WELCOME TO CAMBODIA (BANGKOK-POIPET BORDER-BATTAMBANG)

Battambang - Upon arrival at the Khmer Thai border (Poi pet border), meet our representative at the Thai gate. They will assist you in crossing both Thai and Cambodian immigration to meet our main guide at the Cambodian exit gate. Then, proceed to the colonial city of Battambang.

Battambang - Enjoy a Khmer lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Phnom Sampov, which means ‘Ship Mountain’ due to its ship-like shape. This legendary 100-meter-high mountain, topped by Wat Sampeou, contains three natural caves lined with Buddhist shrines and statues: Pkasla, Lakhaon, and Aksopheak. Pkasla cave is filled with uprooted stones and is significant as Sampeou inhabitants celebrate there after a marriage. Some caves were used by the Khmer Rouge as killing caves. Refreshments with fresh coconut and snacks are provided, and around 18:00, a million bats leave the caves at the bottom of the hill, creating a dark, fluid ribbon in the sky. At the end of the tour, return to the hotel.

Battambang - Notice: Revealing clothes such as shorts and skirts above the knees and bare shoulders are prohibited in sacred places and temples. On religious Buddhist dates, the Top Tower (Level 3) of Angkor Wat temple is closed, and the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh will be closed in the morning of every Religious Buddhist date.

Battambang - ‘Battambang is a province in northwestern Cambodia. It borders Thailand to the west. The capital of the province, also named Battambang, means ‘lost staff’ and refers to the legend of Preah Bat Dambang Krahoung. Battambang is the leading rice-producing province of the country. As with much of Cambodia, French Colonial architecture is a notable aspect of the city, with some of the best-preserved examples in the country.’

BATTAMBANG

Battambang - This morning, take a Remork tour (TukTuk) around the village to explore local products such as rice paper—a fundamental ingredient in Asian cuisine, dried bananas, and rice wine, a sweet and smooth homemade liquor. Experience a norry or nori ride, an improvised rail vehicle from Cambodia. Enjoy a fun and adventurous Bamboo Train ride along a newly created railway track where you will see beautiful rice fields and local villages. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Battambang - The last stop is at Banan temple, where the architecture of the mid-11th century and the end of the 12th century merge. The temple was first built by King Ut Tak Yea Tit Tya Varman II (1050-1066) and then completed by King Jarvarman VII (1181-1219). The temple is located on top of an approximately 400-meter-high mountain. You will then return to your hotel for an evening of leisure.

BATTAMBANG-SIEM REAP

Battambang Province - In the morning, you will transfer to Siem Reap City by private transport. The journey takes approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival in Siem Reap city, proceed directly to check-in. Please note that standard check-in time is at 14:00.

Siem Reap - ‘Siem Reap is located in northwest Cambodia and is the closest city to the world-famous, must-see temples of Angkor. The provincial capital, also called Siem Reap, is located in the south of the province on the shores of Tonle Sap Lake, the greatest freshwater reserve in Southeast Asia. It’s a laid-back, lovely place to stay while touring the temples and offers the best of both worlds: observing Cambodian life and enjoying modern services and entertainment. Although the temples are the main attraction in this area, there is much more to experience by traveling a little further in this region.’

SIEM REAP

Siem Reap - At 05:00 am, head to view the sunrise at the world heritage site of Angkor Wat. Continue to explore the magnificent Angkor Wat Temple, Angkor park’s most revered temple and the largest religious monument in the world. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs that are absolutely breathtaking. Your guide will explain the stories behind the exquisite details and provide ample time to explore the inner and outer grounds of the temple. Return to the hotel for breakfast and rest. Lunch is on your own.

Angkor Thom South Gate - In the afternoon, continue a journey through the history of Angkor. The first stop is the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk and see the ancient capital of Angkor Thom built in the late 12th century. Then, head to Bayon temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara. Baphuon is like an artificial mountain that recently re-opened after years of restoration. Following this, you may visit the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Then continue to the popular temple of Ta Prohm, the modern name of the temple at Angkor, built in the late 12th to early 13th centuries, and probably more famous for being the location where they filmed the Tomb Raider movie.

Apsara Dance - Enjoy a buffet dinner at a local restaurant with a performance of Apsara dance.

SIEM REAP

Siem Reap - This morning, experience the art of Khmer cuisine with a hands-on cooking class. Start the day with a guided tour through the local food market where your chef will explain Cambodian fruits, vegetables, and spices. Back at the cooking school, and with the guidance of your chef, observe and then practice Khmer cuisine techniques to create your own dishes for lunch!

Tonle Sap Lake - This afternoon, set off to Tonle Sap Lake where you will discover different aspects of the floating village activities from crocodile farming to fishing farms, traditional medicine shops, boat shops, spirit houses, floating schools, and more. Afterward, you will be transferred to the 500-year-old Wat Preah Prom Rath, a modern-looking temple and monastery located in the heart of Siem Reap.

Phare, The Cambodian Circus - As a special final evening in Siem Reap, attend a show of the Cambodian Traditional Circus. More than just a circus, Phare performers use theater, music, dance, and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories—historical, folk, and modern. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm, and talent.

