ENCHANTING CAMBODIA

ENCHANTING CAMBODIA

BRIEFING AND TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY 

See as much of Cambodia as possible in the space of one week. Beginning in the fascinating capital of Phnom Penh, explore the markets, museums and key sights. Travel through the countryside to the heritage town of Battambang and visit charming villages with enchanting friendly locals. Then finish with the incredible sights of the Angkorian temples with a 3 night stay in Siem Reap.

Day 1
PHNOM PENH ARRIVAL

You will meet your guide on arrival Phnom Penh, transfer and check-in to your hotel. During the drive your guide will provide an introduction to Phnom Penh, answer any questions you have, and make arrangements for the following day. Enjoy free time for the remainder of the day.

The riverside capital of Phnom Penh, once known as “The Pearl of Asia” and long considered the most beautiful French-built city of the Orient, is a charming and captivating city. The old French ochre-coloured colonial buildings are now being filled with trendy cafes, boutiques and art galleries and many traditional ornate temples still remain. The bustling squares and frangipani-lined boulevards create an atmosphere that is unlike any other city in South East Asia. Rich in history, Phnom Penh has a number of cultural and historical sites including the National Museum, Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and offers an insight into its darker past with the haunting Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum.

After the chance to freshen up it is time to 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.

Support the Cyclo Conservation & Careers Association (CCCA) set up to provide primary support service to cyclo drivers in the city.  This afternoon take a traditional method of Phnom Penh transport, the cyclo, or three-wheeled pedal rickshaw. The cyclo is used by people to drop their children at school or to do their market shopping. For visitors it is a fun way to get around short distances and see the city from a different angle.

The city of Phnom Penh is almost completely flat, except for a small hilltop known as Wat Phnom. This is the founding place of the city and a popular spot for Cambodians to come and pray for good luck. Stop to visit the pagoda and the gardens.

Complementing the cuisine and steeped in Cambodian culture, Kroeung Garden Restaurant is located in one of the buildings designed by the late architect Vann Molyvann, a pioneer of ‘New Cambodian Style’. This evening enjoy a Signature Menu from the restaurant founder and Cambodia’s Master Chef, Luu Meng.

Included meals: Dinner
Accommodation in PHNOM PENH

Day 2
PHNOM PENH VISIT

This 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.

Take a break back at your hotel around midday.

In the afternoon visit 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.

After explore 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.

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.

The rest of the evening is at leisure. We will be pleased to recommend some restaurants from Phnom Penh’s developing food scene for you to explore.

Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in PHNOM PENH

Day 3
PHNOM PENH – DRIVE TO BATTAMBANG

Leave Phnom Penh this morning after an early breakfast and depart in the direction of Battambang (travel time 6 hours not including sightseeing or breaks) following the west side of the great Tonle Sap Lake.

A short distance from the town of Kompong Chhnang and into the countryside 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 a break for lunch at a local restaurant.

We then head towards the lake to board a simple local wooden boat to visit the floating villages at Kompong Luong. Absolutely everything is floating and this includes pig and fish farms, shops, a church and plenty of colourful homes. The community is a mixture of Cham Muslim and Vietnamese. The exact location varies according to the water level of Tonle Sap Lake and at times drifts a few kilometres to a new location.

Continue on to Battambang to arrive in the late afternoon.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation in BATTAMBANG

Day 4
BATTAMBANG VISIT

Battambang is a charming town with the early 20th century French colonial architecture still prevalent and little modern development taking place. Arts and culture are being revitalized and galleries provide local artists the chance to present their work. Battambang is a slow-paced small town and provides easy access to friendly villages and the surrounding countryside where much of the sightseeing takes place.

Spend the morning on a bike (optional car transfer) taking in the traditional Cambodian local industries surrounding Battambang. The bike tour departs at 7:30am and takes a relaxed 22km route along shaded roads through the countryside, making it back to town in time for midday. Along the way you’ll meet local families and learn about their traditional livelihoods and businesses, often unchanged throughout generations. You will get to try your hand at local industries such as rice paper making, rice wine and snack on Battambang’s famous bamboo rice cakes. This tour provides an interactive and personal experience in Cambodia’s countryside.

Enjoy a little free time in the early afternoon.

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 6km 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).

Later 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. (Note: accessing Phnom Sampeau is by a staircase requiring a 30 minute walk uphill or by a steep paved road using local transport. The climb is optional. The bat viewing point does not require any climbing).

After 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 5
BATTAMBANG – DRIVE TO SIEM REAP

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

In the afternoon begin your exploration of the Angkorian temples by visiting 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. The most famous is the Bayon Temple which was once covered by dense jungle. Walking around the Bayon today you can wonder at the 54 towers all decorated with huge faces looking at every angle. The bas-reliefs are not as well-known as those at Angkor Wat, but are in fact more extensive with over a kilometre of detailed carvings featuring thousands of figures. (Please note that the upper level of Bayon Temple will be closed for restoration work from 1 Jan 2020 until further notice. Your visit to the temple will include the lower levels and the marvellous bas-relief carvings. It is also possible to see the iconic stone faces from a distance).   

After the afternoon exploring these fascinating temples return to your hotel to freshen up.

This evening enjoy a 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: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation in SIEM REAP

Day 6
SIEM REAP VISIT

An early start today (approximately 5am) in time to catch sunrise at the largest religious building in the world. Leave the hotel by car and travel the 7km to Angkor Wat. Proceed into the temple and wait in front of the pond in order to get the best reflection as the sun rises behind the towers. This is the picture perfect image of the five towers reflecting in the waters as the sun appears. 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.

Take your time to look at some of the more than 3,000 Apsara or ‘heavenly maidens’ carvings, all of which are different. After this leisurely visit return to your hotel for a late breakfast.

This 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.

Head to the South Gate of Angkor Thom board a hand crafted wooden boat or gondola for a romantic cruise on the moat surrounding the walled city. Relax as your boatman rows you to one corner of Angkor Thom. Ascend some steps and walk to a small but pretty temple. From there you can enjoy sunset over the Siem Reap countryside and avoid the crowds seen at many of the easily accessible temples.

After this relaxing sunset return to your hotel where the evening is at leisure.

Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in SIEM REAP

Day 7
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 Landmine Museum located near Banteay Srei.  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.

Banteay Samre dates from the same period as Angkor Wat and was built by Suryavarman II. The temple is enclosed by a high concentric wall and is reached by a 200m causeway. Recent renovation work has left the temple in an impressive condition. Highlights of the temple include the central four-winged complex, the well preserved library and carvings with tales from the Ramayana.

After head to a nearby village which is famous for its nam ben chok rice noodles. They are served with either a chicken or a fish broth and the village is well known throughout Cambodia for having the best noodles. With luck your guide can show them being made close by. Afterwards try a bowl at a local restaurant.

Heading back into Siem Reap stop to visit a project helping to revive lost art, music and culture and we are proud to support these projects. One such example is Artisan d’Angkor, a project established to support Cambodian arts and crafts. Visit the workshop this afternoon 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.

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, UK & the USA 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)

Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in SIEM REAP

Day 8
SIEM REAP 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 $ 986
Superior 4*     : from US $ 1,186
Deluxe 5*        : from US $ 1,315

* 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