houses, French colonial architecture and tree lined boulevards. It is the gateway to the World Heritage ancient temple ruins of Angkor, eighth wonder of the world and spectacular ancient capital of the powerful Khmer Dynasty. As well as the myriad of awe-inspiring temples and Khmer relics to explore, Siem Reap and its rural outskirts offers craft villages, silk farms, Khmer cuisine cooking classes, traditional Cambodian “apsara” dance performances and the floating villages on the tranquil waters of Tonle Sap Lake.

In the afternoon visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Surrounded by walls with a height of 8m and length of 12km, the city was the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Five huge gates with huge stone faces provide access. Angkor Thom holds many important monuments including the Bayon Temple located in the exact centre, the Baphoun, Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King.

This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner whilst watching a show of Apsara dancing, first performed in the court of kings at Angkor.

Included meals: Dinner
Accommodation in SIEM REAP

Day 2
SIEM REAP VISIT

This morning continue your exploration of the Temples of Angkor by visiting Angkor Wat, the largest religious building in the world. Built by Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as a state temple and later mausoleum, Angkor Wat was originally a Hindu complex to honour Vishnu, the Hindu God.

Angkor Wat is unlike other temples in that it is orientated towards the west, typically the direction of death. A magnificent moat surrounds the temple on all sides with a long causeway providing access. An alternative eastern entrance is the best way to start a morning tour and avoid the crowds. Take your time to look at some of the more than 3,000 Apsara or ‘heavenly maidens’ carvings, all of which are different.

Take a break around lunchtime back at your hotel.

In the afternoon take a remork (similar to the Thai tuk tuk) to Ta Prohm, a unique temple that has been left to nature with trees and vines growing amongst the structures. This is one of the most photogenic temples in the Angkor area and recently gained fame as the ‘Tomb Raider’ temple after featuring in the Angelina Jolie movie. Enjoy walking along the sandy paths and under huge banyan trees as you explore this 12th century temple.

You can then choose to visit other temples (there are many more wonderful temples such as Preah Khan which is similar to Ta Prohm but only sees a small number of tourists daily, or the pyramidic Pre Rup temple with a view over the forest canopy) or return to your hotel for some free time.

Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in SIEM REAP

Day 3
SIEM REAP VISIT

This morning travel into the Cambodian countryside and out to the temple of Banteay Srei, dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva. One of the most picturesque temples a morning visit provides a great opportunity to appreciate one of the most stunning achievements of Angkorian artisanship. Small in size the carvings are exquisite at one of the best preserved temples in Cambodia. Banteay Srei is different to the other temples as it is constructed of pink sandstone and the name means ‘Citadel of the Women’.

Visit the nearby Landmine Museum. The museum was founded by Mr Aki Ra who was once a child soldier for the Khmer Rouge before changing allegiance to work as a de-miner for first the Cambodian Army and later the United Nations. Aki Ra won an award from CNN as one of their Top 10 Heroes in 2010. Along with his Cambodian Self Help Demining group they have helped clear about 50,000 mines and weapons, many of which can be seen at the museum today. Your entry fee helps support Cambodian Self Help Demining, village school projects and a relief facility that cares for children who suffer from a variety of physical, emotional, and family difficulties.

In the afternoon travel to Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The lake and its waters are the lifeblood of the country and millions of people depend on it. Officially a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve observing life on the lake makes for an interesting half day visit. Board a traditional wooden boat to visit Kompong Khleang, one of the lesser visited villages on the lake.

On your return to Siem Reap the evening is at leisure.

Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in SIEM REAP

Day 4
SIEM REAP – DRIVE TO BATTAMBANG

Transfer from Siem Reap to Battambang (approximately 3 hrs) and check in to your hotel.

This afternoon head 12km out of town to Phnom Sampeau. The limestone outcrop is home to a variety of temples and excellent views of the countryside dotted with palm trees and rice paddy fields. There is also a more sinister side as Phnom Sampeau is home to the Killing Caves, where Khmer Rouge executed prisoners. Many of them were thrown to the deaths through a skylight in the cave roof.

Stay until dusk to catch the natural phenomenon of thousands of bats exiting a cave. They fly one by one out of the cave creating patterns in the sky. It is quite a spectacular to behold.

Transfer back to Battambang and your hotel. The evening is at leisure.

Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in BATTAMBANG

Day 5
BATTAMBANG VISIT

The morning is free and easy in Battambang and your guide will accompany according to your preferences. If you are interested in heritage then the streets of the town are ideal for taking a walk to see many of the old French style colonial buildings that are in a relatively good state of repair. A visit to the market can also give you a feel for Cambodian daily life. If your interest is more in the local villages then some time can be spent seeing the many different kinds of food prepared just outside of Battambang town. The fish paste (prahoc) is too smelly for most though more appetizing are the local fruits and fried bananas sold in the friendly villages. We suggest a visit to the ruins of an 11th century temple can be found at Wat Ek Phnom, with a surrounding active pagoda and lotus ponds adding to the atmospheric location. One of the most famous carvings, the Churning of the Ocean of Milk is similar to that seen at Angkor Wat.

In the afternoon try a fun activity again in the countryside surrounding the town. Travel a few kilometres to the start of one of the most fun ‘train rides’ you will ever experience. The train or ‘nori’ is consists of a wooden platform placed on 4 wheels and connected to a gasoline engine that powers the device. Used initially as a way of transporting goods between villages, today it is a popular way to transport tourists through the countryside with a little extra adrenalin added on a 12km trip. (Note – the future of the bamboo train is far from certain and is currently allowed to operate in agreement with the local police. Should the bamboo train ride stop we will arrange extra village visits).

Return to your hotel for the chance to freshen up before visiting a circus performance at the renowned Phare Ponleu Selpak. More in the style of Cirque du Soleil than a traditional European circus, be amazed for an hour by a show of modern Cambodian tales told through dance, acrobatics, aerial acts and music. The performers are all students at the Phare training centre in Battambang that provide a place for poor communities to express themselves in art. It has become so successful that the professional graduates perform nightly in Siem Reap and some schools have toured Europe, Japan and Australia. Besides the entertainment your visit helps sustain the project. (Note: shows are held every Mon/Wed/Thur/Sat between Nov-Mar and Mon/Thur/Sat Apr-Oct).

After the show it is off the Jaan Bai restaurant for dinner. This training and development restaurant is run by the Cambodian Children’s Trust which is working to break the cycle of poverty in Battambang by empowering underprivileged children. Enjoy a healthy menu using seasonal organic produce with some of the best tastes from South East Asia combining with Western influences. Jaan Bai is set in a French colonial building in the heart of Battambang.

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation in BATTAMBANG

Day 6
BATTAMBANG – DRIVE TO PHNOM PENH

Depart from Battambang this morning for the drive to Phnom Penh (travel time around 6 hrs not including stops). A little outside of the town visit one of the best preserved temples around Battambang, Wat Banan is visited by climbing 358 stone steps to the top of a hill. Once a Buddhist temple, the origins of the temple are unclear though it could have been an inspiration for Angkor Wat to which it has many similarities. From the ruined temple there are nice views over the surrounding rice fields.

Further on the road to Phnom Penh, a short distance from the town of Kompong Chhnang, one reaches the scenic pottery village of Ondong Rossey. It seems that every house is involved in the industry and all over Cambodia ox-carts can be seen selling wares from the village. Ondong Rossey is very typical of a Cambodian village and the surrounding countryside is beautiful with rice fields dotted with sugar palm trees. Keep your eyes out in case one of the village men are climbing up bamboo ladders to take the rice wine or toddy from the trees.

Take lunch at a local restaurant.

Reach Phnom Penh in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel. Phnom Penh was known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’ and like much of Cambodia was a vibrant and culturally developed city until the 1960’s. Suffering at the hands of the Khmer Rouge the city was once evacuated by Pol Pot’s army and became a ghost town. Today’s Cambodia is a city on the move, still many years behind the development of neighbouring Vietnam or Thailand, though ever changing and one of the most interesting cities in Asia.

This evening dine at Romdeng, a non-profit restaurant run by Mith Samlanh, which has worked to build the futures of former street children and marginalized young people in Phnom Penh since 1994. Your visit helps sustain the project and importantly keeps the staff and their trainers away from the street and in gainful employment. Romdeng is set in a lovely colonial building with a nice garden for dining. The set menu ranges from almost forgotten recipes from the provinces to contemporary creative Cambodian cuisine. (If you are still feeling hungry then deep-fried spider is also available for the experimental!)

