HIGHLIGHTS OF CAMBODIA

After breakfast, our excursion today commence visiting 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 surrounding have made it one of Angkor's most popular temples with visitors.
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. After long day tour, this evening we experience one hour foot massage in Khmer traditional style.
Overnight in Siem Reap

After breakfast, drive to the Kulen range and take a walk through the forest (45 minutes) to reach Kbal Spean, the “River of 1.000 Lingas” where the symbol of the Hindu god Shiva has been repeatedly chiseled into the rocky riverbed. It was believed that the lingas spiritually fertilized the waters that irrigated the rice fields below.

Visiting the famous temple of Bantey Srey which is 36 kilometers 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. On the way back, we visit some local village and see how local make sugar palm.

Overnight in Siem Reap

After breakfast, 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.

Pick-up at hotel and transferred to boat pier. Embark on a wooden boat, cross the wonderful Tonle Sap Lake and reach the Sangker river leading up to Battambang. Stop en-route at PrekTuol and transfer into a smaller boat. Enjoy a guided tour by an experienced ornithologist from the Osmose organization and observe the numerous birds in their natural habitat.

Lunch will be served with picnic lunch box or in a traditional house of the floating village of Prek Tuol. Continue up-river to Battambang to arrive in the afternoon. Check-in at hotel.
If time permitted, tour of Battambang to discover this charming town, with its gardens, and numerous colonial buildings.

Overnight in Battambang

Breakfast at hotel and drive to the Phnom Bannon Hill (1 hour drive). Climb the 337 steps (80 meter high) to reach the temple (10 mininute walk). Visit the Prasat Bannon temple (XII c.) and enjoy the breathtaking view over the surrounding plains. Return to Battambang for rest.

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 in all 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

Departure to Phnom Penh by route. Arrival in Phnom Penh, lunch and check in hotel.

We commence a half day excursion of the capital city with a fist visit to 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 visit to a 15th century stupa of Wat Phnom, 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. Before dinner, we embark on boat for 01 hour sunset and discover nightlife of fisherman along the riverbank.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Breakfast at hotel
Visit of the National Museum, dedicated by King Sisowath in 1920; with over 5000 objects are on display including Angkorian era statues, lingas and other artifacts, most notably the legendary statue of the ‘Leper King.’ It not only emphasizes Angkorian artifacts but also display a good collection of pieces from later periods, including a special exhibition of post-Angkorian Buddha figures, the next is Wat Ounalom, the pagoda dedicated to Ounalom, who was a famous monk in the historical of Buddhist History in Cambodia. Independent Monument the Naga (total 100) or snake motif is one, which can be seen in historic, cultural and modern-day. After lunch transfer to the airport for departure flight