ESSENTIAL CAMBODIA

PHNOM PENH - BATTAMBANG - SIEM REAP - KAMPONG CHAM - PHNOM PENH

12 DAYS | 11 NIGHTS

Discover the spectacular sights, delectable cuisine and rich history of Cambodia, on an unforgettable journey from Phnompenh and lush paddy fields of Battambang, to Siem Reap with the incredible temples of Angkor Wat and the remains of the Khmer Empire, an ancient and beautiful civilisation whose mystery is enhanced by the jungle setting and intricate architecture. Visiting enchanting Sambor Prei Kuk, Phum Brasat and Wat Koha Norkor en route.

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Air routes

Road route

ESSENTIAL CAMBODIA

SMALL GROUP TOUR ITINERARY

ESSENTIAL CAMBODIA

DAY 1: PHNOM PENH ARRIVAL (L/D)

Welcome to Cambodia!
Meet our local representative guide and driver then transferred to hotel for check in. In the afternoon, we commence a half day excursion of the capital city with a fist visit the Royal Palace, constructed over a century ago to serve as the residence of the King of Cambodia, his family and foreign dignitaries, as a venue for the performance of court ceremony and ritual and as a symbol of the Kingdom. It serves to this day as the Cambodian home of King Norodom Sihamoni and former King Norodom Sihanouk. The Royal Palace complex consists of several buildings, structures, gardens and especially Silver Pagoda sitting next to the Royal Palace, built in 1962 famous for its lavish decorations of silver paved floor and several Buddha statues made from precious metals & stones. Followed by visiting Wat Phnom, a 15th century stupa, a small hill crowned by an active wat (pagoda) marks the legend of Phnom Penh City. Independent Monument, 100 Naga construction. Wat Phnom: the only one hill in Phnom Penh and historical of Lady Penh, and Phnom Penh City
Overnight in Phnompenh

DAY 2: PHNOM PENH (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. We transfer to visit Killing Field now become the peaceful stretch of countryside where over 10,000 people were executed. The remains of some of them are stored in a memorial to remind people of the atrocities the Khmer Rouge inflicted on other Khmers. Next, visit Toul Sleng which was once a Tuol Svay Prey High School is now a frightening reminder of the horrors of Pol Pot regime. The school was used as a torture chamber and it was believed that 16,000 people died there, then free time to shopping at the Russian Market.

In the afternoon, visit National Museum is the museum we gather and keep the statue since Angkorian period. National Museum: also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1920. Continue to visit Wat Ounalom the pagoda dedicated to Ounalom, who was a famous monk in the historical of Buddhist History in Cambodia. Before dinner, we embark on boat for 01 hour sunset and discover nightlife of fisherman along the riverbank.
Overnight in Phnom Penh

DAY 3: PHNOM PENH- BATTAMBANG (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel.
Drive from Phnom Penh to Battambang by National road No 5 (291 Kms-10hrs including visits) and stop to visit the Udong Ancient Capital after 1hr drive. Visit the various temples and the three large stupas where the ashes of three former kings are preserved. Then visit the most impressive structure of the site, the “Vihara of the 18-Cubit Buddha”.

Continue towards Kampong Chnnang province and stop at Kompong Tralach Leu Pagoda, a lovely ancient Pagoda nestled in the village of Kompong Tralach. Drive up to Kampong Chnnang (1h00) and stop for lunch.
Continue towards Battambang and stop at the small rural village of Ban Chkol, 8 km before Pursat. This place is famous for pottery. Stroll around the village and have a chat with the friendly villagers.
Arrive in Battambang and check-in at hotel
Overnight in Battambang

DAY 4: BATTAMBANG (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel and afterwards drive to the Phnom Bannon Hill (1 hr drive).
Climb the 337 steps (80 m high) to reach the temple (10 minute walk). Visit the Prasat Bannon temple (XII c.) and enjoy the breathtaking view over the surrounding plains. Return to Battambang for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the Wat Ek Phnom, a nice 11th century temple which offers a very peaceful atmosphere in the countryside, surrounded by trees and lily ponds. Strolling around the quiet temple can be a very relaxing and spiritual experience. Next to the temple you can see the Wat Ek Phnom Pagoda which has one of the most complete collections of Buddhist wall and ceiling paintings all over Cambodia. Return to Battambang and visit of the museum that hosts some interesting pieces such as some carved lintels originating from the surrounding temples, and some stone or wooden Buddha statues.
Overnight in Battambang

