CLASSIC CAMBODIA

CLASSIC CAMBODIA

BRIEFING AND TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY 

Experience the Kingdom of Wonder with this two-centre tour, taking in the highlights and many examples of responsible tourism. The Temples of Angkor are explored with time for traditional classic dance & modern theatre.
Step back in time with a cyclo ride through the French Quarter of Phnom Penh and explore a local market and learn about Cambodian produce. Finish with a traditional art performance and dinner in a restaurant that helps a good cause.

Day 1
SIEM REAP ARRIVAL & WELCOME DINNER

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.

This afternoon visit Psar Chas, or ‘Old Market’ in the centre of Siem Reap. The market has a fruit and vegetable section where many local restaurants and hotels will come to pick up goods. Also a tourist section has a wide selection of souvenirs.

During the 1960’s and early 1970’s Cambodia was culturally and artistically ahead of its neighbouring countries though as the Khmer Rouge took power much precious work and knowledge was lost. In modern Cambodia today there are many projects helping to revive lost art, music and culture which we are proud to support. One such example is Artisan d’Angkor, a project established to support Cambodian arts and crafts. Visit the workshop and see stone carvings, wooden sculptures, lacquer work and painting all being produced. Many of these can be purchased. A visit is a heartwarming reminder that progress in Cambodia can go hand in hand with traditional crafts.

Enjoy sunset at the moat of Angkor Wat with a cold coconut juice to cool down as you ponder the forthcoming exploration.

This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner whilst watching a show of Apsara dancing, first performed in the court of kings at Angkor. A set menu of Khmer cuisine will be served as you enjoy the show.

Included meals: Dinner
Accommodation in SIEM REAP

Day 2
SIEM REAP – HIGHLIGHTS TEMPLE VISIT

Breakfast at hotel.

This morning begin 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 12^th century as a state temple and later mausoleum, Angkor Wat was originally a Hindu complex to honour Vishnu, the Hindu God. Travel today is by remork, the Cambodian tuk tuk.

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.

Continue to 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.

Enjoy lunch with some Khmer cuisine at a local restaurant located at Sra Srang, the former Royal Bathing Pool.

In the afternoon travel explore 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.

The last stop of the day is at the pyramid-shaped Pre Rup. Ascend the lion-guarded staircases for an excellent view over the forest canopy. The towers of Angkor Wat can just be seen in the distance as the sun sets over the rice fields near the temple.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation in SIEM REAP

Day 3
SIEM REAP – BOAT CRUISE TONLE SAP LAKE

This morning 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.

Note: a visit to Kompong Khleang is usually possible from Jun-Mar only when there is sufficient water for a boat trip. This can vary according to annual rains. Should a visit not be possible we will arrange instead to an interesting alternative floating village elsewhere on the lake.

Return around midday to your hotel to take a rest. The afternoon is then free at leisure.

This evening enjoy some modern Khmer theatre at a performance of Phare, the Cambodian Circus by professional artists from Phare Ponleu Selpak. Originally a project set up in refugee camps as a way to encourage young people to express themselves using art, the Phare circus is slowly becoming a worldwide name and a good example of responsible tourism that has been a success story. Tours have visited France, Germany and the US already. Enjoy an hour long show which is a great, positive example of modern Cambodia and mixes theatre, dance, music, juggling and contortion

(The show starts at 8pm and late arrivals are not permitted to enter. We recommend arriving around 7.30pm to get a good seat. Seating Category C – free seating).

Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in SIEM REAP

Day 4
SIEM REAP > FLY TO PHNOM PENH

In the morning, you will be transfer to Siem Reap airport for flight to Phnom Penh.

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 as the quickest growing economy in South East Asia, Phnom Penh is seeing rapid development and one of the most interesting cities in the region. Most visitors regret only having a day or two to visit the sites so make the most of your time in the Cambodian capital.

After freshening up take an original Cambodian method of transport for an orientation tour of the capital. Taking a cyclo (pedicab) begin at the charming Riverside area before passing through the Old French Quarter where a number of colonial French buildings still remain. Continue to Wat Phnom, the only hill in Phnom Penh (just 27m high), the birthplace of the city. Spend some time to visit the hilltop pagoda and people watch.

Return to your hotel to take a break.

Board your comfortable cruise boat and sail off for a dinner cruise along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. With views of the popular Phnom Penh riverside and the Phnom Penh skyline this is the chance to relax at the end of the day with some fresh air. Enjoy a tasty set menu served from the on-board kitchen by internationally trained chefs. A bar offers an extensive collection of beers, wines and cocktails.

Cruises are on a shared basis on board a cruise boat with unique catamaran design to ensure a smooth trip. (Note: drinks paid directly as consumption).

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation in PHNOM PENH

Day 5
PHNOM PENH VISIT

This morning continue your tour of the Phnom Penh by visiting the Royal Palace. Built in 1866 today the palace is home to King Norodom Sihamoni who has ruled Cambodia since October 2004. With its pagoda-style, ornate buildings the palace is an oasis of calm in a busy city. Wander through the complex, gardens and visit the interesting Silver Pagoda which houses a collection of Buddha statues, one of which is decorated with 9,584 diamonds and also take a look at the floor which is covered by 5,000 silver tiles.

Note: the Royal Palace may close at short notice for a few hours due to religious holidays, special ceremonies and VIP visitors. Unfortunately, closures are only announced the day before/the same day sometimes. Should an unexpected closure occur we will reschedule to the best of our ability.

Continue to the National Museum, home to a collection of Khmer sculpture including many of the original pieces from the Angkorian temples. The four pavilions surround a beautiful garden where you can a short rest after exploring the museum.

In the afternoon visit a bustling market and one of the most beautiful buildings in Cambodia, if not Asia. Central Market or Psar Thmei was originally constructed in 1937 following plans of the French architect, Louis Chauchon. In recent years the market has been restored with support of the French government. With a huge domed roof the art deco building holds four wings full of shops. There is something for everyone including souvenirs, clothes and food.

Continue to Champey Academy of Arts where traditional drawing, music and dance are taught. Enjoy watching the young students practice classical Apsara dancing. The Academy is a local NGO that seeks to preserve traditional arts on a free basis for poor students and a visit is sure to put a smile on your face as you how the children seek to improve their lives by being artistically creative.

(Note: Mon-Sat 0730-1100/1330-1700 hrs, closed on Sunday & public holidays)

This evening attend a show in the grounds of the National Museum. Cambodia Living Arts support a program that celebrates and cultivates the Cambodian arts community, empowering emerging arts professionals through their development and employment. Artists express the rich and vibrant culture of Cambodia through the traditional arts inspired by the time of Angkor. The dynamic and unique performances all last for 1 hour.

Note: Mon-Sun at 7pm from Oct-Mar and Mon-Sat Apr-Sep. The show does not operate during Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben and Water Festival holidays so the artists can spend time with their families.

Following the show 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.

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation in PHNOM PENH

Day 6
PHNOM PENH DEPARTURE

Breakfast at hotel. Free at leisure.
Your guide and private car will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

Included meals: Breakfast

TOUR PRICE(S):

Standard 3*:     from US $ 755
Superior 4*:      from US $ 912
Deluxe 5*:         from US $ 1,085

* 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