SIEM REAP

Banteay Srei - Your day of past and present begins with an 8:30 am pick-up at your hotel. The first half of the day explores two highlight temples, Banteay Samre and Banteay Srei. Banteay Samre, built under Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II in the early 12th century, is a Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat style. We follow Banteay Samre with Banteay Srei, one of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. Built largely of red sandstone, this gem of a temple boasts a pink color and some of the most exquisite depictions. When it’s time for a temple break, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Preah Khan - This afternoon starts at Preah Khan, “The Sacred Sword,” an extensive monastic complex covering over 56 hectares built by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a monastery and teaching complex. It is one of the group of temple complexes situated on a small ‘Baray’. Preah Khan is the site of the World Monuments Fund’s prime Asian project, a painstaking renovation while maintaining its mysterious allure and superb original structure. Then visit Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool. The last stop is The Pre Rup Temple, a late 10th-century building built by Khmer king RAJENDRAVARMAN II. It is revered for the boldness of its architectural design. You can view a beautiful sunset if the weather is good.

SIEM REAP-KAMPONG CHAM

Siem Reap Province - After breakfast, transfer to Kampong Cham city. Along the way, stop at Spean Praptos, also known as Kampong Kdei Bridge. It used to be the longest cobbled stone-arch bridge in the world, with more than twenty narrow arches spanning 285 ft (87m). The bridge was built in the 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. It is one of the few Khmer empire-era bridges to have survived to the modern day. Then, drive straight to Kampong Cham city, crossing the Chamka Leu area, which looks like a big forest with silk farms and rubber tree plantations.

Kampong Cham - After lunch at a local restaurant, take an excursion tour to Phnom Pros Srei, which translates to Man Hill and Woman Hill, respectively. The common legend told about these hills is that two teams (one of men and one of women) were competing to build the tallest mountain before sunrise. The last stop is to visit the Nokor Bachey Temple, the first long building of Kampong Cham, which is 421 meters and 371 meters in dimension and made of laterite stones.

KAMPONG CHAM-KRATIE

Kampong Cham - After breakfast, our tour guide will transfer you to Kratie City, home to a group of rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins.

Kratie - Upon arrival in Kratie city, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking a ferry to Throng Island. Depending on the season, you might be able to try local fruits along the way in the local village. On arrival at the village, your guide and the local villagers will introduce you to village life and customs. Between August and March, when the rice is typically harvested, you may see farmers busy at work in their fields and may even join them for some hands-on experience in plowing and harvesting. This late afternoon, take a boat ride to see wild dolphins swimming along the river before transferring to your hotel.

KRATIE-PHNOM PENH

Kratie - This morning, take a private transfer to Phnom Penh city. The journey will take approximately 4 hours, depending on the traffic. Head directly to your hotel for check-in.

Phnom Penh - After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, take a Cyclo to visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, named for the 5,000 silver tiles that cover the pagoda’s floor, known for its collection of gold, silver, crystal, and bronze Buddha statues. Afterwards, visit Wat Phnom, a beautiful hilltop temple with manicured gardens. At the end of the tour, return to the hotel.

PHNOM PENH

Phnom Penh - At 08:00 am, proceed to Independence Monument, modeled on the central tower of Angkor Wat. Independence Monument was built in 1958 to commemorate the country’s independence from France in 1953. It also serves as a memorial to Cambodia’s war dead. Wreaths are laid here on national holidays. Onward to Wat Lanka, one of the oldest pagodas in Phnom Penh. It was established as a sanctuary for the Holy Writings and a meeting place for Cambodian and Sri Lankan monks. Then, visit Boeung Keng Kang Market, a popular market among young Cambodians looking for fashion items at affordable prices. You can also find many stalls selling vintage clothes, shoes, and bags from other parts of Asia. Continue to the Russian Market (so-called because a large number of Russian expats shopped here in the 1980s). It is a great experience and the best place in the city for wood and stone carvings, jewelry, clothes, and Cambodian silk souvenirs.

Phnom Penh - We can’t vouch for the authenticity of the ‘labelled’ products, but it is great fun. Then, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant for Khmer delicacies. In the afternoon, gain insight into the recent dark history of Cambodia at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – a former school converted to a detention center during the Khmer Rouge. Equally harrowing are the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. These are tough visits but important for learning about the country’s history. Return to the hotel and end the day.

PHNOM PENH-KAMPOT

Phnom Penh - This morning at 08:00 am, take a private transfer to Kampot city. The journey takes approximately 4 hours, depending on the traffic situation. Head directly to your hotel for check-in.

Kampot - In the afternoon, visit the pepper production. Currently, top chefs around the world have rediscovered the uniqueness of Kampot Pepper. Visiting a pepper farm is high on many people’s lists. Next, visit the caves located east of Kampot, which house an old, pre-Angkorian shrine. It is in a mountain called ‘Phnom Chhnork’.

KAMPOT-SIHANOUKVILLE

Phnom Penh - Today, take a private transfer, accompanied by your guide, to Sihanoukville city. It takes approximately 3 hours, depending on the traffic situation. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Sihanoukville - ‘’Sihanoukville’s white sand beaches and warm Gulf of Thailand waters combine with a laid-back, beachy atmosphere to provide a great little tropical getaway. Sihanoukville is a great place to unwind by the beach, enjoy fresh seafood, take a snorkeling or scuba trip, and generally slow down, lay back, and chill out.’’

SIHANOUKVILLE

Preah Sihanouk - Today is free at leisure.

SIHANOUKVILLE

Sihanoukville - Today is free at leisure.

SIHANOUKVILLE-DEPARTURE

Sihanoukville - Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Take a walk or get some last-minute souvenirs before your check-out at midday. Your driver will meet you to assist with luggage and take you to Sihanoukville Airport for your departure flight. We hope to welcome you back soon!

• Meet and greet service at airport with welcome itinerary and signage
• Admissions as per itinerary, parking fees, and cold drink water on tour
• Lunch included
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking guide

• Insurance, Visa authorization letter and visa stamp fee
• International & domestic air ticket, airport taxes and visa fee
• Other personal expenses, gratuity for guide and driver,