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation in PHNOM PENH

Day 7
PHNOM PENH VISIT

In the morning visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek. During the Pol Pot regime, Toul Sleng, formerly a high school was converted to a detention centre known as S21. After interrogation and often torture, prisoners were transferred to ‘Killing Fields’ where they were often tortured again and brutally killed.  Choeung Ek was a Chinese Cemetery before it became the Khmer Rouge’s best known Killing Field. The remains of almost 9,000 bodies have been excavated from mass graves in this area. Today Choeung Ek is a Memorial site for Cambodians and visitors from all over the world to pay their respects for those lost. A memorial stupa has been erected and displays over 5,000 human skulls, bones and clothes of the victims. During the Khmer Rouge years, thousands of Cambodians were tortured and imprisoned in detention centres around the country; the visit is a profoundly moving but also depressing experience. However the insight into the cruel Khmer Rouge regime is educational and part of understanding Khmer culture as it is today.

Enjoy some authentic Khmer cooking at Sugar Palm, a venue with ambience, on Street 178. The restaurant is a former typical house from the protectorate period where today, delicious classical home style Cambodian cuisine is served. Appreciate the fragrant herbs and spices of Khmer food with a modern twist. In the typical way, the food is served as sharing dishes so you can appreciate a variety of different tastes.

This afternoon you will visit The Royal Palace, built in 1866 by King Norodom; the Palace is made up from a number of structures within a pagoda-style compound one of which is The Silver Pagoda. The Silver Pagoda takes its name from the 5,000+ silver tiles and the building itself holds a number of national treasures perhaps most notably are a life-sized gold Maitreya Buddha decorated with 9584 diamonds, weighing in a at 90 kg and a small 17th century Emerald Buddha made from baccarat crystal.

Continue to visit the National Museum, a Khmer temple inspired building that houses the world’s largest collection of Khmer art sculptures, ceramics and bronzes from different periods of Cambodian history. Over 5,000 objects are on display including Angkorian era statues, lingas and other artifacts, most notably the legendary statue of the ‘Leper King.’ Though the emphasis is on Angkorian artifacts, there is also a good collection of pieces from later periods, including a special exhibition of post-Angkorian Buddha figures.

Enjoy a relaxing Mekong River cruise seeing life and floating villages along the riverside before returning to the Tonle Sap River and cruising to the watch the sun setting over the Phnom Penh skyline. Cruises are on a shared basis on board a cruise boat with unique catamaran design to ensure a comfortable trip and last for 1¼ hours. Drinks can be purchased on board from the well-stocked bar.

Return to your hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation in PHNOM PENH

Day 8
PHNOM PENH – DRIVE TO KEP

After breakfast leave your hotel for the journey to Cambodia’s southern coast (travel time around 3 hrs not including stops) and the town of Kep which used to be a thriving seaside town in the 1960’s. Designed for the rich Khmer with huge colonial villas, mansions and royal residences, the town fell apart and suffered huge demand under the Khmer Rouge. Today the town is revitalized as tourists once more visit Kep-sur-mer as the French called it. A small local beach, delicious seafood and an easily accessible national park are just some of the highlights of Kep.

On arrival in Kep head to the famous Crab Market. A very calm place you can see crab and other seafood being sold, cooked and eaten at the market. The crabs are kept in baskets in the shallow waters along the shore and if a market trader or local restaurateur arrives the baskets are pulled in and discussion begins on the quality and price. Busiest at weekends and public holidays there is also activity on weekdays. You can choose to stay for lunch at one of the many shacks serving delicious food or head to your hotel to relax.

The rest of the day is at leisure though your guide is on hand if you wish to take a tour of the town. Sunsets are particularly stunning and the Sailing Club or restaurants next to the Crab Market are great venues for a sundowner whilst watching the sun setting.

Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in KEP

Day 9
KEP VISIT

Drive to the pier to catch a private local boat across to Koh Tonsai or Rabbit Island as it is also known. On arrival at Rabbit Island you can choose to walk around the perimeter (about 2 hrs walk) or just sit, relax and enjoy the beach and warm waters. Snorkeling gear is at your disposal if required.

A seafood BBQ will be prepared for your lunch and some further time to relax.

Mid-afternoon return by boat to the mainland and transfer the short distance back to your hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation in KEP

Day 10       
KEP – DRIVE TO KAMPOT

The journey on to your next destination takes you into the countryside once more. Leaving Kep drive this morning in the direction of Kampot, taking a route through the hills. A stop is made at a local farm to learn about the famous Kampot pepper. First documented by Chinese explorers in the 1920’s the Kampot pepper became famous in the 1800’s as far away as Paris. On arrival take a tour of the pepper plantation and learn about the difference between the green, black, white and red peppercorns.