DAY 5: BATTAMBANG – SIEM REAP BY BOAT (B/L/D)

Early breakfast at hotel then embark our private boat to depart for Siem Reap from Battambang at 7:00 a.m. Cross the Sangker River to reach the Tonle Sap Lake. View the wonderful landscape and the daily life along the river during the 6 or 7 hours trip. Lunch on board. Upon arrival at Siem Reap transfer to the hotel, followed by check-in.
Overnight in Siem Reap

DAY 6: SIEM REAP (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel.
Start our visit of Angkor by an elephant trek from the South Gate of Angkor Thom to the Preah Pithu temples, passing Bayon temple. Visit the former capital Angkor Thom home to dozens of temples including the enigmatic faces of Bayon, the imposing Terrace of the Elephants, and the three-tiered Baphuon.
Late afternoon, visit the famous Angkor Wat, built for king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. The largest and best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre - first Hindu, then Buddhist - since its foundation. We end the excursion by climbing up Bakheng Mountain for stunning sunset and panoramic views of Angkor Wat and its environs. Buffet dinner with Apsara Dance Show in local restaurant and overnight.
Overnight in Siem Reap

DAY 7: SIEM REAP (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel.
Explore the monastic complex of Preah Khan whose name means « Sacred Sword », the small island temple of Neak Pean, and then Ta Som. These three temples were built by King Jayavarman VII and illustrate the preeminence of Mahayana Buddhism during his reign.

In the afternoon, continue to visit the twin temples of Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda (early 12th century), the unfinished temple-mountain of Ta Keo, the Srah Srang holy pond, Bantey Kdei and then the scenic Ta Prohm monastery, it’s unlike most of the other Angkor temples, Ta Prohm has been left just it was founded: the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Angkor's most popular temples with visitors.  
Overnight in Siem Reap

DAY 8: SIEM REAP (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive through the Cambodia countryside (approx. 2 hours) towards Beng Mealea Temple, built under Suryavarman II (1112-1152), Beng Mealea shares the same design as Angkor Vat, but on a single level instead of a multilayered one. Left to the devouring jungle, it is not yet scheduled for restoration and remains in the same condition as the Angkor Temples when they were discovered by the 19th century explorers. Picnic lunch. On the way back, visit the famous temple of Bantey Srey which is 36 Km far from Siem Reap and loosely translates to “the Citadel of Women”. This small pink sandstone temple (late 10th century) is considered as the crown jewel of classical Khmer art with the delicate beauty of its carvings. Continue to Bantey Samre (mid 12th century), which has been admirably restored. Our last stop at some local village and see how local make sugar palm.
Overnight in Siem Reap

DAY 9: SIEM REAP (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer to visit the Silk Farm of Puok and the Western Baray.
Discover the “Chantiers-Ecole, Les Artisans d’Angkor”, a vocational training center, which revives the classic Cambodian techniques and styles of wood and stone carving and polychrome, stroll around the local market for shopping. Our last stop would be at Angkor National Museum is a profound cultural landmark in Siem Reap placing in the area of 20,000 square miles.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 10: SIEM REAP - KAMPONG THOM – SAMBOR PREI KUK (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Departure by road to Kampong Thom (146 Km/ 2.30 hrs)
Drive to Sambor Prei Kuk at 28kms (40mns) and visit the ancient capital of Chenla with its 100 temples dating back to the Pre-Angkorian period.
Picnic lunch provided on the site. Arrive in Kampong Thom and check-in at hotel.
Overnight at Hotel

DAY 11: KAMPONG THOM – KAMPONG CHAM – PHNOM PENH (B/L/D)

Breakfast at local restaurant.
Drive to Kampong Cham province (134 kms-3hrs) and on the way stop to visit Phum Brasat and Wat Koha Norkor. Pass the villages of the Muslim minority in Cambodia, the Cham.
Afternoon tour of the town to view samples of colonial architecture. Afterwards drive to Phnom Penh and check-in at your hotel.
Overnight in Phnompenh

DAY 12: PHNOM PENH DEPARTURE (B)

Breakfast and Day free at leisure until transfer to the airport for departure flight.

TOUR RATES INCLUDE

Transfers and ground transport by private air-conditioned vehicles

Accommodation based on twin/double sharing room with daily breakfast.

Private boat cruise in Mekong River and private boat trip from Battambang to Siem Reap

All meals mentioned in the itinerary

English speaking guide throughout the itinerary.

All entrance fees as indicated in itinerary.

2 bottle mineral water per day per person

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