Then it will time for a tasty lunch at the pepper farm which will naturally include a few fresh green peppercorns.

Following lunch head further into the countryside and to the cave of Phnom Chhnork. Your journey takes you through rice paddies in one of the most scenic parts of Cambodia with the backdrop of limestone hills. Steps lead you into the cave where has the aura of a church and is home to a 7^th century brick temple.

Continue on your way to Kampot to arrive in the afternoon.

The charming town of Kampot is home to some of the best examples of French colonial architecture to be found in Cambodia today though many of the buildings are in need of repair. The riverside promenade is a favourite place for locals and tourists alike to stroll or just sit and take in the atmosphere. It is just a couple of kilometres to the Gulf of Thailand and late afternoon and early mornings you can see the fishing boats heading to fish overnight. Kampot is famous for its pepper, fish sauce and the huge durian fruit.

In the late afternoon enjoy a relaxing walk around the town and the riverside and enjoy the laid back, friendly atmosphere. Enjoy the backdrop of the river and the Bokor Mountain dominating in the distance. Enjoy a massage with a difference – a ‘seeing hands’ massage at the hands of a skilled blind masseur.

The evening is at leisure.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation in KAMPOT

Day 11       
KAMPOT – DRIVE TO KOH RONG

(Optional tour – no extra charge – for the early starters: Drive the short distance from your hotel to the Kampot Fish Market. An early start of around 6 am is required to catch the fishing boats unload their catch. The fish and other seafood are quickly purchased and taken on to markets all over Cambodia. Tourists rarely visit this market but you need to go early – as it starts to get light there is little to see).

After breakfast it is time to say au revoir to sleepy Kampot and head on to Sihanoukville (travel time approximately 2 hours). From here take a shared speedboat out to the beautiful island of Koh Rong (approximately 1 hr).

For boat transfers to the islands please note there is an ‘island mentality’ and the timings, scheduled stops and boats are all subject to frequent change. We always book the best time/most direct route once receiving a tour booking. However, the boat may use an alternative route, or a different size vessel meaning it does not stop as planned. Also, there are sometimes transfers required on the island by small boat or by vehicle that are organized by the boat company. We suggest to take a relaxed approach and not have tight schedules as routes are often changed last minute according to number of passengers booked and which beach the guests stay on. 

Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the beach.

Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in KOH RONG

Day 12       
KOH RONG – FREE DAY

The day is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the white sand beach of your resort.

Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in KOH RONG

Day 13       
KOH RONG – FREE DAY

The day is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the white sand beach of your resort.

Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in KOH RONG

Day 14       
KOH RONG – KOH KONG

Leave Koh Rong after breakfast as you first take a shared speedboat back to the mainland before heading into the Cardamom Mountains. The drive will take about 4 hours from where it is a short, shared boat ride to your accommodation for the night.

On arrival you can check into your room and relax a little. Activities available include swimming in the river, trying your hand at kayaking, fishing or in the evening to see fireflies lighting up a tree. It is also possible to go on an optional sunset cruise (paid locally).

Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in KOH KONG

Day 15       
KOH KONG VISIT

Today explore nature with a shared cruise amongst the backdrop of mountains, rainforests, and rivers. 4 Rivers organizes one or two tours that operate on alternate days, one explores the nearby Tatai Waterfall, whilst the other includes a walk deep through the mangroves of koh-kong-knong, taking in the sights and sounds of the beautiful jungle and meeting the fishing families that call this slice of paradise home. On arrival at 4 Rivers the tour can be discussed with the guides and on some days there is the option to choose one or the other. Please note that the actual selection is not guaranteed unless a private option is pre-booked (and then subject to availability). A packed lunch is taken on board the boat and the excursions lasts 5-6 hours.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation in KOH KONG

Day 16       
KOH KONG – PHNOM PENH & DEPARTURE 

This morning take the shared boat transfer back to the main road. Meet your driver and guide who will take you back to Phnom Penh for an evening departure flight (4½-5 hours).

Alternatively, we can assist on land transfers to Thailand (Bangkok is about 6 hours drive away).

Included meals: Breakfast

TOUR PRICE(S):

Superior 4*:     from US $ 2,698

* Prices are based on twin/ double share for group of at least 02 passengers travelling together and depend on availability and season.

All our itineraries can be customised. For questions or further information, Enquire Now!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION